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Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Meghan Rabbitt as my guest. Meghan is an award-winning journalist and the author of The New Rules of Women's Health: Your Guide to Thriving at Every Age. She specializes in women's health and wellness, and her work has appeared in several national publications, including Oprah Daily, Prevention, Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper, and others. Meghan is known for translating and clarifying complex medical and scientific topics into actionable information. In our conversation today, we dive into her new book and explore the process of writing a 700-page guide. We discuss how the old rules of women's health have often failed, and Meghan shares her hope that things will shift. We cover underrecognized midlife issues such as heart disease, the power of knowledge, reframing the aging process, and how the lack of research funding and a paternalistic system contributed to the lack of information on how women's bodies age. We also examine the influence of social media, navigating the medical system, advocacy, the gut-brain-hormone connection, and the crucial role of fiber, and Meghan emphasizes why every woman's story matters. Meghan's book is incredibly valuable, as it speaks to women of all ages, from young adults to those in later life. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why personal context matters when following nutrition advice on social media The value of seeking multiple clinician opinions when facing health choices Improving your communication with clinicians to help them understand your priorities and concerns An essential approach to diet and lifestyle Underrecognized midlife issues, like heart disease, and why they are often overlooked in women's health How midlife changes in estrogen are linked with alterations in the microbiome and astrobolome Understanding the gut-brain-hormone connection can help clarify your symptoms and guide your lifestyle choices. Gut health and why fiber is important Knowledge, advocacy, and reframing aging empower women to navigate the medical system and make better-informed decisions Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow Cynthia's Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause supplement line Connect with Meghan Rabbitt On The New Rules of Women's Health website Purchase a copy of Meghan's new book
Bob Gilpatrick, co-founder of Boomers Forever Young, a holistic health company that helps people restore vitality, energy, and youthfulness by turning back their biological clock.Through his groundbreaking work in nutrition, somatic therapies, and neurocalming techniques, Bob guides clients to activate their body's natural repair systems, blending science and mind-body mastery to achieve measurable results in health and longevity.Now, Bob's journey from surviving a near-fatal car crash at just 17 to becoming known as “The Man Who Helps People Turn Back Their Biological Clock” demonstrates the incredible power of resilience, purpose, and self-healing.And while he's appeared on over 1,000 media outlets, including ABC Evening News, sharing science-backed tools for living younger longer, he continues to inspire people worldwide to take control of their health and thrive at any age.Here's where to find more:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjwMyFe_Hjkmm6kM1uKAIAA________________________________________________Welcome to The Unforget Yourself Show where we use the power of woo and the proof of science to help you identify your blind spots, and get over your own bullshit so that you can do the fucking thing you ACTUALLY want to do!We're Mark and Katie, the founders of Unforget Yourself and the creators of the Unforget Yourself System and on this podcast, we're here to share REAL conversations about what goes on inside the heart and minds of those brave and crazy enough to start their own business. From the accidental entrepreneur to the laser-focused CEO, we find out how they got to where they are today, not by hearing the go-to story of their success, but talking about how we all have our own BS to deal with and it's through facing ourselves that we find a way to do the fucking thing.Along the way, we hope to show you that YOU are the most important asset in your business (and your life - duh!). Being a business owner is tough! With vulnerability and humor, we get to the real story behind their success and show you that you're not alone._____________________Find all our links to all the things like the socials, how to work with us and how to apply to be on the podcast here: https://linktr.ee/unforgetyourself
If you've ever watched your child's mood shift the moment they step into a handoff…Or felt the sting of being kept at arm's length for reasons you can't explain… You're not imagining it. In blended families, kids often carry emotional burdens they were never meant to hold.In this episode, we name two of the most common “under-the-surface” struggles: loyalty binds (when a child feels torn between a bio parent and a stepparent) and parental allegiance (when a child feels pressure to align with one parent over the other). We share real-life stories, including the quiet pain behind the rejection of a stepparent's sweet gesture, and the way a joyful moment can suddenly collapse into guilt after a call with the other parent.But we don't stop at awareness. We give you a plan. We'll help you slow down, step into your child's shoes, and create emotional safety. We'll help step-parents stay hopeful and keep expectations realistic. And we'll challenge bio parents to protect their kids from adult tension by choosing the neutral zone (where curiosity lowers the temperature and kids are freed to love without feeling responsible for anyone's emotions).The win isn't perfect co-parenting or flawless moments. It's this: kids get out of the middle, pressure starts to lift, and your home has room for trust, connection, and peace to grow. You'll Discover:The difference between a loyalty bind and parental allegiance, and how each one shows up in real life. How emotion coaching helps your child process hard feelings without forcing apologies or rushing an unrealistic "fix". What step-parents can do to cope with rejection (and why “crockpot bonding” protects your heart and builds trust over time). The subtle ways parents accidentally tighten the bind and what to say/do instead to keep kids free to love everyone in both homes. How to find and stay in the neutral zone when insecurity, fear, jealousy, or discomfort hits. Resources from this Episode:Surviving and Thriving in Stepfamily Relationships by Patricia PapernowEpisode 222. Step-by-Step Guide: Facing Painful Pushback Without Making Things Worse (part 1 of 2)Episode 72. The Best Way to Create Healthy, Bonded RelationshipsEpisode 159. How to Stay Hopeful as a Stepparent When You're Continually Rejected and HurtEpisode 161. How do Healthy Parent/Child Roles Help Avoid the Pitfalls of Parentification? [with Ron Deal & Lauren Reitsema] Episode 210. Is your child pulling away? Here's How to Respond with Wisdom and LoveEpisode 211. 8 Warning Signs Your Ex Is Manipulating Your Child's Heart and MindReady for some extra support?We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help. You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence, and connection in your home. Schedule your free call here: https://calendly.com/mikeandkimcoaching/freesession
On this Best of the Beet episode, we revisit Kevin's talk with Darryl Cheng of Houseplant Journal. They discuss his book, The New Plant Parent, and rethink the basics of houseplant care. They break down how plants really use light, whether “natural light” indoors actually exists, and how to approach watering with a smarter strategy. Plus, Darryl tackles common misconceptions new plant parents have about how plants grow and thrive. Expect myth-busting and plenty of plant nerd fun. Connect with Darryl Cheng: Darryl Cheng is the creator of House Plant Journal, where he's answered thousands of plant care questions by blending keen observation with a scientist's eye. He's also the author of The New Plant Parent, a go-to guide for indoor gardeners looking to understand the why behind plant care. With a huge online following and a knack for demystifying houseplant care, Darryl helps plant lovers everywhere grow healthier, thriving plants. Find more from Darryl at Houseplant Journal: https://www.houseplantjournal.com/ Find more from Darryl on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houseplantjournal/ Support The Beet: → Shop: https://growepic.co/shop → Seeds: https://growepic.co/botanicalinterests Learn More: → All Our Channels: https://growepic.co/youtube → Blog: https://growepic.co/blog → Podcast: https://growepic.co/podcasts → Discord: https://growepic.co/discord → Instagram: https://growepic.co/insta → TikTok: https://growepic.co/tiktok → Pinterest: https://growepic.co/pinterest → Twitter: https://growepic.co/twitter → Facebook: https://growepic.co/facebook → Facebook Group: https://growepic.co/fbgroup → Love our products? Become an Epic affiliate! https://growepic.co/3FjQXqV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ali Merchant reveals the small shifts you can implement today to become a better leader immediately. — YOU'LL LEARN — 1) How to make difficult conversations easier 2) The three things exceptional managers do3) How to upgrade your one-on-ones with one questionSubscribe or visit AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep1121 for clickable versions of the links below. — ABOUT ALI — Ali Merchant has spent two decades scaling Learning & Development departments for public companies, tech brands, and the world's largest ad agencies. Today, he's the founder of All-In Manager, a leadership development firm that trains and coaches managers to become leaders. Since 2018, Ali has trained thousands of managers and coached hundreds of senior leaders worldwide. He's also the author of The All-In Manager: Become a better leader today, not someday. Ali lives in Chicago with his wife, Sarah, and their dog, Lenny. • Book: The All-In Manager: Become a better leader today. Not Someday• LinkedIn: Ali Merchant• Website: AllInManager.com— RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW — • Study: “The rocky road from actions to intentions” by Elizabeth Newton• Tool: Descript• Tool: Google NotebookLM• Book: Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life: Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships (Nonviolent Communication Guides) by Marshall Rosenberg and Deepak Chopra• Book: Pre-Suasion: A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade by Robert Cialdini• Book: How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen by David Brooks• Book: Firefighter Zen: A Field Guide to Thriving in Tough Times by Hersch Wilson— 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.
In this episode of the Grow A Small Business Podcast, host Troy Trewin interviews Maya Khoweiss, owner of Hairport One Hair & Beauty, shares her journey from earning just $35 in a week to building a high-performing salon with a large, dedicated team. She talks about the power of consistency, personal growth, and stepping into the role of a true business leader. Maya explains how understanding your audience and smart use of Facebook ads helped scale her business. She also opens up about navigating COVID lockdowns, managing rapid growth, and leading through uncertainty. The episode is packed with real lessons on resilience, culture, and sustainable business growth. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Maya Khoweiss shares that the hardest thing in growing a small business is building the right mindset and resilience. Showing up every day, staying consistent, and having faith in what you're building—even during tough times—is often the biggest challenge. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Maya Khoweiss shares that her favorite business books that helped her the most are Think and Grow Rich, The E-Myth, and How to Win Friends and Influence People, as they shaped her mindset, systems thinking, and ability to build strong relationships. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Maya Khoweiss shares that great podcasts and learning resources she recommends are Diary of a CEO and The Queen of Confidence by Erica Kramer, which have helped her grow in leadership, confidence, and personal development. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Maya Khoweiss shares that the most valuable tool to grow a small business is being crystal clear on your vision and goals, because clarity makes decision-making faster, easier, and more aligned. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Maya Khoweiss shares that the advice she would give herself on day one is to stay focused, stay consistent, and make decisions based on strong values, vision, and mission to reach success faster. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Success isn't one big win, it's built by showing up and staying consistent every single day — Maya Khoweiss Real success is having freedom while your business runs without you — Maya Khoweiss Clarity in your vision makes every business decision easier and faster — Maya Khoweiss
This is #4 in our revisited series as we talk about the circumstances regarding “Riggs” episode as he speaks extremely candidly and open as we tackle the difficult subject of suicide. This is an epidemic in the first responder community and conversations like these can never cease. You are enough and people are in your life for a reason….. This show will never shy away from having the difficult conversations. Thriving mental and physical health is paramount and crucial to survival and sadly, if not addressed, it could lead to a life ending. First responders are three times more likely to die by suicide than the from the job that they do. These numbers don't include the suicide attempts or suicidal ideation of first responders that are suffering and struggling in silence. There are a lot of descriptors that officers apply to themselves such as Fearful, Shame, Unworthy, Useless, Despair and Apathy to Life to name a few. These are all symptoms of depression, which is the ultimate liar. It will tell you that you are a failure when you have actually succeeded. It will make you feel like a burden to others. It will make you feel that others will be better off without you in life. It will tell you that you are alone. Reality: People do count on you. Others do love and respect you. These people will no longer have you there to help them, make them laugh, call you when they are struggling, and no longer to tell you they love you. You are worth so much to so many. Today's episode will pull back the curtain on a first responder that was enveloped by the darkness and lost all hope and wished to leave this world and the people that call him a husband, a father, a sibling, a colleague, and a friend. This is someone who went to the edge of the cliff and had one foot off and then was rescued by a voice to pull him back into this world and remind him that it was not his time and he had much more to give this world. This guest could be your husband, wife, child, friend, coworker, partner on a call or your boss. The darkness is real and can come for us all at any time in our life and sadly there are many who do not hear that voice that calls them from that cliff. If are struggling, there is help!: Suicide Awareness (smore.com) Call 988 suicide hotline COPLINE: 1-800-COPLINE #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #mentalhealthmatters #reachout #mentalhealth #trauma
What happens when you realize in midlife that your brain has been playing by a completely different rulebook all along?In this episode of Message in the Middle, host Marianne DeMello-Smith sits down with Jorie Houlihan, Your Guide for the Dopamine Deprived™️—an ADHD life coach, speaker, and host of ADHD &... with Jorie Houlihan.After being diagnosed with ADHD at 49, Jorie's world began to make sense in ways it never had before. But the true transformation came not from the diagnosis itself, but from unlearning decades of self-blame and learning how to create systems that actually work for her unique brain.Together, Marianne and Jorie unpack:
Mike Gallagher, Drew Dinkmeyer and Austin Yamada return to assess what the Denver Nuggets are doing to continue winning games without Nikola Jokic, why Utah aren't being held to the fire for tanking and what changes the Lakers need to make to correct their struggles.
What does it really take to achieve true mental health and wellness in today's overwhelming world? In this powerful and insightful episode of The Self Esteem and Confidence Mindset, we sit down with mental health expert Dr Mike Ronsisvalle to explore the foundations of psychological wellbeing, the strategies that actually work for healing, and how to build sustainable mental wellness that transforms your confidence and quality of life.Dr Mike shares his expertise on mental health challenges, the evidence-based approaches to overcoming anxiety, depression, and emotional struggles, and the practical tools anyone can use to build resilience, emotional regulation, and lasting mental wellness. If you're struggling with your mental health or want to optimize your psychological wellbeing, this conversation is essential.Find out more about Dr Mike's LiveWell Coaching here:Use the code 'JONNY50' to get 50% off at LiveWell Coach for the first 3 months: https://www.livewell-coaching.com/offers/wNUroKM5?coupon_code=JONNY50
In today's episode at You Can Overcome Anything! Podcast Show, CesarRespino.com brings to you a special guest.Holly Swenson is an award-winning and best-selling author on the rise and on a mission to bring more wellness, joy, and intentionality to parenting and beyond. In addition to being an author, she is also a BSN, RN, wellness blogger, wellness & culture commentator, the mother of four incredible sons, and a perpetual student of life.Writing her first book Stop, Drop, Grow, & Glow, which launched in fall of 23', was a deep calling and a way she could be of service to parents everywhere. My ultimate aim is that my 4 part framework will truly help re-invigorate and re-fashion was it means to be a thriving parent.Holly Swenson's message to you is:The biggest gift you can give yourself on a daily basis is self-love, specifically in the form of self-care. When you care for yourself first, you are much better at caring for everything and everyone you come in contact with. It is the gift that keeps on giving. This is part of the foundation for activating your thrive.To connect with Holly Go to:Website: https://liveyourglow.liveIG: @hollyswenson_liveyourglowTo Connect with CesarRespino go to:
In this episode, I'm sharing a personal reflection inspired by turning 50 — and a powerful shift I'm making in how I approach movement, work, and rest.For most of my life, I believed that pushing harder was the key to better results. More workouts. More productivity. Less rest. But as I've moved into midlife, my body has been asking for something different — and science backs it up.We'll talk about:Why constant high-intensity exercise and overworking can elevate cortisolHow rest days support muscle repair, energy stores, and metabolic healthThe often-overlooked mental and nervous system benefits of true recoveryWhat “rest” can actually look like if you're someone who always feels the need to be doing somethingThis episode is an invitation to rethink rest — not as laziness or loss of momentum, but as a strategic, nourishing part of long-term health and vitality.If you're feeling tired, stuck, or frustrated with what “used to work,” this conversation is for you.Follow Carrie on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrive.with.carrie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carrie.o.chojnowskiVisit https://thrivewithcarrie.com/ to book a free Solutions Session!See you next time!Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Are you ready to step into 2026 with clarity, grounded energy, and purpose? This episode explores the unique frequency and opportunities this year brings, as well as how you can work with earth medicines, microdosing, and nervous system practices to align with this energy. Listen in to learn practical strategies for managing anxiety, adjusting your energy, and engaging in contemplative and expressive practices that set the foundation for your growth this year and beyond.You can find show notes, resources and more at: https://tinyurl.com/mrd7v5a7 Are you called to serve the healing of our world? Join our microdosing facilitator program! You'll learn everything you need to know to become a resourced, skilled, and confident microdosing guide.Visit microdosingforhealing.com/professionaltraining
Which level of the Texans defense is the most important to success..? The D-Line? Linebackers? Take your pick!
What if the greatest threat of AI isn't economic — it's emotional? In this conversation with Zack Kass, former head of Go-to-Market at OpenAI and author of The Next RenAIssance, we explore why work will change too frequently to anchor your identity, and what that means for living with your heart on fire.You'll discover why the future belongs to those who anchor on mission but adapt their methods, why learning how to learn matters more than any specific skill, and why the most valuable qualities in an AI-driven world aren't intellectual at all — they're deeply humanistic. This is your roadmap for thriving when everything changes.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Cathy Yoder. SUMMARY OF THE INTERVIEW (CATHY YODER x RUSHION McDONALD) In this Money Making Conversations Masterclass episode, Rushion McDonald interviews Cathy Yoder, known as the Queen of Air Fryers—a mother of eight whose air‑fryer passion turned into a thriving social‑media‑driven business. Cathy explains how she learned to master air fryers, built a YouTube channel with massive growth, developed ebooks and cookbooks, and built a business through authenticity and service-oriented content. The conversation blends cooking education, digital‑branding lessons, entrepreneurship, and personal purpose. PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW 1. Educate Viewers About Air Fryers Cathy breaks down what an air fryer is, how it works, how to choose one, and common mistakes. 2. Highlight How Social Media Can Build a Business Rushion explores how she grew from a blogger to a YouTube creator with hundreds of thousands of followers and multiple revenue streams. 3. Inspire Entrepreneurs to Pursue Authentic Branding Cathy’s journey shows how consistency, authenticity, and audience connection can turn a simple idea into a successful brand. 4. Illustrate the Emotional Impact of Serving an Audience Her stories of widowers, overwhelmed parents, and new cooks show how content can genuinely empower people. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Air Fryers Are Mini Convection Ovens They cook faster, often require no preheat, and can grill, bake, roast, and more—but not everything (like wet batters or funnel cakes). 2. All Air Fryers Are Not Equal Cathy stresses choosing 6‑quart, ~1700‑watt models and avoiding units that are too small or underpowered. Size and wattage matter more than brand. 3. Her Content Strategy Was Data‑Driven Initial uploads in various recipe categories revealed that air‑fryer recipes consistently outperformed, so she went all‑in on that niche. 4. YouTube Growth Takes Time Her first monetization check was $1.36, rising to $146, then $300, then to $8,000–$9,000/month by the time she reached 100,000 subscribers. 5. She Generates Multiple Revenue Streams YouTube AdSense Amazon affiliate links E‑books (first launch made $15,000 in a weekend) Physical cookbooks (first batch of 500 sold out immediately) 6. Authenticity Builds Trust She films mistakes, includes her kids’ real reactions (including spitting out bad food), and refuses to promote products she doesn’t believe in. 7. Listen to Your Audience Comments guided her content direction (like dropping background music, creating cookbooks, responding to questions). Audience feedback = brand refinement. 8. Digital Marketing Tip: Serve People, Not Algorithms She emphasizes helping overwhelmed home cooks first—consistent service leads to trust, community, and natural growth. 9. Emotional Impact Matters Her biggest motivators are heartfelt messages, especially widowers learning to cook for the first time because of her tutorials. NOTABLE QUOTES FROM THE INTERVIEW On Air Fryers & Cooking “All air fryers are not created equal.” “If you can grill it or bake it, you can usually air‑fry it.” “Buying too small can make you come back and want to upgrade—now you’re wasting money.” On Starting Her Channel “My first check was $1.36… that’s a lot of work for $1.36.” “I believed I was filling a gap… there wasn’t enough good content.” On Content Strategy “They need to know within the first three seconds that you’re going to deliver on your promise.” “In the beginning, you just need to start publishing some crappy videos.” (On practicing, learning, and improving) On Authenticity “I will only share what I can authentically stand behind.” “If I make mistakes, I show them.” On Impact “If I was in a room with 10,000 people, that’s still a lot of impact.” (Perspective on viewer counts) “What matters is that person who felt hopeless now feels empowered.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Cathy Yoder. SUMMARY OF THE INTERVIEW (CATHY YODER x RUSHION McDONALD) In this Money Making Conversations Masterclass episode, Rushion McDonald interviews Cathy Yoder, known as the Queen of Air Fryers—a mother of eight whose air‑fryer passion turned into a thriving social‑media‑driven business. Cathy explains how she learned to master air fryers, built a YouTube channel with massive growth, developed ebooks and cookbooks, and built a business through authenticity and service-oriented content. The conversation blends cooking education, digital‑branding lessons, entrepreneurship, and personal purpose. PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW 1. Educate Viewers About Air Fryers Cathy breaks down what an air fryer is, how it works, how to choose one, and common mistakes. 2. Highlight How Social Media Can Build a Business Rushion explores how she grew from a blogger to a YouTube creator with hundreds of thousands of followers and multiple revenue streams. 3. Inspire Entrepreneurs to Pursue Authentic Branding Cathy’s journey shows how consistency, authenticity, and audience connection can turn a simple idea into a successful brand. 4. Illustrate the Emotional Impact of Serving an Audience Her stories of widowers, overwhelmed parents, and new cooks show how content can genuinely empower people. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Air Fryers Are Mini Convection Ovens They cook faster, often require no preheat, and can grill, bake, roast, and more—but not everything (like wet batters or funnel cakes). 2. All Air Fryers Are Not Equal Cathy stresses choosing 6‑quart, ~1700‑watt models and avoiding units that are too small or underpowered. Size and wattage matter more than brand. 3. Her Content Strategy Was Data‑Driven Initial uploads in various recipe categories revealed that air‑fryer recipes consistently outperformed, so she went all‑in on that niche. 4. YouTube Growth Takes Time Her first monetization check was $1.36, rising to $146, then $300, then to $8,000–$9,000/month by the time she reached 100,000 subscribers. 5. She Generates Multiple Revenue Streams YouTube AdSense Amazon affiliate links E‑books (first launch made $15,000 in a weekend) Physical cookbooks (first batch of 500 sold out immediately) 6. Authenticity Builds Trust She films mistakes, includes her kids’ real reactions (including spitting out bad food), and refuses to promote products she doesn’t believe in. 7. Listen to Your Audience Comments guided her content direction (like dropping background music, creating cookbooks, responding to questions). Audience feedback = brand refinement. 8. Digital Marketing Tip: Serve People, Not Algorithms She emphasizes helping overwhelmed home cooks first—consistent service leads to trust, community, and natural growth. 9. Emotional Impact Matters Her biggest motivators are heartfelt messages, especially widowers learning to cook for the first time because of her tutorials. NOTABLE QUOTES FROM THE INTERVIEW On Air Fryers & Cooking “All air fryers are not created equal.” “If you can grill it or bake it, you can usually air‑fry it.” “Buying too small can make you come back and want to upgrade—now you’re wasting money.” On Starting Her Channel “My first check was $1.36… that’s a lot of work for $1.36.” “I believed I was filling a gap… there wasn’t enough good content.” On Content Strategy “They need to know within the first three seconds that you’re going to deliver on your promise.” “In the beginning, you just need to start publishing some crappy videos.” (On practicing, learning, and improving) On Authenticity “I will only share what I can authentically stand behind.” “If I make mistakes, I show them.” On Impact “If I was in a room with 10,000 people, that’s still a lot of impact.” (Perspective on viewer counts) “What matters is that person who felt hopeless now feels empowered.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Do you ever wonder if the quietest voice in the room can truly lead—and win—in a world built for extroverts? This episode of Do Good to Lead Well is a refreshing, insightful journey into that very question, as I sit down with Benjamin Friedman, author of “Silent Strength: The Introvert's Guide to Building Successful Startups.”The conversation opens with Benjamin's “me-search;” his personal and professional quest to understand how introverts can succeed when the business world often favors extroverted traits. Can an introvert be authentic and ambitious, all while driving top-tier results? Absolutely, says Benjamin, but it's all about leveraging your way of being, rather than trying to fit someone else's mold.Listeners will come away with practical advice for managing meetings, leveraging networks, and navigating self-doubt. He also shares tools for raising our self-awareness, the power of a “challenge network,” and the importance of aligning values with the people you build alongside. When fear or imposter syndrome strikes, Friedman reframes those moments as evidence you care and offers ways to harness uncertainty as fuel for growth.The common thread throughout this episode is one of curiosity and vulnerability. It is about questioning our assumptions and beliefs while building a roadmap to authentic success. What You'll Learn- The power of the quiet leader.- Self-awareness as a foundation.- Leveraging a Challenge Network.- How to harness fear and navigate uncertainty.- Reframing networking.- The secret sauce of vulnerability.Podcast Timestamps(00:00) – Silent Strength: The Origin Story (06:01) - The Universal Value of Introvert Insights (11:42) - Self-Awareness as a Foundation for Success (18:44) - Reframing Imposter Syndrome & Building Presence (22:29) - Empowering Introverted Voices in Meetings (28:56) - The Power of a Challenge Network (36:15) - Getting Useful Feedback (40:29) - Navigating Fear, Uncertainty & Opportunity (45:32) - Thriving as an Introvert in Sales & Networking (50:25) - Co-Founders, Relationships & Final InsightsKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Self-Awareness, Feedback, Personal Growth, Vulnerability, Leading with Intention, Curiosity, Startup Founders, Introverts in Leadership, Challenge Network, Networking Strategies, Sales (for Introverts), Eustress vs Distress, Leveraging Strengths, Authenticity, Managing Meetings, Inclusive Environments, Managing Fear, CEO Success
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Cathy Yoder. SUMMARY OF THE INTERVIEW (CATHY YODER x RUSHION McDONALD) In this Money Making Conversations Masterclass episode, Rushion McDonald interviews Cathy Yoder, known as the Queen of Air Fryers—a mother of eight whose air‑fryer passion turned into a thriving social‑media‑driven business. Cathy explains how she learned to master air fryers, built a YouTube channel with massive growth, developed ebooks and cookbooks, and built a business through authenticity and service-oriented content. The conversation blends cooking education, digital‑branding lessons, entrepreneurship, and personal purpose. PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW 1. Educate Viewers About Air Fryers Cathy breaks down what an air fryer is, how it works, how to choose one, and common mistakes. 2. Highlight How Social Media Can Build a Business Rushion explores how she grew from a blogger to a YouTube creator with hundreds of thousands of followers and multiple revenue streams. 3. Inspire Entrepreneurs to Pursue Authentic Branding Cathy’s journey shows how consistency, authenticity, and audience connection can turn a simple idea into a successful brand. 4. Illustrate the Emotional Impact of Serving an Audience Her stories of widowers, overwhelmed parents, and new cooks show how content can genuinely empower people. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Air Fryers Are Mini Convection Ovens They cook faster, often require no preheat, and can grill, bake, roast, and more—but not everything (like wet batters or funnel cakes). 2. All Air Fryers Are Not Equal Cathy stresses choosing 6‑quart, ~1700‑watt models and avoiding units that are too small or underpowered. Size and wattage matter more than brand. 3. Her Content Strategy Was Data‑Driven Initial uploads in various recipe categories revealed that air‑fryer recipes consistently outperformed, so she went all‑in on that niche. 4. YouTube Growth Takes Time Her first monetization check was $1.36, rising to $146, then $300, then to $8,000–$9,000/month by the time she reached 100,000 subscribers. 5. She Generates Multiple Revenue Streams YouTube AdSense Amazon affiliate links E‑books (first launch made $15,000 in a weekend) Physical cookbooks (first batch of 500 sold out immediately) 6. Authenticity Builds Trust She films mistakes, includes her kids’ real reactions (including spitting out bad food), and refuses to promote products she doesn’t believe in. 7. Listen to Your Audience Comments guided her content direction (like dropping background music, creating cookbooks, responding to questions). Audience feedback = brand refinement. 8. Digital Marketing Tip: Serve People, Not Algorithms She emphasizes helping overwhelmed home cooks first—consistent service leads to trust, community, and natural growth. 9. Emotional Impact Matters Her biggest motivators are heartfelt messages, especially widowers learning to cook for the first time because of her tutorials. NOTABLE QUOTES FROM THE INTERVIEW On Air Fryers & Cooking “All air fryers are not created equal.” “If you can grill it or bake it, you can usually air‑fry it.” “Buying too small can make you come back and want to upgrade—now you’re wasting money.” On Starting Her Channel “My first check was $1.36… that’s a lot of work for $1.36.” “I believed I was filling a gap… there wasn’t enough good content.” On Content Strategy “They need to know within the first three seconds that you’re going to deliver on your promise.” “In the beginning, you just need to start publishing some crappy videos.” (On practicing, learning, and improving) On Authenticity “I will only share what I can authentically stand behind.” “If I make mistakes, I show them.” On Impact “If I was in a room with 10,000 people, that’s still a lot of impact.” (Perspective on viewer counts) “What matters is that person who felt hopeless now feels empowered.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are you giving to everyone—your business, your family, your clients—yet inside you're running on empty and telling yourself you'll rest “later”? For so many Christian women, burnout doesn't show up loud…it shows up hidden.Today I'm joined by Dr. Ioana Popa—physician-psychiatrist, Christian spiritual care coach, and CEO of the Team For The Soul® Institute. After burning out twice herself, she now equips Christian women professionals and leaders to regenerate daily, prevent hidden burnout, and thrive in Christ from the inside out.We're talking about the three stages of stress, why Hidden Burnout is so hard to detect, and the common Christian dilemmas that quietly keep us stuck in chronic overwhelm. Dr. Ioana shares how renewal doesn't require rigid routines—just simple, holistic rhythms for your body, mind, heart, and soul. And she'll help you answer the one question that can change everything: What's the smallest amount of time you can't say no to?This conversation will show you how to shorten recovery time, restore peace, and build a daily renewal template that supports your purpose in every season.
Building a thriving salon or spa starts with one powerful foundation: community. In this episode, Kati Whitledge unpacks why human connection is not just a "nice to have," but a biological, psychological, and business necessity for growth, retention, and long-term success. You'll learn why team members leave when they don't feel ownership or belonging—and how simple, intentional actions can dramatically strengthen loyalty, culture, and performance. If you want a salon where people stay, grow, and thrive together, this conversation will challenge you to lead community on purpose. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/ZGeI5TF4m3o GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book POWERED BY: JOIN mya! joinmya.com LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/ FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/
What happens when a remodeling company is born from service instead of sales? We sit down with Houston's Marlon Stepp to unpack how a volunteer effort after floods and hurricanes became a design-build firm trusted by homeowners, hospitals, gyms, restaurants, and neighborhood nonprofits. The throughline is simple and rare: show up first, do what you say, and put displaced families at the front of the schedule. That relentless focus on people fueled referrals, opened doors to commercial projects, and shaped a brand that leads with integrity.We talk about the early days of small repair jobs and how consistent delivery led to bigger tables and better conversations. Marlon breaks down how his team grew by tapping classmates and long-time friends with deep trade experience, building a bench of subcontractors who are as reliable as they are skilled. When disaster strikes, they flex timelines to get families back home, and that compassion turns into future work. On the business side, we map the shift from painful downtime to a steady pipeline through raw social video, a clear website, and reviews that travel further than any pitch deck.Community impact sits at the center. From outfitting outreach kitchens to installing mini libraries in underserved neighborhoods, Marlon's crew treats service as part of the job—not a marketing afterthought. We dig into why those stories resonate with media and why PR is a natural next step. Then we look ahead: short-term rentals, flips, and a move toward ground-up development that creates housing, supports local needs, and positions the company as a go-to partner when crises hit.If you're a remodeler battling slow seasons, a designer eyeing commercial work, or a property owner who values character as much as craftsmanship, this conversation offers a roadmap. You'll hear how to document your process without overproducing, how to build trust at scale, and how to turn experience on job sites into smart investments and long-term resilience. Enjoy the story, take the tactics, and if it sparks ideas for your own practice, subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a review to help others find the show.If you would like to get the links and show notes for this episode, click on the link below:www.designerdiscussions.com/episodes/episode-158-talking-with-Marlon-Stepp/Transform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.Join us for our weekly live sessions and workshops: https://www.designerdiscussionsmarketing.studio/pages/academyDesigner Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics. We also provide in-depth, actionable products in the Marketing Studio including time-saving templates and guides to help design professionals grow their businesses. Download our FREE Client Avatar Guide https://designerdiscussionsmarketing.studio/store. Designer Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS; Maria Martin, founder of DesignAppy; and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY
What happens when the medical system tells you "there's nothing more we can do" - and you refuse to accept it? In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, I sit down with Dr. Aaron Hartman, family physician turned functional medicine specialist, whose entire medical philosophy changed after his adopted daughter Anna was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and given a hopeless prognosis. Despite being a doctor himself, Aaron watched specialist after specialist offer only medications, surgery, and limitations. But when he and his wife pursued a functional medicine approach - focusing on nutrition, nutrient deficiencies, fatty acids, hormones, and root-cause testing, Anna began to thrive against all odds. In this episode, we explore: The blind spots in the current medical model Why it takes 30 years for research to reach standard care How siloed, symptom-based medicine fails complex patients The power of never giving up, even after devastating diagnoses Why functional medicine focuses on connecting the dots, not chasing symptoms Testing that actually matters: nutrients, fatty acids, organic acids, hormones & more Overtraining, POTS, dysautonomia, hypermobility, and athlete burnout Why recovery, minerals, amino acids, and food-as-medicine are non-negotiable The role of omega-3 and omega-6 balance in inflammation and resilience Dr. Hartman is now the go-to doctor for complex and "uncurable" cases in Central Virginia, helping patients who have fallen through the cracks of conventional care reclaim their health and vitality. We also discuss his new book UnCurable: From Hopeless Diagnosis to Defying All Odds A moving account of his daughter's story and the transformation of his medical practice. If you've ever been told "this is just how it is", this conversation will change how you see your body, your health, and what's truly possible. Dr. Hartman's Bio: Dr. Aaron Hartman's functional medicine journey began when traditional healthcare failed Anna, his adopted daughter with cerebral palsy. Despite being a physician, he felt helpless as specialists offered no solutions, only surgery and medications. Witnessing his daughter's impossible transformation shattered everything Dr. Hartman believed about medicine. This transformed his entire practice of medicine and now he's become the doctor to turn to when all others have given up. He now helps patients reclaim their lives when conventional medicine says "there's nothing more we can do." His new book, "UnCurable: From Hopeless Diagnosis to Defying All Odds," chronicles this transformation. A clinical researcher involved in 70+ studies and VCU Assistant Clinical Professor, he founded Richmond Integrative and Functional Medicine in 2016.
What if "thriving" isn't a soft concept—but a measurable performance advantage? In this episode, Peter Winick sits down with Jon Rosemberg, Founding Partner of Anther and author of "A Guide to Thriving: The Science Behind Breaking Old Patterns, Reclaiming Your Agency, and Finding Meaning", to break down what thriving really is, what it is not, and why leaders should care right now. Jon draws a sharp line between thriving and "success." Success can be the big house, the title, the milestones. Thriving is different. It's a state where you're calm, connected to others, and able to create. It's when you can access the best of your thinking and show up as yourself—not as a reactive version of yourself. They explore the practical business implications. Jon frames thriving as the condition that makes proactive leadership possible. Less reactivity. More intentionality. Better decisions. He also positions "flow" as a subset of thriving—useful, but not the whole story. Then the conversation gets strategic. Jon introduces agency as the lever that moves people from survival mode to thriving: the capacity to make intentional choices. And he connects it directly to strategy. Real strategy is not doing everything. It's making clear choices—and just as importantly, choosing what you will not do. For leaders building teams, Jon highlights the shift from productive value to relational value. Your job stops being "do the work." Your job becomes "enable others to do their best work." When teams are thriving, performance rises. When organizations treat well-being as a KPI, it becomes a competitive advantage—not a perk. Finally, Jon reframes thriving as a spiral, not a finish line. Markets change. Crises hit. AI reshapes work. The goal isn't to "arrive" at thriving. The goal is to build the capacity to return to it faster—and lead through uncertainty with more clarity, nuance, and adaptability. Three Key Takeaways: • Thriving has a precise definition. It's not "success" or status; it's being calm, connected, and creative—able to access better thinking and show up authentically. • Agency is the lever. Moving from survival mode to thriving starts with the capacity to make intentional choices—and that maps directly to strategy in business. • Thriving changes performance at the team level. Leaders shift from their own productivity to relational value—enabling others to do their best work—which increases team performance. If Jon's episode got you focused on thriving through agency, go next to Episode 156 with Linda Henman for the "now what?" Linda is all about making tough, high-stakes decisions—fast and well—so you can turn intentional choice into real strategy. Together, they pair thriving as the mindset with decision-making as the skill that makes it real.
In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, Scott Love sits down with Deborah Farone, one of the legal industry's foremost experts on law firm marketing, to discuss her new book Breaking Ground and the unique dynamics women lawyers face in developing a thriving practice. Drawing on interviews with 60 successful women rainmakers from around the world, Deborah explains how a lack of visible role models, unconscious bias, and confidence gaps can affect business development—but also how women can turn these challenges into strategic advantages. The conversation explores the importance of having a written business development plan, setting aspirational goals, building confidence, and using practical tools such as grounding exercises to overcome imposter syndrome and perform effectively in client-facing situations. Scott and Deborah also examine the concrete habits and systems that consistently drive long-term rainmaking success. From intentional networking and authentic relationship-building to leveraging empathy, listening skills, and personal interests as connection points, Deborah emphasizes that there is no single “right” way to develop business. Instead, successful women lawyers build practices that align with who they are, supported by simple systems, regular touchpoints, and disciplined follow-through. The episode concludes with clear action steps for professionals at any stage of their career: carve out time to define a vision, actively nurture a professional network, and take immediate action to move one relationship—or opportunity—forward. Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/sv0qPYQkb6c ----------------------------------------
If you're tired of ending relationships feeling drained, confused, or heartbroken, this episode is for you. In this powerful conversation, Keshia Rice breaks down five essential boundaries every Christian woman needs in order to stop wasting time on the wrong men and start protecting her faith, energy, and heart. This episode goes beyond surface-level dating advice and gets to the why behind repeated heartbreak and how boundaries are the key to breaking unhealthy cycles.
Award-winning journalist Meghan Rabbitt shares evidence-based women's health advice for every life stage — from puberty through menopause and beyond. How do you find reliable health information in a world of conflicting advice? Meghan Rabbitt spent three years interviewing over 130 female doctors and medical experts to create the ultimate resource: The New Rules of Women's Health: Your Guide to Thriving at Every Age, commissioned by Maria Shriver. In this episode, Meghan breaks down pregnancy, hysterectomies, hormone health, preventive care, navigating the healthcare system, and much more. She shares how women can advocate for the care they deserve at every age. Meghan's work appears in Women's Health, Oprah Daily, Prevention, and more. She's known for translating complex medical topics into actionable advice that helps women understand their bodies better. Share this with a friend who needs trustworthy women's health information. RESOURCES + BOOKS MENTIONED: Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@herstarringrole Follow + Listen, + Review: APPLE PODCASTS Follow + Listen, + Review: SPOTIFY PODCASTS Join Michele's Newsletter + Get a List of 52-Selfcare Tips GUEST INFORMATION Book: The New Rules of Women's Health: Your Guide to Thriving at Every AgeWebsite: https://newrulesofwomenshealth.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/meghanrabbitt/?hl=en If you enjoyed today's show, please share it with a friend. Also, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast player! *The Good Life with Michele Lamoureux podcast and content provided by Michele Lamoureux is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does NOT constitute medical, mental health, professional, personal, or any kind of advice or serve as a substitute for such advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. Always consult a qualified healthcare or trusted provider for any decisions regarding your health and wellbeing. This episode may contain affiliate links.
Today, we welcome Award-winning health journalist Meghan Rabbitt. Meghan spent over two decades reporting on women's health, only to discover a surprising gap: the lack of a comprehensive, modern resource tailored specifically to women. Her new book, out January 13th, THE NEW RULES OF WOMEN'S HEALTH: Your Guide to Thriving at Every Age fills that gap. THE NEW RULES OF WOMEN'S HEALTH is an evidence-based, empowering guide that gives women the tools they need to take control of their health at every stage of life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Embracing Winter: Strategies for Wellbeing with Dr. Kari Leibowitz, health psychologist and author of "How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days." She explores how to push back against the notion of winter gloom and discusses the importance of mindset, cultural practices, and cognitive behavioral therapy in improving mental well-being during the winter months. Dr. Leibowitz shares insights from her experiences in Nordic countries and practical tips for maintaining a positive outlook, staying active, and embracing seasonal activities. She also covers the physiological and mental health benefits of practices such as cold water immersion and sauna use. This episode provides valuable advice for anyone looking to improve their winter wellness and overall resilience.
Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Kari Leibowitz, health psychologist and author of "How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days," about winter survival strategies.
At WestEdge, a panel of accomplished designers opened up about the emotional highs and lows of a career in creative design. The conversation delved into the toll that challenging clients can take, emphasizing that boundaries are not just beneficial but necessary for longevity in the industry. Panelists reflected on early career experiences, noting that optimism and the desire to see the best in clients can sometimes lead to depletion when projects are mismatched. These stories reinforced the idea that learning to say “no” and choosing the right clients is both a practical and emotional necessity. Beyond client challenges, the panel explored ways designers replenish their creative energy. Travel, flea markets, and tactile art projects, such as creating feathered artworks or doodling with Sharpies on rocks, were highlighted as powerful methods to reconnect with the craft. Attendees also shared experiences with artist dates, personal excursions that nurture inspiration outside work routines. For many, small, seemingly mundane moments—like walking barefoot on the beach or exploring museum exhibits—serve as vital opportunities to recharge. Central to the discussion was the notion of hope and intention in design. Designers are not only crafting spaces but facilitating transformative experiences for their clients. From arranging reveal days to curating details that clients cannot yet envision, designers play a key role in shaping both the aesthetic and emotional outcome of a home. These moments, when clients recognize the thought and care embedded in every choice, provide a profound sense of validation and joy for the designer. Technology emerged as both a boon and a challenge. Tools like Google Banana Nano and reverse image searches empower clients but can also accelerate expectations, requiring designers to continually adapt. To maintain balance, panelists suggested strategies such as phone lockboxes, one-word reset practices (e.g., travel, camping, art), and engaging in the tactile and analog experiences that digital feeds cannot replicate. Magazines were championed as a crucial resource in the digital age, offering tactile, spontaneous inspiration that cannot be algorithmically curated. They allow designers to explore beyond the bounds of client constraints and rediscover creative joy in a medium that encourages discovery and reflection. Ultimately, the WestEdge panel underscored the importance of integrating self-care, boundaries, and intentional creative practices into the professional life of a designer. Burnout is inevitable at times, but with mindfulness, grounding practices, and opportunities to reconnect with the joy of creation, designers can sustain their passion and continue to deliver transformative experiences for their clients. The panel left attendees with actionable insights and inspiration to navigate the demanding yet rewarding world of design. About: Convo By Design is a platform designed to share and promote the ideas of those shaping design and architecture today. We provide inspiration to the design and architecture community. In constant pursuit of sublime design. ©2013-2026 Subscribe to the podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/c… https://www.convobydesign.com
The color analyst for Utah women's basketball on tonight's showdown with #18 Baylor at the Huntsman Center, Chyra Evans & LA Sneed's development + more
The color analyst for Utah women's basketball on tonight's showdown with #18 Baylor at the Huntsman Center, Chyra Evans & LA Sneed's development + more
In this episode, Dr. Richard (JP) Bastien shares how he grew his practice from early-stage ownership into a thriving multi-doctor model by leading with empathy, recruiting intentionally and embracing technology without losing sight of core values. He reflects on the realities of hiring, leadership development, operational efficiency and the role of AI in modern dentistry, offering practical insights for dentists navigating growth while protecting culture and quality of care. Key Takeaways Recruitment and culture: Learn how to attract and retain clinicians who fit your practice values and complement your team. Leadership development: Discover how to strengthen leadership skills that aren't taught in dental school, from delegation to business management. Empathetic team management: Understand how putting yourself in your team's shoes can improve morale, retention, and collaboration. Technology integration: See how AI and digital tools can enhance diagnostics, patient education, and operational efficiency without replacing clinical judgment. Operational efficiency: Get practical tips for streamlining workflows and controlling costs while reinvesting in team and patient experience. Sustainable growth: Learn how aligning growth with core values leads to long-term professional satisfaction and a thriving practice. Throughout the episode, Dr. Bastien emphasizes making every decision through the lens of integrity, compassion and long-term impact. From supporting departing staff to integrating new technology thoughtfully, staying true to his values has helped him grow a multi-doctor practice that thrives both financially and culturally. This episode is a must-listen for dentists looking to grow their practice without compromising culture, quality, or personal balance. Learn more or connect with Dr. Bastien at www.bastiendentalcare.com.
Iran's vulnerability and protests, U.S. keeping pace with China, a conversation with Mike Huckabee, and thriving after homelessness. Plus, AI help in the kitchen, Bethel McGrew on New York assisted suicides, and the Tuesday morning newsSupport The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donateAdditional support comes from His Words Abiding in You, a Bible memorization podcast designed for truck drivers. His Words Abiding in You … on all podcast apps.From Ridge Haven Camp in North Carolina and Iowa. Summer Camp registration open now at ridgehaven.orgAnd from Ambassadors Impact Network, a nationwide community of angel investors who work together to evaluate and fund companies advancing the gospel through business. Members share diligence, learn from peers with private equity and entrepreneurial backgrounds, and invest individually in opportunities they select. Since 2018, members have deployed over $26 million into more than 60 companies. Learn more at ambassadorsimpact.com
Are you thriving in life, or merely surviving? This week, host Paula Felps talks with leadership coach Jon Rosemberg, author of A Guide to Thriving, to explore what it truly means to thrive. Jon shares how connection and purpose shape our capacity to flourish, and introduces his AIR framework (Awareness, Inquiry, Reframing) to provide practical, compassionate guidance for building habits that support long‑term thriving. In this episode, you'll learn: Why thriving is not the same as succeeding. How to recognize when you're stuck in survival mode. A simple, science‑based formula for increasing your sense of agency.
God's heart is not only to bring relief, but to cultivate true flourishing. Throughout Scripture, we see God inviting His people into deeper, more faithful ways of caring for others. This week, we consider how listening well, showing up consistently, and walking patiently with others moves us beyond quick fixes into lasting transformation.⚫CONNECT WITH US:
This discussion features: Judah Thomas, David LaManna, Lenny Salgado, Ben Cossette, and James Gowell.Edited by: Tim NicholsonIn Week 5 we wrap up Hebrews chapters 1 through 3, and prompt you with the following questions before listening: What are you tolerating today that you would've walked out on five years ago? If you're “fine as you are,” Hebrews has a loving but sharp question for you. Ben's VIP night out turned into a spiritual gut-check in about 30 seconds. Quick question: have you ever brought Jesus with you or left Him in the car?Lenny kicks us off by talking about the slow drift that hardens a heart over time, how constant resistance from the world can quietly corrode our spiritual sensitivity until we find ourselves putting God on the shelf.Ben shares a personal story from a VIP showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and the moment he knew he needed to leave before the night pulled him somewhere he didn't want to go. That story sparks a real conversation about conviction, wisdom, and boundaries: we're called to be in the world, but not of the world and the fact that the Holy Spirit always provides a way out.Judah, David, Lenny, Ben and James also dig into why reading the Bible daily transforms your life, keeps your heart soft, why convictions are meant to shape us (not fuel judgment of others), and what it looks like to live a Spirit-led life in dark places while still walking in wisdom.Lenny closes with the takeaway that names the episode: don't leave Jesus in the car.Jesus isn't limited to “business hours”—He's King of 365 / 24-7. Bring Him with you, and He'll make your path straight.This is an epic episode: thought provoking conversation, great detours, real issues, many laughs and lots to think about. Please come along for the ride.Read along with us as we move onto: Hebrews 4–6Help us spread the word about Thriving in the Word—and thanks for being part of the family. Have a blessed day.More info: www.thrive.church Give: www.thrive.church/give/ Need prayer? prayer@thrive.churchThis is a presentation of Thrive.Church © All Rights Reserved
Welcome to the ENT!Are you thriving? Join Nathan Merrill and Karl Frank as we interview Rand Selig, author of Thriving: How to Create a Happier, Healthier and More Prosperous Life. Learn about running a business, a family, and our own personal journey. Rand is an accomplished entrepreneur, coach, scoutmaster, board member, and conservationist. He has extensive expertise and an expansive perspective on life. With an MBA from Stanford and undergraduate degrees in mathematics and psychology, he excels at managing complex projects globally. He is relentlessly positive and believes he can design his own life and others can, too.As a quick reminder, the Expert Network Team provides free consultations. We would love the opportunity to be of service to you or someone you care about. Just scroll the liner notes to contact one of our experts or today's guest. And please share this podcast with anyone who you think might find it interesting. As always, it is good to have an expert on your side.— Our Guest:Rand Seligrandselig.com Expert Network team provides free consultations. Just mention that you listened to the podcast. Nathan Merrill, attorneyWorking with affluent families and entrepreneurs in implementing tax-efficient strategies and wealth preservationGoodspeed, Merrill(720) 473-7644nmerrill@goodspeedmerrill.comTaylor Smith, attorneyHelping affluent families build their legacy through complex estate planningGoodspeed Merrill(720) 512-2008tsmith@goodspeedmerrill.comwww.goodspeedmerrill.com Jeff Krommendyk, Insurance ExpertWorking with business owners and successful families in transferring riskOne Digital Insurance Agency(303) 730-2327jeff.krommendyk@onedigital.comKarl FrankFinancial planner helping a small number of successful families grow and protect their wealth and choose how they want to be taxedCERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™A&I Wealth Management(303) 690.5070karl@assetsandincome.comWebcasts, Podcasts, Streaming Video, Streaming AudioA&I webcasts, podcasts, streaming video, or streaming audios are provided free of charge solely for use by individuals for personal, noncommercial uses, and may be downloaded for such uses only, provided that the content is not edited or modified in any way and provided that all copyright and other notices are not erased or deleted.All webcasts, podcasts, streaming video, or streaming audios are subject to and protected by U.S. and international copyright laws and may not be sold, edited, modified, used to create new works, redistributed or used for the purpose of promoting, advertising, endorsing or implying a connection with A&I.A&I reserves the right, at any time and for any reason, to stop offering webcasts, podcasts, streaming video, or streaming audios and to stop access to or use of webcasts, podcasts, streaming video, or streaming audio and any content contained therein A&I shall not be liable for any loss or damage suffered as a result of, or connected with, the downloading or use of the webcasts, podcasts, streaming video, or streaming audios.A&I Wealth Management is a registered investment adviser that only conducts business in jurisdictions where it is properly registered, or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement of the firm by securities regulators and does not mean the adviser has achieved a specific level of skill or ability. The firm is not engaged in the practice of law or accounting.The information presented is believed to be current. It should not be viewed as personalized investment advice. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the presenter on the date of the podcast and are subject to change. The information presented is not an offer to buy or sell, or a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell, any of the securities discussed. You should consult with a professional adviser before implementing any of the strategies discussed. Any legal or tax information provided in this podcast is general in nature. Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.
In the latest episode of Contracting Conversations, we talk to Chip Conley, hospitality entrepreneur, Modern Elder Academy founder, and bestselling author, to discuss what it takes for contract cleaning pros to thrive in their second act. From leading one of the largest boutique hotel companies in the U.S. to mentoring Airbnb's founders and creating the world's first midlife wisdom school, Chip shares lessons on career reinvention, leadership resilience and why curiosity is the ultimate competitive edge. Chip opens up about the challenges of growth plateaus, the psychology behind entrepreneurial burnout, and strategies to reignite purpose and passion. He also dives into how company culture drives employee retention, why recognition matters more than money, and how wisdom helps navigate complexity in industries like commercial cleaning and hospitality. Conversation Highlights: • Ways to break through business growth plateaus and avoiding burnout. • Paths for mid-career entrepreneurs: sell, delegate, or rediscover purpose. • How to stay relevant through curiosity and crystallized intelligence. • Why creating cultures of recognition and meaning can reduce employee turnover. Chip Conley is co-founder and executive chairman of MEA (formerly Modern Elder Academy) and a renowned entrepreneur, best-selling author, and dynamic speaker celebrated for his innovative approach to leadership and hospitality. As the founder of Joie de Vivre Hospitality, he expanded a single boutique hotel into the second-largest boutique hotel brand in the U.S. In 2013, he joined Airbnb as head of global hospitality and strategy, mentoring its founders and helping shape its culture during a rapid growth phase. Inspired by his midlife journey, experience at Airbnb, and extensive research and collaboration with thought leaders in the area of aging, Chip co-founded MEA, the world's first midlife wisdom school.
Laughter may be one of the most powerful tools we have for navigating stress, burnout, and the weight of modern life. In this conversation, I had the pleasure of sitting down once again with Sir James Gray Robinson to explore why humor, self-awareness, and gratitude matter far more than most of us realize. James and I talk about how easily we lose the ability to laugh at ourselves, how that loss feeds stress and burnout, and why taking life too seriously often does more harm than good. Along the way, we reflect on comedy, culture, trauma, and the simple truth that being able to laugh can shift perspective faster than almost anything else. James also shares what he has learned from years of coaching high-stress professionals, especially lawyers, about how laughter resets the nervous system and opens the door to better problem solving. We talk about gratitude as a powerful antidote to fear and anger, the role artificial intelligence can play as a daily tool for perspective, and how self-reflection helps us separate reality from the stories our minds create. We even explore James's work with an ancient royal order dedicated to service and philanthropy. I believe you will find this conversation thoughtful, grounding, and surprisingly uplifting, because at its core, it reminds us that joy, humor, and connection are not luxuries. They are essential to living an unstoppable life. Highlights: 00:59 – Learn why losing the ability to laugh at yourself creates stress and emotional rigidity.04:26 – Understand the difference between witty humor and humor that harms rather than heals.11:03 – Discover how laughter resets the nervous system and interrupts burnout patterns.15:35 – Learn why gratitude is one of the strongest tools for overcoming fear and anger.16:16 – Hear how artificial intelligence can be used as a daily tool to shift perspective and invite joy.35:19 – Understand how burnout often begins with internal stories that distort reality and fuel stress. About the Guest: Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq. is an award winning third-generation trial attorney who specialized in family law and civil litigation for 27 years in his native North Carolina. Burned out, Sir James quit in 2004 and has spent the next 20 years doing extensive research and innovative training to help others facing burnout and personal crises to heal. He has taught wellness, transformation, and mindfulness internationally to thousands of private clients, businesses, and associations. As a licensed attorney, he is focused on helping lawyers, professionals, entrepreneurs, employers, and parents facing stress, anxiety, addiction, depression, exhaustion, and burnout. Sir James is a highly respected speaker, writer, TV personality, mentor, consultant, mastermind, and spiritual leader/healer who is committed to healing the planet. He possesses over 30 certifications and degrees in law, healing, and coaching, as well as hundreds of hours of post-certification training in the fields of neuroscience, neurobiology, and neuroplasticity, epigenetics, mind-body-spirit medicine, and brain/heart integration. Having experienced multiple near-death experiences has given him a deeper connection with divinity and spiritual energy. Sir James regularly trains professionals, high-level executives, and businesspeople to hack their brains to turn stress into success. He is regularly invited to speak at ABA and state bar events about mental and emotional health. His work is frequently published in legal and personal growth magazines, including the ABA Journal, Attorneys-at-Work Magazine, and the Family Law Journal. Sir James has authored 13 books on personal growth and healing, including three targeting stressed professionals as well as over 100 articles published in national magazines. He has produced several training videos for attorneys, executives, entrepreneurs and high-level professionals. Sir James has generously endowed numerous projects around the world to help children, indigenous natives, orphans and the sick, including clean water projects in the Manu Rain Forest, Orphanages, Schools and Medical Clinics/Ambulances in India, Buddhist monks in Nepal, and schools in Kenya, Ecuador, and Puerto Rico. In addition to his extensive contributions, Sir James produced and starred in three documentaries that will be released in 2024, focusing on healing, mental and emotional health. The first, "Beyond Physical Matter," is available on several streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime. The trailer can be found at www.BeyondPhysicalMatter.com. The second, “Beyond the Mastermind Secret”, is scheduled for release in the fall of 2024. The trailer can be found at https://BeyondMastermindSecrets.com/. The third, “Beyond Physical Life” is scheduled for release at the end of 2024. The trailer can be found at https://beyondphysicallife.com/. He has formed an entertainment media production company known as Beyond Entertainment Global, LLC, and is currently producing feature length films and other media. In recognition of his outstanding work and philanthropy, Sir James was recently knighted by the Royal Order of Constantine the Great and Saint Helen. In addition, Sir James won the prestigious International Impact Book Award for his new book “Thriving in the Legal Arena: The Ultimate Lawyer's Guide for Transforming Stress into Success”. Several of his other books have won international book awards as well. Sir James was recently awarded the President's Lifetime Achievement Award by President Joe Biden for his outstanding service to his community, country and the world. He will be awarded the prestigious International Humanitarian Award known as Men with Hearts, in London, England in the fall of 2024, as well as Man of the Year and Couple of the year with his wife, Linda Giangreco. Sir James has a wide variety of work/life experiences, including restauranteur, cattle rancher, horse trainer, substance abuse counselor, treatment center director, energy healer, bodyguard, legal counselor for several international spiritual organizations, golfer and marathon runner. He graduated from R.J. Reynolds High School in 1971, Davidson College in 1975 and Wake Forest University School of Law in 1978. Ways to connect with Sir James**:** FB - https://www.facebook.com/sirjamesgrayrobinson IG - https://www.instagram.com/sirjamesgrayrobinson/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@sirjamesgrayrobinson?_t=8hOuSCTDAw4&_r=1 Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@JamesGrayRobinson LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gray-robinson-/ About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset . Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes: Michael Hingson 00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us. Michael Hingson 01:17 Well, hi everyone, and welcome to another edition of unstoppable mindset. And we're doing something today we haven't done too often, but we've done it a few times. We are having a second conversation with James Gray Robinson, actually, sir, James Gray Robinson, and we're going to talk about that part of it today we did last time, but I'm going to start actually a little bit different way. You and I were just talking about humor. We were talking about Mel Brooks, because I, when you came into the to the room, I said, What in the wide, wide world of sports is it going on here, which is a very famous line from Blazing Saddles. And you pointed out that that movie probably couldn't be made today, and I agree. But why do you think that is Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 02:10 I think that we've become so disenchanted with ourselves that everything's offensive now, I think back when we and when I grew up in the 50s and 60s, people had so many really, you know, life threatening things to think about, like atomic war and, you know, it just seems like people have shifted their consciousness away from having a good time to simply having to be right all the time. And so we've lost the ability to laugh at ourselves. I mean, one of my favorite lines is, if you think Talk is cheap, you've never talked to a lawyer. And the thing is, is that I'm a lawyer, and I find that incredibly funny, yeah, because if you can't laugh at yourself, then you really are going to struggle in life, because a lot of times, things don't work out the way that we anticipated or wanted them to. And there's a couple of different ways that we can react to that or respond to that. There's a I found that people are losing the ability to take responsibility for themselves and that they blame everything on everybody else. We're raising a nation of victims, and victims are not going to laugh at anything. So what we, I think, what we have to do is we have to start teaching our children how to have a sense of humor. If something doesn't happen the just the way we want it to, then laugh at it. It doesn't have to, you know, unless it's pain, you know, if it's physically abusive or something, then you know. But the thing is, we're trying to helicopter parent everything, and we all get so upset when somebody says something off the cuff or maybe without fully thinking through what they're saying. So it's, it's just unfortunate that there are many, many things in life I think could be avoided with just a good chuckle and go ahead. Well, I was just going to say, you know, like if somebody said to me, you're. Eyes on wrong I'd laugh because it would what difference does it make? But what my tile looks like? Yeah, and I would just laugh, and I would laugh at me, and I would laugh at them, because somebody thought that there was something wrong with that, yeah. Michael Hingson 05:21 Well, what about people like Don Rickles? You know, who, who was always known for insulting everyone and being an obnoxious character. What do you think about him? Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 05:36 I you know the thing is, is that he was offensive, but he wasn't, what's the word? I would say he he wasn't profane, because he never cursed at anybody. You know, I've watched a couple of roasts. You know, they call them roast, right? They get a bunch of people together, and they make fun of somebody. And back in the day, when Don Rickles and Johnny Carson, Milton, burl, rich, little even, what couple of committee is, I can't think of, but they were extremely witty, and they were perhaps offensive, but they weren't necessarily insulting to the point where you It's not Funny. And I think we've got and we've gone to the point where we now are seeing these roasts. And I thought I saw Tom Brady's roast. Actually paid to watch it, and it was the most profane, you know, unfunny, hurtful, hour and a half I think I've ever watched, and it just I didn't smile once. I just was wincing the whole way through, wondering why people think that sort of nonsense is funny. Michael Hingson 07:19 Well, I asked about Don Rickles, because I saw an interview with him on the Donahue show, when Phil Donahue had his TV show, one of the things. And after he said this, I thought about it, and of course, never really was able to see in person, but I believed him. Don rickel said, Look, I never pick on someone if I think they're going to be offended. He said, If I see somebody in the audience and start picking on them and it looks like they're taking offense or they're getting angry about it, I won't pick on them anymore. And he said I might even go talk with them later, but he said I won't pick on them anymore. And I thought about that, he said, I will never there are lines I won't cross, which is some of what you just said. But he really was absolutely adamant about the fact that he didn't really want to insult people. He wanted people to have fun, so he always looked for people in the audience who would laugh at what he had to say and how he and how he abused them and so on. He said those are the people that he really liked to to interact with because they weren't taking offense, which I thought was a very intuitive and interesting concept on his part. And if you really want to talk about a comedian who was never profane no matter what he did or happened to him, later, think about Bill Cosby, Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 08:49 yeah, and or Red Skelton, or Red Skelton, yeah, that was and always, he would always end up with God Bless. And the thing that amazes me about today's comedy is how much violence. There's a subtle undercurrent of violence under all of their humor. And it's, you know, they're kind of like laughing at somebody who is hurt or is not as intelligent as the comedian thinks he is. Or, you know, they're making fun of stuff just to be hurtful. And it's not, you know, they've lost the connection between being taken taking fun, making fun of somebody and being hurtful. And I just amazed when I see a lot of comedians today. I mean, there's lots of very witty, very intelligent, grand guffaw producing comedy out. There. And it's, there's some, they're very, very talented comedians out there, but then there are the other people that want to drag you through the Michael Hingson 10:07 mud, yeah? And it's all shock. It's all shock, yeah, Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 10:12 and intentionally offend you to, I guess it's some kind of power play, but it's simple. You know, people, I think that people actually are so traumatized that they they think it's funny when somebody traumatizes somebody else. Michael Hingson 10:34 Well, I Oh, Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 10:35 go on. No, go right ahead. Michael Hingson 10:38 I I never got to see Don Rickles live, although I would have loved to, and I would love to have paid the money to sit in the front row, hopefully, hoping that he would pick on me so I could jump up and say, Yeah, I saw you once on TV. I took one look at you and haven't been able to see since. What do you think about that? Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 11:02 Never that would be appropriate, yeah? I mean, because he'd love it, you're making fun, yeah, you're making fun of him, and you're making fun of yourself. And that's what I call self depreciating humor. He where the jokes, yeah, the joke really is about you. It's not about him, yeah, and it's in it, so it's people probably wouldn't take offense to that. But when people sit there, you know, start poking fun at how people look or what they their educational level, or their, you know, cultural background is I, I just don't get that. I mean, it's and I grieve that we're turning into bullies. Well, you know, and it's, it's unfortunate you Michael Hingson 11:52 you've dealt a lot, especially over the last 20 years, with burnout and things like that. Do you think that what's happening in in society based on what you're talking about, with the lack of humor, without self deprecating environments and all that. Do you think that's because it's stressful, contributing to burnout? Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 12:14 Yes, I think, well, we again, we take ourselves way too seriously. The one thing that I've noticed, especially with my clients, is when I can get them to laugh, they start to take a different perspective of their life. But when they think everything that they're what I call they're stuck in Warrior mode. There's, you know, we have a, don't know if we talked about this last time, but we have a nervous system that goes one or two ways. It either goes to fight or flight, called the sympathetic nervous system, where you know you're reacting to everything in a negative way, because it's a matter of survival, or we go to the parasympathetic nervous system, which is the fun part of our psyche, and we can enjoy ourselves, but everybody is so scared of something there that they the body cannot stand That level of stress for years. I mean, that's what burnout is, and it it tears your body apart until it actually turns off. And that's what happens when you burn out. We used to call it nervous breakdown, but, you know now it's burnout. But the point is, is you just wear yourself out because you don't have anything that will break the constant stream of stress, and one of the best ways that you can handle stress is to laugh. Laugh at yourself, laugh at something, a joke, laugh at whatever you find stressful, because it breaks that autonomic nervous system response. And if you can reset yourself every now and then that you know, one of the ways I teach people how to deal with stress is to research jokes. Go buy a good joke book, and you can go and find enough. You know, all you need is a couple of jokes to start the day, and you're going to be in a much better frame of mind going to work or dealing with whatever you have to deal with. If you've laughed at least once before you go to work, because that that engages your parasympathetic. I call it the guru. And you can deal with adversity. You can deal with problems. You can actually problem solve. You. And but when we're stressed out because we're afraid of what's going to happen, we're afraid of making mistakes, and we're afraid of what somebody's going to think of us, then we are just going to end up in a very bad place, mentally and emotionally and physically. So it's, you know, one of the things that you can do, as if you're having to deal with stress on a daily basis, is to just remember how to be grateful. I mean, I think that of all the emotions, gratitude is probably the most powerful one there is because it will overcome fear, it will overcome anger, it will overcome shame, it will overcome guilt, it will overcome envy, all the negative emotions cannot stand up to gratitude. And so if you can learn to be grateful, and especially grateful for the struggle, then you are going to be a happy camper, and you can probably learn to laugh, until you can be grateful though you're going to struggle. And that's we're not designed to do the struggling. We're designed to have fun. I mean, that's people always say, what are my purpose, you know? And why am I doing here? And I said, you only have two purposes in life. One is to breathe, and the other one is to laugh. Everything else is just a complication. So if you just remember that, if you can be grateful and laugh once in a while, you're going to be a lot better off than somebody that takes it too seriously, Michael Hingson 16:44 yeah, well, and you, you must see a lot of it, because I know you, you do a lot of coaching and working with especially lawyers, which is a very stressful situation, especially people who are truly dedicated to the Law and who look at it in the right way, there must be a lot of stress. How do you get them to relax? I like the idea of getting a joke book. I think that's that's cute, and I think that that makes a lot of sense. But in but in general, how do you get people to laugh and to do it as a habit. Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 17:24 Well, I've been doing this for 20 years, so my answer 20 years ago is probably a little different than the answer I have now. Artificial Intelligence is my friend, because I can, I can do anything with artificial intelligence. And one of the best ways I, you know, I program my artificial intelligence to to respond, to react and to know who I am. I put, I put all of my books onto artificial intelligence. Every time I write an article, I put it in there. I'm always talking to it. I'm always saying, Well, this is the way I feel about this. This is the way I feel about that. This is what this is funny to me. This something happened to me today that is was really funny. And then I tell it what was funny. And I would program this thing. So the next, when I wake up in the morning, I can just ask it tell me something that'll make me laugh, and it always has something that will make me laugh. And so because it can, not only does it know what I fed into it, it knows everything that's on the internet, right? And so you can, you can get a, you know, something funny, something to start your day, make me glad to be alive, you know, tell me something that'll make me grateful. All those things. It'll, just in a millisecond, it'll be on your screen, yeah. And so it's, that's a tool we obviously didn't have even a year ago, but 20 years ago, it was a little bit more depth, a little bit more effort to find these things. But you could, you could do that. I mean, we did have the internet 20 years ago, and so we, we could go looking and go searching for funny stuff. But it's not as easy as is artificial intelligence, so you know. And if you I'll tell you one thing, it's been a real tool that has been very useful for me, because sometimes if I'm not sure what I should say, my old my old motto was, if you don't know what to say, shut up. But now I asked, I asked, and I'm not sure what, how I should respond to this. What do you suggest? And it'll come up with some. Give me five things that I could say. Michael Hingson 19:59 Does it do? Will tell you, does it ever tell you should just shut up? Just checking yes, yes. Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 20:04 Okay, good, good for you. Don't say any. Don't say anything, you fool. But the point is, is that it's got, you know, every book that's ever been written about psychology in its database, so you can find things that would make you sound wise and profound. And I use it all the time to figure out what to say, or to how a better way to say something is Yeah, and that way I've managed to stay pretty much out of trouble by and, you know, it's like having a friend who you could ask, What should I say? And they would come back with a couple of answers that you know, then you can just decide yourself which one you should use, right? Michael Hingson 20:57 And you may, and you may, in addition, tweak it which which makes sense, because AI is, is a tool, and I, I am not sure that it is going to ever develop truly to the point where it, if you will, wakes up and and becomes its own true intelligence, Skynet Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 21:24 on all the Terminator series, Michael Hingson 21:27 or or in Robert heinleins, the Moon is a Harsh Mistress. The computer woke up. It helped as a still my favorite science fiction book, and it was, if you've never read it, it's a story about the the moon in 2076 which had been colonized and was being run by the lunar authority back on Earth, it had no clue about anything. And so in 2076 the moon revolted, and the computer and the computer helped. So on July 4, 2076 it was a great movie or a great book. I'd love to see it dramatized. If somebody would do it the right way, I think it'd make a great radio series. But haven't done it yet. Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 22:14 Well, Robert Highland is a genius. No doubt about that, Stranger in a Strange Land was big in my developmental years, yeah, and Michael Hingson 22:26 that was the book that came out right after the Moon is a Harsh Mistress. I still think the moon and harsh mistress is even a better book than Stranger in a Strange Land. But Stranger in a Strange Land really did catch on and and rightfully so. It was, it was very clever. Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 22:42 Well, most people, I mean, you know, clean humor is a good place to start, yeah, because I think that all of the profanity that comedians rely on to shock people. And, you know, there are two ways that we have the laugh response one is, is that it shocks you in the sense that it makes you afraid, because it seems like a attack on you. It's a defensive mechanism that we have. It's not even if it's not funny, we will laugh, because that's our body's way of dealing with something that's really traumatic. The other way is when we something strikes us as funny because it's witty or clever, and that is more of a that's a less stressful response. And can we, we can laugh, and it's a more of a genuine response than one where we're basically traumatized, right? And I think that, and with everything else, is who? Who do you hang around? Who is your tribe? Who do you? Somebody was somebody said, some psychologist said, you know, show me 10 of your friends and I'll tell you exactly what your problem is, because the people you hang around will mirror what's going on in your interior landscape. And if you've got friends who are problematic, that means that there's some things on your psyche that you need to take a look at. And you know that, and it's especially people who have been traumatized early in life. Their coping mechanisms and their judgment is not so good, right? So they have to take a step back and look at well, are these people helping me? Are they hurting me? Because if you notice, a lot of traumatized people will surround themselves with traumatized people, and all they do is whip themselves in the lather. Are every day, and they get so melodramatic, and they get so upset about everything that's going on in life, they can't find any sense of humor or any sense of joy, yeah, and it's until they let go of those, those trauma responses they're they're pretty much in a hat, in a self repeating habit that is not going to be healthy. Michael Hingson 25:29 And I think you're absolutely right. It is very much about joy. And we, we should. We should find ways to be joyful and feel joy, and, of course, laugh and not take life so seriously. Unfortunately, there's so much going on today with people who clearly have no sense of humor, or at least they never exhibit it, that it tends to really be a problem. And unfortunately, I think we're all learning some really bad habits, or many of us are learning some very bad habits because of that. And I don't know what's going to break that cycle, but the cycle is going to have to break at some point. Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 26:14 It will, unfortunately, a lot of times it takes a revolution, yeah, in order to replace old, unhealthy thought patterns with better thought patterns. You know, I'm reminded of the old saying that when an idiot tries to teach another idiot, you end up with two idiots. So you you have to be careful about who you're taking advice from, right? And so if, especially you know my my advice to anybody that's struggling and suffering is turn off your phone and turn off your TV, and if you know how to read, go read a book, because when you can get into a period of calm, quiet reflection, you're going to be able to make More sense out of what's going on in your life, and especially if you're reading a book that will explain to you the best way to deal with challenges, right? But just or just read a funny book, you know, something you know I find sarcasm and cleverness, extremely funny. So I love books like Forrest Gump, who who take extreme examples and turns them into funny scenarios, and they did a good Michael Hingson 28:01 job making that into a movie too. I thought, Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 28:05 I mean, I tell you, I forget who the director was, but they were brilliant because they were able to spin a story that was honest. But it wasn't offensive, and you could laugh because of all of forests characteristics and everything else, but it was presented in the way that it wasn't, you know? It wasn't being mean, right? And it wasn't, being unkind, and so it was just a story of a man who ended up being a success, and it was more through Providence than anything else. You know, I love the Marx Brothers, oh, sure, because they always had a way of making fun of each other and making fun of other people and making fun of themselves that was truly humorous. And it was more sight gags. It was more, you know, one liners, and it wasn't by being mean to anybody. It was as about being very aware of what was going on. Michael Hingson 29:25 I'm trying to remember which movie it was. I think it was duck soup. Somebody fell into the water and she yelled, throw me a lifesaver. And so somebody threw her a lifesaver. That is a candy. Yeah, it's just so clever. It was clever. But, you know, one of the things that I enjoy is old radio shows, radios from the shows from the 30s, 40s and 50s, and the humor, again, was respectful of. Hmm, and they could pick on people to a degree, but it was never in a in a mean way, but just the humor was always so clever, and so I would, Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 30:14 I would listen George and Gracie Allen, George, Jack Benny, Michael Hingson 30:19 Phil Harris, Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 30:21 and you was his name, Jackie Gleason, Michael Hingson 30:29 Amos and Andy. And of course, people today have decided Amos and Andy are offensive because they say it's all about blacks, and you're insulting black people. If anybody would go back and look in history, the reality is that Amos and Andy probably was one of the most well, it was one of the most popular shows on radio to the point where, if you were in a movie theater on Saturday afternoon watching a movie, they would stop it when Amos and Andy came on and play the show, and it didn't matter what the color of your skin was. In fact, I asked an Amos and Andy expert one time, when did they stop referring to themselves as black or dark? And the reason I asked that is because the first time I was exposed to Amos and Andy was actually the Amos and Andy TV shows, and I didn't know they were black, and I learned later that they were taken off the air when people started becoming offended because there were two black people. But I asked this, this lady about Amos and Andy, and when did they stop referring to themselves as black? And she said, Well, probably about the last time that she was aware of where there was a reference to it was 1937 so for many, many years, if you decided that their voices were black people, then, then you did, but they didn't talk about black or white or anything else. And and so it was. It was a very interesting show. And one guy usually was trying to con the other one and the other, well, king fish would con Andy, who usually fell for it. But gee, how many shows with white people do we see the same thing. You know? The reality is that it was a very funny show by any standard. Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 32:26 Well, Sanford and sons, Sanford, same thing. I mean, that humor was, it was cutting you know, anytime you get on a cutting edge type of program, you know, it's inevitable that somebody's going to take offense. But I always laughed out loud. I watched that show, and it wasn't because they were demeaning anybody. It was just watching people trying to get by and using their wits. And a lot of times it was, it was comical because it wasn't very clever, but it was just they were doing the best they could to make a living. They were doing the best they could to live in their society. And I always admired that. I mean, they never, and they were able to, I guess, touch on the aspect of racial inequality without burning the house down. And it was like always admired them. You know, Sanford and sons, the Jeffersons, all of those shows, how about all the family? If you want to talk all in the family too well they they were just, you could switch one script with the other because it was more about human beings being human than it was about what the color of your skin was, yeah. So, you know, I would invite anybody who is offended by something to really ask yourself, what is it that offends you? Because there's always something in your consciousness that you find offensive. You would never be offended by anything if you unless you found something within yourself that's offensive, whether because and it's called the psychological term is called projection. You're projecting on what you're perceiving, and it's called bias. We all have conclusions. We all have prejudice. We all have judgments. Our brain is built that way to keep us alive, and so we're always interpreting data and perceptions to see if there's any threat out there, and if, when we start taking words as threatening, then we've got a problem. Yep, and. But because things like comedy and humor shouldn't offend anybody, but because you believe in something that makes that offensive, that's why you're offended. And so it's really as useful to people to really think about what is it that I believe that makes that offensive? Because most of the time you will find that whatever it is that you believe may not be true, and it's just something that some kind of conclusion you've drawn because of your experiences, or what you've been taught or what you've witnessed that's given you a wrong idea about something. So I invite anybody who is mad or angry that they look and see what is that belief that is making you angry? Michael Hingson 35:59 Yeah, it gets back to self analysis. It gets back to looking at yourself, which is something that most of us haven't really learned a lot about how to do. How. How did you pick up all these, these kind of nuggets of wisdom and so on. Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 36:19 Well, when I burn, when I had my nervous breakdown back in 2004 I quit practicing law for a while because I couldn't bear the thought of going into my office and fighting another day of the battles that trial lawyers always fight. Now I won't say that transactional lawyers don't have battles, but Trial Lawyers end up probably picking a few fights on their own that, you know, they didn't really need to go there, but they do because, you know, Trial Lawyers have a, You know, a talent for arguing they have it's exciting to most of them, and they love to fight. And so when? But eventually, if you don't know how to manage it, it will, yes, the key wear you down. Yeah. So I got out of the law business for a while, and instead, I decided I wanted to go find out. Number one, why did I burn out? And number two, how to heal it. And so I went and studied with a number of energy healers who were very, very conscious people. They were very, very aware. You might even say they were enlightened, but it was they were always teaching me and always telling me about whatever I'm experiencing on the outside is just a reflection of what's on the inside. And so it's not so much about somebody being right or somebody being wrong. It's just the world is a mirror to whatever is going on inside between our ears. Yeah, and it's not because it's we're seeing something that's not there, or we're not seeing something that is there. It's just simply, how do we process that information that comes in through our sense organs and goes into our amygdala, then the hippocampus and then to the rest of our brain to try to figure out and but it's well documented that the brain will see whatever the brain wants to See, and a lot of times it's not what the eyes see, because there are lots of experiments you can take with graphics and other things that are illusory. Because, you know, you can see these graphs or prints that look like a spiral that's going around and is moving, but it's actually circles. But the way our brain puts things together, it makes it move. And another way is sounds. If you don't know what a sound is? Your brain is going to make up a story about that sound. And it could be either That's the sound of a frog, or it could be the sound of a somebody getting attacked. It could be the sound of whatever your brain it has to put a label on it, because that's the way the brain has been wired over our couple of hundreds of 1000s of years of evolution. That's how we manage to stay alive, because we make up a story about stuff, and if we're accurate, we live. If we're not accurate, we don't. Yeah, so the a lot of people are very good at making up stories in their head about what they're seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, whatever, because a lot of lot of smells will have psychological responses in our brain. So you know the smell of baby's milk or the smell of mown grass, or, you know smell of something rank, you always will have an instant story about what you just smell. And so when I would spend long periods of time thinking about these things, contemplating them, trying to figure out, well, what does that mean for me? I mean, how does that? How will it looking at this change my life? And basically, what I learned is is that the more objective you can be, the less you make up stories about stuff, the more successful you can be, and the more happy you'll be. Because, for example, there's a term called Mind reading, where people will be listening to somebody talking, and in the back of their mind, they're making up a story about what that person means, or they're making up a story about, well, where is this guy going with this? And it's, you know, it's, it's the opposite of listening, because when listening, you're focusing on the words you're hearing, yes, and then when it's your turn to talk, you can respond appropriately, but most people are thinking while they're hearing and it totally colors their experience, because if they think that this person doesn't like them, then they're going to interpret whatever is being said a certain way. If they think that person does like them, then they will interpret it a completely different way. So it's fascinating to me how people can get the wrong idea about things, because it just is a story that their mind made up to try to explain to them why they're experiencing what they're experiencing. Michael Hingson 42:25 That's why I like to really say that I've learned so much from dogs, because dogs don't do it that way. And as I tell people, dogs don't trust unconditionally. They love unconditionally, but they don't trust unconditionally, but dogs are open to trust, and they're looking for reasons to trust, and they also, by definition, tend to be more objective, and they react to how we react and how we behave and and I think there's so much to be learned by truly taking the time to observe a dog and how they interact with you and how you interact with them, and that's going to make a big difference in how they behave. Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 43:11 Well, you could definitely see a difference in the dog's behavior if they've been traumatized. Michael Hingson 43:16 Oh, sure, that's a different story altogether. Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 43:19 Yeah, I agree that dogs are extremely innocent. You know, they don't have an agenda. They just want to be loved, and they would, they want to love Michael Hingson 43:31 and they want to know the rules, and they then they're looking to us to tell them what we expect. And there are ways to communicate that too, yes. Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 43:41 And you know you all have to is give as a great example of how we should treat each other. Is all you have to do is, you know, a dog will forgive you eventually. And if you're kind to a dog. A dog will just give his entire being to you. Yeah, and it because they don't have any Guile, they don't have any hidden agendas. They just want to be you know, they want to eat. They want to be warm. They want to have fun. They do want to have fun, and so if you treat them timely, you will have a friend for life. Michael Hingson 44:29 Yep, we adopted a dog. We cared for it for a while. It was a geriatric dog at Guide Dogs for the Blind who had apparently had never worked as a guide dog, and she had been mistreated and then sent back to Guide Dogs for the Blind. She was 12. The school was convinced she was totally deaf because she wouldn't react to anything. They dropped a Webster's Dictionary next to her, and she didn't react. But we took her and we started working with her, and. It took several months before she would even take a walk with Karen, and Karen in her, you know, in Karen's wheelchair, and this wonderful golden retriever walking next to her. But the more we worked with her, the more she came out of her shell. She wasn't deaf. I'm sure she was hard of hearing, but you could drop a dictionary and she'd react to it, and if you called her, she would come. But it is all about developing the relationship and showing that you care and they will react. And so she she lived with us for more than three years before she passed, but was a wonderful creature, and we were, we were blessed to have her. Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 45:48 Well, go ahead. No, I was just going to comment that I've got three Pomeranians, and they run the place course. You know, it's there. It's amazing how a six pound dog can run your life, but Michael Hingson 46:03 you let them, but you still establish, but you still establish some rules and you know, but that's, that's, yeah, I have a cat who runs the place, but that's okay. Well, we have not talked about, and I do want to talk about it when I first started hearing from you, your emails were all signed, sir, James Gray Robinson, and I always was curious, and you eventually explained it to me. But why don't you tell us all about your title and and all of that? Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 46:39 Well, since we last talked, I've had a promotion. Now I'm a baron, so it's Baron James Gray Robinson, Scottish, Baron of Cappadocia. But I belong to a royal order that's known as the Royal Order of Constantine, the great in st Helen, and it was established in 312, 312, 12. Ad, when Constantine, who was the emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire, conquered the Western Roman Empire, who it was brother who was the emperor of the Western Roman Empire, and they can then he consolidated the eastern and the western empires. And it was that way until 14 153 when they were defeated by the Solomon Turks. So for 1100 over 1100 years Well, let me back up. The most important battle in that war between the two brothers was the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, which was in Rome and Constantine awarded, rewarded 50 knights, 50 warriors, soldiers who fought on that campaign and carried the day against much superior forces. And he rewarded them by making them knights and giving them land in Turkey, in an area that's known as Cappadocia. And this, if you know anything about Turkey, there's an area which is honeycombed with caves that have been dug out over the millennia, and it's kind of like some body was doing some renovation work, and they broke through the floor, and they went into a cave system that would have been hand dug, and it goes down 17 layers, and it could house 30,000 people. But that was, that was Cappadocia and Constantine the Great charged these warriors with the with the duty to protect the Christian church, because that's because Constantine had converted to Christianity. His mother, Helen, was one of the driving forces in the early Christian church. She's the one that decided to build a cathedral on top of the the nativity, the manger, which is actually a grotto in Bethlehem, I've been there. I spent Christmas Eve there one year. And so the Christianity was just a fledgling religion, and he charged these nights and all successive nights, with the obligation to protect the Christians and to protect the churches. And so a lot of people credit the royal order with advancing the Christian religion. So it's been around since 312 and it's the oldest peerage and a peerage. Is a group of royalty that have knights. They have royalty like Dukes and nobles and that sort of thing. But if you look at other orders that we're aware of, the Knights of Balta didn't get established until about 1200 ad the Knights of the Templar nights, similar thing. They didn't get established till about 1000 years after we did. So it's a very, very ancient, very traditional order that focuses on helping abused women and traffic children. We have, you know, we have a lot of, you know, compassion for those people in the world, and so we are actively supporting those people all over the world. And then on the other side, we have the knights, and we have the women, equivalent of that are called dames, and then we have the nobles who are like barons and other ranks that go all the way up to a prince who is actually related To the King of Spain. So it's been a interesting history, but we can try, we can directly trace our lineage all the way back to 312 and what the you know, we have a couple of reasons for existing, one being the charitable, but also to honor people who have been successful and have accomplished a lot for other people and who care about their fellow man and women, so that we accept Anyone in eight different categories, everywhere from Arts to athletics to entrepreneurship to medicine to heroics. We have a number of veterans that were credible. Have incredible stories. We have a lot of A listers, movie stars, professional athletes, that sort of thing. Also philanthropy. I got in for philanthropy because I've given a lot of money over my life to help people all over the world, and that's one reason why I was awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. But we're a group of people. We just today started a Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences because we want to help people all over the world learn things like finances and you arts and crafts and trades and so that people who are oppressed cultures that are in third world countries will be able to learn a good earn a good living, raise their status in life, and then learn how to go on and help other people. So that's very exciting. We've got a lot of things going on with the royal order that are we're growing very rapidly, where somebody said we're 1700 year old startup, but it's, you know, we've gone through some regime changes where people have died and there weren't any heirs, so they've had to go laterally to find somebody to take over. And that's where we are now. You know, interestingly enough, my sons will inherit my title, so it's a true royalty kind of thing, where it passes down by inheritance. But you know, we don't, you know we're, we're hundreds of people in our thing. It's like 300 people in our order right now. We'd like that to be 100,000 times that because we do good work and we foster principles of charity, silvery and honesty, so that we're trying to change the culture around us to where people don't take offense in everything that they're in a society that supports each other and that people can feel safe knowing that there's they have a brother or sister that will support them. Michael Hingson 54:57 Definitely fascinating. I was not familiar with it at all. All until you and I check, yes. Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 55:03 Well, it's amazing that me. I guess you have to be somewhat of a history buff. Yeah, and there, and there are lots of service organizations like the Masons and the Shriners and every all the animal ones, the Moose Lodge, the beavers and all these people are doing, you know, charitable work. But not not. Many of them have a royal heritage that goes back to 312 right? So, and we do dress up like knights from time to time, and ladies, and we have swords and we have robes, and we have big parties, and we have gala events, and where we induct more people into our order, and it's all great fun, and it's, you know, and we raise money for charity. So it's a win, win situation. Cool, and it doesn't hurt having Baron on your resume. Michael Hingson 56:08 No, I am sure it doesn't well. I want to thank you for explaining that, and I want to thank you for being here again. This has been a lot of fun, and I'm glad that we had a chance to really talk about humor, which, which is more important, I think, than a lot of people realize. And again, if people want to reach out to you, how do they do that? Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 56:31 My website is James Gray robinson.com Michael Hingson 56:36 There you go. Easy to spell, easy to get to. So I hope people will do that. And again, I hope that you all enjoyed today, and that you will let me know that you enjoyed it. Please feel free to email me at Michael h i at accessibe, A, C, C, E, S, S, i, b, e.com, please give us a five star rating. Go off and read history and learn about the royal order. I think that's probably relevant and important to do as well. And again, if anyone knows anyone who ought to be a guest on the podcast, please let us know. Introduce us. Give us a rating of five stars wherever you're listening. And again, James, I just want to thank you for being here. Excuse me, sir. James. Barron, James, really appreciate you being here, and we'll have to do it again. Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 57:24 Well, Michael, my hat's off to you. I think you're doing amazing work. I think you're helping a lot of people. You have a great podcast I've gone on your website or your YouTube, and it's a lot of fun. And I think you're doing a great service for people. Michael Hingson 57:45 You have been listening to the Unstoppable Mindset podcast. Thanks for dropping by. I hope that you'll join us again next week, and in future weeks for upcoming episodes. To subscribe to our podcast and to learn about upcoming episodes, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com slash podcast. Michael Hingson is spelled m i c h a e l h i n g s o n. While you're on the site., please use the form there to recommend people who we ought to interview in upcoming editions of the show. And also, we ask you and urge you to invite your friends to join us in the future. If you know of any one or any organization needing a speaker for an event, please email me at speaker at Michael hingson.com. I appreciate it very much. To learn more about the concept of blinded by fear, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com forward slash blinded by fear and while you're there, feel free to pick up a copy of my free eBook entitled blinded by fear. The unstoppable mindset podcast is provided by access cast an initiative of accessiBe and is sponsored by accessiBe. Please visit www.accessibe.com . AccessiBe is spelled a c c e s s i b e. There you can learn all about how you can make your website inclusive for all persons with disabilities and how you can help make the internet fully inclusive by 2025. Thanks again for Listening. Please come back and visit us again next week.
If your life feels upside down since your spiritual awakening, like your career, relationships, or daily routines don't fit anymore, take a breath. You're not broken — you're waking up. And yes, spiritual growth can feel chaotic at first.In this episode, I'm walking you through PERMA — Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Achievement — and showing you how to use it to stop spiritual awakening chaos, integrate your growth, and finally thrive.We'll cover:Why feeling lost, unmotivated, or disconnected after a spiritual awakening is actually proof of your personal growthHow to turn the overwhelm of spiritual alignment into clarity, confidence, and purposePractical strategies to integrate your awakening into your life, career, relationships, and businessWhy alignment isn't perfection — it's when your inner knowing matches your outer actionsThis episode is for anyone navigating a spiritual awakening, experiencing identity shifts, or trying to figure out how to thrive after intense personal and spiritual transformation. Think of it as me sitting across from you, holding your hand, and saying:“You've got this — here's how to stop the chaos and start living the life your soul actually wants.”
On the Schmooze Podcast: Leadership | Strategic Networking | Relationship Building
What does it take to write a book that truly changes lives—yours included? Today's guest has made it her life's work to help authors do exactly that. As a publishing strategist and developmental editor, she's guided everyone from first-time writers to New York Times bestselling authors with millions of copies sold. Her approach goes far beyond the mechanics of writing—it's about crafting a must-read that builds connection, credibility, and community. She's been the writing partner behind ten books with author Mike Michalowicz, including “Profit First” and “Clockwork.” As the Head Writing Coach for Heroic Public Speaking, she has helped thought leaders, scientists, and speakers from Harvard, Yale, and TEDx Cambridge bring their big ideas to the stage with clarity and heart. The authors she coaches learn how to develop transformational manuscripts that make an impact and leave a legacy. Please join me in welcoming AJ Harper. In this episode, we discuss the following:
What if you could build a private practice with your spouse, create flexibility for your family, and serve your community at the same time? That's exactly what Morgan and Connor Randel have done with their private practice, Speak, Play, Love, in Charlotte, North Carolina.Morgan has been a speech-language pathologist for 8 years in which she had the privilege working with diverse infants, toddlers, and school age children. Her passion for working with kids started when she was just 12, babysitting and dreaming of a career helping children. After exploring teaching and nursing, she discovered speech pathology in college—a perfect blend of her interests. Connor, her husband, brought a lifelong entrepreneurial spirit and a background in finance and accounting. Together, they realized they could combine their skills to create something truly unique.After moving to Charlotte and navigating the challenges of finding her first job as a new graduate, Morgan started working as an independent contractor. She began to see firsthand the possibilities of private practice. When Morgan became pregnant with their first child, she and Connor decided it was the perfect time to take the leap—launching Speak, Play, Love while growing their family.Starting small, Morgan began seeing 5–10 clients a week, primarily through existing relationships with local daycares. By the time they had their second child, their practice had grown to 18 clients and 26 weekly sessions. Connor stepped in to manage the business side—billing, onboarding, and growth strategy—allowing Morgan to focus on therapy and client care.Over the next several months, Morgan and Connor continued to hire therapists, expand services, and grow their caseload. By creating a mobile-based practice, they kept overhead low, maximized their reach across Charlotte, and made therapy accessible to families who might otherwise face barriers to care.Morgan and Connor's story highlights the power of partnership. Morgan leads in therapy and client care, while Connor manages the business operations and growth. Their complementary skills, mutual trust, and shared vision allow them to operate a practice that works for their family, serves the community, and supports other therapists in their professional growth.In Today's Episode, We Discuss:Transitioning from traditional employment to private practice while starting a familyBuilding a mobile-based practice to serve the community efficientlyPartnering with a spouse to balance business growth and personal lifeHiring and onboarding therapists to scale services without sacrificing qualityCreating systems that allow for flexibility, sustainability, and growthMorgan and Connor's journey is a reminder that private practice is more than just a job—it's about designing a life. By combining their strengths, embracing the challenges, and thinking creatively about their model, they've built a thriving practice that supports their family, their clients, and their therapists.If you're ready to create a private practice that works for you and your family—whether solo or with a partner—the Start Your Private Practice Program can give you the tools and step-by-step guidance to get started. Learn more at www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com.Whether you want to start a practice, grow an existing one, or explore unique practice models, Morgan and Connor's story shows that with vision, support, and...
Nikki Bartley didn't wait for perfect land access, a perfect setup, or perfect timing. She started selling mason jar arrangements out of her front yard and built Cross Street Flower Farm into a thriving New England cut flower business by leasing seven acres on town owned farmland, then designing a business model that keeps customers coming back all season long. In this episode, we dig into how Nikki built a retail barn shop that runs like a boutique flower destination, why her CSA evolved as her grab and go sales grew, and how she uses events like tulip and dahlia cut your own to turn the farm into a place families plan their weekends around. If you're trying to grow a sustainable flower farm business without owning land, you'll love Nikki's practical takeaways on diversifying sales channels, building community based marketing that actually works, and setting up inventory in a way that reduces waste and increases profit. Find Nikki OnlineWebsite: www.crossstreetflowerfarm.comInstagram: @crossstreetflowerfarm Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a review on Apple or Spotify. Follow Jenny on Instagram: @trademarkfarmer Find free flower business resources: www.trademarkfarmer.com
This conversation is an invitation to slow down and remember that the adventure is not waiting somewhere else. It is happening right here.This is the full episode with Tara Wear, a coach and facilitator with over 30 years of experience supporting leaders and women through growth, burnout, and transition. Tara and I met through the TEDx Spokane community, where she coached me through my upcoming talk, and this conversation felt like a natural deepening of that shared journey.We talk about burnout, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and the pressure so many women feel to overdo, overthink, and constantly improve. Tara shares her personal path into coaching, group work, and leadership, including how healing, community, and compassion shaped the work she offers today through Ready to Thrive Coaching.We explore the balance between being and doing, the power of intention, breath, and grounding, and why safe community matters when we are trying to grow without losing ourselves. This episode is about choosing again, listening inward, and learning to thrive without abandoning your needs.Tara also shares about her Women's Winter Book Club and Thrive Circles, spaces designed for women to practice self-compassion and connection together.Key takeaways • You can choose again, even in the middle of burnout • Self-awareness creates space for real change, not forced improvement • Thriving happens when being and doing are allowed to exist togetherA reflection to try Pause today and notice where you are pushing to be better instead of listening to what you need. Take one small action that supports your body, breath, or heart, not because you earned it, but because you are here.Links and resourcesWebsite https://readytothriveco.comEmail: thrivewithtaraw@gmail.comWomen's Winter Book Club Thrive CircleBook Mindful Self-Compassion for Burnout by Dr. Kristin Neff and Dr. Christopher Germer: Send us a text Support the show✨ Join My TEDx Spokane Journey! Get early updates, BTS moments, and reflections as I prep for TEDx Spokane.
Lynea Carver, business coach, consultant, and high-performance real estate agent, who helps real estate agents, team leaders, and business owners build profitable, sustainable companies without burning out.Through her signature Dream Framework, Lynea combines technical systems, automation, and mindset mastery to help clients achieve effortless client conversion, sustainable growth, and genuine life balance.Now, Lynea's personal journey from being broke and burnt out to tripling her profit in just 18 months demonstrates the power of rebuilding from the inside out—prioritising both purpose and profit.And while leading a thriving business, mentoring others to do the same, and building a vision to inspire thousands from the stage, she's showing what it truly means to design success without sacrifice.Here's where to find more:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynea-carverhttps://www.lyneacarver.com (currently being rebuilt - so check in a week)https://www.instagram.com/lyneacarver________________________________________________Welcome to The Unforget Yourself Show where we use the power of woo and the proof of science to help you identify your blind spots, and get over your own bullshit so that you can do the fucking thing you ACTUALLY want to do!We're Mark and Katie, the founders of Unforget Yourself and the creators of the Unforget Yourself System and on this podcast, we're here to share REAL conversations about what goes on inside the heart and minds of those brave and crazy enough to start their own business. From the accidental entrepreneur to the laser-focused CEO, we find out how they got to where they are today, not by hearing the go-to story of their success, but talking about how we all have our own BS to deal with and it's through facing ourselves that we find a way to do the fucking thing.Along the way, we hope to show you that YOU are the most important asset in your business (and your life - duh!). Being a business owner is tough! With vulnerability and humor, we get to the real story behind their success and show you that you're not alone._____________________Find all our links to all the things like the socials, how to work with us and how to apply to be on the podcast here: https://linktr.ee/unforgetyourself
Learn how to JournalSpeak ➡️ LEARN HOW: https://tinyurl.com/2ph33u2s In today's episode, I'm joined by Lois Heymann, who is in her 70s and living proof that healing has no expiration date. Lois came to my work with terrible neck pain—but what she discovered went far beyond her physical symptoms. As she began to look inward, she realized how deeply she had been limiting herself, quietly resigned to the belief that aging meant shrinking, suffering, and slowly going downhill. That belief had shaped not only her body, but her relationship with herself. Through this work, Lois experienced a full recovery from her neck pain—but even more powerfully, she reclaimed her joy. Today, she feels more aligned, authentic, and inspired than ever before. This conversation isn't just about pain; it's about waking up, telling the truth, and choosing to thrive at any stage of life. If you've ever thought, “It's too late for me,” Lois' story will gently—and powerfully—invite you to think again. Join us! XOOX n. 1:1 COACHING WITH TRAINED COACHES SUPERVISED DIRECTLY BY NICOLE PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW THE PODCAST HERE TO HELP OTHERS FIND IT! Producer: Lisa Eisenpresser ~~~~~ SUPPORT:
LANCASTER COUNTY: AMISH SPENDING AND DATA CENTER GROWTH Colleague Jim McTague, Author and Former Barron's Editor. Jim McTague reports that the Lancaster County economy remains robust, evidenced by heavy Amish spending at Costco and thriving local businesses like Kegel's Produce. Despite some local protests, data centers are being built on old industrial sites. McTague sees no need for Fed rate cuts given the stable local economy. NUMBER 71941 LANCASTER