Why Can’t We Recognize The Good Old Days Until They’re Gone? How To Step Off The Hedonic Treadmill
Description
Episode Summary
Ian and Frank explore the fleeting nature of life’s best moments and why we so often miss them while they’re happening. From playoff baseball traditions and movie outings with their kids to nostalgic sports memories, the conversation underscores that “the good old days” aren’t just behind us—they’re happening right now. Along the way, they debate whether teams should celebrate small victories, pull in lessons from business and psychology, and remind us that presence and gratitude turn everyday moments into something worth remembering.
Show Notes
Episode Highlights
- 0:00 — Intro banter and the setup: playoff baseball and family traditions
- 4:52 — Frank’s mantra: “These are the good old days”
- 8:40 — Why experiences have a shelf life: the “last time” problem
- 13:27 — Parenting, presence, and savoring what won’t last forever
- 17:58 — Should sports teams celebrate small wins? Or only championships?
- 23:49 — Pop culture lessons: The Office, Breaking Bad, and NFL coaching moments
- 30:22 — Business takeaways: why leaders should stop grading wins and celebrate progress
- 37:05 — Hedonic adaptation: why we get used to good things too quickly
- 41:48 — Nostalgia, goggles, and champagne: gratitude in everyday life
- 46:35 — Closing reflections: recognizing “peak moments” in real time
Key Takeaways for Listeners
- Presence is everything — what feels ordinary now may become your most cherished memory later.
- Celebrate the small wins — in sports, business, and life, don’t wait for a championship to acknowledge progress.
- Traditions matter — rituals, even small ones, anchor relationships and create lasting meaning.
- Fight hedonic adaptation — gratitude and perspective are antidotes to taking good things for granted.
- Remember: “These are the good old days” — the moments worth celebrating aren’t just behind you.
CONNECT WITH US
Website - https://www.letmespeaktoamanagerpodcast.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/letmespeaktoamanager/
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@speaktoamanagerpodcast
Frank Cava is the CEO of one of Richmond’s fastest-growing companies, an executive coach, and he devours red meat like an apex predator in the Serengeti.
https://www.youtube.com/c/FrankCavaOfficial
https://www.instagram.com/frank.b.cava/
https://www.facebook.com/FrankCava
https://twitter.com/Frank_Cava
https://www.tiktok.com/@therealfrankcava
https://frankcava.com/
Ian Mathews is the CEO of 5on4 Group, a management training company, and consultancy he formed just because he liked the kitschy hockey title.
https://www.instagram.com/ianbmathews/
https://www.facebook.com/ian.mathews.3572
https://twitter.com/ianbmathews