Podcasts about Meaning

Included among the provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4th of last year, is something called a Trump Account. This is an investment account that all American kids are eligible for—and very notably—any American child born after Jan. 1, 2025, is eligible to receive a $1000 thousand dollar deposit into their account.This is money that is not taxable; it's not a loan, meaning you don't have to pay it back, and also, because of the type of account that it is (an investment account that the child can't touch until he's 18) by the time your child is ready to take the money out, that $1,000 dollars might have grown substantially.If the market continued to have the same historical returns that it typically does—8 percent or 10 percent a year—it means that by the time your child is 18, they will have an account with as much as $6,000 in it. And by the time they're 28, that account could have upwards of $28,000 dollars in it. Meaning, that this is a fairly good opportunity, and something that you should definitely not miss.

Chris Bailey explains the science behind intentionality and how it can dramatically increase goal attainment. — YOU'LL LEARN — 1) The 12 main values that drive everything you do2) 
The simple reframe that significantly boosts motivation3) How to deal with resistance to actionSubscribe or visit AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep1118 for clickable versions of the links below. — ABOUT CHRIS — Chris Bailey is an author and speaker who explores the science behind living a more productive and intentional life. He has written hundreds of articles on the subject and has garnered coverage in media as diverse as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, GQ, HuffPost, New York magazine, Harvard Business Review, TED, Fast Company, and Lifehacker. The bestselling author of The Productivity Project, Hyperfocus, and How to Calm Your Mind, Bailey's books have been published in more than forty languages. He lives in Ottawa, Canada. His new book, Intentional, comes out January 6, 2026.• Book: Intentional: How to Finish What You Start• Website: ChrisBailey.com— RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW — • Study: “An Overview of the Schwartz Theory of Basic Values” by Shalom Schwartz• Book: Solving the Procrastination Puzzle: A Concise Guide to Strategies for Change by Timothy Pychyl• Past episode: 572: How Morning Practices Like Savoring and Investing in Calm Boost Productivity with Chris Bailey— THANK YOU SPONSORS! — • Monarch.com. Get 50% off your first year on with the code AWESOME.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gratitude is one of the most researched, and misunderstood, topics in psychology.In this episode of Grow the Good, I sit down with Dr. Bob Emmons, one of the world's leading gratitude researchers, for a candid, nuanced conversation about what gratitude really is, where it comes from, and how it shapes our striving, relationships, and sense of meaning.What makes this conversation especially rich is Bob's journey. Long before he became known for gratitude research, his work focused on striving, goals, and purpose. It's a foundation that deeply informs how he thinks about gratitude today. Bob and I explore how research often reflects our own life questions (“research is me-search”), and how gratitude emerged for Bob not just as an academic interest, but as a personal turning point.We unpack why gratitude isn't about forced positivity, how entitlement quietly erodes well-being, and why authentic gratitude helps us see what (and who) we might otherwise take for granted. We also discuss the emotional depth of gratitude: how fully waking up to life means experiencing both joy and sorrow more deeply.As we head into a new year, this episode is for anyone who wants a more honest, grounded understanding of gratitude. I hope it brings you an understanding that strengthens relationships, deepens meaning, and supports growth without bypassing real emotion.Top 5 TakeawaysGratitude is deeper than thankfulnessEntitlement is the enemy of gratitudeGratitude can coexist with hardshipHealthy gratitude requires balanceGratitude strengthens relationships and mentorship--------------The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Dans cet épisode solo, je parle partage avec vous un moment charnière de ma vie professionnelle et personnelle et qui va modifier Vlan! pour les semaines à venir.Je vous parle de mission. Pas d'un mot creux à la mode sur LinkedIn. Pas d'un slogan de communication. D'une mission intérieure, existentielle, que j'ai mis des années à clarifier. Une mission que j'ai longtemps cherchée, parfois à tâtons, souvent en me perdant. Mais aujourd'hui, je sais. Je veux vous redonner envie du futur.J'ai questionné ces dernières années de fragmentation, d'expérimentations, de tentatives parfois contradictoires : un podcast sur le leadership, une masterclass sur l'IA, un livre sur l'écologie… Tout me ressemble, mais rien n'avait de colonne vertébrale. Je me suis perdu à essayer d'être cohérent. Jusqu'à comprendre que la cohérence pouvait être un piège.Dans cet épisode, nous parlons de ces neuf polycrises qui façonnent notre époque : écologique, technologique, géopolitique, économique, sociale, politique, démographique, sanitaire… J'explore ces forces invisibles qui rendent le futur si difficile à imaginer, et encore plus à désirer.J'ai compris que le problème, ce n'est pas seulement l'ampleur des crises – c'est le brouillard. L'impossibilité de s'orienter. Le sentiment d'impuissance. L'angoisse de ne plus savoir quel rôle jouer. Et c'est là que j'ai décidé de me positionner clairement : je suis un prospectiviste. Mon rôle, c'est de décrypter, d'éclairer, d'anticiper. Pas pour faire peur. Pour réhabiliter notre pouvoir d'agir.Je vous parle aussi d'un concept essentiel : l'optimalisme. Ce n'est ni l'optimisme naïf, ni le fatalisme résigné. C'est une posture exigeante, ancrée dans le réel, qui refuse la paralysie. C'est la conviction que même au cœur du chaos, on peut encore choisir sa manière d'être au monde.Et puis, j'ai voulu partager une autre boussole : la joie rebelle. Pas la joie fake des good vibes marketées. Une joie lucide, incarnée, indisciplinée. Une joie comme acte de résistance. Une joie comme réponse politique à un système qui prospère sur nos passions tristes.Vlan! devient un média de prospective vivant. Chaque épisode explorera une force invisible qui façonne le futur. Je vais continuer à recevoir des chercheurs, des penseurs, des activistes. Mais cette fois, avec une intention claire : comprendre pour mieux agir, ensemble.Ce que je propose, ce n'est pas un nouveau format. C'est une direction. Une mission. Une manière de se tenir debout dans le monde, malgré tout. Une invitation à naviguer ensemble dans la complexité. À cultiver le sens, même sous la contradiction.Si vous êtes fatigués des illusions, si vous refusez la résignation, si vous cherchez à comprendre plutôt qu'à vous rassurer, alors bienvenue. Cet épisode est pour vous. Et cette mission, elle est aussi la vôtre.Citations marquantes« Je veux vous redonner envie du futur. Voilà. C'est dit. »« Le désespoir naît de l'incompréhension. »« Cultiver la joie dans un monde qui nous vend de la tristesse, c'est déjà un acte politique. »« Je vais cesser d'essayer d'être cohérent. Je vais maintenir du sens sous la contradiction. »« L'optimalisme, c'est refuser de chercher seul dans son coin. »Idées centrales discutéesRedonner envie du futur➤ J'identifie ma mission comme une réponse existentielle et politique à la perte de sens contemporaine.Les 9 polycrises systémiques➤ Je décris neuf crises majeures qui s'entrecroisent et façonnent notre époque.La fin de la méritocratie, l'avènement de l'héritocratie➤ Une explication limpide d'une nouvelle injustice silencieuse.L'optimalisme comme posture de vie➤ Inspiré de Tal Ben-Shahar, ce concept permet d'agir dans la lucidité sans céder au cynisme.Maintenir du sens sous la contradiction➤ Une capacité essentielle du XXIe siècle pour ne pas s'effondrer intérieurement.La joie rebelle comme discipline➤ Résister à l'impuissance et aux passions tristes par la joie consciente.Vlan! devient un média de prospective➤ Je donne une nouvelle orientation à Vlan! pour en faire un outil de compréhension et d'anticipation.Références citées dans l'épisodeLivres & auteursViktor Frankl – Man's Search for Meaning (~35 min)Tal Ben-Shahar – Concept d'optimalisme (~32 min)René Char – Allégresse consentante (~55 min)Albert Camus – Le mythe de Sisyphe (~56 min)Slavoj Žižek – Philosophie de la contradiction (~48 min)PersonnalitésDr. Eliza Filby – Concept d'héritocratie (~25 min)Timestamps clés00:00 – Pourquoi je vous parle seul aujourd'hui ?➤ Un moment de vérité : je révèle ma mission.06:00 – Avez-vous encore envie du futur ?➤ Une question simple, mais fondamentale.10:00 – Les 9 polycrises que nous traversons➤ Climat, IA, géopolitique, économie… tout est lié.25:00 – L'héritocratie : la nouvelle injustice silencieuse➤ Le rêve méritocratique s'effondre.32:00 – L'optimalisme : entre espoir et lucidité➤ Ma réponse philosophique et stratégique.45:00 – Maintenir du sens dans la contradiction➤ La compétence clé du XXIe siècle.52:00 – La joie rebelle : une discipline politique➤ Résister aux passions tristes.60:00 – Ce que ça change concrètement pour Vlan!➤ Nouvelle ligne éditoriale, formats à venir, appel aux auditeurs.Hébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

Today's guest, Guy Kawasaki, flips the usual “success story” on its head with a string of jaw-dropping missed opportunities that became the foundation for a life measured by impact, not just outcomes. In this conversation, Guy takes us from being a kid on the “wrong side of the tracks” in Honolulu to Stanford, Apple, and Canva—sharing how cars, connections, and a few spectacular “what was I thinking?” decisions shaped his relationship with money and ambition. Guy is a Silicon Valley original. As one of Apple's first evangelists, he helped introduce the Macintosh to the world. Today, he's a bestselling author, venture capitalist, podcast host, and a trusted voice on entrepreneurship, innovation, and making a positive difference through your work. Guy is the chief evangelist of Canva, host of the Remarkable People podcast and author of eighteen books including Think Remarkable. He is an adjunct professor of UC Santa Cruz and trustee of the University of Hawaii Foundation. He was the chief evangelist of Apple, trustee of the Wikimedia Foundation and brand ambassador of Mercedes-Benz. Kawasaki has a BA from Stanford University, an MBA from UCLA and an honorary doctorate from Babson College. When Success Isn't a Straight Line Guy Kawasaki's journey reminds us that success isn't defined only by wins, titles, or perfect timing. Missed opportunities, unexpected turns, and “what was I thinking?” moments often shape our values, ambitions, and relationship with money just as much as the highlights do. If you're reflecting on your own path—whether navigating career pivots, weighing new opportunities, or redefining what impact and success mean to you—an Aspiriant advisor can help you explore your financial decisions with perspective, purpose, and intention. Follow Money Tales on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube Music for more candid conversations about money, mindset, and the stories behind major life choices.

Luka Hocevar returns to the show with lessons drawn from decades as a coach, mentor, and educator—and now, his newest and most meaningful role: fatherhood.In this episode, Luka joins Andrew Coates to unpack what it actually takes to balance high-level coaching, athleticism, business ownership, and family life without burning out or lowering standards.Rather than preaching productivity hacks, Luka shares how embracing constraints, clarifying priorities, and maintaining athletic capacity have allowed him to show up better across every role he occupies.IN THIS EPISODE, LUKA SHARES INSIGHT ON:How he balances being an engaged father, partner, coach, mentor, and business ownerWhy constraints are not limitations but performance multipliersHow to transition effectively between roles in work and lifeWhy staying athletic matters more as we get olderHow quickly strength, speed, and power decline without trainingPractical strategies for training athleticism long-termHow to train explosiveness, speed, and power responsiblyWhat he means by telling clients, “I have high expectations for you—and I know you can meet them”Why belief from a coach can change outcomesWhy focus matters more than volume or busynessHow meaning and standards sustain long-term performanceAnd much moreInstagram: @lukahocevarCHAPTERS01:03 Balancing Fatherhood and Career02:42 Adapting to New Constraints04:05 Maximizing Productivity and Delegation05:08 The Importance of Transitions06:52 Energy Management and Delegation14:20 Promotional Segment – King Kong Backpacks15:30 The Importance of Staying Athletic as We Age17:24 Training for Longevity and Injury Prevention20:54 Programming for Athleticism34:01 Real-World Programming Examples35:57 Dynamic Warm-Ups and Plyometrics36:41 Strength Training Techniques38:09 Balancing Skill and Fatigue40:10 Maintaining Form Under Fatigue42:50 Coaching Philosophy and Belief in Clients50:42 Focus, Meaning, and High Standards58:05 Building Skills and Support Systems01:07:04 Final Thoughts and Upcoming EventsSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode resonated with you, you can support the show by:Subscribing and checking out more episodesSharing it on social media (tag me — I will respond)Sending it to a coach, parent, or business owner juggling competing prioritiesFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10 percent off)https://justbitememeals.com/MacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirstDuring setup, answer: How did you hear about us?Type: ANDREWKNKG Bags (15 percent off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Gripps (discount link)https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90 Day Trial (2 steps)Go to: https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email trials@trainheroic.com) and let them know Andrew sent you

Send us a textThe quiet habit behind better choices. In today's episode, we share why reading has been one of the most powerful forces shaping how we see ourselves and make decisions. We talk about how books influence judgment, expand awareness, and pull people out of autopilot living without requiring drastic life changes. This episode is for anyone who wants clearer thinking, stronger choices, and a deeper sense of control over their direction. Nothing complicated. Nothing fluffy. Just a grounded conversation about how what you read quietly rewires how you live. Pick up one book, open one page, and let that choice redirect your future.Episode Reference: (Research study - to follow)Here are the related episodes, each one builds on today's conversation:#403 | The Truth About Motivation Nobody Likes to Talk About - https://apple.co/45DPfeg #436 | How to Heal When You Don't Have Support - https://apple.co/4r0TTw1Learn more about:

The episode Rudi has a dual interview with David Meltzer at Sofi Stadium in front of a live audience. This In•Powered Life episode is a reminder that we are all being uniquely prepared for who it is we are meant to become. David asks Rudi about his journey and then Rudi turns the table back on David and brings us audience along on David's journey in losing his $120M fortune only to find the value and meaning in it all. Learn more about David Meltzer at https://dmeltzer.com/ Ready to Work With Rudi? You're not here to play small. You're here to lead, to impact, and to manifest the life and business that actually feel like you. And if you're craving support to do that—here's how we can co-create something powerful. Work With Me One-on-OneIf you're ready for deep transformation, private mentorship is the fastest path. This is high-level, personalized mentorship, where we dissolve resistance, recalibrate your frequency, and align every part of your business and identity with your true self.Apply now → https://rudiriekstins.com/coaching-mentorshipJoin the CommunityWant to immerse yourself in a powerful space of women doing the work together? The In•Powered Life Community is your home for real-time embodiment, exclusive coaching, and a community that gets it.Step into the collective → https://community.rudiriekstins.com/inpoweredlifecommunity

Sunday, January 4, 2026 I II Timothy 1:9-10 CEB To support the ministry:  Online: www.woffamily.org/give Text: Text "WOF" to 73256 Mail In: Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral - 212 Riverside Pkwy, Austell, GA 30168 

It's another classic "Scenes in Trek" topic as we head into white out conditions to take on the "Top 5 Scenes in the Snow." Our expert panel of host Jim Moorhouse and guests Debbie Moltisanti, Chris Burris and Adam Sanders, "make it snow" in melting their way through a very narrow list of options for this cool Trek topic. (Meaning: there aren't a whole lot of scenes in the snow in Trek, but we think we have them all covered!) The challenge for you is to let us know if we missed any! Episode Rundown:  Diagnostic Cycle: We break down the history of our "Scenes in Trek" series with a roll call of the previous 18 "Scenes in Trek" topics. Prime Directive: Each guest on this week's panel reveals exactly how they narrowed down their list and made their final choices. The Order of Things: All the picks are revealed with the TrekRanks' original "Five words and a hashtag" summary. Secondary Systems: For a few extra picks that just missed our final list. Regeneration Cycle: The panel recaps their picks and we dissect some of the interesting statistical anomalies that arose from the discussion. Temporal Inversion: We flashback to a previous episode of TrekRanks and relay some of the feedback received from listeners. If you have your own picks you would like to relay to us, please hail us at 757-828-RANK (7265) and record your own personal TrekRanks log to let us know your Top 5 Scenes in the Snow. (Or you can record it yourself and just DM us @TrekRanks.com on Bluesky.) Your comments could be used as part of a Temporal Causality Loop on an upcoming episode (and might get you a chance to be a guest on a future episode, too). And don't forget to check out TrekRanks.com for our entire back catalog of episodes and a detailed rundown on every episode of Star Trek ever.      

In manufacturing plants, the same leadership action can motivate one employee and overwhelm another. Why? It's all about brain science! In this episode, guest Falisha Karpati discusses how frontline leaders can harness brain science to build more inclusive, human-centered organizations. Falisha is a Brain-Based Inclusion Consultant located in Montreal, Canada. She holds a PhD in neuroscience and a decade of experience studying the brain. Through her signature UNITING BRAINS framework, she guides organizations through the development of inclusion-focused initiatives and provides interactive brain-based training. In this episode, Falisha breaks down how differences in how our brains are wired directly impact manufacturing leadership, communication, recognition, and team engagement on the shop floor. She covers topics like the neuroscience behind introversion and extroversion, why uncertainty creates stress in manufacturing environments, and how leaders can improve manufacturing culture by asking better questions, minimizing ambiguity, and running more inclusive meetings.  01:05 –Recognition can backfire when manufacturing communication ignores individual brain differences 02:12 – Neuroscience explains how self-awareness in leadership shapes perception, behavior, and relationships in manufacturing plants 04:54 –Manufacturing teamwork and employee engagement manufacturing improve when leaders understand natural brain diversity 9:53 – Brain science brings data—not opinions—into manufacturing management and leadership in industrial operations 11:20 – A powerful reminder that perceptions matter more than intentions in building trust in leadership and strong manufacturing relationships 13:39 – Curiosity-driven leadership starts by asking instead of assuming to close the showing up gap 15:32 – High-stimulus environments explain why leaders take shortcuts that undermine manufacturing culture and clarity on the shop floor 17:11 – Autonomy looks different for everyone, redefining supervisor development, coaching in manufacturing, and performance conversations. 19:55 – Minimizing uncertainty strengthens manufacturing safety culture, emotional intelligence, and consistent leadership behaviors 20:21 – Transparent expectations help close the expectation gap and improve accountability in manufacturing plants 22:40 – Inclusive meetings unlock manufacturing innovation by improving manufacturing communication and psychological safety 24:30 – Simple meeting practices support continuous improvement culture and better team engagement in manufacturing 28:53 – Inclusive discussions fuel operational excellence and authentic leadership across manufacturing organizations Connect with Falisha Karpati Visit her website Connect on LinkedIn and Instagram Read her newsletter Full Transcript [00:00:00]  We have some changes today. We've changed the name of the podcast since 2019. It's been mindfulness manufacturing our company name changed a few years ago to manufacturing greatness. So we're just aligning that 'cause we're gonna be here manufacturing greatness today, and we're gonna be talking about building some bridges and, and you know, how we continue to manufacture and, how we deal with changes people's moods and what's going on. And it remind me of a time when we were, had a great manufacturing line at the kickoff meeting in the morning, we recognized one of the team members showed appreciation, [00:00:30] put this person's name and picture up and gave them a little gift. they were upset with us and we're kind of like, well, hold on a minute. we did all this and this person's not very appreciative and getting to learn them a little bit more is that they didn't. They don't like that type of attention. people's brains are different. And in manufacturing it just complicates it for us 'cause we don't understand it. So fortunately I have a great guest on and friend today, Falisha Caridi. Welcome to the show. Thank you so much. [00:01:00] It's a pleasure to be here. Thanks for having me. you are an inclusive consultant. You harness brain science to build inclusive human-centered workplaces. You create space where all brains thrive. And you studied the neuroscience, having a PhD in neuroscience, which for those who don't know what it takes to get a PhD, it's a mountain. So congratulations on that. Thank you. excited to get your knowledge and expertise to talk about this on the show what did we miss Falisha when we upset that team member? how are [00:01:30] people's brains working here? a key point is that everybody's brain works a little bit differently,  Humans in general share a core brain structure. we generally have the same parts that do the same functions, but our brains also have differences. like how big certain parts are, how different parts connect to each other, and when different parts get activated. this connects with differences in behavior. so when we [00:02:00] think, behave, communicate, everything we do. Is filtered and processed through our brain. there's a, well-known quote that I love, that says You don't see the world as it is. You see the world as you are. Mm-hmm. And what that means, it's really rooted in brain science. And it means that everything you perceive, take in, think, and express. Goes through your brain. what happened [00:02:30] that day was there was a disconnect between what some team members who created that recognition process, thought this person would want and what they actually wanted,  So if we take that recognition experience, maybe it's, getting an award in front of a group And having your name called out and going on stage. if you put two people in that exact same [00:03:00] situation, their brains might react completely differently. we don't necessarily know how people are going to react, what they like, what they don't like. Unless we have those conversations and ask them. just diving into a bit more about why those differences exist, why can you put two people in the same situation and they can react completely differently? our brains are shaped by two main factors. the first is natural [00:03:30] variation in how we're born. there's a wealth of research that shows genetics are connected with many aspects of how our brain works. natural variation is great. It's what keeps us interested. Yeah. We don't wanna, you know, be communicating with people who are exactly the same as us. the natural variation is there for a reason. It's super productive and positive. the second factor is our environment. each of us is shaped from our observations and experiences over time. this includes a whole range of [00:04:00] experiences like our early childhood, our family and community environments. our experiences at school, at work, even our hobbies and interests can change our brain. there's a huge body of neuroscience research that shows brain differences related to living in different cultures. practicing different skills, traumatic experiences and much more. Basically everything you're exposed to, everything that you experience over time, especially if they're repeated or intense, experiences, can change your [00:04:30] brain. what really resonated with me is that Trevor's way is not always the best way. the way you explain like my biases, right? Like. My bias was show appreciation in front of the team. Right? And, and why would I need to check in with that person? in my early manufacturing leadership days, I missed the mark. Often, I just didn't know better. Right? Like, I just thought, you start to learn that. that's why we're hoping that if you're driving into work today, through my mistakes and Falisha's knowledge, we can save you that pain. we're gonna leave you with [00:05:00] some ideas of, what you can do today, to get in front of that. 'cause it makes sense. What you're saying is that, we just have how we grew up and, and our different, you know, the. I think of Lisa Feelman Barrett and, and the theory of constructed emotions. your personality and emotions are based on your experiences and we have different experiences  Right. they're just different. And that's what makes us unique and I like that. I was going through some of your material and I'm trying, 'cause I'm trying to, you know, like our listeners. To understand and better [00:05:30] equip ourselves so that we can, respond differently. But you had some neat research on introverts and extroverts, and I was reviewing it with Ryan, a client today, and he's kinda like, Hey, I think you skimmed over, that whole concept on introverts and extroverts. So can you unpack that for us and help us understand? Definitely. so I also wanna clarify, my background and what I'm doing now compared to what I did before. I have a background in neuroscience research, that was focused on brain plasticity and how our brains, are impacted by training. so what I [00:06:00] do now is, work with the wealth of research that's there. I don't do, neuroimaging research anymore. I used to, so I know exactly how these things work and I bring that experience now into. Applying neuroscience research in organizational context. Mm-hmm. so I summarize research, I communicate it. but the research, for example, an introversion extroversion is not something that I did myself. there's amazing researchers all around the world that have done this, so I'm more of a curator and a communicator Of the [00:06:30] research now. That's why you're on the show, right? Because we need to apply. So you're kind of like the translator for us, right? Because we're not gonna go through all this research, but we need someone like you that can say, Hey, here's the simpler version of it and here's what you can do today. So thank you for doing what you do. Yeah, my pleasure. I love it. so introverts, extroverts is one example of how. Our brain structure and how our brain works is really aligned with the behaviors that we see in the workplace and beyond. there's a spectrum of traits, of [00:07:00] introversion, extroversion. many people will fall somewhere in the middle and people can also express themselves differently. depending on different situations, different contexts might bring out, different types of behavior. so I'm just gonna generalize a little bit here, for time. And so there's research that compares people who tend to, behave more introverted ways and people that tend to be more extroverted. introverted meaning, getting energy by recharging alone, extroverted meaning, getting energy from, spending time with [00:07:30] others. And there's a really cool study that, people were in the brain scanner and while they were in the brain scanner, they were showed a series of pictures. Some of the pictures were flowers and some of the pictures were faces. So flowers is a non-social stimulus. and so, you know, we don't associate that with people, whereas the face is very social. the study found that introverts and extroverts showed different patterns of electrical activity in the brain in response to these images. So [00:08:00] in the introvert, if there was a bunch of flowers shown in a row and then a face, their brain sort of went, eh, well, it didn't really process a difference, but an extroverts, when there was flower, flower, flower face, when the brain saw the face, It got super excited. So the brain really processed a difference between the non-social and the social images. so that just shows that personality [00:08:30] traits and behaviors. And those differences we see in people are actually rooted in how the brain is processing information. we can also see structural differences. in how the brain is built, there's other research that has looked on that. And they found that, introverts tend to have bigger brains in areas responsible for behavior inhibition. Meaning stopping yourself from behaving impulsively. that is a trait commonly associated with introversion is introverts [00:09:00] tend to think before speaking, before acting. and extroverts, brain extrovert brains were bigger in areas responsible for regulating emotions. And smaller in areas related to social information processing. And the way that was interpreted is that extrovert brains can be more efficient at processing social information, maybe selecting what's important and what's not. I could feel that I've had to work on pulling out my introvert. [00:09:30] I think we all have some of both, right. But I've had to practice not everything that I say people want to hear and just that filter and pause. I'm fascinated with the technology. here we are working, manufacturing, all kinds of technology, but when I hear brain scans it's not people's opinions, It's the signals as a neuroscientist, with a PhD you can see that, right? that's just, wow. Like you talk about, one of the sayings we have is that, you bring data. not opinions to a meeting and, well, here you're bringing the data. There are scans that says, Hey, this is what people do. [00:10:00] What I just did was, for that individual, I just had, a reaction which was negative to that person. And if we don't, see that and recognize that, then we may miss that. I wanna bring back the, initial story with the recognition as well. now that we have some foundation about why our brains are different and how, our behaviors actually connected with brain differences, if we reflect back on that person getting recognized when that wasn't what they're inclined for, we can imagine what was happening in their brains. [00:10:30] It wasn't. The reward circuits and the social connection circuits. It was the pressure, stress. Everybody's watching me. So that same circumstance of being recognized in one person can activate reward and in somebody else can activate stress and anxiety. we like to say that. perceptions matter more than good intentions. Yes. Right. And I think that's what we're [00:11:00] focused on learning here. so I've got my manuscript I'm working on this week and I got, I got a hand in at the end of this week for my book, I've written a new chapter on this relationship audit. it's like an internal 360, but instead of. Fixing what's wrong? We're just moving more towards what's right, right? We wanna do more of the behavior. So I've, you know, we've got some questions we ask individuals, direct reports, managers, peers, and we just ask 'em, when do you tune into me? you know, what expectations do we have of each other? Those types of conversations. [00:11:30] And I think that this work that you are doing really helps us with ideas of. How can we be more mindful? Because what we did after that event is that before we ever gave someone an appreciation, we stopped surprising people and we just started asking them, are you okay if we mention you at the meeting this morning? getting their permission seemed to work. and what I liked was when I went over, some of your material, you had three kind of takeaways That you can do now, maybe when you're [00:12:00] having one-on-ones with people or you're just interacting with them. Absolutely. it's great to hear that you took action after, that experience and learned from it Asking people for permission to, to recognize 'em, to ask them something in public is a really great practice and not connect. With the first practice, area that I, like to share, which is asking people what they want, need or prefer. [00:12:30] especially if people are really busy and don't have time and are overwhelmed, it can be really easy to make assumptions our brain naturally does that. there's a known brain bias. called the false consensus effect. Where we tend to think that people agree with us and have the same beliefs, behaviors, knowledge as we do, that's definitely me. Everyone does it. It is a human brain bias. We all share that. especially in times [00:13:00] of busyness and stress, our brains do tend to fall back on those natural shortcuts to save time and energy. but they can end up causing some strains, some conflict, reduced productivity because we're making assumptions instead of asking. So, hold on. You gotta say that again. We're taking shortcuts and what'd you say after that? we're taking shortcuts basically to save [00:13:30] time, to save time and energy. Our brains naturally do that in many different contexts. like there's so much information coming into our brains constantly  Choosing what to filter, choosing what's important. That's a natural state. we're in that all the time. Can you imagine if your brain right now was processing. Absolutely every single thing that was present in your environment. It's impossible. We can't do that. Oh no. Hang on a minute. For the listeners. Falisha has not ran manufacturing [00:14:00] plants. I. She hasn't even spent a lot of time with them, but she just described our life that is our life. this is why it's important. This is why we need to listen to you and say, okay, so what can we do? 'cause you just described manufacturing, there's so much stimulus. it's how many parts we make the last hour. Is the machine running right now? is the quality inspection done? and then we take shortcuts. That's what we do. Thank you for describing us. [00:14:30] Brain science applies everywhere. I'm happy to hear that resonates and we can make the connection with the manufacturing processes as well. so what can we do about it? So we know, you know, from the manufacturing experiences, from the brain science that. When we're busy, we take shortcuts and tend to assume instead of asking. making that intentional space to invite sharing is really important, and that can happen in some different formats. It can happen in one-on-ones. It doesn't even [00:15:00] need to be a new one-on-one, just to ask what your work preferences are. if you're already having these kinds of conversations. We can integrate questions into that. So even asking someone a general question of, you know, what can I do? What can we as an organization do to make work more productive, fulfilling, enjoyable, whatever your objective is, to make the workplace better for you? the reason you really got me thinking about [00:15:30] this was in our relationship audit was really looking as when we have a team of say, 10 people, one of the practices to sustain relationships is having regular, one-on-ones or certain touchpoints, certain meetings. but when I hear you say about, you know, ask people what they want. Right. So just because. I say, you know what? We should have a one-on-one every two weeks. I'm the leader, but that may not be the right [00:16:00] approach. that's a great example. when we're asking people what they want, need or prefer, that encompasses so many things. It can be, how they work best, schedules, certain times of day they work best. It can be a physical space, it can be communication preferences, what motivates them. There's so many different aspects here that we can touch on, and that's a great example with, how they would like to have communication with a leader How they would like to have check-ins. some people love space, [00:16:30] love autonomy, and autonomy is great for the brain. in general, autonomy is awesome. some people love to have lots of autonomy and that can look like having a conversation once every two weeks and giving space. We'll have the chat, some general objectives, some goals for the next couple weeks, and then I will go and do my work on my own with my team. I don't need to be checked in on unless I have a question. Okay. There are other people who, that [00:17:00] feels overwhelming and the way that, that their autonomy can be expressed is by choosing to have more check-ins. Someone might want to have a quick two minute check-in every morning.  What's your objective for today? have those more smaller pieces that can feel a lot less overwhelming. It can feel like there's a clear map. It can feel like you know somebody's there and supporting them more frequently. Both approaches can be fantastic if they're [00:17:30] paired with the right people. But if there's a mismatch, that's when we start to get, more concerns. Because if you imagine somebody that likes to have more space If they're being checked on daily, that can feel like micromanaging. They can feel like they're not being trusted. but then if we have somebody who likes those daily check-ins and those shorter goals, if they're not receiving that. And they're left on their own when they didn't want to be. that [00:18:00] can add stress. Oh, I don't know what I'm supposed to be doing today. am I on the right track? I'm not sure. so it's really just about adjusting everything from check-ins to how goals are set to really match with what's going to work for each individual. For the listeners, I'm sorry, but it is, it is, you know, more flexibility in our part. Right. But this is, Hey, this is 2026. This is just where we're going right now. I don't see this changing of situational leadership. we gotta [00:18:30] ask more of those questions because North America. Manufacturing got great when we did lower, more lean, had more standards, more structure. And that's great for, greasing a cylinder that we know is gonna fail after so many cycles. And we wanna do the same with humans, right? So we're gonna have a meeting every two weeks and then check on you, every three days. the reality is that with the neuroscience that you have, we're not machines. And we're different. especially with the rise of technology now [00:19:00] and AI again, that's a whole conversation. something that I really work towards is creating human-centered workplaces. We work with machines, which is great, and it really helps, advance many aspects of our society. But human-centered workplaces is really important to, Just to, to create spaces where humans can thrive, be healthy, be included, and do our best work to advance our society people who are treated like machines [00:19:30] are more likely to feel. Stressed to not be motivated to not be expressing their creativity. And that just doesn't it, it doesn't do anything for the output either. when we focus on treating everyone like humans, and you know, we have. Feelings. We have brains, we have the word, you know, we have bodies that need to be taken care of. when we really prioritize that, that's where we [00:20:00] spark the ideas, the creativity, the connection, all of the things that are great for us and also for our products. It's like going to the gym, right? you can't go to the gym for 24 hours, you gotta do a little bit of this every day, and then you build up that muscle  I don't wake up in the morning and go to the gym and say, yes, I get to work out. But I do leave there thinking, this feels good. I've invested into this. I know this is gonna pay off. I feel better about it. like you said earlier we're taking shortcuts. We're trying to take that, that quick fix where really we need to have discipline. Like when we're trying to save [00:20:30] money, you gotta put that investment now into those conversations and just how you described it. We need to keep evolving with technology and the only way we're gonna do that is if we're not spending time on lack of clarity,  that was your second one Minimize. uncertainty. So yeah, minimize uncertainty. we spend a lot of time doing that. what are some ideas that we can spend less time on uncertainty. our brains in general don't like uncertainty and [00:21:00] we can feel that when it happens. as an example, let's say you get an unexpected meeting invitation that says all company meeting tomorrow at noon. That's it. Your brain, most people's brains we're getting laid off. You're like, why? Why is this happening? Did I do something wrong? Did my team do something wrong? Is the company shutting down? your brain tries to fill in the gaps by guessing what it could be, and [00:21:30] that comes from the fact that our brain is protective. Our brain is trying to figure out what those missing pieces of information could be. So that we can feel prepared and better able to handle the situation when it comes. it's coming from a good evolutionary place, but it's really unproductive because we waste so much time and energy on trying to fill in those gaps. And half the [00:22:00] time we get it wrong and it's something we didn't even think of. the other point here is that when there's something that's vague, it can also be interpreted in different ways by different brains. like we were talking about before, even the same thing can create a different response in different brains. Somebody might, maybe be like, okay, I don't know. It's fine, no problem. And somebody else might, lose sleep that night and have a really tough time managing [00:22:30] that. and by providing that clarity, that certainty, the information when we're able to. that reduces the waste of time and energy and makes sure that everybody's on the same page about what's happening and prevents those different interpretations. This is resonating because in the manufacturing greatness model, there's three gaps, the second gap's the expectation gap, and that's really that space between what we believe others expect and what we believe is expected, and that [00:23:00] can go in any direction. So that's our model and it takes more conversations to close that gap. what were your tips around that? in general, if you're having communication, whether it's an email a discussion, a meeting or something else, provide as much information as is relevant. So, for example, with that meeting invitation, provide information in the invitation about. What is the topic? [00:23:30] Why is this being, why is the meeting being called? What's the agenda, for example? What are the discussion questions that people might be asked to share on, just to make sure that people know, okay, why is this happening and what am I going to be expected to do or share when I show up? And it's not just about meetings. transparency and clarity is also really important in the broader organizational structure. For example, sharing policies and procedures openly with the team. [00:24:00] Maybe that's like an internal shared drive, a binder with paper copies. There's lots of ways that can be done. also being transparent about things like criteria for promotions and raises. So we don't need people to wonder, what do I need to do to get a raise? It's there. And that's also really great for fairness. and if you're having, for example, a social event. Sharing some information about what to expect. So where are we going? Is [00:24:30] there games or activities? What's the plan for the day? that can make people feel a lot more comfortable knowing what they're getting into. It can help make it easier to choose whether somebody would like to participate or not. it can help people prepare as they feel they need to. some people like to prepare themselves in advance in different ways, so it just gives the opportunity for them to do so. That's something that I believe. I've gotten better at, I know I've worked at it, but [00:25:00] you know, even just like for a podcast guest like yourself, right before I was like, yeah, just jump in. We'll have a conversation. I got some feedback saying, It'd be better if I knew what to expect coming into your podcast. And I'd be like, that's fair. I was thinking about what I like, not about what you like, so I'm working on that That's an example of differences in communication styles  some people would be very happy to jump in and have an informal conversation. other people share their best ideas when they've had some time to prepare. Both are great. They are different, and they [00:25:30] require having that conversation, in advance to make sure that discussion fits with both people. So the last one here is, about manufacturing and our standards, we want Consistency, especially around safety, keep people safe. And then we get struggling around this fine line of also innovation, right? Where we can be more creative and have meetings and conversations that are more inclusive and, step outside the boundaries a bit. that's around your third tip there. And just [00:26:00] making these group sessions more productive. So group meetings is, is one aspect of workplaces where I find that there's a lot of exclusion, a lot of unfairness, and people aren't having their perspectives considered. And a big root of that is meeting practices that aren't inclusive. So I'll share some tips for how we can do better here. how can we [00:26:30] hold. Inclusive meetings and discussions that really facilitate equal opportunity for everyone to contribute. this connects back to the brains because each of our brains drives us to communicate and express ourselves in different ways. that means people can share their best ideas in different environments and in different ways. for example, some people share their best ideas when they've had some time to prepare. Others like to think on the spot. some people [00:27:00] communicate best through speaking and others communicate best through writings or drawings. And some people really thrive off the energy of big groups and lots of people jumping over each other. that's something I would say, especially in, North American culture, work meetings tend to be like 10 people diving in. but that also excludes a lot of people, because many people, and I'm one of them, feel really strongly about this  it can be really challenging to know when to jump [00:27:30] in. I have an idea, I have something to share, but three people are trying to talk at the same time and I have no idea when I'm supposed to start talking. and what can happen there is people just won't, Hmm, they're scared of interrupting. I don't wanna cut somebody off and they just n never find the spot, and then the topic moves on. those ideas get missed. some specific practices we can implement to make our meetings more inclusive. include, providing agendas and discussion questions in [00:28:00] advance. This overlaps with clarity and transparency as well. so team members can prepare their thoughts in advance if they like to do so. We can give a minute to think after asking a question or presenting a topic, this can feel uncomfortable at first. We are not used to that at all. But it can make a huge difference to allowing team members to really process, yeah, what do I think about that? What do I want to share here? and [00:28:30] then inviting responses, and I said try that out and see if, if team members are, have more contributions after they've had a moment to process. That's my challenge to you listener today, driving into work because you're gonna be courageous, like if you're facilitating a meeting or it doesn't really matter if you're facilitating it. You can be a participant. it's interesting because we don't take that minute. When we do, it's even more powerful in our fields of manufacturing, logistics, transportation. [00:29:00] It's all so urgent that we don't allow. The best ideas to come forward. even when I'm talking to a plant manager about getting their executive team to get together and just talk about the different, you know, how are we working together, right? Like, how are we sharing ideas? What's working and what's not? it's like, oh, I don't know if we can have time to have that discussion. Well. you're losing the money, you're tripping over the dollars and picking up the penny sometimes because we're so busy. which to me means not productive. But hey, I appreciate you [00:29:30] sharing that today. I think we all need to hear that Falisha it can feel like we're taking a bit more time, but in the end, it can be more productive because we are getting the team's best ideas and we're inviting everybody to participate, which in the end can support a better product. and a couple of last tips to help generate ideas from everyone. one of them is offering a shared document or a form where team members can share their thoughts in a written format. this can be during the meeting and also after. [00:30:00] sometimes. It can take a bit more time for a great idea to brew in somebody's brain. it's, half an hour after the meeting and they're like, oh, I wish I could have shared that. So having that form or shared doc really helps, create a space for people to add their ideas when they come. lastly, starting a discussion with a turn-taking structure, where each team member is invited to contribute without interruption. And if you are on a time crunch, there can be a time limit per person. what's [00:30:30] really important here is that everybody. Has a turn if they would like to share. They don't have to. They can pass, but everyone has a turn to share without interruption. you can ask a question, raise a topic, go around the team members. this helps ensure that everyone who would like to share has equal opportunity to do so without having to navigate jumping into an overlapping conversation. And what I find when I implement this People [00:31:00] who weren't contributing as much in other meeting formats, share fantastic ideas and feel more connected with the team. we get a broader range of ideas because everybody can share before we open it up. you can still open it up to discussion afterwards to build on the ideas and connect with each other, but That initial practice of giving everybody some space has benefits for the meeting, for team connection, for creativity, and, generating more ideas.[00:31:30]  Listening to you, it's like, oh, yeah, that makes sense. you go around every person and ask them, but. We don't do it, it's just Okay, good. We got a solution. I think we just hit the whack-a-mole. We can, we can all get outta this meeting now. And, and three people never got to contribute and probably had a better idea. I could go on for about another five hours with you, but how do our listeners get more of you, Falisha, and follow you, connect with you? what's the best basis for that? I've got a few [00:32:00] ways that we can connect, LinkedIn, Instagram, or my newsletter, brain Science for better workplaces. maybe we can put those links, in the description and I'd be very happy to connect with any of you. please feel free to reach out if you'd like to chat more about brains. thank you. Shout out to Nina Na Doley, our mutual friend and previous, guest here that, that suggested you. so glad we got to meet I've already learned so much from you, Falisha, it's just these reminders of like, it's okay. We're, we're, we're just hardwired [00:32:30] like this. We've been conditioned this way and We can make changes. We can build workplaces that align with how our brain functions. Thank you, Falisha. I appreciate you coming on the show. My pleasure. Thanks for having me.    

What if operational excellence depends less on doing more with less—and more on how leaders create meaning, optimism, and relationships at work? Episode page with video, transcript, and more In this episode, Mark Graban is joined by Kathy Miller, senior operations executive, leadership coach, and author of More Is Better: Leading Operations with Meaning, Optimism, and Relationships for Excellence. Drawing on decades of experience in manufacturing and aerospace, along with research from positive psychology, Kathy explains how leadership behavior directly shapes safety, quality, engagement, and performance. The conversation explores why “soft skills” are not soft at all, how leaders can practice realistic optimism without ignoring real problems, and how everyday interactions either build psychological safety or quietly undermine it. Kathy also shares practical insights for leading under pressure, balancing compassion with accountability, and helping people find meaning even in highly segmented operational work. This episode is especially relevant for leaders in manufacturing, healthcare, and operations who want sustainable results without burnout, fear, or disengagement.

Everyone keeps telling you to “follow your passion” and the money will magically show up.That advice is bullshit.In this episode of the Bedros Keuilian Show, I break down one of the biggest lies sold to people in their 20s: that passion and career are supposed to be the same thing. They're not.Chasing passion is why so many people bounce from opportunity to opportunity, never build mastery, and end up broke, frustrated, and average.Here's the truth: every path involves pain. The pain of doing the work. Or the pain of being broke.If you only do things when you “feel passionate,” you'll never stick around long enough to become a specialist, an expert, an authority, or a leader people actually pay attention to. Real money lives at the top and getting there takes years of discipline, consistency, and doing work you don't always enjoy.If you're tired of being broke, tired of starting over, and tired of lying to yourself about why you keep quitting this episode is your wake-up call.Choose the pain of hard work… or accept the pain of being broke.DOMINATION DOWNLOADSTRAIGHT FROM THE DESK OF BEDROS KEUILIANYour weekly no B.S. newsletter to help you dominate in business and in lifehttps://bedroskeuilian.com/MAN UP SCALE BUNDLE: $29 (100% Goes to Charity)Get your Digital Man Up book + Audiobook + 2 Exclusive MASTERCLASSES & Support Shriners Children's Hospital. https://www.manuptribe.com/limited-offerREGISTER FOR THE LEGACY TRIBEGet the Life, Money, Meaning & Impact You Deservehttps://bedroskeuilian.com/legacytribeJOIN MY FREE 6-WEEK CHALLENGE:Transform into a Purpose-Driven Manhttps://bedroskeuilian.com/challengeTHE SQUIRE PROGRAM: A rite of Passage for Your Son as He Becomes a ManA Father and Son Experience That Will Be Remembered FOREVERhttps://squireprogram.com/registerTruLean Supplements | https://www.trulean.com/pages/bedrosGet 50% Off Trulean Subscribe & Save BundleUse Code: BEDROS Few Will Hunt Apparel | https://fewwillhunt.com/Get 20% Off Your Entire OrderUse Code: BEDROSOPEN A FIT BODY LOCATIONA High-Profit, Scalable Gym Franchise Opportunity Driven By Impacthttps://sales.fbbcfranchise.com/get-started?utm_source=bedrosPODCAST EPISODES:https://bedroskeuilian.com/podcast/STAY CONNECTED:Website | https://bedroskeuilian.com/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/bedroskeuilian/LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/bedroskeuilianTwitter | https://twitter.com/bedroskeuilian

I want to share something a little vulnerable with you. Recording solo episodes still stretches me. Even after all these years of hosting my podcast (9 years this month!), there's still a part of me that wonders, "Will this resonate? Is this what you want to hear?" And yet… lately, I keep getting the same nudge and download. In the shower. On walks. Lots of signs on the road. In quiet moments with myself. "Do more solos." "Trust your guidance." "You're here to do more healing work." So this episode is me listening to that inner voice — and trusting it. It's part of how I continue to heal my thyroid (hello throat chakra) and trust in my higher self.  Meaning, this episode is not scripted. It's not overly polished. It's a heart-centered message that wanted to come through for the beginning of this year — for you and for me. The cards I pulled made me feel like they were chosen by a divine hand. There's also a healing activation woven in, because that's what keeps wanting to emerge. Also, I was inspired to send distant Reiki

Required posture for a successful 2026

Aron Ralston's extraordinary story of survival after an 800-pound boulder trapped him in a remote Utah canyon captured global headlines in 2003. In his New York Times best seller, Between a Rock and a Hard Place, the Oscar-nominated film, 127 Hours, and on stage, Ralston takes audiences vicariously through those six days without water, means of communication, or hope of escape, to the ecstatic moments when he freed himself by severing his own arm. Aron later returned to his outdoor passions, completing elite mountaineering projects which remain unrepeated even to this day. Aron's incredible triumph in the face of insurmountable odds inspires audiences to harness the power of their deepest motivations, relationships, and mindset to transform personal and professional "boulders" into their blessings. Summary In this deeply reflective conversation, Aron Ralston revisits the defining experience of being trapped alone in Blue John Canyon in 2003 and the six days that ultimately forced him to amputate his own arm to survive.  Rather than retelling the story as a tale of shock or heroism, Aron reframes it as a profound exploration of identity, meaning, and choice.   Aron traces his journey back to childhood, his move to Colorado, and his early draw to the mountains as both refuge and proving ground. He explains how intellect, ambition, and a desire to test his limits led him away from a conventional career path and deeper into solo adventure. The canyon, he reflects, was not a random accident but the culmination of a long-standing internal question: Who am I when everything is on the line?   Inside the canyon, Aron describes the psychological evolution from panic and rage to stillness, problem-solving, and ultimately love. His survival hinged not just on technical reasoning, but on meaning-making: connecting to family, future relationships, and a vision of life beyond the canyon. Love became the fuel that allowed him to endure pain, deprivation, and fear long enough to find a way out.   The conversation moves beyond survival into what came after. Aron reflects on fame, recovery, fatherhood, depression, loss, and how the experience reshaped his understanding of adversity. Rather than seeing the canyon as trauma alone, he describes it as a teacher that clarified values, revealed hidden capacity, and reframed suffering as a catalyst for growth. The episode ultimately becomes less about the moment he cut off his arm and more about how humans meet their hardest moments and decide who they will become on the other side.   Takeaways ·       Extreme adversity reveals identity rather than creating it; pressure exposes who we already are. ·       Problem-solving alone is not enough. Meaning and emotional connection often provide the real fuel for endurance. ·       Panic narrows possibility. Stillness, breath, and perspective reopen options when everything feels lost. ·       Love can be a practical survival tool, not just an abstract emotion. ·       We often create the challenges that ultimately shape us, even when we don't recognize it at the time. ·       Trauma is not the end of the story. What matters most is what we choose to do with it afterward. ·       Adversity can become an asset when it is integrated, not avoided. ·       Gratitude does not require the situation to be resolved; it can coexist with pain and uncertainty. ·       Asking for help is not weakness. Even the most "solo" journeys are never truly alone. ·       The real transformation happens after the crisis, in how we live ordinary days with greater awareness and intention.   Notes: Book: Between a Rock and a Hard Place Speaker page: Aron Ralston motivational speaker 

Quitting isn't the real danger. The real danger is chasing a goal you don't actually want. Show Notes In this episode of Shark Theory, Baylor shares a candid realization from his Ironman training that sparked a deeper conversation about goals, passion, and honesty with yourself. While training for an upcoming Ironman race in March, Baylor found himself asking a simple but uncomfortable question. Why am I doing this race? The answer surprised him. There was no emotional connection. No deeper meaning. It was simply the first Ironman offered in Dallas, and he signed up caught up in the excitement. That moment led to a powerful insight. The worst thing is not giving up on a goal. The worst thing is continuing to pursue a goal you are not passionate about. Baylor breaks down why many people quit their goals early in the year. Not because they are lazy or undisciplined, but because the goal itself never belonged to them. It was chosen for hype, social validation, or momentum, not purpose. He walks listeners through the key questions everyone must ask when evaluating a goal. Why did I choose this? Who am I doing it for? What connects me to it? And will this goal actually transform me? Using his own experience, Baylor explains why it is okay to pivot when you have better information. Goals should align with the direction you are heading, not the person you were months ago. Growth changes priorities, and adjusting goals is not failure. It is clarity. The episode closes with a meaningful shift. Instead of forcing himself to pursue a March race he felt disconnected from, Baylor rediscovered the race that originally inspired his endurance journey years ago. By moving the goal to September and reconnecting it to purpose, the goal came back to life. This episode is a reminder that passion fuels perseverance. Discipline can only carry you so far. Meaning carries you the rest of the way. What You'll Learn in This Episode • Why pursuing the wrong goal is worse than quitting • How to identify goals driven by hype instead of purpose • The importance of emotional connection in long-term goals • When and how to pivot without giving up • Why growth often requires reassessing old goals • How meaning fuels consistency when motivation fades Featured Quote "It's not okay to quit on your goals, but it is okay to pivot when the goal no longer fits who you are becoming." If a goal feels heavy, empty, or disconnected, pause and ask why. Reattach meaning, shift the timeline, or realign the goal. Passion is not optional. It is the fuel.

In 2016 psychologist Paul Bloom wrote a book titled Against Empathy: The Case for Rational Compassion (a naming decision he still wrestles with). In the book, as in his career and in this Social Science Bites podcast, Bloom deconstructs what is popularly meant by empathy. "Everybody seems to have their own notion," he tells interviewer David Edmonds, "and that's totally fine, but we end up talking past each other unless we're clear about it." And so he outlines several widely used definitions -- think compassion, for example -- before offering several more scholarly ways of viewing empathy, such as "cognitive empathy" and "emotional empathy." A key to understanding his work is that Bloom is not actually against empathy, at least not in general, even though he tells Edmonds, "I think empathy is -- in some way -- a great cause for our worst behavior." But the use of what he terms "emotional empathy" concerns him because, as he explains, it's not evenly distributed or applied, and thus allows harm to occur under the guise of benevolence. "Empathy is sort of vulnerable to all the biases you would think about. This includes the traditional in-group, out-group biases -- race, nationality, religion. It includes attractiveness -- it's easier to feel empathic for somebody who's cute versus someone who's ugly." Bloom and Edmonds also discuss how empathy leaches into the realm of artificial intelligence, where what might be judged empathetic responses from AIs can devolve into a humanity-extracting feedback loop. In his work as a professor of psychology at the University of Toronto, and as the Brooks and Suzanne Ragen Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Yale University, Bloom studies how children and adults make sense of the world, with, as his website notes, "special focus on pleasure, morality, religion, fiction, and art." He is editor of the journal Behavioral and Brain Sciences, and has written a number of public-facing books, including 2016's Against Empathy, Psych: The Story of the Human Mind, and The Sweet Spot: The Pleasures of Suffering and the Search for Meaning.  

Summary In this episode, Cultivating Curiosity host Jeff Ikler reflects on his love of year-end "Best Books" lists and why reading sits at the heart of his podcast and personal life. He welcomes lists from institutions like The New York Times and the New York Public Library, seeing them as both a defense against book banning and a source of discovery, connection, and generosity. For Ikler, books spark curiosity, deepen empathy, and create bonds—whether through gifting or thoughtful conversation with authors. He also underscores podcast hosts' responsibility to read their guests' work in full, arguing that preparation honors both listeners and writers. Ultimately, Ikler finds himself drawn to books that slow him down through careful observation and reflection, or expand his understanding through deeply researched history, reinforcing reading as both nourishment and refuge. Three Major Takeaways Reading lists are acts of resistance, curiosity, and connection—not just recommendations. Thoughtful reading is essential to meaningful conversation, especially in podcasting. The most rewarding books either sharpen our attention to the present or deepen our understanding of the past. Jeff's favorite books in 2025 Crossings – How Road Ecology is Shaping the Future of Our Planet by Ben Goldfarb. Quoting from the book jacket, "Creatures from antelope to salmon are losing their ability to migrate in search of food and mates; invasive plants hitch rides in tire treads, road salt contaminates lakes and rivers; and the very, very noise of traffic chases songbirds from vast swaths of habitat." In this beautifully crafted book, Goldfarb makes the case that overpasses and underpasses are essential for reducing the deaths of animals and humans who inevitably come into brutal contact with one another. One of the chief takeaways in our era of divisiveness is that road ecologists and other scientists, insurance companies, and government officials are working collaboratively to solve problems. They have different goals for doing so, but they're working effectively at the intersection. You can access my two-part podcast interview on Getting Unstuck–Cultivating Curiosity with Ben in episodes 347 and 348. The Comfort of Crows – A Backyard Year by Margaret Renkl. This title came from one of last year's best books, and it did not disappoint. Quoting from the book jacket, "Margaret Renkl presents a literary devotional: fifty-two chapters that follow the creatures and plants in her backyard over the course of a year." How often do you read a chapter or passage because the writing is so moving? If you're interested in slowing down and seeing more of your immediate world, this is a great place to start. This small volume is a course in observation and reflection. Challenger – A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space by Adam Higginbotham. Like many Americans who watched the Space Shuttle Challenger break apart just seventy-three seconds into its mission, I thought I knew the story, but I was so wrong. As the book jacket explains, "…the Challenger disaster was a defining moment in twentieth-century history–one that forever changed the way America thought of itself and its optimistic view of the future. Yet the full story of what happened, and why, has never been told." I was moved to head-shaking anger after reading how decisions were made and bungled. Higginbotham's explanation of a highly complicated topic is beautifully presented. The book is a primer on the dangers of overly complex and competing bureaucracies and ego. Remember Us – American Sacrifice, Dutch Freedom, and a Forever Promise Forged in World War II by Robert M. Edsel with Bret Witter. Remember Us documents twelve lives connected to the American Military Cemetery near the small village of Margraten, Netherlands. Approximately 8,300 Americans who helped liberate the Netherlands from the Nazis and the grip of fascism during World War II are buried there. One of these was a Black American soldier who, along with a company of other Black Americans, dug the graves under the harshest weather conditions. The cruel irony is that Black soldiers worked in segregated and mostly non-combat roles in a war fought to eliminate tyranny and oppression. The cemetery is remarkable because local Dutch citizens have taken it upon themselves to adopt each grave and visit it weekly. This practice reflects the citizens' ongoing gratitude, and their visits ensure that the soldiers are always remembered for their sacrifice. There is a waiting list of citizens who wish to adopt a grave. Raising Hare—a Memoir by Chloe Dalton. This title has made almost every list I've come across. From the jacket cover, "…Dalton stumbles upon a newborn hare—a leveret—that had been chased by a dog. Fearing for its life, she brings it home, only to discover how difficult it is to rear a wild hare." Dalton deftly and wisely navigates caring for the hare as a house guest versus a pet, a choice that lets the hare move between the wild of the nearby woods and the security of her home. Like Renkl, Dalton has a keen eye for observation, one that put me in her home and garden as a witness to their interactions. Origin — A Genetic History of the Americas by Jennifer Raff. When I was growing up, I watched or read with almost religious fervor anything National Geographic produced featuring Louis Leakey, a paleoanthropologist and archaeologist. I was in awe of how he dug through the layers of time to find bones and artifacts from our earliest ancestors. Leakey's work was critical in demonstrating our human origins in Africa. So, when my friend Annette Taylor, a researcher of evolutionary psychology and biology, shared an article featuring Professor Jennifer Raff, an anthropologist and geneticist trying to rewrite the history of human origins in the Americas, I knew I had to invite her on my podcast. As a history enthusiast, I found it especially rewarding to co-host, along with Annette, a discussion with Professor Raff on podcast episode 358 about how and why early peoples migrated to and within North America. Raff has a talent for simplifying complex topics and making listeners comfortable with uncertainty. Scientists have theories and are constantly testing and revising them. We don't yet know for sure how early peoples arrived here or why they migrated, but that's the beauty of science and history. There is always more to discover. If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name by Heather Lende. I read this book decades ago and was as captivated then as I was this year by Heather Lende's storytelling ability. Adapted from the back cover, "As both the obituary writer and social columnist for the local newspaper (in Haines, Alaska, population about 2,500), Heather Lende knows better than anyone the goings-on in this breathtakingly beautiful place. Her offbeat chronicle brings us inside her — and the town's — busy life." Why read about a small town in Alaska? Maybe because it helps us look critically at our own lives. Like Renkl and Dalton, Heather Lende has an eye for detail, but also the humanity beneath the detail. She has graciously agreed to be my guest in podcast episode 400 this coming February. The most interesting books read in 2025 by his friends and colleagues Steve Ehrlich – The Inner Work of Age: Shifting from Role to Soul by Connie Zweig.  Zweig writes from a Jungian perspective that is accessible to anyone who thinks about old and new agendas, internal and external, as we transition to later life, and reflect on what we want to hold on to, and what we're prepared to let go of to live an authentic life.   Cindy House – What Just Happened by Charles Finch. It's one person's experience of the terrible year that was the pandemic lockdown, with all the fear, uncertainty, and strangeness I had forgotten. I loved his cultural observations and witty take on one of the weirdest years of our lives. I am so glad this particular record exists.  By Edgington – The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer. I first read the book in 2013, then again in '24, and now I read and refer to it every year. Singer's book is what propelled me to join his Temple of the Universe, where Mariah and I now live on the grounds. It's filled with inspiration and simple, almost homely wisdom: "The moment in front of you is not bothering you; you're bothering yourself about the moment in front of you!" Spencer Seim – To Possess the Land by Frank Waters. It follows the life of Arthur Manby, who came to the New Mexico territory in 1885 from England. He quickly tried to cash in by calling parcels of land his own. He quickly ran into resistance, often by force, and had to learn the hard way that the land of New Mexico in those days was a bit more complicated. Charlotte Wittenkamp – Shift by Ethan Kross. Kross examines Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning and the notion that we always have the freedom to choose how we respond - even to the atrocities Frankl had to put up with in a WWII concentration camp. Kross examines and supports, with scientific findings, various ways we can shift our perspectives to gain easier access to that freedom of choice. Paul McNichols – E-Boat Alert by James F. Tent. The book offers a nearly forensic yet highly readable analysis of the threat posed by the E-Boats of the German Kriegsmarine to the Allied invasion of Europe in 1944. It covers the development, use, strengths, and limitations of these fast, maneuverable craft, as well as their impact on the Normandy landings on D-Day and the weeks thereafter. The most interesting part is the chain of events that ultimately led to their neutralization. Annette Taylor – My Name is Chellis, and I'm in Recovery from Western Civilization by Chellis Glendinning. Chellis writes affectionately and respectfully about eco-psychology and nature-based peoples from whom members of Western Civilization could learn a lot. Sue Inches – The Light Eaters – How the unseen world of plant intelligence offers a new understanding of life on earth by Zoe Schlanger. A thrilling journey that leads the reader from an old paradigm of plants as separate inanimate objects, to the true nature of plants as sensing, alive beings who communicate with the world around them. An inspiring example of how human understanding of the world around us is making progress! Rich Gassen – The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker. Priya teaches us how to have better parties, events, and relationships through her writing. I used this book's information (along with her podcasts) to plan a better 10-year anniversary party for the Campus Supervisors Network community of practice I lead at UW-Madison — making it exclusive, inviting, and tailored to those who attended. Mac Bogert – Renegades by Robert Ward. After some time as a college professor, Bob decided to try journalism. He spent twenty years interviewing folks from Waylon Jennings to Larry Flynt, and, damn, he's good at it! Hunter Seim – Catch-22 by Joseph Heller. The novel is set during World War II, from 1942 to 1944. It mainly follows the life of antihero Captain Yossarian, a U.S. Air Force B-25 bombardier. The term "Catch-22" itself refers to a paradoxical situation in which contradictory rules or circumstances trap a person. In the novel, Yossarian discovers that he can be declared insane and relieved from duty if he requests it, but by requesting it, he demonstrates his sanity. Remarkably accurate in describing organizational dysfunction and bureaucratic absurdity. It was the perfect book to read in 2025. Bill Whiteside – I Regret Almost Everything by Keith McNally. I wondered whether this memoir by a New York restaurateur (who hates the word "restaurateur" and much else), who suffered two strokes and survived a suicide attempt, would live up to its social media hype. It does.

Donald Trump will never accept losing anything – whether an election or a bet. But that wouldn't matter if he didn't convince millions of Americans to make his grievances their own. This Ball of Thread unwinds what made the pincer attack that overran the Capitol on January 6th possible. Donald Trump's grievance narratives gave disaffected Americans meaning, and in that meaning, he convinced thousands of people to throw their lives away in his name. The thing is, it's all the same con. That con defeated the Russia investigation and weaponized the Department of Justice against his opponent. And when he lost in 2020, he unleashed it to unite fringe right-wing groups and mainstream Republicans in a shared revenge fantasy. Thus, he was able to raise a ragtag army to sack the nation's Capitol briefly, and in the process, savagely battered hundreds of police officers and ended America's tradition of a peaceful transfer of power.  Though the attack ultimately failed by only delaying the certification of Joe Biden's victory, the bets Trump and many of his biggest fans made on January 6, 2021 are now paying off in ways that were inconceivable on January 6, 2025.

Donald Trump will never accept losing anything – whether an election or a bet. But that wouldn't matter if he didn't convince millions of Americans to make his grievances their own.  This Ball of Thread unwinds what made the pincer attack that overran the Capitol on January 6th possible. Donald Trump's grievance narratives gave disaffected Americans meaning, and in that meaning, he convinced thousands of people to throw their lives away in his name. The thing is, it's all the same con. That con defeated the Russia investigation and weaponized the Department of Justice against his opponent. And when he lost in 2020, he unleashed it to unite fringe right-wing groups and mainstream Republicans in a shared revenge fantasy. Thus, he was able to raise a ragtag army to sack the nation's Capitol briefly, and in the process, savagely battered hundreds of police officers and ended America's tradition of a peaceful transfer of power. Though the attack ultimately failed by only delaying the certification of Joe Biden's victory, the bets Trump and many of his biggest fans made on January 6, 2021 are now paying off in ways that were inconceivable on January 6, 2025.

Is your quiet time each day serving you? In this episode, Jeff and Rick discuss: Principles of business that were learned early in Rick's life.Staying on track with your family and spirituality amid life's activities.Living a life of meaning.Finding a cause that guides your actions.  Key Takeaways: Many young men, between 25 and 45, are significantly underperforming in key areas of life.Be willing to act immediately when prompted in your life. Take initiative, and you'll be amazed at who you can meet and who you can become.The only way to get mastery is from a master. Seek out masters in your life you can learn from.Your competency plus your integrity becomes your identity.You have to give it away in order to keep it with all things in your life.Stewardship requires action. Building a life of meaning requires sacrifice.  "We get it all wrong. We worship our work, then we work on our play, then we play at our worship, and I think that we've got to get those things realigned." —  Rick Walker About Rick Walker: Rick runs Lumicre Commercial Real Estate Investments, where he loves to build and buy boring buildings (www.lumicre.com). He is the author of 9 Steps to Build a Life of Meaning: How to Unlock Your Mind, Happiness, Power, and Your Enemy's Demise. He lives in Houston with his wife and three daughters.He began in the poverty of a two-bedroom home, with big dreams and low self-esteem. Borrowing $1,000 from his Mom, he founded and took one business to 400 employees by the time he was 26. He built another company into 6 states. At the same time, he led a nonprofit expansion into 53 countries and added over a thousand staff - all in their 20s and 30s. Connect with Rick Walker:Website: http://rickwalker.com/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rickwalkertxRick's new book on Amazon or anywhere you buy your books: rickwalker.com/amazonRick's free newsletter to thousands of fellow leaders: bit.ly/46zorxo    Connect with Jeff Thomas: Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-upEmail: jeff.thomas@arkosglobal.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/ArkosGlobalAdvFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/arkosglobal/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkosglobaladvisorsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkosglobaladvisors/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLUYpPwkHH7JrP6PrbHeBxw

Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're featuring a conversation with Michael Bailey, Deputy Director of Leadership Programs for the George W. Bush Institute. We talk about some of the initiatives of the Bush Institute, including the Veteran Leadership Program, the Democracy is a Verb initiative and the Bush Institute's efforts to celebrate America 250.Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestMichael Bailey serves as Deputy Director, Leadership Programs, for the George W. Bush Institute. In this role, he manages the Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program, which focuses on developing the leadership skills of veterans and those who serve them and their families. Bailey also supports alumni engagement efforts for the Institute's international leadership programs.Prior to joining the George W. Bush Institute, Bailey provided operations, media, and communications support to The American Choral Directors Association, a music organization dedicated to the excellence and advancement of choral music.Bailey is a native of Arlington, Texas. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Music (Voice) from The University of Oklahoma, and he holds a Master of Business Administration with concentrations in finance and real estate from Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business. He has a passion for running and enjoys racing in half and full marathons.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeGeorge W. Bush InstituteStand-To Veteran Leadership ProgramAmerica 250Democracy is a Verb initiative  PsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is The PsychArmor course The Myths and Facts of Military Leaders. This course identifies four of the most popular myths about military leaders and how they don't align with the reality of working alongside Veterans and Service members. You can find the resource here:  https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/The-Myths-and-Facts-of-Military-Leaders Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Harris Bechtol discuss the death of the other—and why Western philosophy has largely failed to take it seriously. Drawing from Bechtol's book A Death of the World: Surviving the Death of the Other, the conversation explores how grief, mourning, and loss are not merely private emotions but world-altering events that rupture time, memory, and meaning itself.Together, they examine Martin Heidegger's famous claim that when someone dies we are “merely nearby,” asking whether that view can really account for the lived reality of grief. Engaging thinkers like Heidegger, Derrida, Augustine, and Nicholas Wolterstorff, Dr. Bechtol reframes death as an event—an interruption that transforms the world for those who remain. The episode explores concepts like interruption, disruption, presence-of-absence, transactive memory, and why the loss of a loved one is never confined to a single moment in time.This conversation is especially relevant for anyone wrestling with grief, sudden loss, terminal illness, or the long aftermath of mourning. Rather than offering platitudes or stages to “get over” loss, Dr. Bechtol proposes an ethic of workless mourning—a way of living on after death that remains open to sorrow, surprise, and transformation. Philosophical yet deeply human, this episode speaks to theology, continental philosophy, grief studies, and the existential realities of surviving the death of someone you love.Make sure to check out Dr. Bechtol's book: A Death of the World: Surviving the Death of the Other

Advancing longevity research is about honoring the value of life—and translating that respect into evidence-based prevention. If healthcare is judged by life expectancy + quality of life, longevity medicine may be one of the most meaningful metrics we can pursue: extending health span through early detection, validated biomarkers, and interventions that scale.This unforgettable Expert Panel from the 4th annual Medical Innovation Olympics (#MIO2025) convened all-star global leaders in Longevity and Preventive Medicine who separated hype from reality and outlined what it will take to bring longevity into mainstream care - rigorously, ethically, and accessibly.Topics include: breakthroughs (including epigenetic approaches pointing toward functional restoration of eyesight), biomarkers/endpoints as the “keystone” for faster trials, the TAME (Targeting Aging with Metformin) concept, and the role of standards, education, trust, and shared responsibility—keeping dignity central.Panelists:Dr. David Barzilai (Harvard Medical School; Geneva College of Longevity Science, GCLS) • Dr. Dominik Thor (President, GCLS) • Dr. Mishkat Shehata (Emirates Lifestyle & Longevity Medicine Society) • Keith Comito (Lifespan Research Institute) • Dr. Uma Senthilkumar (Three Five Revive)

Recording of Rabash. Baal HaSulam. Study of the Ten Sefirot. Vol. 1. Part 1. Table of  of Answersfor the Meaning of the Words, item 51

This episode is a replay from The Existential Stoic library. Enjoy! Do you care too much? Do you struggle with anxiety or depression? In this episode, Danny and Randy discuss the subtle art of not giving a f*ck.Subscribe to ESP's YouTube Channel! Thanks for listening!  Do you have a question you want answered in a future episode? If so, send your question to: existentialstoic@protonmail.com

Some of the best investment advice you may ever get is not to put too much stock in yourself. Dr. Tony Evans explains why we get a much better return once we discover that Christianity isn't just about following rules, but about living in relationship with God.

Elizabeth Lotardo: Stop Solving Your Team's Problems for Them Elizabeth Lotardo is a consultant, writer, and online instructor who helps organizations drive emotional engagement. Elizabeth writes for Harvard Business Review, is a Top Voice on LinkedIn, and the author of Leading Yourself: Find More Joy, Meaning, and Opportunities in the Job You Already Have. She's also the author of the Harvard Business Review article, Stop Solving Your Team's Problems for Them. Jumping in to solve problems feels like we're doing important work. The issue is that leaders need to be enabling work – both for scale and to grow the skills of others. In this conversation, Elizabeth and I detailed how to get out of the trap of solving your team's problems for them. Key Points Jumping in to solve a problem feels good in the moment for both parties, but creates long-term obstacles. The other extreme, asking people to only come with solutions, often shuts down learning for both parties. Shifting a habit of solving your team's problems will feel awkward at first – both for your team and you. Rather than solving the problem for them, help remove the obstacle. Support doesn't just have to come from the manager. Often, looking at the situation together will help surface what kind of support would actually help. We often assume that people are coming to us for answers. Sometimes, they just need to be heard. Five questions that will help your team step up: What have you tried? What–or who–is getting in the way of tackling this? What support do you need? What would you do if you were in my seat? Is there anything else I should know? Resources Mentioned Stop Solving Your Team's Problems for Them by Elizabeth Lotardo Leading Yourself: Find More Joy, Meaning, and Opportunities in the Job You Already Have by Elizabeth Lotardo (Amazon, Bookshop)* Related Episodes The Way to Stop Rescuing People From Their Problems, with Michael Bungay Stanier (episode 284) Where Senior Leaders Can Better Support Middle Managers, with Emily Field (episode 650) The Key Norm of a High-Performing Team, with Vanessa Druskat (episode 753) Discover More Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic. To accelerate your learning, uncover more inside Coaching for Leaders Plus.

Kyle Austin Young shares his techniques for de-risking goals to improve your chances of success. — YOU'LL LEARN — 1) The thinking trap that accounts for most failures2) The four paths to success3) Why thinking negative improves your oddsSubscribe or visit AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep1117 for clickable versions of the links below. — ABOUT KYLE — Kyle Austin Young is an award-winning strategy consultant for high achievers, entrepreneurs, and leaders in a wide range of fields. This work has given him the opportunity to develop and refine a powerful system for accomplishing big, meaningful goals that focuses on understanding and changing your odds of success. Kyle is a popular writer for Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, The Boston Globe, CNBC, Psychology Today, Forbes, and Business Insider. When he's not writing, consulting, or spending time with family, you'll usually find him fishing.• Book: Success Is a Numbers Game: Achieve Bigger Goals by Changing the Odds• LinkedIn: Kyle Austin Young • Website: KyleAustinYoung.com • Free Tool: Success Diagram— RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW — • Book: The Whuffie Factor by Hunt• Book: Decoding Greatness: How the Best in the World Reverse Engineer Success by Ron Friedman— THANK YOU SPONSORS! — • Monarch.com. Get 50% off your first year on with the code AWESOME.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Meaning of the Holy Name of Jesus and why we celebrate it as a Feast on January 3. In this easy-to-understand talk, Fr. Chris Alar explains the symbols of Jesus' name, like IHS, and why using God's name in vain is much more than simply swearing.  

Feeling buried under dashboards and drowning in data? You're not alone, and there is a better way.In this episode, Jonathan and Becky welcome back impact measurement expert Ori Carmel for a refreshingly honest conversation about shifting from “more data” to better decisions. Together, they unpack how nonprofits can move past performative reporting, reconnect with what truly matters, and focus on the metrics that actually drive mission-forward impact.Along the way, Ori shares candid stories, practical frameworks, and even a little Pearl Jam,  reminding us that impact work is as human as it is analytical. From uncovering your organization's unique strengths to making data feel less overwhelming (and more empowering), this episode is full of clarity, wisdom, and a few good laughs.If you're craving less noise and more meaning in how you measure success, this one's for you.Episode Highlights: Data Reckoning in Nonprofits (02:00)The Challenge of Impact Reporting (04:43)Asking Better Questions (08:54)Building Metrics with Meaning (18:36)What to Stop Doing in Data Management (23:39)The Importance of Stakeholder Mapping (30:28)Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/671Thank you to our partners

Kenneth Gorfinkle is a clinical psychologist and owner of Common Sense Therapy, a private psychotherapy practice in Manhattan. His career transitioned from decades of work with medical patients in hospitals to a full-time private practice in 2016. As his own practice slowly winds down, he finds himself caring for many individuals at the late stages of their careers. Retirement has become an outmoded idea, now that there are myriad ways to stay engaged in meaningful work.In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to navigate late-career transitions while maintaining your sense of identity, purpose, and self-worth beyond the paycheck.Ken and I discuss:The differences between mid-career job loss and late-career transitions [03:02]The advantages of gradually winding down versus stopping abruptly [04:36]How accumulated wisdom and experience add value in later career stages [06:04]Connecting your identity to your wisdom rather than your work [08:00]The fear and anxiety people face when approaching retirement [09:14]Strategies for finding meaning beyond work [11:34]How to address financial fears and planning [13:37]Ways to transition your business model as you wind down [18:51]The importance of community and intentional friendships [24:06]Learn more about Kenneth at www.commonsensetherapy.com__________________________________________________________About Smashing the PlateauSmashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who've left corporate life to build something of their own.Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset.Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success.__________________________________________________________Take the Next Step• Experience the power of community.Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey:https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest • Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected.Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox:https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

It's Monday, January 5th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Muslims in Congo, Africa kill 15 The New Year began in chaos and mourning for residents of Katanga village in North Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, reports International Christian Concern. As families gathered to welcome 2026, armed Muslim fighters from the Allied Democratic Forces, or ADF, carried out a deadly nighttime incursion, killing at least 15 people on Thursday, January 1. Working with the global Islamic State movement, the ADF is among the most dangerous terrorist groups in Congo. Venezuelan dictator captured in daring U.S. raid Venezuelans are celebrating in the streets. (Audio of celebration) Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro was seized by the United States Army's secretive Delta Force unit in a daring raid on his heavily-secured compound, reports the Daily Mail. CBS News reported that the ultra-elite Delta Force unit was behind the capture of Maduro, and his wife Cilia, in the early hours of Saturday morning. The couple was seized from their bedroom in the dead of night by U.S. forces as they slept, according to CNN. The raid did not lead to any U.S. casualties. The pair was snatched by helicopter from Caracas after they had been monitored by CIA spies, with President Donald Trump giving the order to take them two days ago. President Trump says Maduro and his government have conspired to flood the United States with illegal drugs, and will now face trial in the U.S. on drugs and weapons trafficking charges. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke at a Saturday press conference. RUBIO: “Nicolas Maduro had multiple opportunities to avoid this. He was provided multiple very, very, very generous offers, and chose instead to act like a wild man, chose instead to play around. “The 47th president of the United States is not a game player. When he tells you that he's going to do something, when he tells you he's going to address a problem, he means it. “The President doesn't go out looking for people to pick fights with. Generally, he wants to get along with everybody. We'll talk and meet with anybody. But don't play games. Don't play games while this President's in office, because it's not going to turn out well. I guess that lesson was learned last night, and we hope it will be instructive moving forward.” Biden's DOJ pressured FBI to raid Mar-a-Lago Newly-declassified documents show that President Joe Biden's Department of Justice pressured the FBI to conduct the infamous 2022 raid of then-former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home – even though the FBI repeatedly warned that such a raid was unwarranted, reports NewsBusters.org. In an X.com post last Tuesday, Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, wrote, “FBI did not believe it had probable cause to raid Pres. Trump's Mar-a-Lago home, but Biden DOJ pushed for it anyway. Based on the records, Mar-a-Lago raid was a miscarriage of justice.” Grassley linked to the documents posted online, which detail communications between the DOJ and the FBI. Brent Bozell confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to South Africa Last Thursday, the U.S. Senate confirmed Media Research Center founder Brent Bozell as U.S. Ambassador to South Africa, despite obstructionist tactics by Democrats, reports CNSNews.com. By a 53-43 vote, the Senate approved Bozell to fill the post vacated by former ambassador Reuben Brigety, who resigned in January. BOZELL: “I will communicate our objections to South Africa's geo-strategic drift from non-alignment toward our competitors including Russia, China and Iran. “I'll press South Africa to end proceedings against Israel before the International Court of Justice. “Second, I will advance the President's invitation to Afrikaners who wish to flee unjust racial discrimination. “I will support the President's call for the South African government to rescind its support for the expropriation of private property without compensation.” Bozell served as president of the Media Research Center from its founding in 1987 until May of this year when he stepped down to be ambassador. His son, David Bozell, now leads the Media Research Center. Mom upset school secretly socially transitioned her daughter A mother in Maine, named Amber Lavigne, had her parental rights usurped by school officials when a guidance counselor secretly gave her gender-confused 13-year-old daughter a chest binder and referred to her by using a male name and pronouns. A chest binder is used to flatten the breasts of a trans-identified girl to help her pretend to be a boy. With the help of the Goldwater Institute, Lavigne is taking the school to the Supreme Court, reports The Christian Post. LAVIGNE: “I don't want to lose my daughter to the state, even as she grows into an adult, I'll always be her mom.” When she confronted her daughter about the chest binder in her bedroom, she learned that the school guidance counselor had provided it.  LAVIGNE: “This situation really is about my parental rights being violated, about a social worker who had never even had a conversation with me, encouraging my child to keep secrets from me, to tell her, ‘Look, I'm not going to tell your mom, and you don't have to either.' So, she's bringing these breast binders home and hiding them in her room on me. That's distressing!” Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them;  male and female He created them.” (Watch Amber Lavigne's 4-minute video.) Arkansas Governor in hot water for celebrating Christmas And finally, secularists and atheists alike were predictably furious with Arkansas Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders this past Christmas, reports LifeSiteNews.com. It's just not that they found her professed love for Jesus Christ problematic. It's that she used her position as governor to spread the truth that Jesus Christ is the Savior of Mankind. On December 16, Sanders issued a declaration recalling that “more than two millennia ago in the little town of Bethlehem, far from the centers of power in first-century Rome, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born in a humble manger.” Sanders added that “on that first Christmas, Christ's arrival was unassuming” and “not focused on the wealthy or powerful but rather on the poor, powerless, and meek.” Sanders then approved an extra day off for state employees on December 26 “in order that [they] may spend this holiday with their families giving thanks for Christ's birth.” The God-hating Freedom From Religion Foundation was livid. In a letter to Governor Sanders, attorney Chris Line said, “State offices are not churches, and gubernatorial proclamations are not sermons. The governor is free to practice her religion privately, but she may not use the authority of the state to promote Christian doctrine as official government speech.” Governor Sanders tweeted, “The Freedom from Religion Foundation took issue with me closing state offices to celebrate Christmas and sent a letter demanding I rescind my proclamation. Christmas is not just a holiday; it's the celebration of Jesus Christ's birth. Meaning matters, we won't pretend otherwise.” Matthew 1:20-21 says, “What is conceived in Mary is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Monday, January 5th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Some of the best investment advice you may ever get is not to put too much stock in yourself. Dr. Tony Evans explains why we get a much better return once we discover that Christianity isn't just about following rules, but about living in relationship with God.

Galatians 3v6-9; Genesis 12v1-3   How are we connected to Abraham, the father of our faith?  And how do we live out our “blessed to be a blessing” calling?   Taught by Jose Zayas    

We are continuing through the Life, Death, and Meaning with Beowulf and Boethius course that I led in the Fall of 2024 with an introduction to Beowulf.Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/rK0IWdhM9ikListen to all THREE Mythic Mind podcasts:Mythic MindMythic Mind GamesMythic Mind Movies & Shows(or become a patron to get all three shows in one ad-free feed)Become a Tier 3 patron to join our Silmarillion study, which begins in February! patreon.com/mythicmindPurchase the complete Fiction & Philosophy of C.S. Lewis course here: The Fiction & Philosophy of C.S. LewisBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mythic-mind--5808321/support.

Fr. James Kubicki joins Patrick to discuss Meaning of the Magi (3:36) What is Epiphany? (9:04) Who were the Magi? (14:33) Christina - Family tradition we've celebrated...our mother started the nativity story and the gift exchange rather than Christmas. Marcos - I was born in Cuba and we kept our tradition alive. Every year on Jan 5th, mom would bake cookies and dad would collect hay. Every year a different magi featured. That magi brought the toys. (23:37) Break 1 What gifts can we bring to Jesus? How can we honor the Child Jesus in our lives? (37:11) Break 2 (38:37) Theresa - I'm going to be giving a gift tomorrow. Giving sons and goddaughter a bible. I think this will be a healing gesture. (40:56) what is the Epiphany house blessing? How can we receive the gift of God well in our lives?

I discuss simplicity in light of our purpose. What is the point of self-abnegation, and is the pursuit of simplicity just wasting this one life we're given?A huge thanks to Seth White for the awesome music!Thanks to Palmtoptiger17 for the beautiful logo: https://www.instagram.com/palmtoptiger17/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thewayfourth/?modal=admin_todo_tourYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTd3KlRte86eG9U40ncZ4XA?view_as=subscriberInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theway4th/ Kingdom Outpost: https://kingdomoutpost.org/My Reading List Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21940220.J_G_ElliotPurity of Heart is to Will One Thing: https://www.religion-online.org/book/purity-of-heart-is-to-will-one-thing/Arendt on Loneliness: https://web.archive.org/web/20250731200849/https://www.vox.com/vox-conversations-podcast/23048597/vox-conversations-hannah-arendt-totalitarianism-the-philosophersHeschel's Sabbath: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/345500.The_Sabbath Thanks to our monthly supporters J Phillip Mast Laverne Miller Jesse Killion ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

FetteBiscottate Meaning Through Limits on Sub FM 20th December 2025 - https://www.sub.fm

In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we are joined by Carol McColl, an ocular melanoma patient of more than seven years, who offers a powerful and deeply human perspective on collective grief and collective hope.   Carol shares how community and connection play a vital role in navigating the grief and loss that often accompany an OM diagnosis. Through shared experiences, meaningful conversations, and mutual support, patients can find purpose, develop resilience, and cultivate hope—even on the most difficult days.   As you listen, we invite you to reflect and engage: share an inspiring quote, a favorite book, or a song that brings you comfort and light when things feel heavy. Together, these small moments of connection can make a meaningful difference.   As Carol beautifully reminds us: “Meaning fuels hope, and hope fuels strength and courage, which fuels resilience and perseverance.”   Tune in and be part of this conversation about hope, healing, and the power of community.   Carol's Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/carol.g.mccoll   Drippy The Sad Raincloud: https://abjustforyou.com/product/gwyn-morgan-the-tale-of-the-sad-rain-cloud/   Other great book we recommend- Mans Search For Meaning by Viktor Frankl- https://amzn.to/3L073cL Try Softer by Aundi Kobler- https://amzn.to/4bg6J43 Strong Like Water by Aundi Kobler- https://amzn.to/4aGTVnf Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzaro- https://amzn.to/4qffujO  

Many people find themselves in roles that look great on paper but feel misaligned or unfulfilling in reality. In this week's episode I'm joined by Angela Rixon, founder of The Centre for Meaningful Work and author of Meaning Over Purpose to explore what meaningful work really is, why so many of us lack it, and how both individuals and leaders can create more meaning at work day-to-day. Angela shares the five pillars of meaningful work—from autonomy to impact—and we dive into simple, practical steps you can take if you've fallen out of love with your role. We also look at the powerful role managers play in helping others find meaning, and how meaning can protect us from burnout when it's balanced in a healthy way. We talk about: • What meaning is and how it differs from purpose • The five pillars of meaningful work • Practical ways to create more meaning in your current role • How leaders can build meaning within their teams • Why meaning boosts engagement—and how it can sometimes lead to burnout • A powerful real-life example of how autonomy transformed performance This is Influence & Impact for Leaders, the podcast that helps leaders like you increase your impact and build a happy and high performing team. Each episode delivers focused, actionable insights you can implement immediately, to be better at your job without working harder. Work with Carla: 1:1 Leadership Coaching with Carla – get support to help you get your voice heard at work and develop your career. Book a discovery call About Angela Rixon Angela Rixon is an award-winning leadership strategist, executive coach, and culture-transformation specialist with over 25 years' experience spanning technology, professional services, and financial sectors. A former Partner at EY and Director at CGI and Mercer, she is recognised internationally for pioneering research and frameworks that close the Purpose-to-Meaning Gap™ enabling organisations to embed meaning into leadership, culture, and performance. As Founder and CEO of The Centre for Meaningful Work Ltd, Angela helps CEOs and executive teams design human-centred cultures that perform. Her Amazon-bestselling book Meaning Over Purpose: The CEO's Strategic Blueprint for Growth and Lasting Engagement (2025) combines behavioural science and applied positive psychology to redefine how leaders drive growth through meaning. Angela's work blends corporate rigour with psychological depth. An accredited executive coach (MSc, Distinction) and Fellow of the CIPD, she integrates Transactional Analysis, Adaptive Leadership, and Systems Thinking to help leaders achieve measurable business results while fostering inclusion, wellbeing, and authenticity. Clients describe her approach as “supportive, challenging, and transformative.” A regular keynote speaker on meaningful work, inclusion, and the future of leadership, Angela is the creator of the Lead with Meaning™, Own Your Meaning™, and Meaning Metrics™ frameworks. She lives in London with her partner Tony and believes that when work works for people, people work better, and organisations thrive. Email: angela@angelarixon.com Website: thecentreformeaningfulwork.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/angelarixon

Every January, we're invited—sometimes pressured—to fix ourselves.New goals.New habits.New versions of who we should be.Instead of a New Year's resolution, I choose a word – or actually it seems to choose me.In this episode, I share my 2026 word and what it means to me—not as a concept to master, but as a lived, embodied practice. I reflect on the difference between performance and embodiment, and how so many of us were conditioned to perform for approval, safety, and belonging—often withoutrealizing it.Performance asks us to prove.Embodiment invites us to experience.This episode isn't about doing more.It's about the journey home to your own authenticity over seeking approval.A reflection to sit with / journal prompt:If I allowed myself to fly, what would that look like andhow would I feel?Resource mentioned in this episode: https://www.dianesorensen.net/drama-to-empowermentConnect with Diane:Instagram @dianesorensen.bbFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/diane.sorensen.589Join the conversation — share your takeaways or questions from today's episode by sending me a message on Instagram or Facebook. I love hearing from you!Work with Diane:Diane Sorensen's Coaching Programs are where boundary work becomes the bridge from chaos to connection.You'll learn to transform your triggers, lead with compassion, and create emotionally safe relationships built on authenticity, not approval.Reclaim your CALM, speak your TRUTH, and live FREE.→ Submit an inquiry or learn more: www.dianesorensen.net/contact→ Explore free guides and resources to support your growth: www.dianesorensen.net/→ Join the weekly newsletter for insights, tools, and support delivered straight to your inbox: www.dianesorensen.net/email-list 

Audio, eng_t_norav_2026-01-05_lesson_bs-tes-04-luah-tshuvot-le-pirush-milot_n1_p2. Lesson_part :: Daily_lesson 1 :: Lessons_series. Baal HaSulam. Study of the Ten Sefirot. Vol. 1. Part 4

Everyone is looking for something: Meaning. Direction. Security. Life. Jesus didn't just point the way—He said, “I am the way.” In the Gospel of John, Jesus makes seven bold “I Am” statements that tell us exactly who He is and why it matters. Each one speaks to a real human need and offers hope that still holds up in real life. In the "I Am" series, Dr. Gordon Dabbs helps us explore these powerful words of Jesus and discover what it means to trust Him—not just with our beliefs, but with our everyday lives.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

In a world obsessed with what's next—new technology, new trends, new answers—it's easy to feel worn out and spiritually hungry. But what if the most important question isn't what will change, but what will never change? In John 6, Jesus makes the first of His great “I Am” statements: “I am the Bread of Life.” Not bread to give—but bread to be. In this sermon, we explore why the crowd followed Jesus, why many eventually walked away, and what it really means to come to Him not just for what He can do, but for who He is. Along the way, we discover how Jesus meets our deepest hunger, why our identities are shaped by His, and how surrender—not self-improvement—is the path to real life. Whether you feel spiritually full, quietly empty, or somewhere in between, this message invites you to come, believe, and be fed. About the series. . . Everyone is looking for something: Meaning. Direction. Security. Life. Jesus didn't just point the way—He said, “I am the way.” In the Gospel of John, Jesus makes seven bold “I Am” statements that tell us exactly who He is and why it matters. Each one speaks to a real human need and offers hope that still holds up in real life. In the "I Am" series, Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., helps us explore these powerful words of Jesus and discover what it means to trust Him—not just with our beliefs, but with our everyday lives.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

Video, eng_t_norav_2026-01-05_lesson_bs-tes-04-luah-tshuvot-le-pirush-milot_n1_p2. Lesson_part :: Daily_lesson 1 :: Lessons_series. Baal HaSulam. Study of the Ten Sefirot. Vol. 1. Part 4

Baal HaSulam. Study of the Ten Sefirot. Vol. 1. Part 4. Table of Answers for the Meaning of the Words

In her CK Exclusives interview at AmFest, Riley Gaines tells her personal story about her friendship with Charlie and her personal experience of his assassination. She also talks about becoming a new mother, Turning Point USA’s pro-family culture, and the transformation across America as young people have grown in confidence about opposing the tremendous evils pushed on them during the woke era. Join future CK Exclusives recordings in person by becoming a member at https://members.charliekirk.com/ Watch every episode ad-free on members.charliekirk.com! Get new merch at charliekirkstore.com!Support the show: http://www.charliekirk.com/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some of the best investment advice you may ever get is not to put too much stock in yourself. Dr. Tony Evans explains why we get a much better return once we discover that Christianity isn't just about following rules, but about living in relationship with God.