The Gratitude Podcast

Born into a vibrant blend of Mexican‑Catholic and Palestinian‑Lebanese Muslim traditions, Ali grew up surrounded by prayers, blessings, and a family that constantly reminded him to thank God for everything. After a period of spiritual drift in college, a simple daily ritual—reciting the “guardian‑angel” prayer while cruising with his car’s sunroof open— sparked a powerful gratitude practice that transformed his energy, mood, and outlook.Seeing the impact on his own life, Ali turned his practice into a public movement. He began filming his sunroof shout‑outs on Instagram, inviting followers to share three things they’re grateful for. The idea evolved into a street‑level project: armed with a camera and a concise, hostage‑negotiator‑tested pitch, he’s interviewed over 300 strangers— from pedestrians to homeless individuals— asking them what gratitude means, whether they have a practice, and what three things they’re grateful for today.Through these conversations Ali discovered that gratitude is universal, yet rarely framed as a daily habit. People most often thank other people, the weather, or basic comforts; the most grateful voices often come from those with the least material security. He distills his insights into practical takeaways: treat gratitude like a muscle—write, speak, meditate, or even thank yourself in the mirror—and keep challenging yourself to find gratitude in the hard moments.In this episode you’ll hear Ali’s origin story, the birth of DAT Grat, the surprising lessons from his street interviews, and his actionable advice for building your own gratitude practice—whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between. Tune in, open your own “sunroof,” and discover how a few minutes of heartfelt thanks can reshape your day, your relationships, and ultimately, the world.Stay grateful, stay curious, and let’s get started.Resources:Ali's IG: https://www.instagram.com/aliabouzalam/Head to Aquatrushower.com and get 20% off AquaTru Shower today with promo code SHGRATITUDE. Your skin and hair will thank you.Head to https://AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code GRATITUDE to get UP TO $250 off today!Thank you so much for listening to The Gratitude Podcast! Please rate and review us everywhere you listen to podcasts, including Spotify & Apple Podcasts.Timestamps:00:29 – Introduction of guest: Ali Abuzelam – entrepreneur, podcaster, MMA fighter, founder of DatGrat01:02 – Ali’s powerful gratitude practice on Instagram & street interviews teaser01:58 – Ali shares his childhood: mixed Mexican‑Catholic & Palestinian/Lebanese‑Muslim family02:51 – Early family prayers: gratitude before/after meals, before/after travel, “bless you” customs03:24 – Father’s early lessons: “All my family will go to hell” → Ali’s search for truth04:26 – Ali’s wide‑spanning spiritual studies (Bible, Quran, Tao, Buddhism) & discovery of gratitude’s universality04:54 – The “Ángel de la Guarda” (guardian‑angel) prayer routine with his mother05:21 – College life → loss of spiritual practice → feeling of void after graduation05:56 – Re‑discovering the guardian‑angel prayer on Dallas commutes; shift to thanking what he already has06:40 – Turning gratitude into an energetic practice (opening the sunroof, shouting thanks)07:12 – Sample gratitude script: basics (senses, body) → specific blessings (business, family)08:17 – Colleagues notice Ali’s elevated energy & happiness when he practices gratitude08:49 – Realizing the practice fuels his mood; missing it lowers his energy09:09 – Host relates to Ali’s multi‑faith background & common core of love & gratitude09:45 – Ali’s father’s Muslim perspective: constant thanks to Allah, five‑daily prayers11:55 – Contrast: gratitude to God vs. gratitude to people; pragmatic blend of spiritual & everyday practice13:43 – Birth of “Daily Action Towards Gratitude” (DAT Grat) on Snapchat/Instagram14:05 – Viral sunroof videos + “three things you’re grateful for” prompts from followers14:45 – Treating gratitude like a muscle: daily workouts, MMA, yoga analogies15:35 – Naming the movement: “DAT Grat” = Daily Action Towards Gratitude16:13 – Recognizing gratitude is seen as a “Thanksgiving‑only” act, not a daily practice16:33 – Designing street‑interview questions: definition, practice, three things today17:36 – Crafting a pitch using hostage‑negotiator technique (“start with a no”)18:17 – Explaining the mission: inspire 1 billion people by 2030 to practice gratitude18:49 – Support from Toastmasters friend; team grows to >300 street interviews in 14 months19:38 – Unexpected ad‑read (AquaTrue Shower) – example of ad insertion in the episode20:38 – Interview insight: most people’s gratitude list focuses on other people & weather21:23 – Homeless interview findings: those with the least often show the most gratitude22:05 – Description of Fort Collins, CO setting & local homeless community23:08 – Why scarcity breeds deeper gratitude – hard‑wired desire for more vs. appreciation of basics24:51 – Pain & suffering as catalysts for greater thankfulness26:03 – Call to action: develop a daily gratitude habit instead of waiting for hardship27:16 – Practical tip: start with 1 minute a day; consistency builds gratitude “muscle”28:24 – Analogy: gratitude practice is like fitness – find your personal “vehicle”29:10 – Ali’s preferred method: vocalizing gratitude in the car (sunroof, “thank you God/Universe”)29:27 – Mirror gratitude: speaking thanks to yourself in the reflection30:20 – Other modalities: journaling, meditation, outward gratitude (expressing thanks to others)31:02 – Emphasizing flexibility: experiment, switch methods, keep challenging the practice37:01 – Gratitude in difficult situations (e.g., friend’s suicide) – grieving first, then finding lessons38:50 – Choosing gratitude over victimhood to build resilience and future happiness40:29 – Closing: where to find Ali (Instagram @AliAbuzlam & @DatGrat, YouTube link)Experience more abundance on georgianbenta.com/abundanceAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Debra shares her raw, bumpy journey from a thriving yet unhealthy theater career in Chicago, through the cut‑throat world of Hollywood, to discovering a sustainable blend of creativity and self‑care.Together they unpack:What gratitude really means – not just a feeling, but a daily action habit that combats our brain’s negativity bias.The “tortured artist” myth – why you don’t have to suffer, stay up all night, or live on fumes to be creative, and how viewing an artist as an athlete can transform performance.Practical, bite‑sized habits – from a morning glass of filtered water and “just putting on your shoes” exercise mindset, to night‑time screen‑off rituals and the power of positive questioning.Balancing multiple life buckets – why spreading value across career, relationships, hobbies, and health shields you from setbacks and fuels gratitude.Real‑world gratitude tools – gratitude lists, three‑thing‑daily reflections with kids, and the simple question‑shift that rewires your brain toward abundance.Debra also reveals the people who inspire her gratitude—her surviving childhood friends, healthy parents, and even the unexpected comforts of the pandemic—and highlights a real‑life role model, Tom Hanks, whose earned humility exemplifies grateful living.Whether you’re an actor, a creator, an entrepreneur, or anyone seeking a healthier, more grateful mindset, this conversation offers a roadmap to thriving without “kicking your ass.” Tune in, take notes, and get ready to reboot your gratitude practice—one small habit at a time.Stay tuned. Stay grateful. Keep seeking.Resources:Debra's website: https://www.debrawanger.com/Head to Aquatrushower.com and get 20% off AquaTru Shower today with promo code SHGRATITUDE. Your skin and hair will thank you.Head to https://AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code GRATITUDE to get UP TO $250 off today!Thank you so much for listening to The Gratitude Podcast! Please rate and review us everywhere you listen to podcasts, including Spotify & Apple Podcasts.Timestamps:02:03 – Introduction of guest Debra Wenger (author, actress, singer, coach, speaker)03:15 – Debra’s early life: Chicago theater roots, early acting success but unhappiness04:23 – Turning point: health‑coach certification, deep dive into nutrition, sleep, stress, exercise05:01 – Mission to help actors & creatives find balance so work doesn’t “kick your ass”06:43 – Debra defines gratitude as both an action and a feeling; training the mind to focus on positives08:54 – Why creatives struggle with gratitude: the “tortured artist” myth & darkness of the creative process10:15 – Athlete metaphor: treat your body as an instrument, prioritize rest, recovery & coaching11:57 – Balancing dark projects with self‑care; healthy habits boost creative output13:53 – Exhaustion from perfect‑making; compare creative marathon to a physical marathon15:28 – Long‑term thinking: protect your future self by maintaining health now16:43 – (Ad break) AquaTrue shower‑water filtration promotion18:33 – Choosing work environments that support health, sanity & family life20:30 – Personal gratitude story revisited: surviving loss, pandemic challenges, family blessings22:35 – Daily gratitude practice with kids: “three great things” list23:45 – Small daily habits for success; habit‑building mindset24:16 – Morning hydration habit (filtered water) to start the day “winning”24:52 – Exercise habit: put on shoes/workout clothes first, focus on starting rather than outcome25:38 – Sleep habit: phone reminder to power down screens an hour before bed27:25 – Accountability: sharing commitments with friends/coach boosts follow‑through28:45 – Power of positive questioning; re‑frame thoughts to trigger grateful answers31:18 – Example of gratitude in Hollywood: Tom Hanks as a grateful, hard‑working artist34:55 – Avoid “single‑basket” identity; derive worth from multiple life areas (relationships, hobbies, contribution)38:17 – How to find Debra’s book The Resilient Actor and contact infoExperience more abundance on georgianbenta.com/abundanceAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

After applying the principles from Shawn Achor’s The Happiness Advantage to his own life, he realized that gratitude isn’t just an innate trait – it’s a skill you can cultivate. Determined to fill the gap he’d felt in his own schooling, Ash launched Growing With Gratitude with a mission to embed a culture of gratitude across the whole school ecosystem.In this conversation we’ll explore:Why teaching gratitude early matters – building resilience, joy and mental‑health foundations for the next generation.How the program works – from the “Daily Habits of Happiness Wheel” web app to hands‑on activities like gratitude trees, jars, and the “Stop‑Think‑Appreciate” sticker system that turn abstract concepts into tangible classroom experiences.The power of habit – why the classic “three‑things‑I’m‑grateful‑for” list can become a chore and how creative variations keep kids engaged.Real‑world impact – evidence‑based results from pilot schools, adoption in over 40 countries, and the holistic approach that involves parents and teachers as role models.Ash’s personal grit – how gratitude helped him transition from a full‑time PE teacher to running his program full‑time, and the daily practices that keep him grounded.Top reading recommendations – Shawn Achor’s The Happiness Advantage and the Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu’s The Book of Joy.Whether you’re an educator, parent, or anyone looking to embed gratitude into daily life, Ash’s story offers practical tools, inspiring anecdotes, and a clear roadmap for creating happier, more empathetic classrooms—and ultimately, a more compassionate world.Stay tuned, hit that follow button, and let’s dive into the world of gratitude with Ash Manuel. Resources:Ash's website: https://ashmanuel.com/Head to Aquatrushower.com and get 20% off AquaTru Shower today with promo code SHGRATITUDE. Your skin and hair will thank you.Head to https://AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code GRATITUDE to get UP TO $250 off today!Thank you so much for listening to The Gratitude Podcast! Please rate and review us everywhere you listen to podcasts, including Spotify & Apple Podcasts.Timestamps:01:00 – Ash’s mission: Helping children, teachers, and families start life with gratitude and a giving mindset.01:59 – Origin story: Ash discovered gratitude’s link to success while researching property investing; inspired by Sean Achor’s The Happiness Advantage.02:41 – From personal habit to school program: Turning daily 2‑10‑minute gratitude habits into a scalable primary‑school curriculum.03:44 – Program overview: Growing with Gratitude creates a whole‑school culture of gratitude using the “Daily Habits of Happiness Wheel” web app (95 % online).04:54 – The power of early teaching: Cultivating gratitude, kindness, empathy, and mindfulness early builds lifelong happiness and resilience.05:19 – Redefining success: Parents’ true success is a child’s happiness, not just academic or career milestones.06:08 – Holistic approach: Involving students, teachers and families so gratitude practices reinforce each other.07:02 – Teaching the mind: Gratitude isn’t innate—it can be taught; the program also teaches reframing and positive thinking.07:53 – Reframing tough days: Turning “bad” experiences into perspective shifts (e.g., focusing on family, health).09:01 – Favorite gratitude quote: Oprah Winfrey – “Be thankful for what you have; you end up having more.”10:22 – Money vs. mindset: Happiness comes from internal perspective, not how much you own.12:30 – When gratitude feels hard: Acknowledge negative emotions, then consciously find something to be grateful for (e.g., comparing to those worse‑off).14:58 – Gratitude as a coping tool: Using practiced gratitude habits to bounce back during tough times.16:44 – Daily practice impact: Regular gratitude, kindness, empathy, and reflection become a mental toolkit.18:19 – Personal gratitude journey: Shift from “I was grateful” to actively cultivating gratitude over the last six years.20:03 – Turning passion into full‑time work: Using gratitude to transition from a nine‑to‑five job to running the program.21:59 – Teaching gratitude to children: From simple “3‑things‑I’m‑grateful‑for” lists to more engaging activities.23:24 – Creative activities demo: Gratitude tree, gratitude jar, “Stop‑Think‑Appreciate” stickers, and other hands‑on tools.25:12 – Engaging the environment: Making gratitude visible and interactive rather than a purely mental exercise.26:22 – Advice to younger self: Plant gratitude seeds in primary school to protect teens and adults from later mental‑health challenges.28:58 – Gratitude vs. self‑criticism: How gratitude builds a stronger emotional foundation than beating yourself up.30:45 – Daily habits for the host: Teaching, creating lessons, and constant reframing keep gratitude alive for Ash.33:00 – People Ash is grateful for: Parents, partner, friends, mentors, authors, and the broader gratitude community.35:53 – Book recommendations: The Happiness Advantage (Sean Achor) and The Book of Joy (Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu).37:44 – Global reach: Online, evidence‑based program used in 40+ countries; free resources plus full‑school packages.Experience more abundance on georgianbenta.com/abundanceAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today I’m thrilled to sit down once again with a dear friend and purpose‑guide, Dr. Holly Woods—PhD in Human & Organizational Development, author of the brand‑new book The Golden Thread: Where to Find Purpose in the Stages of Your Life, and a true visionary for anyone who craves meaning.In our conversation we unpack a simple yet transformative idea: purpose isn’t a single, static destination; it’s a golden thread that weaves its way through every chapter of our lives. Whether we’re a curious toddler, a searching teen, a 30‑something stepping into our “subtle tier,” or a seasoned adult refining our impact, that thread shows up in different forms—if we’re willing to notice it.We’ll explore:Why purpose is a living, evolving expression of our soul, not just a job title or project.How gratitude is the catalyst that lets us see and follow the thread at every stage.Practical insights for anyone in their 30s or 40s—what that “subtle tier” looks like, how confidence builds, and how we can start owning our unique contribution.The power of parenting and mentorship in surfacing a child’s early purpose signals without forcing restrictive roles.Raw, personal stories of trauma turned into gifts, showing how challenges sharpen our purpose when we meet them with gratitude.The three people who have most shaped Holly’s journey, reminding us that every person we meet can act as a mirror, reflecting a part of our hidden gifts.If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to pin down “your purpose,” or if you’re curious about how gratitude can actually illuminate that hidden golden thread, this episode is for you. Grab a notebook, hit that follow button, and let’s dive deep together.Resources:Holly Wood's website: https://emergenceinstitute.net/Head to Aquatrushower.com and get 20% off AquaTru Shower today with promo code SHGRATITUDE. Your skin and hair will thank you.Head to https://AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code GRATITUDE to get UP TO $250 off today!Thank you so much for listening to The Gratitude Podcast! Please rate and review us everywhere you listen to podcasts, including Spotify & Apple Podcasts.Timestamps:02:12 – Podcast growth & the power of gratitude in personal evolution03:28 – Defining purpose – Purpose as a “golden thread” that runs through life04:55 – Purpose vs. expression – One purpose, many nuanced expressions across stages05:51 – Developmental stages – Purpose looks different for child, teen, adult, mature adult06:29 – Uncovering hidden purpose – Story‑mapping & the role of wounding07:22 – Book preview – “The Golden Thread: Where to Find Purpose in the Stages of Your Life”07:52 – Age vs. developmental stage – Why 30‑s/40‑s purpose is about skill/talent integration09:33 – What purpose isn’t – It’s not a job; it’s a soul‑driven expression10:21 – The “subtle tier” (30s) – Self‑knowledge, confidence, and emerging expression11:37 – Early childhood purpose – Kids express purpose unconsciously via curiosity & delight13:44 – Parenting & education – Guiding children to notice and nurture their innate purpose15:28 – Gratitude for non‑ideal upbringing – How challenges can still reveal purpose17:00 – Trauma as “gift” – Facing hardship sharpens the “gem” of our purpose19:33 – Linking gratitude & purpose – Gratitude turns painful events into purpose‑fuel22:29 – Using gratitude to uncover purpose – Finding blessings in disguise23:51 – The “three people” question – Who shapes our purpose and why we’re grateful24:17 – Daughters as teachers – Each child illuminates a different facet of her purpose25:20 – Father’s influence – Building confidence, hands‑on skills, and “building” mindset26:53 – Every person as a mirror – How each encounter reveals hidden aspects of self28:42 – Pandemic silver linings – Choosing gratitude amid isolation and new connections29:56 – Book & coaching details – How to find “The Golden Thread” and contact Dr. Woods32:07 – Gratitude for her name – Turning an embarrassing name into a playful gift34:40 – Discomfort as a catalyst – Uncomfortable moments point to shadow work and growth36:07 – Shared name awkwardness – Finding humor & purpose in everyday misunderstandingsExperience more abundance on georgianbenta.com/abundanceAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In today’s episode we sit down with a true renaissance man—civil‑engineer‑turned‑ultralight pioneer, author, philanthropist and, proudly, part‑time dishwasher. Glenn VanPesky grew up biking 4,200 miles across the United States, turned a childhood love of sewing into the iconic Gossamer Gear backpacks, and spent three decades balancing a demanding engineering career with a side‑business that never paid him a salary—yet has empowered countless hikers to travel lighter and freer.Glenn shares how a chance encounter with Ray Jardine’s Pacific Crest Trail Hikers Handbook sparked his obsession with shedding weight, how the simple act of sewing a custom bag for a neighbor turned into a thriving community of DIY backpackers, and why the lessons he learned on the trail—take less, do more—became the backbone of his bookBeyond the gear, Glenn explores the deeper currents of gratitude: appreciating not just what we have, but also the things we don’t have—peace, health, safety—and how ultralight backpacking flips our expectations, reminding us that happiness lives in minimalism, nature, and human connection. He reveals the surprising ways his engineered mindset taught him to focus on the journey rather than the finish line, and how that philosophy fuels his “gratitude fund,” a deliberate financial reserve that lets him respond instantly to strangers in need.From mounting a bike‑frame bag for a friend with respiratory issues, to washing dishes at a beloved local bakery, to funding a family’s final goodbye or a bucket‑list adventure, Glenn’s stories illustrate how small, intentional actions create outsized ripple effects.Join us as we unpack:The origins of Gossamer Gear and the power of DIY craftsmanshipThe psychology of gratitude—why we should celebrate the things we don’t want (war, disease, discrimination) as much as the things we do wantHow nature, especially the solitude of a lightweight trek, rewires our perspective on need, comfort, and purposePractical takeaways for building margin in time, resources, and mindsetA preview of Glenn’s upcoming book, Take Less, Do More: Surprising Life Lessons on Generosity, Gratitude, and Curiosity from an Ultralight BackpackerWhether you’re a seasoned thru‑hiker, an aspiring minimalist, or simply seeking a fresh lens on thankfulness, this conversation will inspire you to lighten your load, amplify your generosity, and rediscover the extraordinary in everyday life. Press play, and let’s get grateful together.Resources:Glen's website: https://www.glenvanpeski.com/Head to Aquatrushower.com and get 20% off AquaTru Shower today with promo code SHGRATITUDE. Your skin and hair will thank you.Head to https://AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code GRATITUDE to get UP TO $250 off today!Thank you so much for listening to The Gratitude Podcast! Please rate and review us everywhere you listen to podcasts, including Spotify & Apple Podcasts.Timestamps:02:07 – Glenn’s background: Early life, 4,200‑mile bike trek, engineering career, family04:32 – Boy Scouts & first exposure to ultralight backpacking via Ray Jardine’s book05:48 – Transition to ultralight gear: REI trip, discovering heavy internal‑frame packs, first prototype (≈5 lb base weight)07:31 – DIY sewing roots: Making his own packs (G1, G2, …) and sharing patterns online08:46 – From hobby to business: Demand for sewn packs, partnering with a cut‑and‑sew shop, founding Gossamer Gear09:53 – Running the company as a side‑business without taking a salary12:04 – Real‑world sewing stories: Customizing ski packs & bike frame bags; skill relevance in the AI era14:30 – Glenn’s definition of gratitude: Morning prayers, relationships, marriage, resisting consumer culture16:58 – Ultralight backpacking as a gratitude reset: Minimal gear, reliance on basic resources, appreciating modern comforts18:22 – Host reflection: Nature’s role in amplifying gratitude; shifting perspective after wilderness20:44 – Ad read – AquaTrue Shower (water filtration)23:02 – Ad read – AirDoctor air purifier (air‑quality benefits)24:09 – Gratitude matrix discussion (have vs. want; don’t have vs. don’t want) and creating a “don’t‑want‑we‑don’t‑have” list27:26 – Seeing the “silver lining”: Appreciating that things didn’t get worse (e.g., cold vs. cancer)31:06 – Higher‑perspective analogy: Mountain views, focusing beyond self, applying mindset to life goals33:37 – Book preview: Take Less, Do More – 15 lessons from ultralight backpacking; why writing the book mattered35:41 – Journey vs. goal: Engineering mindset, savoring the process, inevitable end of life38:13 – Prioritizing nature & exercise: Making time, seasonal adjustments, outdoor activity as natural workout42:28 – Urban nature alternatives & personal anecdotes (Echo Park, LA bike rides, grit exposure)45:58 – Wilderness for mental clarity: No phone, mind‑wandering, walking meditation, insights for business leaders49:59 – How to connect: Glenn’s website, book retailers, direct email contact51:11 – Philanthropy & dishwasher story: Volunteering at Sparrow Bakery, creating a “gratitude fund” with a set‑percentage giving plan54:20 – Impact of the gratitude fund: Funding emergencies & bucket‑list trips; encouraging listeners to set up similar intentional givingExperience more abundance on georgianbenta.com/abundanceAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy