Grounded In Now is the name of today's episode, a solo episode with Bruce. He explores five simple mindfulness practices that can help ease anxiety and bring more calm into daily life. Through body awareness, focused breathing, self-kindness, gratitude, and emotional balance, you’ll learn practical ways to quiet the mind and steady your emotions. Anxiety is part of being human, but it doesn’t have to control your life. Discover how mindfulness can shift your perspective, soften anxious thoughts, and help you feel more grounded in the present moment. Listen & Subscribe on: iTunes / Stitcher / Podbean / Overcast / Spotify Contact Info Website: www.MindfulnessMode.com Email: bruce (at) mindfulnessmode (dot) com 5 Ways To Ease Anxiety 1/ Body Awareness Anxiety often shows up in the body—tight shoulders, a clenched jaw, a knotted stomach. Mindfulness begins by noticing these signals. Once you identify where tension lives, breathe, soften that area, and let go. Even labeling it—“this is worry”—creates space, opening the door to calm. 2/ Breathing – Calming Your Nervous System Anxiety speeds up the body, pushing it into fight-or-flight. Focused breathing reverses this by signaling safety. Inhale deeply, pause, and exhale longer than you inhale. That slow release calms the nervous system, anchors you in the present, and gently reminds you: right now, you are safe. 3/ Self-Kindness Anxiety often grows louder with self-criticism. Instead of fueling it, practice compassion: tell yourself, “It’s okay. I’m human.” Replace harsh scripts with gentler ones, the way you’d encourage a friend. Kindness softens anxiety’s grip, creating space for healing and reminding you that imperfection doesn’t diminish your worth. 4/ Gratitude When anxiety pulls attention toward threats, gratitude shifts focus to what’s good. Naming simple joys—a warm drink, a kind word, fresh air—balances the mind. Gratitude doesn’t erase worry, but it widens perspective, grounding you in what’s steady and reminding you that even in difficulty, moments of light remain. 5/ Emotional Balance Anxiety can trigger impulsive reactions. Mindfulness helps create a pause. Ask: “Is this a real threat, or just perceived?” That pause restores choice. Instead of reacting from fear, you respond with clarity. This balance turns anxious energy into thoughtful action, helping you stay steady in uncertain moments. Resources Book: The Fix Yourself Handbook: Using the Process Way of Life to Transform Your Life into a Happy, Healthy Journey Book: The Book of Awakening: Have the Life You Want by Being Present to the Life You Have by Mark Nepo Book: Outer Order, Inner Calm App: Muse www.choosemuse.com Related Episodes Lessen Your Stress Experience Less Stress with Joshua Spodek Horses and Mindfulness with Debbie Roberts-Loucks
Jerry Kroll is the CEO of Jevitty Life Science, Founder and Director of ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp and owner of Bodycomp Imaging. He has spent decades transforming bold ideas into reality, from working in his parents’ greenhouses to managing world-class race car drivers. As founder of ElectraMeccanica, he pioneered the iconic one-seater electric car. Passionate about longevity, Jerry pushes the boundaries of human lifespan through science and technology. He is the author of Beyond Elon and Living Past 200. Listen & Subscribe on: iTunes / Stitcher / Podbean / Overcast / Spotify Contact Info Website: www.solo.car Website: jevitty.com Most Influential Person The Dalai Lama Effect on Emotions Mindfulness has given me perspective. To me, mindfulness and perspective are the same thing; an awareness of where you stand in this vast world and universe. When you recognize the importance of family, friends, your own health and happiness, and the happiness of those around you, it brings a deep sense of calm. That awareness itself becomes a grounding and calming influence. Thoughts on Breathing I have a running coach who's a two-time marathon Olympian for Canada. Every time we're out there, we're talking about breathing. Not just the depth of the breathing, not just about the number of breaths you take, but breathing through your nose instead of your mouth, things like that. He talks about really in-depth things such as how much oxygen your body is taking in. It's such a complex and important thing. It is part of life just like eating. Resources Book: Beyond Elon: The Next Great EV and Living Past 200 by Jerry Kroll App: Jevitty.com Bullying Question I feel encouraged that in 2025, awareness around bullying has grown so much. Today, if bullying happens, there are enough people ready to step in and say, 'That’s not right.' It’s not the 1940s or 1950s anymore; we’ve evolved. People now recognize bullying for what it is, whether in everyday life or in high-profile political examples. The greatest power is identifying bullying clearly, and I believe nearly everyone can. Addressing it may take time, but resolution is inevitable.
Bonnie Garvin is an award-winning writer, producer, painter, and USC screenwriting professor. She is the creator of Storytelling Lab, a six-person, six-week international Zoom workshop designed to unleash creative spirit. Accidentally discovering her passion for playwriting in her thirties, her first play became a finalist in a major U.S. festival. Since then, Bonnie has spent over three decades continually reinventing herself, building a multifaceted career in storytelling across stage, screen, and art. Listen & Subscribe on: iTunes / Stitcher / Podbean / Overcast / Spotify Contact Info Website: www.storytellinglab.online Storytelling Lab Signup Most Influential Person Esther Broner Effect on Emotions I think mindfulness has helped put me more in touch with my emotions. I’m not someone who easily connects to the emotional side of things. I’ve never been very comfortable expressing feelings. I don’t cry a lot or show those kinds of emotions. One way I’ve dealt with that is by finding different approaches, rather than dismissing mindfulness as meaningless. I believe mindfulness is important, and it’s what you do with it that matters. It can take many forms, and it’s not just meditation, although some people think it’s all about meditation. To me, mindfulness is more about truly being present and shutting out the noise. Thoughts on Breathing Breathing is something we rarely notice until someone points it out. There’s a huge difference between shallow breathing from the neck or chest and deep, full breaths. Bullying Question I think a lot of bullying comes from a place where people need some therapy to find out really what the root cause of that is. It's really about what's happening kind of under the surface
Mathew Hoi-Broad is the Creative Director at Happiness Interactive, a video game studio based in Vancouver, Canada. With a background in game design from Vancouver Film School, Mathew blends storytelling, systems thinking, and play theory to craft living digital worlds. His work explores games as tools for self-discovery and emotional growth. He believes play is a vital force across all stages of life, and designs immersive experiences where players and AI coexist equally. unlocking joy, curiosity, and a deeper sense of presence through interactive exploration. Listen & Subscribe on: iTunes / Stitcher / Podbean / Overcast / Spotify Contact Info Website: https://happinessinteractive.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-h-054481310/ Most Influential Person My Wife Effect on Emotions I used to experience suicidal thoughts and even attempts, but over time, I’ve learned to handle intense emotions differently. I discovered something called IFS—Internal Family Systems, or “parts work.” It’s based on the idea that we’re made up of different parts inside us, and each one has its own voice. Now, when I feel overwhelmed, I pause, breathe, and let those parts speak. It helps me understand what’s really going on—without letting the emotion completely take over. Thoughts on Breathing Breathing is everything. It took me a while to realize this. I've read a lot of Eckhart Tolle's books which talk about breathing. I realized that breathing is really the foundation of everything. Suggested Resources Book: A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle Book: No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model by Richard Schwartz App: Finch - Self Care Pet Bullying Question Things were okay when I started school, but I eventually realized I was being a bully, especially to my best friend. I used to threaten that if he didn’t do what I wanted, our friendship would “break,” even miming a chain snapping. Once, I made him cry on the bus, and I lied about it. Seeing how much I hurt him changed me. Later, I had to repeat third grade, which was traumatic. I lost connection with friends but stayed close with him—and even made a new best friend by annoying him into noticing me. We’re all still friends today.
Charulatha Vijayakumar is the creator of CollSong, a mindful music collaboration app that unites poets, singers, and musicians to create and share from the heart. With a background in software engineering, automation, UI/UX design, and digital media, she blends creativity with technology to build meaningful user experiences. A lifelong learner and entrepreneur, Charulatha holds certifications in Mobile App Development and Project Management from Cambrian College. Passionate about music, design, leadership, and poetry, she encourages mindful self-expression and community through her work. CollSong reflects her vision to inspire connection, creativity, and collective harmony in a fast-paced digital world. Listen & Subscribe on: iTunes / Stitcher / Podbean / Overcast / Spotify Contact Info Website: www.CollSong.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charulathavijayakumar/ Most Influential Person My Mom's Grandfather Effect on Emotions When I'm stressed or overwhelmed, mindfulness helps me refocus. I take a deep breath, remind myself that things are under control. I then shift my focus to what I can do now. Instead of dwelling on the past, I ask, “What can I do to feel better?” That mindset has always helped me through tough times. Thoughts on Breathing Breathing and mindfulness are powerful tools. Slowing your breath helps calm your heart rate and reduce stress. Breathing is the core of meditation and yoga. Even a mindful walk, focused on your breathing, can make a big difference. Suggested Resources Book: n/a App: Calm App: CollSong Bullying Question Regarding bullying, I believe the CollSong app can help reduce meanness. When you're mindful, you're less likely to engage in or be affected by bullying. You stay focused on what's right and positive. I’ve always been energetic, curious, and upbeat. Maybe that mindset kept me from noticing negativity; I was too busy chasing butterflies in my own world.
George Cork is an esports education specialist based in the U.K. With over a decade of experience in coaching, teaching, and operations, George designs innovative, standards-aligned curricula that use video games to re-engage students in education. He has delivered esports qualifications at both university and collegiate levels and is passionate about transforming traditional learning through industry-relevant content in areas like business, tech, and athlete care. A global leader in the field, George has launched pilot programs in the UK, Iceland, and North America. He also uses mindfulness to help players and students develop emotional resilience and maintain focus under pressure. Listen & Subscribe on: iTunes / Stitcher / Podbean / Overcast / Spotify Contact Info Website: www.esportsacademics.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-cork/ Most Influential Person My uncle and my mom Effect on Emotions I would say mindfulness helps me a lot in terms of staying grounded. It’s about making sure I don’t react in an emotional way. If I receive some bad news, I try to take time to decompress—just pause for a moment. I try to fully understand the situation before reacting, because if I respond immediately, I’m likely reacting purely out of emotion. Thoughts on Breathing I talk to non-native players I coach about what I call a tactical pause. That is where you pause the game and take a minute or 30 seconds to reset yourself mentally. Because you're so focused and running on adrenaline, it’s necessary to reset your breathing and focus and just calm yourself down. Suggested Resources Book: The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life by Steven Bartlett App: n/a Bullying Question One of the main things right now in esports is inclusivity. There's a massive push in trying to make people more inclusive, like the industry more inclusive, especially to the women's female audience. Esports is a very male dominated industry right now. Slowly it's starting to change. But there is a lot of core ground level work that needs to be done in order to make women feel more welcome. It's not obviously all people, but some are very toxic in terms of their behavior and how they react overall.
Carol Mote founded The Maple Kind, where she helps businesses take care of their people and shape strong workplace cultures. She advises on everything from improving employee wellbeing and leadership support to handling major changes like mergers and business restructures. Drawing on nearly a decade with Global People and Culture, Carol specialises in guiding organisations through change, solving complex people-related challenges, and making sure employment policies are fair and effective. She’s known for her practical, people-first approach and for helping companies build trust, smooth transitions, and create positive, inclusive workplaces. Listen & Subscribe on: iTunes / Stitcher / Podbean / Overcast / Spotify Contact Info Website: www.TheMapleKind.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolmote/ Most Influential Person A Journalist in the U.K. Effect on Emotions I need a way to manage my emotions in some of the jobs I do. I have to make sure I don’t explode, walk out, or start shouting—reactive behaviors like that won’t help me accomplish anything. Instead, I step away, take a moment to reset, go for a walk, get some fresh air, and take a deep breath. Thoughts on Breathing I think that breathing is indicative of where you are at emotionally. If I am rushing and am out of breath, I know I am I danger of over-reacting. Suggested Resources Book: Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth App: Happyful Bullying Question After my parents split, my siblings and I, all very young, were sent from Canada to the UK, where life became chaotic. We had no stable home, struggled to adapt, and faced bullying at school due to our accents and outsider status. With little adult support or accountability, it was a harsh environment. That experience shaped my passion today—recognizing how, even in corporate life, a lack of accountability can allow similar harm to persist.
Sev Geraskin is a visionary leader in AI alignment and emotional design, serving as Founding VP at PolarGrid, President of Economy of Wisdom, and Executive Director at Lantern Lab. He champions peer-led AI education and collective wisdom through ventures like Past5. Grounded in mindfulness, Sev integrates meditation, emotional presence, and reflective walks into his daily rhythm, allowing clarity and creativity to thrive. His work centers on inclusion, emotional depth, and meaning in the human-AI experience. Listen & Subscribe on: iTunes / Stitcher / Podbean / Overcast / Spotify Contact Info Website: www.EconomyofWisdom.com Website: www.Past5.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/past5 Most Influential Person Steven Cotler (Flow State) Effect on Emotions I consciously take breaks, and I take mindful walks. I also practice meditation. I allow myself just to take a pause and let myself feel the full range of emotions. If I'm angry or sad, I let myself feel it. Once that emotion is out, I can continue being happy and productive throughout the day. Thoughts on Breathing People tell me to do it, but I don't use breathing [special breathing techniques] that much. When I walk, my breathing auto adjusts to the level I need it to be. Suggested Resources Book: The Art of Impossible: A Peak Performance Primer by Steven Kotler, Fred Sanders, et al. App: Wisdom Orb (not available yet) Bullying Question Regarding bullying, I think it has to do with a lack of self-awareness. When I was younger, I wasn't as self-aware as I am now. I've had years of personal development. Maybe I wasn't always as empathetic. I see now that human connection is something that needs to be nurtured consciously. It does matter how you communicate.
William Huang is the Co-Founder and CEO of Auria Robotics, a Vancouver-based startup. Founded by parents, educators, and technologists, Auria Robotics develops AI-powered audio robots for personalized autism intervention and support. These interactive companions use emotional recognition and adaptive learning to provide real-time support in homes, schools, and clinics, responding to each child's unique needs, even when a therapist is unavailable. Contact Info Website: www.AuriaRobot.com The Robot The Auria Robotics team has developed an AI-powered robot designed to support children with autism. With diagnoses rising—now affecting 1 in 31 children in North America—access to therapy remains limited due to high costs and a shortage of specialists. The Auria robot utilizes generative AI, emotional recognition, and adaptive learning to monitor each child’s behavior. The robot delivers personalized, real-time interventions, particularly when a therapist is unavailable. More About The Robot The Auria Robotics robot is an interactive, AI-powered companion designed to support children with autism. An iPad, serving as the robot's "brain," connects via Bluetooth and runs software that enables personalized responses. The robot helps children feel calm, happy, and engaged through playful interactions. It can dance, give rewards, and celebrate successful sessions, making therapy more enjoyable and emotionally supportive. It can be used at home or in schools. How It Supports An Autistic Child Autism intervention is expensive—often $150 to $160 per hour—and government funding is limited, especially after a child turns six. The Auria Robotics robot provides an affordable alternative by emulating a therapist’s role at home when professional services are unavailable. Is Adult Supervision Required? Not necessarily is adult supervision required. The robot functions as both a teaching tool and a companion. Powered by generative AI, it's capable of autonomous interaction—communicating with the child, monitoring behavior, and even relaying information to parents. It's like having a supportive friend always present, blending emotional connection with practical therapeutic support.
Karen Murdock is the founder of Voiced Memories, dedicated to preserving family legacies through photographs and storytelling. Inspired by her Uncle Jimmy’s memory and a deep-rooted family history, Karen blends personal passion with professional expertise. Her background in the funeral industry underscored the importance of proactive memory preservation. A committed genealogist, she helps others honor their heritage through organized photos, curated stories, and family history projects, ensuring that cherished memories endure for generations to come. Listen & Subscribe on: iTunes / Stitcher / Podbean / Overcast / Spotify Contact Info Website: www.voicedmemories.ca Most Influential Person My Father Effect on Emotions I worked for many years in the funeral and cemetery industry, where we often had to set our emotions aside. It didn’t matter if you'd just put your dog down that morning—you still had to be present, mindful, and helpful to others. I actually learned to ground myself and use deep breathing to reset in about 30 seconds. That skill stuck with me, and to this day, I use it whenever I feel my emotions starting to get away from me. It’s been incredibly helpful. Thoughts on Breathing You know, I often laugh because you'd think something as simple as breathing wouldn’t be that important—but it really is. I first learned different breathing techniques in prenatal classes, and they’ve stayed with me ever since. I still use them whenever I need to. Suggested Resources Book: n/a App: Calm Bullying Question Regarding bullying, what comes to mind for me is that before we take action, we should sit in the moment and process. Instead of being reactive to something, take the time to pause. Sometimes we react too quickly, and we don't get all the facts. We don't reflect on what's going on before we take action.
Nadeen Borg is the founder of WY Consulting Group. She and her team work with brands across North America, Australia and Europe. I met her at Web Summit in Vancouver, known as the world’s premier tech conference. WY Consulting is a collective of marketing, communications, and leadership experts who help businesses grow through strategic support. Nadeen brings bold ideas, global insight, and a collaborative spirit to help organizations realize their full potential. Listen & Subscribe on: iTunes / Stitcher / Podbean / Overcast / Spotify Contact Info Website: www.wy-cg.com Most Influential Person Myself Effect on Emotions I've done mindfulness as part of accident recovery therapy. There was one thing that stood out to me. It was called wiseman theory. You have the emotional brain on one end and the logical brain on the other. They are two sides of the spectrum. To get to the wiseman, it's somewhere in the middle. It's a mix of emotion and logic. Thoughts on Breathing Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. That typical yoga breathing is where I try to be. My coordinator, Nikol was on the plane with me yesterday and I was trying to get all kinds of deadlines done. She was suggesting I breathe, and that was helpful. Suggested Resources Book: The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer App: Calm Bullying Story There are many stories, but one that stands out is from an early job where I faced inappropriate comments and a lack of trust in my work. Looking back, I wonder how I would’ve responded if I had the mindset I have now. Mindfulness has taught me to accept where you are in the moment—that every experience is part of growth. The real shift comes from knowing when to speak up, when to listen, and how to move forward with intention.
Karen Salmansohn is a Behavioral Change Expert and best-selling author who has a compelling writing style that will make you laugh, and at the same time motivate you to take action. She has a morning mindfulness practice where she greets the day not just with open eyes but an open heart and mind as well. Karen’s newest book, Your To-Die-For Life explains How to Maximize Joy and Minimize Regret before Your Time Runs Out. Listen & Subscribe on: iTunes / Stitcher / Podbean / Overcast / Spotify Contact Info Website: notsalmon.com Book: Your To-Die-For Life: How to Maximize Joy and Minimize Regret . . . Before Your Time Runs Out by Karen Salmansohn Most Influential Person Aristotle Effect on Emotions Mindfulness helps calm the noisy “monkey mind,” much like letting a shaken snow globe settle so the scene becomes clear. When emotions run high, the brain shifts from the rational neocortex to the reactive “fight or flight” area, making clear thinking difficult. Mindfulness allows emotions to settle, restoring clarity and thoughtful response. Practices like journaling or quiet contemplation help achieve this state. To live our best lives, we need to create space for mindfulness in our daily routines. Thoughts on Breathing I studied Ishta yoga and meditation to deepen my personal practice, not to teach, but to better understand how and why it works. Breathing exercises are powerful, even simple mindful breathing. With my young son, traditional prompts like “breathe” upset him, so I used a Spider-Man pinwheel. I showed him how to blow on it to watch it spin—an engaging, visual way to teach mindful breathing through playful, focused exhalation. I also taught him meditation exercises. I put these in my Instant Calm book that I wrote, which was about mindfulness and meditation. Suggested Resources Book: Don't Sweat The Small Stuff by Richard Carlson Book: Instant Calm by Karen Salmansohn Book: Your To-Die-For Life: How to Maximize Joy and Minimize Regret . . . Before Your Time Runs Out by Karen Salmansohn App: Calm Bullying Story I have a son who’s now in high school, but during middle school, he experienced some bullying—kids at that age can be really cruel. I believe mindfulness could help not only the bullies themselves, but also those being bullied. When my son was going through that, I encouraged him to be mindful and reflect on why the bullies might be acting that way. Were they jealous? Hurting? Struggling at home? Mindfulness helps both sides better understand and manage their emotions.
Susan Snow is a Trauma Resilience Coach, Speaker, and Author. At 17, her father, LAPD Detective Thomas C. Williams, was killed in the line of duty, thrusting her family into a painful public spotlight. After years of navigating the impact of that trauma, Susan now helps others build resilience. Her book, The Other Side of the Gun, shares her journey from grief to healing, offering insight into the trauma survivor’s experience and encouraging empathy, compassion, and hope. Listen & Subscribe on: iTunes / Stitcher / Podbean / Overcast / Spotify Contact Info Website: https://susansnowspeaks.com/ Book: The Other Side of the Gun: My Journey from Trauma to Resiliency by Susan Snow Most Influential Person My Mother-In-Law Effect on Emotions I think it's really important to give yourself grace. There were days when I was writing my book when I had nothing left. When you're feeling overwhelmed and you have nothing left, just give yourself some grace. Thoughts on Breathing I do a lot of box breathing. I try to go out and stick my feet in the grass when I can. I will hug a tree, be one with nature, and be able to regulate my nervous system. Suggested Resources Book: Authors Brene Brown and Mel Robbins Book: The Other Side of the Gun: My Journey from Trauma to Resiliency by Susan Snow App: Calm and Youtube Bullying Story When you've gone through trauma, you do not realize you are being bullied. There is a part of being in the trauma where you feel like you deserve something. When people are bullies to you, you take it. Three weeks after my dad was killed, I went back to school. Most of the kids tiptoed around me. The first day I went back, I was sitting in class and this kid turned around to me and asked me how many bullets hit my dad. He was really graphic and he was saying it with a smile on his face.
Dr. Frank L. Douglas is an award-winning industry veteran with more than three decades of experience in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and entrepreneurship. He has held senior roles in both large and small biopharmaceutical companies, including Executive Vice President and Board Member at Aventis (now Sanofi), where he oversaw global R&D and regulatory affairs. He played a key role in the development of drugs like Allegra, Lantus, Taxotere, and Actonel. He also served as Chief Scientific Advisor at Bayer and chaired Alantos, later acquired by Amgen. Listen & Subscribe on: iTunes / Stitcher / Podbean / Overcast / Spotify Contact Info Website: https://www.safehavendialogues-llc.com/ Book: Until You Walk In My Shoes: A Reframing Methodology to Overcome Systemic Discrimination by Dr. Frank L. Douglas Most Influential Person My Mother Effect on Emotions Mindfulness has helped me pause before reacting. Instead of immediately responding, I now ask myself, “What’s going on with this person? Are they in pain? Is there something deeper behind their behavior?” Mindfulness has made me more compassionate and less reactive. I also think of Jack Welch’s principle: accept reality as it is, not as you wish it were. That mindset has shaped how I deal with emotions; by facing the truth of a situation and responding with clarity rather than impulse. Thoughts on Breathing I don't have a breathing practice. I do meditate, and naturally, breathing is a part of that—especially as I settle into the meditation. But I don’t have a specific routine or technique focused solely on breath, so I wouldn’t really call it a breathing practice. Suggested Resources Book: Defining Moments of a Free Man From a Black Stream: A Memoir by Frank L. Douglas Book: Until You Walk In My Shoes: A Reframing Methodology to Overcome Systemic Discrimination by Dr. Frank L. Douglas App: Mind Valley's 6 Phase Meditation Bullying Story I want to tell the story of a workplace experience as an underrepresented minority. This person was consistently ignored during meetings. Comments were overlooked, and when assignments were completed on time, they were unfairly criticized. Despite raising concerns with management, support was not found. Peers began criticizing the work, and the employee was gradually marginalized. The systemic bullying made the employee feel that continuing to work was futile.
Joel Oliver is the owner and founder of a podcast production company called East Coast Studio, which helps health-focused entrepreneurs enjoy the benefits of podcasting. In 2018, Joel faced the life-altering experience of major heart surgery, a time when he had to release control and place his full trust in the team he had built. From its humble beginnings over a decade ago as Joel’s solo freelance venture, the company grew organically without external funding. After recovering, Joel embraced life as a digital nomad for several years. During that time, East Coast Studio began to shift its focus, evolving from a broad podcast production service into a niche specializing in health and wellness. This transition was fueled by Joel’s growing passion for healthy living and his recognition of the powerful impact his clients were making in transforming lives around the globe. Listen & Subscribe on: iTunes / Stitcher / Podbean / Overcast / Spotify Contact Info Website: https://eastcoaststudio.com/ Most Influential Person Alex Hermosi Effect on Emotions We're all going to be affected by emotions. The emotions still hit me—it's just a matter of how I deal with them. I'm not a toddler; I can handle it. It's important to me to stay calm and do what I need to do, no matter what. Even if I'm having a rough day or something's bothering me, it doesn't change the fact that the work still has to get done. It's really about having control over how those emotions affect you. Thoughts on Breathing There's box breathing, where you breathe in for less time than you breathe out. When I need it, the most important thing for me to remember is simply to take that breath. Even just a few moments of intentional, slow breathing can make the biggest difference. Suggested Resources Book: Breaking The Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza App: Bend (For Android) (This App is for stretching) App: Bend (For IOS) Bullying Story I was always pretty friendly growing up, but over time, I became more mindful through small moments that taught me about self-control. I can’t recall specific events, but I remember feeling disappointed in myself afterward, thinking, “That reaction wasn’t who I want to be.” Even when someone was unkind, I didn’t want to stoop to shouting or insults. I’ve worked hard to rise above that. For me, even letting a careless comment slip feels out of line with the standards I’ve set.
Dr. Denise Brown is a transformative leader who helps women in business learn how to prioritize and avoid maternal overwhelm. With over three decades of experience in healthcare as a physician, CEO and Chief Strategy Officer, Denise S. Brown, MD is a thought leader in self-care activities for women. A graduate of The University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Medicine, with training at Stanford and Vanderbilt, she lives with Alex, her childhood sweetheart of 28 years, and their sons Will and Hank. Listen & Subscribe on: iTunes / Stitcher / Podbean / Overcast / Spotify Contact Info Website: www.TheFairyGodDoctor.com Book: The Fairy God Doctor's Guide to a Good Life: A Prescription for the Working Woman by Denise Brown Most Influential Person My Husband Effect on Emotions Mindfulness gives you the sense that this too will pass. Just like thoughts, emotions come, you acknowledge them and then you let them go. It's only heavy if you keep carrying it. Thoughts on Breathing My husband has helped me with the breathing. He is a big James Nestor fan. I like box breathing. In for four, hold for four, out for four, hold. I find it incredibly calming in all kinds of scenarios. Suggested Resources Book: The Fairy God Doctor's Guide to a Good Life: A Prescription for the Working Woman by Denise Brown Book: Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor Book: Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice by Shunryu Suzuki App: Headspace Bullying Story The mean girls in my neighborhood were bullying me, and I was in my '50s. You'd think it wouldn't bother me by that time, but it did. Mindfulness got me out of it. I felt almost shaky, which was not a thing for me. It was sitting and breathing that helped me. The concept of meditation and breathing really helped me calm down.
Rand Selig is an entrepreneur, coach, scoutmaster, conservationist, and board member with a passion for helping others thrive. He holds an MBA from Stanford and degrees in mathematics and psychology, bringing clarity to complex global projects. Based in Mill Valley, California, he enjoys life’s adventures with his wife of 44 years. In Thriving! How to Create a Healthier, Happier, and More Prosperous Life, Rand shares practical wisdom to help readers navigate life’s challenges and discover what it means to truly thrive. Listen & Subscribe on: iTunes / Stitcher / Podbean / Overcast / Spotify Contact Info Website: www.randselig.com Book: Thriving!: How to Create a Healthier, Happier, and More Prosperous Life by Rand Selig Most Influential Person My Father Effect on Emotions Like many people, my emotions often come as a jumble, rarely clear or simple except for love, which feels pure. Most emotions take time for me to understand. Mindfulness, especially through journaling, helps me sort through my emotions. By reflecting honestly on my role in a situation, I stop blaming others and start seeing solutions. Sometimes it takes days, but by the end, I feel clearer, more in control, and able to turn difficult emotions into something positive. Thoughts on Breathing When I’m out in nature, I intentionally slow down and take everything in; the sound of a bird, a bug on a leaf, a bud on a tree. Sometimes I’ll stop completely, even if I am with someone, and just listen or look in silence. During those moments, I breathe deeply through my nose, filling my lungs and feeling my chest expand. That simple act of breathing helps me feel present, grounded, and genuinely happy to be alive. Suggested Resources Book: Positive Intelligence: Why Only 20% of Teams and Individuals Achieve Their True Potential and How You Can Achieve Yours by Shirzad Chamine Book: Thriving!: How to Create a Healthier, Happier, and More Prosperous Life by Rand Selig App: n/a Bullying Story When I was 12, I came home 30 minutes late from sledding and was grounded for the entire winter break—no questions asked. My father, shaped by a strict military background, enforced rules without room for dialogue. He acted from fear and a need for control. Looking back, I realize a mindful conversation could have taught me punctuality with compassion. That experience shaped how I led early in my career—efficient but often lacking emotional connection.
Loretta Breuning helps people around the world live with a happy brain. She is Professor Emerita of Management at California State University and the author of Habits of a Happy Brain and Why You’re Unhappy: Biology vs Politics. Unsatisfied with conventional theories of motivation, she turned to animal brain chemistry, where she found powerful insights. Her work has since helped thousands worldwide, with her resources translated into twelve languages and embraced by readers seeking natural paths to happiness. Listen & Subscribe on: iTunes / Stitcher / Podbean / Overcast / Spotify Contact Info Website: https://InnerMammalInstitute.org Book: Habits of a Happy Brain: Retrain Your Brain to Boost Your Serotonin, Dopamine, Oxytocin, & Endorphin Levels by Loretta Breuning Most Influential Person Sigmund Freud Effect on Emotions I have two thoughts on emotions. One is to know that we're not meant to be happy every minute. The other is that when I feel bad, I look for a pattern. For me, it was often the anticipation of criticism. I would project that this person is criticizing me, because I was criticized a lot when I was young. Then I realized, they're not criticizing me. They're just doing their own thing. Thoughts on Breathing This breathing topic is a real big challenge for me. I've tried all the breathing techniques. Because I have severe scoliosis, my spine and my rib cage are not aligned. My neck and my pelvis are not aligned. I'm fine when I'm active, but when I'm resting, it's a problem. Partly, I think it's because I've taken all these breathing classes. The breathing classes have caused me to override my natural breathing which is perfect. Then I try to force something that doesn't come to me. Suggested Resources Book: Chimpanzee Politics: Power and Sex Among Apes by Frans de Waal Book: Habits of a Happy Brain: Retrain Your Brain to Boost Your Serotonin, Dopamine, Oxytocin, & Endorphin Levels by Loretta Breuning Book: Why You're Unhappy: Biology vs Politics by Loretta Breuning More Books: https://innermammalinstitute.org/readinglist/ App: Duolingo (Language App) Words of Advice I always like to get to the subject of social status. This is something that people blame on society, but every animal group has a status hierarchy, and they drive themselves crazy over it. This is a learned content imposed on a natural impulse. The reason we do it is because the mammal brain rewards you with serotonin when you think you're rising in the status hierarchy. In a way, it's like an addiction. You feel like you have to keep rising in the status hierarchy to keep getting the serotonin. Once you notice that you're doing that, then you can learn to stop doing that by reading my book, Status Games, or, I Mammal.----more----
David Campbell helps podcasters tell their stories so listeners will be empowered. He currently hosts nine different podcasts. Hailing from Ontario, Canada, he has been chased by a moose, been in 3 tornadoes, and loves to help animals. Dave has been an active musician for 45 years and loves his rescued animals. Dave operates True Media Solutions, supporting podcasters by handling editing, growth, and promotion. Listen & Subscribe on: iTunes / Stitcher / Podbean / Overcast / Spotify Contact Info Website: https://howtopodcast.ca/ Website: https://truemediasolutions.ca/ Bullying Story Growing up, I was the shy guy and much smaller than almost everybody else. I was the person that people would chase down after school. I found myself trying to rebuild my inner love and respect for myself. In grade seven, I found myself picking on grade one kids. It was this whole circle of getting picked on and then me picking on others. To rebuild my worth, I started picking on someone else. Then one day at the bike rack, my friend Fred looked me square in the eye and said, If you ever bother my brother again, there will be a problem. In that moment, I realized that I was hurting and was now inflicting that pain on others. Don't tear others down while you're being torn down. You're just going to create a circle. Speaking Experience I've spoken to groups ranging from very large to as small as three people. Some people are naturally charismatic, while others are not. I'm in the 'not charismatic' category. I have to think about how I'm going to show up in front of people. I was a speaker for ten years. It helps when you can connect with an audience. Helping Podcasters In podcasting, I get to meet great people. I get to travel the world with a microphone and hear interesting stories. I help people tell their stories. That brings me a lot of joy. Words of Advice Think about something you never thought you could do. You smile and you wish that this could happen in your life but for some reason you have not put any action behind it. What is it? Write the book, create the content, ask someone to marry you. There's something out there that is on the top of your wish list. Something that if there were no restrictions, you would love for it to happen. Let's make that happen.
Dr. Mort Orman can help you win with anger control. He is a 40-year anger elimination, stress elimination, and emotions mastery expert as well as a Board-Certified internal medicine physician. Dr. Orman has written 23 books on how to eliminate anger, stress, and other unwanted emotions without using drugs, relaxation exercises or other traditional management techniques. He has also been the official sponsor of National Stress Awareness Month every April in the U.S. since 1992. Dr. Orman is the creator of Angry No More, a ten-session quick anger elimination program and Quick Emotions Mastery, a 4-hour online learning program to master anger, guilt, fear, worry, frustration, and sadness. His newest book “Dr. Orman’s Life-Changing Anger Cure” is now available on Amazon. You can learn more about Dr. Orman at his website http://DocOrman.com.. Listen & Subscribe on: iTunes / Stitcher / Podbean / Overcast / Spotify Contact Info Website: https://DocOrman.com Free PDF: The Best Anger Elimination Method You Can Find http://TheAngerSolution.org Book: Doctor Orman's Life-Changing Anger Cure Most Influential Person Johnny Unitas Effect on Emotions First, you have to be mindful of the emotion when it rises up in you. So you get triggered and you have to understand what triggered you. You will see patterns and then you will know what is likely to trigger you in the future. Then you have to be mindful about the invisible stuff going on in your head. You have to expand your vision to see the invisible causes inside. Then you have all the puzzle pieces and you can work magic. Thoughts on Breathing Breathing is a great stress and anger management technique. It's good in the short run and it does help. Breathing alone does not teach you how to identify those filters. It doesn't help you cure the problem. But every time the anger comes up, you can use breathing to give you some short-term benefit. Suggested Resources Book: Doctor Orman's Life-Changing Anger Cure Book: Stress Relief Wisdom by Dr. Mort Orman Bullying Story Regarding bullying, it depends on the emotion that gets triggered. Sometimes it can be shame, guilt or anxiety. Each of those emotions will have their own set of filters so you can literally work through those emotions if they are paralyzing in some way. You can learn to understand how your brain is making you feel them. Sometimes there's anger associated with being bullied. Sometimes there's anger in the bully so they are looking through the three filters.
William Edwards
Please stop talking. You are everything wrong with the world and self accountability. You're a soft, Western useless consumer selling her nonsense garbage self help malarkey to other useless people sedated by consumerism. There are more pressing problems such as endless growth and a finite planet. I came here thinking thats what mindfulness would be. Turns out mindfulness is being mindful that the world revolves around yourself.
William Edwards
What a load of shit. Some of the guests are great, as is reasonably expected. Some are not. But I don't believe my personal version applauds people for 7 figure mindfulness empires, or being told that your meditation program absolutely will help me for 4.99. If you're really mindful, look inside. Not to this garbage. If you were actually mindful, there might be a connection to others or the planet. This is self serving garbage. Yes, quit your job selling consumer products no one needs on a finite planet for economic growth. Then sell your realisation... to other consumers. Fucking worthless.
L. E. M.
huh. I appreciate and respect this topic, but this guy completely stressed me out! his tone and attitude were harsh, and it seems moreso that his definition of being "conscious" and claimed living without expectation or judgment, is more about rationalizing his obvious lack of humility or empathy for others. But obviously, that was just my take.