Unlocking Happiness with Amy Dix

Summary In this episode of Unlocking Happiness, Amy Dix returns after a two-year hiatus to share her journey of personal and professional growth. She discusses the challenges of running her new business, Authority Speakers Agency, and how it has impacted her mental well-being. Amy emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and creativity in navigating life's ups and downs, and she expresses her excitement for the relaunch of the podcast, promising new content and community-driven initiatives. Takeaways Unlocking happiness is a choice we can make. Surround yourself with supportive people during tough times. It's okay to feel sad, just don't stay there too long. Creating is a natural outlet for overcoming challenges. Self-awareness is key to understanding what makes you happy. Prioritize activities that fuel your happiness. Reflect on past experiences to guide future actions. The journey of starting a business can be challenging. Community-driven initiatives can enhance personal growth. Relaunching the podcast brings new opportunities for connection. 00:00 Welcome Back to Unlocking Happiness 02:45 The Journey of Authority Speakers Agency 03:30 Navigating Challenges in Business and Happiness 06:53 The Importance of Choice in Happiness 11:47 Looking Ahead: New Season of Unlocking Happiness

David Nordel, retired USAF Command Chief Master Sergeant, registered nurse, and emergency manager, served as a medic in areas of operation, including but not limited to the “surge.” In efforts to stem casualties, Nordel developed the Maximum Fabulous organizational attitude that led to a 99.5% survival rate. Amy Dix talks with Best-Selling Author of Giving Back! Life and Leadership From The Farm To The Combat Zone and Beyond. As a proponent of the sentiment, “knowledge is power, but only when shared,” David Nordel speaks an infinite wisdom on setting the right attitude into action. As a farm raised youth turned to military medic, building a positive attitude is David’s forte. Book: Giving Back! Life and Leadership From The Farm To The Combat Zone and Beyond Website: Onemanoneplanmt.com

Vision plus action is what changes the world. One without the other . Paola Knecht talks with Amy Dix about the success mindset starting with confidence and getting past what we offer as external reasons for others success. Its not about the money we start with, or natural talent; its a decision we have to make for ourselves. Success isn’t handed out, it’s up for grabs. Website: my-mindpower.com Book: The Success Mindset: Take Back The Leadership Of Your Mind

How symbolic is it to have a vocalist speaking as an advocate for owning your voice? Mariama shares her story of touring with the Lion King to the ‘what’s next’ we’re often asked in life. Her lessons in theatre apply so perfectly to life outside of touring, from the power of community to the benefit of breathing. Amy and Mariama talk about the importance of communication because “once you open your mouth, you share who you are with the world.” Website: mariamawhyte.com

We have lost ourselves in a chase for something tangible, and we’ve forgotten that it’s a feeling we’re all after: love, connection, safety, and acceptance. We fear rejection. How do we chase the feeling and get off the hamster wheel of perpetual disappointment? Website: alwaysonpurpose.com/ Book: Living on Purpose

Kind companies get more business. When you’re living a more thoughtful life, you’re going to be more fulfilled, happier, and more profitable. But more importantly, you’re making a difference. Amy Dix and Jill Lublin take a peak inside Jill’s newest book, The Profit of Kindness, as a jump start to practicing kindness to benefit everyone surrounding you in business. Books: The Profit of Kindness Guerilla Publicity Websites: jilllublin.com publicitycrashcourse.com/freegift

Musical Director of Hamilton (the globally sensational musical), author of children’s book, Captain Perfection, and just a human being, perfectionism might be rearing its head. At age 43, Julian suffered a heart attack. Cause? Workaholism and perfectionism. As a young boy, Julian’s piano teacher was his mom, and playing the right note often felt like the only way to gain parental love. When we strive for perfection as a kid, we set up the rest of our lives for some unnecessary pressure. Julian and Amy talk about Perfect Equilibrium, a balancing act to find the simple bliss of life. Website: julianreeve.com Book: Captain Perfection & the Secret of Self Compassion: A self-help book for the young perfectionist

What do you say to a kid being bullied at school by their teachers? Many times, adults are teaching bullying to children. They role model the behavior and preach not to be a bully. Dr. Jennifer Fraser discusses bullying and the dynamic lessons neuroscience has on personal development and cultural change. Fraser talks with Amy Dix about the advantages we have today in identifying brain damage using brains-scans like we’ve used X-rays to identify broken bones. We have the power to identify and heal. We ignore the physical scars on the brain, leave science behind, and underestimate how much we know. Book: The Bullied Brain, Teaching Bullies: Zero Tolerance in the Court or in the Classroom Website: bulliedbrain.com

Born with a unique heart defect, Julianne Williams doctor asked her to take it easier for the rest of her life. Surgery at five years old removed a few restrictions, but a typical childhood playtime was still off the table. Advised not to have children, she parented two. Her husband’s bipolar disorder led her to be a single mother. Julianne leads with HOPE; heal, opportunity, purpose, and execution. She shares her struggle and climb with Amy Dix. Book: Head Above Water: A Journey of Emerging Hope Podcast: Brave Enough: Renew, Recreate, Recover

Financial Mindset starts as early as childhood. We learn tendencies and emotional responses to our financial welfare, which can affect how we perceive happiness. Dawna Campbell, The Mind Whisperer and financial savant, joins Amy Dix in connecting happiness and financial well-being. Are the two heavily correlated? Book: Financially Fit: Living The Secrets To An Abundant And Prosperous Life Website: dawnacampbell.com

Deborah Hawkins asks that you think about gratitude beyond an appreciation for what has happened to you. First, spend some time understanding what it is that you genuinely love. Big things and small things, all included, these thought formations are the foundation of a life you’ll appreciate building. Amy Dix talks with Deborah Hawkins about gratitude after experiencing a traumatic childhood. Books: The Best of No Small Thing Practice Gratitude: Transform Your Life Website: nosmallthing.net

Pain is inevitable; suffering is an option. Dorothy O'Dell shares a sequence of calamitous events that devours the hope of many. Watching her parents' health struggle consume their lives as Dorothy wallflowers at childhood dances due to bullies, her decision to overcome suffering was thanks to a group of supportive companions. Dorothy and Amy emphasize the power and importance of a strong support group that will take your call at any hour of the night.

Were we brainwashed to believe we should all live a magazine-style life? Should we look a certain way, walk, talk, and act with unique…sexual appeal? Do we need to perpetuate the angst of being single versus married? Macy spreads a little love….some GetSuperLoved.com ideas about approaching love and relationships with the adage that you don’t have to be like anyone. GetSuperloved.com

After a spinal tap at age four and brain surgery at age thirteen, Bishoy Tadros is here to share his legacy as a soon-to-be father. Survival is not the word chosen to share as his wisdom, but instead sharing what his parents taught him about the “three P’s.” Patience. Perspective. Purpose. Amy Dix talks with the author of Break Barriers, Bishoy Tadros, about what it takes to keep running the race, both literally and figuratively. Website: BishoyTadros.com Book: Break Barriers: How Setbacks Can Dare You Rather Than Define You

When we share our challenges, we permit others to share theirs. This opening up allows the conversation to move, the challenges to resolve, and the relationships to grow. Rhada Ruparell talks with Amy Dix about her time writing Brave Now while recovering from COVID-19 and how her life changed when facing uncertainty. Book: Brave Now: Rise Through Struggle and Unlock Your Greatest Self Website: bravenowbook.com

Can an automated text message save a life? At least, can it change a life? If change for the better starts with a simple reminder, why not start today? Johnny Crowder talks with Amy Dix about mental health struggles from adolescent to adult. Change starts with a decision, and the decision can be counseling, exercise, or finding a happy little daily reminder in your text messages. Websites: copenotes.com

Let’s ditch some of the counseling cliche talk and take action. Start by doing something for yourself. If you can schedule an appointment, you can schedule some time for yourself. Faust Ruggiero talks with Amy Dix about some easy actions we can take to make confrontations easier or slow down life’s pace to be happy. In pursuit of happiness, check out the internet’s happiest podcast! Book: The Fix Yourself Handbook: Using the Process Way of Life to Transform Your Life into a Happy, Healthy Journey Website: https://faustruggiero.com/

Is perspective a path to a happier life? Krista shares the struggle of raising four kids on her own, or at least without their father. She encourages the maternal push, a driving force that was inspired through her spiritual connection. Today, she talks through those challenges. In pursuit of happiness, check out the internet’s happiest podcast! Book: Woman! Push Powerfully

Don’t be the corporation that’s going to die on the vine. Sarah Olin talks with Amy Dix about how companies can adapt to benefit everyone within. From understanding special health to leading the basic needs for proper maternity leave, Sarah Olin helps corporations work with parents for integrated success. In pursuit of happiness, check out the internet’s happiest podcast! Website: lumoleadership.com

Cancer survivor, competitive cyclist, and pickleball athlete David Meine goes to town on leaky gut, eating sugar and the magic of poop. How does this relate to being happy? It’s approaching happiness from the literal message of being happy from the inside out. In pursuit of happiness, check out the internet’s happiest podcast! Website: https://eatingtolive.com/ Book: Eating To Live: Unlocking The Leaky Gut Code