The Daily Helping

Professor, speaker, and transformation strategist Dr. Danielle McGeough joins us to explore a powerful reframe that can reshape the way we plan, work, and show up in our lives. Known for her Rise Ritual Method and her podcast “Plan Goal Plan”, Danielle helps high performers reconnect with their core identities, navigate transitions with clarity, and build intentional practices that support real, sustained growth.Danielle shares how she spent years building the career she thought she wanted—earning her PhD, securing her dream job, and achieving tenure—only to feel unexpectedly flat and disconnected once she arrived. That realization led her to revisit the research she’d been teaching for years on identity and ritual. By infusing her daily life with intentional sensory-driven rituals rather than automated habits, she rediscovered presence, joy, and meaning in the everyday moments.She breaks down the full Rise Ritual Method:Reflect, Intentionally Plan, Sensory Activation, and Embody the Story—showing us how to use rituals to enter the states we want to inhabit, whether that’s calm, focus, creativity, or presence with our families. Danielle also shares common pitfalls, the importance of designing multiple “versions” of a ritual, and why flexibility and curiosity matter more than perfection.The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway“What is your current state and what’s your desired state—and what is one small thing you could do, ideally through sensory activation, to move you closer to that desired state?--Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.Resources:Learn more about Dr. Danielle McGeoughListen to the Plan Goal Plan podcastConnect with Danielle on LinkedInProduced by NOVA

Pop culture commentator and YouTube creator Gary “Nerdrotic” Buechler joins us for one of the most candid conversations he’s ever shared publicly. Known for his massive presence on YouTube and Rumble, with millions tuning in for his unapologetic takes on fandom and culture. Gary opens up about the long, painful road that came before Nerdrotic. In his new book, Waiting for a Nerdrotic, he traces his story through early addiction, homelessness, crime, and a prison sentence that ultimately reshaped his understanding of freedom.Gary describes growing up adopted, discovering alcohol and drugs before age 13, and spiraling into burglary to fuel his addiction. Multiple arrests and jail stints eventually led to prison, where recovery began to “seep in.” He shares the moment everything changed, realizing his kids might grow up without a father—and how gratitude, consistency, and rigorous honesty became the pillars of his lasting sobriety. What began as a hobby podcast recorded in a San Francisco Starbucks grew into Nerdrotic, one of the most influential fandom channels online. Gary explains why authenticity resonated with viewers, how cultural polarization seeped into entertainment, and why he believes fans needed someone to speak up about it. Yet through every challenge—personal or cultural—gratitude remains the mindset that keeps him grounded.The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway"What am I grateful for today? … It’s a mindset, and it works. That’s the thing that clicked for me in recovery that made it work to this very day by the grace of God."--Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.Resources:Read Waiting for Nerdrotic by Gary BuechlerWatch Gary’s YouTube channel: NerdroticFollow Gary on Twitter: @nerdroticsFollow Gary on Instagram: @nerdroticProduced by NOVA

Licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and author Tonya Lester joins us to explore one of the most pervasive issues she sees in her practice: what happens when people stay silent for too long. Known for her Modern Love essay in The New York Times and her popular Psychology Today blog, Staying Sane Inside Insanity, Tonya has spent years helping individuals and couples navigate communication, conflict, and the fear of speaking their truth.In our conversation, we dig into the patterns that inspired her new book, Push Back: Live, Love, and Work with Others Without Losing Yourself. Tonya describes the all-too-common dynamic where one partner quietly struggles while the other believes things are "fine"---until the relationship reaches a breaking point. She shares how clarity around values, direct communication, and what she calls "mutual empathy" can transform not only romantic relationships but workplace dynamics as well.Tonya also offers practical guidance for anyone feeling lonely, unseen, or disconnected from their own needs. Whether through journaling prompts, identifying the next small step toward living your values, or learning to slow down heated conversations, she reminds us that emotional intimacy is built by honesty, not harmony at all costs.The Biggest Helping: Today's Most Important Takeaway"Speaking up and being clear about your needs and desires and being open to hearing that of the person sitting across from you is the pathway to emotional intimacy and a fulfilling life."--Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.Resources:Read Push Back: Live, Love, and Work with Others Without Losing Yourself by Tonya LesterVisit Tonya's website Follow Tonya on InstagramRead her Psychology Today blog "Staying Sane Inside Insanity"Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life. Produced by NOVA

Award-winning keynote speaker, author, and career development expert Andy Storch returns to The Daily Helping to share transformative insights from his newest book, Own Your Brand, Own Your Career. Andy has spent years helping professionals step out of “reaction mode” and take ownership of how they show up in the world. In this conversation, he explains why personal branding is no longer optional—every one of us already has a brand, and the question is whether we’re being intentional about it.We explore Andy’s journey from drifting through his early career to discovering a framework for purpose, alignment, and growth. He shares how companies have shifted from resisting employee personal brands to embracing them, recognizing the impact on culture, recruitment, and performance. Andy also offers a simple but powerful starting point: define who you are today, decide what you want to be known for, and evaluate whether your daily actions reflect those values. As he reminds us, people remember how we make them feel—and the leaders who empower and develop others leave the deepest legacy.The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway“You have a career, and you have a brand—whether you’re intentional about it or not. Nobody cares more about your career or your brand than you do. So you’ve got to own it. Get clear on what you want, set your intentions, and show up in alignment with that every day.”--Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.Resources:Read Own Your Brand, Own Your Career by Andy Storch & Mike Kim: AmazonDownload the free workbook: ownyourbrandbook.comFollow Andy on LinkedIn: LinkedIn ProfileProduced by NOVA

Award-winning strategy consultant and Harvard Business Review contributor Kyle Austin Young joins us to reveal the surprising math behind every success story. His new book, Success Is a Numbers Game: Achieve Bigger Goals by Changing the Odds, challenges the way we think about goals, risk, and achievement—showing that success is less about luck and more about probability.Kyle shares how being laid off twice during an adoption journey pushed him to diversify his career and build a thriving consulting practice. Over a decade of helping entrepreneurs and leaders achieve ambitious outcomes, he discovered that every goal has two hidden numbers: a probability of success and a probability of failure. The key, he argues, is learning to “hack” those odds—by identifying potential bad outcomes and systematically reducing their likelihood. From business ventures to personal growth, his framework helps us shift from wishful thinking to strategic action.The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway There’s real power in asking “what if.” Thinking through what could go wrong isn’t negativity—it’s strategy. When you remove the barriers that make success less likely, you change your odds and make your goals achievable.—Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.Resources:Read Success Is a Numbers Game: Achieve Bigger Goals by Changing the Odds by Kyle Austin Young: Amazon  Visit KyleAustinYoung.com  Follow Kyle on LinkedInProduced by NOVA

Dr. Sharon Livingston, best-selling author, speaker, and thought leader in qualitative research and career psychology, joins us to unpack how power and influence have evolved in the modern workplace. With over 30 years of experience interviewing more than 64,000 people---including executives at Fortune 100 companies---Dr. Livingston brings an unparalleled understanding of human behavior at work. Her latest book, Power Dynamics: How to Master the Hidden Forces That Shape Your Career, explores how relationships, not résumés, increasingly drive success.In our conversation, we trace the shift from the "company-as-family" era to today's fluid, network-driven workplace---where visibility, empathy, and adaptability matter more than tenure. Dr. Livingston reveals how remote work and AI are rewriting the rules of influence and shares practical ways to build authentic relationships in a hybrid world. Her insights remind us that confidence isn't just spoken---it's embodied in how we listen, pause, and connect. Above all, she urges us to see this uncertain time not as a threat, but as an opportunity to reinvent how we thrive together.The Biggest Helping: Today's Most Important TakeawayThings are changing, and the most important thing is to stay flexible. Allow yourself to evolve in ways that are good for you and for those around you---seeing life as a shared adventure makes it a win-win for everyone.--Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.Resources:Read Power Dynamics: How to Master the Hidden Forces That Shape Your Career by Dr. Sharon LivingstonVisit Dr. Livingston's websiteVisit Dr. Livingston's Substack: careerpowerdynamics.substack.comProduced by NOVA

Claude Silver, the world’s first Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, joins us to share how leading with empathy transforms teams and culture. Partnering with Gary Vaynerchuk for 11+ years, Claude has scaled “the honey empire”—kindness first, results second—and now distills her approach in her new book, Be Yourself at Work, out tomorrow.We explore Claude’s journey from struggling student to 93 days in the wilderness, where a guide’s challenge—“get another song in your head”—helped her shift from external to internal locus of control. That moment became the cornerstone of her people-first leadership. Claude later built teams across VaynerX and reimagined hiring from “culture fit” to “culture addition,” even removing degree requirements to widen the door for talent.Her book guides us through three arcs: know yourself (“You are the CEO of you”), know how you show up on teams (radiator or drain), and lead culture every day—with practical tools like a personal roadmap and her L.I.E. exercise to tackle impostor syndrome. It’s a pragmatic playbook for bringing more humanity, tenderness, and emotional intelligence to work—one intentional choice at a time.The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important TakeawayRemember everyone is carrying something—and most people’s intentions are good. Lead with that assumption.--Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.Resources:Learn more at claudesilver.comRead Be Yourself at Work by Claude SilverConnect with Claude on LinkedInFollow Claude on Instagram: @claudesilverProduced by NOVA

Corporal Todd Nicely of the U.S. Marine Corps is one of the few modern veterans to survive catastrophic blast injuries that cost him both hands and both legs. Six months into his second deployment, an IED changed his life on March 26, 2010. Todd lets us in on what came next—first the grit of rehab fueled by a mission mindset, then the hard truth that life after the hospital brought isolation, grief he hadn’t processed, and a suicide attempt in 2016. What ultimately turned him around was a question he encountered at Focus Marines Foundation: “You knew what you were willing to die for—do you know what you’re willing to live for?”Today, Todd is a mentor with Focus Marines and a devoted husband and father who’s learned to build structure, set boundaries, and ask for help. We explore how living for yourself first equips you to serve others, why purpose must be rebuilt—not remembered—and how paying it forward restores dignity. A forthcoming book will share more of his story, and donations to Focus Marines (focusmarines.org) help put other veterans in that lifesaving seat.The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important TakeawayNever give up—and always pay it forward. When we focus on doing good for others, the good in our own lives grows and the darkness loses its hold.--Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.Resources:Focus Marines FoundationLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/todd-nicelyProduced by NOVA

We sit down with Joe Pardavila—radio veteran with more than 10,000 hours behind the mic on New York’s 95.5 PLJ’s Scott & Todd Morning Show and author of the bestseller Good Listen: Creating Memorable Conversations in Business and Life. Now a creator and producer of entrepreneur-focused podcasts, Joe brings a storyteller’s toolkit to modern communication: curiosity, humility, and genuine care for the person across from us.Joe shows us why great conversations start with comfort, not ego. He shares how a misstep with a superstar guest taught him the cardinal rule: it’s not about the host—it’s about making the other person feel at home. We explore simple, repeatable moves—open with a short, relevant story of our own to let guests breathe; listen for the human behind the résumé; and use “boomerasking” (asking about something we also have experience with) to reveal real, two-way dialogue. In a selfie-first culture, Joe reminds us that everyone has a story worth hearing—and our job is to help them tell it.The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important TakeawayGive everyone grace. When we “give an inch,” it doesn’t mean they’ll take a mile—it can bring us one inch closer to each other, especially across differences.--Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.Resources:Learn more at joepardavila.comRead Good Listen: Creating Memorable Conversations in Business and Life by Joe PardavilaFollow Joe on Instagram: @joepardavilaConnect with Joe on LinkedIn: Joe PardavilaProduced by NOVA

John O’Leary returns to The Daily Helping with a timely reminder born from extraordinary adversity. Burned across 100% of his body at age nine and given less than a 1% chance to live, John has since inspired millions as a keynote speaker and the bestselling author of On Fire and In Awe. Now, his story reaches the big screen in Soul on Fire, a feature film shot in the very St. Louis places where his life unfolded—starring Joel Courtney, John Corbett, and William H. Macy.We explore how John’s recovery was never a solo act: it was powered by everyday heroes—family, broadcasters, nurses, custodians—whose ordinary courage changed everything. John challenges us to “say yes to being used for good,” to vote for hope with our attention and our dollars, and to recognize our own agency in a cynical age. What’s new here is the cinematic proof: real locations, real people, and a real throughline that our small, faithful actions matter. As he honors his late father’s example, John models humble leadership, grateful living, and a contagious belief that our best is still ahead.The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important TakeawayThis too shall pass—both the mountaintops and the valleys. Stay grounded, choose to be used for good in this moment, and trust that the best is yet to come.--Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.Resources:Learn more at johnolearyinspires.comRead On Fire: The 7 Choices That Will Ignite a Radically Inspired LifeRead In Awe: Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning, and JoyWatch: SoulOnFireMovie.comListen: Live Inspired Podcast by John O’LearyFollow John on Instagram: @johnoleary.inspiresProduced by NOVA

Ranae Van Roekel never imagined the word felon would be part of her identity. Yet after serving 36 months in federal prison for mail fraud, she refused to let that label define her. Instead, she used it as a turning point. A mother, grandmother, wife, and dog lover, Ranae is also the founder of Connecting to Cope, a platform designed to empower individuals with the tools, community, and support they need to heal from trauma and grow—no matter what’s in their past. Through her coaching, speaking, and advocacy for justice reform, Ranae has become a powerful voice for second chances.Her journey to incarceration began long before the courtroom. When the weight of her choices became unbearable, Ranae reached a breaking point where she contemplated suicide. Instead, she chose to turn herself in, beginning a path toward accountability and healing.Prison, rather than breaking her, became the place where Ranae finally confronted the pain she had buried for so long. With the help of therapy and a new dedication to self-care, she came to understand that everything in life is a choice—and that choosing to face trauma is the only way forward. Today, she channels those hard-won lessons into Connecting to Cope, encouraging others to uncover the roots of their pain and take small, consistent steps toward recovery.The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway“I think the biggest thing that I tell people when I'm speaking to them, and I guess I'm speaking to all your listeners today, right, is that do the work. Find what is causing you pain in your world, whether that be trauma, sexual abuse, drug addictions, spousal abuse. There's so many things in our world today…that can cause PTSD and trauma for so many people in our country. Do the work. Go out, find out what's wrong with you, get help, whether it's by calling somebody like me on my platform and having me help you find the people who can help you, or if I can help you, I'd be glad to help you. But we do both avenues. And again, do the work, put the work in, make yourself healthier, find some good coping skills, and dedicate some time to self-care.”--Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.Resources:Connecting to Cope WebsiteConnecting to Cope on FacebookConnecting to Cope on InstagramFollow Ranae Van Roekel on Instagram: @connectingtocopeProduced by NOVA

Margaret Andrews—leadership expert and longtime Harvard instructor—joins us to share the MYLO framework: Manage Yourself to Lead Others. Her executive program has run for years with a loyal waitlist, and she’s distilled those lessons into her book, Manage Yourself to Lead Others: Why Great Leadership Begins with Self-Understanding. We explore her journey from hard feedback about “self-awareness” to building a practical approach leaders can apply immediately.At the heart of Margaret’s work is a simple truth: before we can lead anyone, we have to understand ourselves—our values, emotions, and the gap between our intentions and our impact. She offers six deep-dive reflection questions to surface what shaped us, what success really means, and which behaviors need to change. We also discuss her “best boss” exercise, where participants consistently prioritize interpersonal behaviors over IQ or technical skill—evidence that trust, clear communication (especially listening), and growth-minded feedback are what people remember and follow.The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important TakeawayWe judge ourselves by intentions, but others judge us by behaviors—so align the two by building self-understanding and managing how you show up.--Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.Resources:Learn more at margaretandrews.comRead Manage Yourself to Lead Others: Why Great Leadership Begins with Self-Understanding by Margaret AndrewsConnect with Margaret on LinkedInFollow Margaret on Instagram: @themargaretandrewsProduced by NOVA

We sit down with Wes Adams—CEO of SV Consulting Group and positive psychology researcher at UPenn—and Tamara Myles—speaker, author, professor, and researcher at UPenn—to unpack their new book, Meaningful Work. Together, they argue that what makes work feel worthwhile isn’t a lofty mission on a wall; it’s the daily experience we create. Their research shows leaders and environments account for nearly half of our sense of meaning at work, and they translate that into a practical playbook we can use right away.We explore their three sources of meaning—community, contribution, and challenge—and how small actions compound. Ask about life outside of work and remember the answers to build real community. Tell impact stories so every teammate can see how their efforts help others. Pair stretch assignments with high support to create growth without burnout. And don’t overlook gratitude: a sincere “thank you” once a week can dramatically cut disengagement and burnout. This episode is a reminder that when we design for meaningful moments, performance follows.The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important TakeawayMeaning isn’t abstract—it lives in small, repeatable moments: connect with someone, notice the impact of your work, and seek growth; then amplify it with specific, weekly gratitude that tells people why their work matters.--Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.Resources:Learn more at meaningfulwork.comRead Meaningful WorkConnect with Tamara Myles on LinkedInConnect with Wes Adams on LinkedInProduced by NOVA

Valerie J. Walsh is a bestselling author, sought-after speaker, and transformational leader whose work turns personal tragedy into a mission to help others rise. Through her memoir Shattered to the Core and her follow-up, CoreAgeous, she invites us into the real work of healing—naming trauma, telling the truth, and leading from the heart. We explore her journey from fitness professional to aviation leader and mental health advocate, and how journaling her way through loss and cancer recovery became the foundation for her books.What resonated most was Valerie’s CORE philosophy of authentic leadership and the practical courage it takes to let go, say no, and pivot. We talk about moving from “work hard, play hard” to sober, intentional living; why language matters (she says “died by suicide” to reduce stigma); and how trauma shows up differently for everyone. Her stories remind us that our self-worth can’t live in any single role, relationship, or result—and that small daily actions change everything.We left this conversation believing that reinvention isn’t a grand gesture; it’s a repeatable habit. If you’ve been waiting for permission to start over, this is it.The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important TakeawayIt’s never too late to pivot. Begin with one small step every day toward who you want to become—and keep going.--Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.Resources:Learn more at valeriejwalsh.comRead Shattered to the Core by Valerie J. WalshRead CoreAgeous by Valerie J. WalshFollow Valerie J. Walsh on Instagram: @valeriejwalshauthorConnect with Valerie J. Walsh on LinkedInProduced by NOVA

We sit down with Dr. Reza Zahedi—civil engineer, international real estate leader, and author of Self-Made Maverick—whose story begins as a child refugee from Iran and evolves into a career built from scratch across Europe. What struck us wasn’t the highlight reel, but the mindset shift he credits for everything: believing he could build something from nothing and change his destiny despite the doubters.Dr. Reza challenges the Instagram myth of overnight success. He reframes failure as a daily teacher, not a verdict, and calls out five persistent myths that stall founders—from “you need rich parents” to “money is the most important thing.” We also explore how a clear why and a durable brand make sacrifices bearable, and why today’s entrepreneurs can’t hide behind screens: real-world reps, relationships, and proof of work matter more than ever. The throughline is gritty, values-driven execution—showing up when no one’s clapping so impact outlasts image.The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important TakeawayNever give up—treat failure as part of the path, keep showing up, and let persistence do the compounding.--Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.Resources:Learn more at DrRezaZahedi.comRead Self-Made Maverick by Dr. Reza ZahediConnect with Dr. Reza on LinkedInFollow Dr. Reza on Instagram: @drrezazahediiProduced by NOVA

Content Warning: This episode contains detailed accounts of domestic violence, emotional abuse, and the murder of a parent. It may be distressing or triggering for some listeners. Please use discretion and take care of yourself while listening.In part two of our conversation with filmmaker, podcaster, and speaker Collier Landry, we continue the extraordinary story that began when he was just 11 years old. After testifying against his father for the murder of his mother, Collier was left without family support, navigating foster care and the painful isolation of being defined by tragedy. Yet rather than succumbing to the weight of trauma, he forged a path of resilience, action, and self-determination.Collier reflects on testifying in court, confronting his father, and ultimately learning the power of forgiveness—not as a gift to the man who hurt him, but as a way to reclaim his own life. He also shares how he turned his pain into purpose, first as the subject of the acclaimed documentary A Murder in Mansfield and now through his podcast The Collier Landry Show, where he explores resilience, healing, and moving forward. His journey shows us that while violence leaves deep scars, it can also illuminate the strength of the human spirit.The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important TakeawayYou have the power to construct your own narrative. No matter what happens to you, you are not defined by tragedy—you have the choice to move forward and build a life on your terms.--Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.Resources:Collier Landry’s WebsiteA Murder in Mansfield – Official TrailerThe Collier Landry Show PodcastFinding Mom’s Killer PodcastFollow Collier Landry on InstagramFollow Collier Landry on X/TwitterProduced by NOVA

Content Warning: This episode contains detailed accounts of domestic violence, emotional abuse, and the murder of a parent. It may be distressing or triggering for some listeners. Please use discretion and take care of yourself while listening.At just 11 years old, Collier Landry’s life was upended when his father murdered his mother. Refusing to remain silent, he gathered evidence, testified against his father, and became the key witness in a case that would change his life forever. Abandoned by much of his family, Collier learned resilience and self-reliance at an age when most kids are thinking about school and friends—not survival.Now a filmmaker, podcaster, and speaker, Collier uses his story to inspire conversations about perseverance, self-determination, and healing. His acclaimed documentary A Murder in Mansfield, directed by Oscar winner Barbara Kopple, and his podcasts The Collier Landry Show and Finding Mom’s Killer explore the journey of overcoming trauma and reclaiming personal power.In this gripping first of a two-part conversation, Collier takes us back to 1989, walking us through the events leading up to his mother’s disappearance and the harrowing days that followed—days in which an 11-year-old boy had to choose between silence and the truth.--Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.Resources:Collier Landry’s WebsiteA Murder in Mansfield – Official TrailerThe Collier Landry Show PodcastFinding Mom’s Killer PodcastFollow Collier Landry on InstagramFollow Collier Landry on X/TwitterProduced by NOVA

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Scott Hutcheson, a biosocial scientist and senior lecturer at Purdue University, whose work with hundreds of organizations has redefined how we understand leadership. Dr. Hutcheson’s new book, Biohacking Leadership, takes a unique look at how leadership is rooted in biology and behavior—demonstrating that how we feel at work is shaped less by the job itself and more by the signals sent by our leaders.Dr. Hutcheson shares how his background in theater led to his innovative approach, showing that effective leadership is all about behavioral signals—what he calls “biomarkers”—clustered into warmth, competence, and gravitas. Instead of fixed rules, he encourages leaders to experiment and refine their approach, learning from every interaction. By dialing into the neurobiology of connection, story, and conversation, we can shift team chemistry and drive meaningful performance, regardless of role or generation.The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important TakeawayYou learn to be a leader through experimentation and refinement. Every leadership interaction is an opportunity to try new approaches, observe the results, and adjust your signals—growing through trial, error, and adaptation.--Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.Resources:Scott Hutcheson’s websiteOrder Biohacking LeadershipScott Hutcheson on LinkedInProduced by NOVA

In this episode, we sit down with Melissa Swift, an innovative organizational consultant and the author of Work Here Now: Think Like a Human and Build a Powerhouse Workplace. Having worked with global giants like Mercer and Deloitte, Melissa brings a data-driven yet deeply human perspective to understanding what’s broken about modern work—and how we can actually fix it. Her book unpacks the three types of “broken work” and introduces the “work anxiety monster,” but what truly sets Melissa apart is her focus on actionable strategies. She challenges us to rethink everything from the pace of our to-do lists to how many people really need to be in that next meeting, revealing just how much of our stress is self-inflicted by outdated systems and unexamined routines.We dive into the surprising truth that pouring billions into technology often creates more headaches than solutions, and Melissa makes a compelling case for “couples counseling” between humans and their tech. Our conversation explores why genuine progress at work is less about grand gestures and more about attending to the day-to-day basics: how we collaborate, communicate, and set boundaries. It’s a hopeful, practical look at what it will take to shape a future of work that’s healthier, more productive, and actually human.The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important TakeawayMelissa urges us to challenge the belief that “the work is the work.” It’s not only okay, but necessary, to step back and evaluate which activities are meaningful and which are not. That simple mindset shift, she says, can change everything.--Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.Resources:Connect with Melissa Swift on LinkedInLearn more at Anthrome InsightRead Work Here Now: Think Like a Human and Build a Powerhouse WorkplaceProduced by NOVA

In this episode, we’re joined by Susanne Madsen, a globally recognized executive coach, award-winning author, and specialist in transformational leadership for complex organizations. With nearly 30 years of experience working with global leaders at companies like JP Morgan, Citigroup, and Lego, Susanne has dedicated her career to helping people rethink how they lead—and, more importantly, how they show up for themselves. Her latest book, How to Do the Inner Work, explores why genuine transformation starts with self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the courage to look inward, even when it’s uncomfortable.Susanne guides us through the journey of doing the inner work, beginning with self-compassion and small acts of kindness toward ourselves. She shares how foundational practices—like reflection, breathwork, and meditation—help us regulate our emotions and make space for growth. Drawing from her own story and years of coaching, she emphasizes that real change doesn’t require dramatic life overhauls. Instead, it’s about identifying our core values, finding overlaps in our passions, and making small, meaningful tweaks that align our inner and outer worlds. When we stop seeking solutions outside ourselves and focus on our own mindset and actions, the world often meets us differently.The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important TakeawayBe kind to yourself. When we extend kindness inward, it becomes much easier to offer it to others—and that’s where true change begins.--Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.Resources:Learn more at SusanneMadsen.co.ukRead How to Do the Inner Work by Susanne MadsenRead The Power of Project Leadership by Susanne MadsenRead The Project Management Coaching Workbook by Susanne MadsenFollow Susanne on Instagram: @susannemadsen1Produced by NOVA