Dying To Ask

Simone Biles, Mental Health And Life As An Olympic Doc With Dr. Marcy Faustin Jul 12, 2024

Being bored at the Olympics is a good thing if you're Dr. Marcy Faustin.

Faustin is a co-head team physician for USA women's gymnastics. Paris will be her second Olympics.

The delayed Tokyo Games were her first Olympic experience. She thought protecting her athletes from COVID-19 and injury would be her main challenge.

Instead, she found herself thrust into one of the most seismic moments in sports when superstar Simone Biles had to withdraw from competition to take care of her mental health.

"What Simone was able to do is show that you need to take care of yourself first even if she feels the external pressure of the gymnastics community, the Olympics and the world needing her to be the face of the Games. It allowed other people to say, 'I'm not doing OK right now and I'm having a hard time,'" Faustin said.

"The Simone effect" rippled through the Games and the world, giving other athletes the freedom to admit the mental toll training and competing takes.

Protecting the mind is as important as protecting the body, according to Faustin. Athletes work with sports psychologists. The USOPC provides additional mental health help during the Games.

At USA Gymnastics, Faustin and Dr. Ellen Casey share the responsibility of taking care of the athletes and supporting personnel and their families. It's a holistic approach centered on making individuals feel safe, comforted and supported.

Faustin said, "Everyone who is a part of the team knows we have to do that physical aspect, but we also have to do that mental aspect. Whatever that is for that individual person."

Faustin is a former college athlete. Her primary job is working for UC Davis Sports Medicine in Sacramento taking care of non-Olympic patients and giving sports medicine lectures. Her love of sports and competitive nature make her a perfect medical ally and personal hype woman for Team USA.

On this Dying to Ask:

How do you become an Olympic Team Doctor?
How Simone Biles destigmatized mental health for athletes and everyday people
What will a day in Paris look like for the medical team?
Why female gymnasts are older and stronger than ever in 2024
Dr. Faustin's phone-free hack to relieve athletes' stress during the games

3-Time Olympian Alex Obert Aims For Gold In Olympic Water Polo Jul 03, 2024

Experience matters. And, it may be the U.S. men's water polo team's greatest asset heading into Paris.

Ten of the 13 guys on the roster competed on the Tokyo Olympic team, including three-time Olympian Alex Obert.

"There is a huge difference between your first Olympics and your second Olympics, the kind of nerves just knowing what you're going to go through every single day," Obert said.

Obert grew up in Loomis, California. He played for the University of the Pacific, the U.S. National Team, played overseas, and competed in two Olympics.

He retired after the Tokyo Olympics and took a finance job. Then came the call asking him if he'd come out of retirement for one more go at gold.

His wife and employer said go for it.

And, Obert made the cut, joining his third Olympic water polo team.

Obert says, "Even in retirement, I still had that itch to compete at the highest level. I didn't know if I was going to be able to make the comeback. But obviously I was able to make it enough to come back and help the team, and that's all I want to do is help the team compete and win."

On this Dying to Ask:

How hard it is physically to come out of retirement
How being a dad changed Alex as an athlete
Advice for parents on how to best support your teen athletes
The advantages of having 10 guys with Olympic experience on a roster of 13

Race Walker Robyn Stevens Is Back On Track For Paris Olympics Jun 27, 2024

Robyn Stevens walks faster than most people run and is on track to make her second Olympic Team.

Stevens is the fastest female race walker in the country.

Growing up in Vacaville, she said a high school track coach suggested she try race walking. Stevens did and instantly fell in love with the sport.

"It's super technical it's what drew me to it," Stevens said.

Women compete in the 20-kilometer distance in the Olympics. The sport relies on precision and power.

"With race walking, you have to land with one foot on the ground at all times. You have to land with [a] straight leg that stays straight until it passes beneath the hip," Stevens said.

Judges line the course watching for foot infractions and rely purely on what they see. There is no video review.

Athletes walk faster than most of us can run.

"In a 20k race, I'll average anywhere from a 7-minute to 7:15 a mile," Stevens said.

She contemplated retiring after the delayed Tokyo Games where she finished 33rd out of 58 competitors.

Two things kept her in the sport: One, she'd like her mom to see her compete at an Olympics in person. Fans weren't allowed at the Tokyo Olympics because of pandemic restrictions.

The second is that at age 41, she's still the fastest American race walker.

And that's despite having her 2023 training year disrupted severely by long-haul COVID-19 symptoms.

On this Dying to Ask:

Why Robyn wants an Olympic do-over
The impact long haul Covid has on endurance athletes
How she's changed her Olympic mindset to balance her personal and professional life
What it's like to train for hours a day on your own
And we break down the mechanics of race walking

Other places to listen

CLICK HERE to listen on iTunes
CLICK HERE to listen on Stitcher

Liz Plosser Takes Olympians From Grit To Glam Jun 18, 2024

From grit to glam. Women's Health is celebrating female athletes with its first-ever Olympics issue.

Liz Plosser is the editor-in-chief of Women's Health magazine.

The July-August issue is a global celebration of women's sports and athletes and spans 10 editions of the magazine worldwide.

"We really wanted to focus on women who would share their stories vulnerably, and let us into who they are as human beings, as advocates in their community, as moms as role models. In addition, they're sharing how they train and compete and perform at the top of their game," Liz said.

Women's Health drew on the colors of the Olympic rings for inspiration and then took the women out of the gym and into iconic settings for their photo shoots.

"We put them in a really epic-like superhero environment because they are superheroes to us," Liz said. "We also wanted to show them an action and reflect."

Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin- Levrone (track and field) is on the cover.

Six other athletes are featured in the issue including boxer Jajaira Gonzalez, breaker Sunny Choi, para-triathlete Hailey Danz, water polo goalie Ashleigh Johnson, pentathlete Jess Savner and rugby star Llona Maher.

All the women shared what they're doing to get their bodies and minds ready for the Paris Games. Several expressed the role mental health takes on an athlete's journey and share what makes them mentally tough.

On this Dying to Ask:

How you get top Olympians runway-ready
What inspired the photo shoot locations and wardrobe
What were the athletes like on set
Olympic mental health hacks

Other places to listen

CLICK HERE to listen on iTunes
CLICK HERE to listen on Stitcher

Hiding From The Sun While Searching For Gold With Keana Hunter Jun 14, 2024

Keana Hunter spends most of her day upside down, trying to avoid getting kicked in the head while hiding from the sun. And she wouldn't have it any other way.

The 20-year-old first-time Olympian will represent Team USA at the Paris Olympics this summer.

Team USA hasn't qualified in the Olympic artistic team event since 2008. It last medaled in the sport formerly known as synchronized swimming with a bronze at the 2004 Athens Games.

Head coach Andrea Fuentes is getting a lot of credit for turning the team around. Fuentes is the most decorated artistic swimmer ever for Spain and won four Olympic medals.

Keana and her teammates relocated to Los Angeles for a year, putting their lives on hold to train for 10 hours a day, six days a week. Eight of those hours are in the water.

Artistic swimming is considered one of the toughest sports in the Olympics because of its blend of physical strength, flexibility, and performance.

"You're upside down in the water looking at your pattern and making sure you're in the right spot. But you're also traveling. So everything has to come together to make it like this beautiful routine. But there are so many pieces that like take hours and hours to fix," Keana said.

Coach Fuentes recently announced her Olympic roster of eight athletes. A squad of 12 swimmers qualified the U.S. for one of 10 Olympic spots but only eight athletes can compete in Paris.

Only one swimmer in the final eight has Olympic experience. The rest are first-time Olympians like Keana.

On this Dying to Ask:

An update on Bill May, the 45-year-old artistic swimmer who'd hoped to become the first man to represent Team USA in the Olympics
Keana breaks down what it's actually like underwater for an artistic swimmer
Find out how swimmers protect themselves from the sun when they're in a pool for 8 hours a day
How do you maintain passion for a goal despite that much training and sacrifice

Finding Balance With Diver Katrina Young Jun 13, 2024

Katrina Young has unfinished business and she wants to get it done in Paris.

The two-time Olympic diver will compete in the U.S. Olympic Diving Trials in Knoxville, Tennessee, from June 17-23. She'll compete in both solo and synchronized events.

Katrina grew up in the Pacific Northwest, graduated from the University of Florida with a music degree in 2015 and competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Games. She didn't medal in either.

Her third Olympic push has focused heavily on mindset.

"You do have to go through this series of moments where the pressure feels very heavy. And I don't think that I've ever gotten into the zone at the Olympics where I've gotten through the pressure," says Katrina.

Going for a third Olympic team meant doing things differently.

The 32-year-old is a newlywed. She and her husband relocated to the West Coast.

Katrina moved to Los Angeles last year to train at the USC pool and pursue her other passion as a singer-songwriter. The change in scenery and shakeup in training are paying off.

Katrina says, "Shaking up where I live and my day-to-day routine has really opened my eyes to different sides of myself."

And, it's provided the elusive balance so many Olympians and the rest of us crave.

On this Dying to Ask:

Athletes thrive on routine. How did Katrina decide to flip her life upside down in her push for Paris?
Advice on defining what balance means to you
The unexpected value in pursuing two passions at the same time

Leading With Gratitude Is A Golden Strategy For Maggie Steffens May 30, 2024

They say good things come in threes. Maggie Steffens hopes they come in fours.

Steffens is the team captain for the U.S. Olympic Women's Water Polo Team.

The team has won three straight Olympic gold medals. Winning a fourth would make history as no team, men's or women's, has won four straight gold medals.

We caught up with Steffens and her team at a sold-out exhibition game at Long Beach City College. The crowd was packed with female teenage club players.

"I was once that little girl on a pool deck looking up and seeing role models and saying, that's something I want to do," Steffens said.

Steffens' team is a team is a mix of veterans and first-time Olympians. She leads with an Olympic mindset grounded in gratitude with an eye on mentorship for the next generation of players.

Steffens says, "Going into this Olympics gratitude is one of my biggest things. How cool is it I get this opportunity and how can I make this torch a little brighter for the future of our sport?"

Coach Adam Krikorian says his team tries not to focus exclusively on winning gold again.

"The reality is this team has never won a gold medal. And we have people that have never been Olympians before. So this is their first experience," Krikorian says.

Bottom line: leadership and experience will matter greatly this summer in Paris.

On this Dying to Ask:

Why leading with gratitude works
How a spirit of gratitude fosters mentorship
Advice on how to get different generations to work together toward a goal

45-Year-Old Bill May Makes History In Artistic Swimming May 24, 2024

35 years is a long time to wait for a dream. But Bill May says it's worth it.

Bill was 10 years old when he started artistic swimming. He fell in love with the sport and dreamed of going to the Olympics.

"Every time someone would tell me no, I'd say watch me. You're going to see me at the Olympic Games. You're going to tell me no and I'm going to say yes. They're going to say that person followed his dreams and there he is at the Olympic Games," says Bill.

The problem? Artistic swimming (formerly synchronized swimming) didn't allow men in Olympic competition.

Bill quit competitive swimming after watching his teammates win the 2004 Olympic bronze in Athens and put his aquatic talents to work in other ways.

He joined the cast of Cirque Du Soleil's "O" and spent 18 years touring with the production. But he never gave up advocating for men to be allowed to compete in his sport at the Olympics.

In 2022, the International Olympic Committee announced a rule change that allows up to two men per team in the artistic team competition starting this summer in Paris.

Bill says, "I think now that men are allowed, it's only going to open the doors for men to be in the sport and just from our families and people around the world to say, okay, this sport is inclusive."

This year, Bill was one of 12 Team USA swimmers to qualify for the Olympic team competition for the first time in 18 years. But only 8 swimmers can compete in Paris.

Head Coach Andrea Fuentes calls upcoming team cuts "heartbreaking." In this episode, you'll hear from Bill May and then Coach Fuentes on how committed she is to bringing a mixed team to the 2024 Summer Games.

On this Dying to Ask:

How Bill stays in peak mental and physical shape to compete at 45 with teammates half his age
Why gender equity matters in artistic swimming
How Bill is using his platform to inspire the next generation
What was it like being in Cirque Du Soleil for almost 20 years
How to stay true to a dream for decades
The tough choice Coach Andrea Fuentes has to make by June 8

Beach Volleyball Duo Theo Brunner, Trevor Crabb on How To Get Along With Anyone May 16, 2024

A trip to Paris would be the ultimate revenge after getting dumped for Theo Brunner and Trevor Crabb.

Both are veteran beach volleyball players and both got dumped last year by their prior partners.

The timing couldn't have been worse.

Crabb says it often takes three to four years of playing with a partner to create the kind of chemistry it takes to qualify for the Olympics.

"We're one of the older teams on tour. I'm 34 he's 38 . We've been through the partner changes and stuff before," says Crabb.

That experience let them get to work while getting to know each other.

"As an elder statesman in the sport, I've seen good teams win tournaments who hate each other's guts and don't talk and teams that love each other that can't get it done. All that matters is scoring points," says Brunner.

The Paris Olympics will feature 24 teams, of each gender, playing under the Eifel Tower.

Team USA has already qualified two women's teams. Countries can qualify a maximum of two pairings per gender and so far no U.S. men's teams have met the qualification. The main qualification period ends on June 10.

On this Dying to Ask:

Why Trevor wasn't an obvious partner choice for Theo
How far down the list of potential partners Trevor was for Theo
The advantage of being an older, experienced player in a new partners
Advice on how to get along with anyone

Zen And The Art Of Rowing With Michelle Sechser May 09, 2024

The girls in the boat are heading to Paris and Folsom's Michelle Sechser has Lake Natoma to thank.

Sechser is a two-time Olympic rower in lightweight double sculls. She fell in love with the sport at age 14 after following her older sister to Capital Crew.

That rowing club is based at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center on Lake Natoma and has produced multiple Olympic champions.

"When I started at Capital Crew, never in a million years that I think I will be a two-time Olympian," Sechser said.

She started seriously pursuing the National Rowing Team after grad school and came in 5th at the Tokyo Olympics.

Lightweight sculls feature athletes much smaller than those found on the eight-person boats. That leads to races being won (or lost) in the blink of an eye.

At 37, Sechser is older than a lot of rowers. She'd already planned on Paris being her last Olympics. Then the International Olympic Committee announced her event would be dropped from the Olympic lineup after 2024.

Sechser predicts an epic final saying, "I know every girl on that starting line will be having the exact same thought, which is I've got nothing to lose, cause this is it. It's all or nothing."

On this Dying to Ask:

The Zen of rowing
How rowing with a partner is like being in a marriage
How to build physical and mental endurance and push through boredom

Shooter Sagen Maddalena Takes Aim At Gold May 02, 2024

Sagen Maddalena has a literal shot at gold this summer at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.

Maddalena is a two-time Olympic shooter and will compete in two air rifle events at the summer games.

She grew up in Groveland, California. She was homeschooled in the small mountain town and was introduced to her sport through a 4-H gun safety class.

She got hooked and went on to become an eight-time All-American collegiate shooter at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks.

That led to a career as a sharpshooter in the U.S. Army and these days, Sgt. Sagen Maddalena is a member of the elite World Class Athlete Program, which allows members to train and compete in sports on an international level while representing their country.

You might think shooting is a sport of perfectionists. Maddalena says perfectionism actually works against her as an athlete.

"I think that's one of the things that makes me so good at it is is that I've put in a lot of hours of work and discipline. I've been stubborn to make sure I follow that discipline and that work ethic to be as I can be without being perfect. Having that mentality that would be overwhelming," Maddalena says.

On this 'Dying to Ask':

Few people guess Maddalena's sport correctly. The sport they think she does.
How to achieve mental clarity and avoid the pitfalls of perfectionism.
How Maddalena is inspiring kids in small towns to dream big.

'All in Stride' With Olympic Author Johanna Garton Apr 11, 2024

The American dream and the Olympic dream collide in Johanna Garton's new book, "All in Stride."

All in Stride: A Journey in Running, Courage and the Search for the American Dream is about Olympian Shadrack Kipchirchir and his wife, Sgt. Elvin Kibet, two American professional runners.

Both competed in February's U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. Shadrack competed for Team USA in the 10,000m at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics.

Johanna Garton is a longtime Colorado-based endurance sports writer who met the married couple in Denver.

All in Stride tells the story of how the runners independently made their way from Kenyan villages to American colleges, the military and professional running.

Their American dream turns into an Olympic dream as each pushes to represent their new country. Their adjustment to American culture isn't easy and includes brushes with bigotry and intolerance.

"I heard about this program that was part of the U.S. Army based in Colorado Springs. It was soldiers in the U.S. Army who also were training to become world class athletes. I went down and spent time at one of their workouts, and I happened to meet Shadrack, who's kind of the main character in this book," says Johanna.

Johanna Garton started her career as an immigration lawyer. But her love of distance running won out career-wise. She transitioned to sports writing and writes mainly about endurance sports. Johanna ran for Syracuse University as a walk-on. She's run more than 20 marathons including five Boston Marathons . And, she even made it to Everest Base Camp in 2022.

On this Dying to Ask:

What it's like when the American dream and the Olympic dream collide

The role the US Army plays in helping athletes get to the Olympics

The special role Team USA's immigrant athletes play in the Olympic experience

Kali Wilding Finds Olympic Inspiration At Home Apr 04, 2024

Kali Wilding and Shelley Oates-Wilding are on the ultimate Olympic mother-daughter road trip that hopefully ends in Paris.

Kali is one of Team USA's top sprint kayakers. Shelley is a two-time Olympian for Team Australia and the current U.S. National Coach in canoe-kayak.

Kali grew up in Hawaii surrounded by water and her mother's Olympic legacy. But Shelley says she was careful to not push her sport on her kids. Kali started out as a gymnast but couldn't resist the water.

She recently won the K-2 sprint kayak event at the U.S. Olympic Canoe Kayak Team Trials at the CSUS Aquatic Center at Lake Natoma, California. The next and final step in becoming an Olympian is competing in the Continental Olympic qualifier in Sarasota, Florida, in April.

An Olympian being coached by a parent who is also an Olympian is rare. And, Kali and Shelley hope to make that dream happen this summer at the Paris Games.

"We get to travel so much together. It's crazy fun having a mother as a coach, best friend, travel buddy. It's a dream come true," says Kali Wilding.

Shelley Oates-Wilding says, "Representing your country at the Olympics is one of those things. You're being the best you can be in your chosen profession. It's the journey going toward what your Olympics is."

On this Dying to Ask:

The growing sport of sprint kayaking
What it's like growing up with an Olympian for a parent
What Shelley did to not force her sport on her kids
What it takes to pursue an Olympic dream while going to a school like USC

FIVE WITH FITZ: Riley Loos Mar 29, 2024

Get to know Olympic hopeful gymnast Riley Loos as he tumbles with Fitz through a round of FIVE WITH FITZ.

Five rapid fire questions with a bonus question.

Gymnast Riley Loos Tumbles Toward Paris With Stanford Accountability Mar 28, 2024

Stanford alum Riley Loos hopes to put some Cardinal red into the red, white and blue for Team USA at the Paris Olympics this summer.

Loos graduated from Stanford in 2023 and has stayed on in Palo Alto to train with his former college team and Stanford head men's gymnastics coach Thom Glielmi.

Nearly half the U.S. Men's National Gymnastics Team has a Stanford connection. The school is known as an unofficial feeder to the National Team. The school has won the last four NCAA Championships. And Coach Glielmi served as the 2020/1 U.S. Men's Gymnastics coach at the delayed Tokyo Olympics.

Riley was ranked number three on the team after the recent Winter Cup competition. He grew up in El Dorado Hills, California, and has dreamed of being an Olympian since he was a kid. He credits Stanford for supporting his quest.

"Stanford is basically the feeder system to Team USA Men's Gymnastics . We've created this team atmosphere and culture. It's intense but super friendly and brotherly. So we basically have created a culture through the head coach where nothing goes undone and nobody gets away with not doing what has to be done and we lift each other up all the time," says Riley Loos.

On this Dying to Ask:

A deep dive into Stanford Gymnastics' culture of tiered accountability and how you can incorporate the concepts into your team
Learn how to make people feel comfortable and safe enough that you can call them out when they're not giving their best.
How male gymnasts feel about the attention and sponsorship opportunities female gymnasts enjoy
How a viral video made Riley a big deal on TikTok and how he's monetizing his celebrity to fund his Olympic dream

MEET THE TEAM: Jason Newton Mar 22, 2024

Jason Newton may be a newbie to Olympic coverage. But his hometown already knows how to support someone at the Olympics.

Jason is an evening news anchor at WBAL-TV in Baltimore, hometown of Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps.

Jason is also a native of Baltimore. And while his wingspan isn't as broad as Phelps, his knowledge of all things Olympic will be by this summer's games.

This is the third in our MEET THE TEAM episodes as we get to know members of the Hearst Olympics Team ahead of this summer's coverage at the Paris Olympics.

On this Dying to Ask:

What Jason thought he wanted to be when he went to college (spoiler: it wasn't working as an Olympic reporter)
The new Olympic sport Jason is especially excited to cover
How Jason's hobby is likely to benefit Fitz' Instagram feed during the Olympics

MEET THE TEAM: Fletcher Mackel Mar 21, 2024

Imagine having a stunt double at work. Fletcher Mackel basically does in his role as a sports anchor at WDSU-TV.

That's because the guy often sitting next to him on the anchoring desk doing the news is his identical twin brother Travers.

The Brothers Mackel have share a lot of experiences together. They grew up playing baseball in New Orleans. Both attended college and played baseball at Loyola University. And they both signed on at WDSU more than 20 years ago where Fletcher jokes "we're now a package deal and you're stuck with both of us."

Soon, the guys will have something else in common as both will have worked on the Hearst Olympic Team. Fletcher is looking forward to adding Olympic experience to a resume that already includes Super Bowls and college championships.

Fletcher's family has been in New Orleans for generations and civic pride fuels both his work ethic and passion. His energy is off the charts and if you like an inspirational quote, grab a pen because he drops them like crazy!

On this Dying to Ask:

What it's like to work with an identical twin (should probably ask the staff of WDSU about that)
How his hometown fuels his work ethic and passion
And the sports guy makes a prediction on who's going to own Beach Volleyball in Paris

Should Team USA Ditch the Olympic Trials Process? Mar 07, 2024

Team USA will rely on an Olympic Trials process to pick most of its 2024 Summer Olympic Team. But for how much longer?

Some worry it's not sustainable to stage "mini-Olympics" in host cities to select athletes due to rising costs and expectations.

Freelance writer Erin Strout raises the issue in her most recent article for Outside Online where she investigated whether the popular US Olympic Marathon Trials needs a reboot.

You can read the article here.

Americans love Olympic Trials. They're exciting and showcase the depth of underdog talent like marathon record breaker Fiona O'Keeffe. It's like a mini-Olympics with only Americans taking part to determine who will represent Team USA at an Olympics.

But the downside of the Trials process is that they're money losers for a lot of cities.

Most countries rely on selection committees to pick Olympic teams. Would a selection committee have picked Fiona O'Keeffe to represent her country in marathon? Probably not.

On this Dying to Ask:

Arguments for and against the Olympic Trials process
What a recent US Olympic Marathon race organizer told Erin about the cost of hosting a Trials and why he says his city couldn't do it again
Who pays for what at an Olympic Trials? The answer may surprise you

FIVE WITH FITZ: Fiona O'Keeffe Mar 01, 2024

Check out FIVE WITH FITZ with Olympic marathoner Fiona O'Keeffe.

Five rapid fire questions with Team USA's speediest female marathoner.

MEET THE TEAM: Mike "Domi" Domalaog Feb 29, 2024

If the Olympics gave out a medal for fan geekdom, Mike "Domi" Domalaog would get gold every time.

Domi, as he's known around KCRA 3 and the Hearst Olympic Team, is an encyclopedia of all things Citius, Altius, Fortius, Communiter. (That's the Olympic motto: Faster, Higher, Stronger-Together if you were not blessed with FOUR YEARS of high school Latin as I was.)

In our first MEET THE TEAM episode, I'll explain how the Hearst Olympic Team works and the long history Domi and I have of traipsing the world chasing athletes, telling stories, and testing the limits of sleep deprivation.

Paris will be Domi's 11th Olympic trip. His work history goes back to the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games. But, his love of the Olympics started decades ago as a kid growing up in Salinas, CA.

Domi is one of the smartest people I know and his recall for athletes and their achievements is equal parts impressive and frightening. He's a member of the prestigious Emmy Awards "Silver Circle," awarded for 25+ years in television news. And, he's been a photographer at KCRA for 38 years.

In this Dying to Ask:

How Domi became an Olympic reporter
The responsibility he feels telling young athletes' stories
What he's looking forward to the most in Paris

Road to Paris Olympic Trailer Feb 29, 2024

Season 11 of the Dying to Ask podcast is here and it's giving us Emily in Paris vibes.

We're heading to the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics!

In our Season 11 trailer, Deirdre Fitzpatrick has a look at what to expect over the next few months as we highlight athletes, coaches and all those behind the scenes who support Team USA.

Second Acts and Taylor Swift With NFL legend Steve Young Jan 18, 2024

From touchdowns to acquisitions — NFL legend Steve Young's second act may be more exhausting than his former career.

Young was a quarterback for 15 seasons, primarily with the San Francisco 49ers.

He's a two-time MVP (1992/1994), and he's a three-time Super Bowl winner.

But Young says he started working on his post-retirement plans long before he left the game.

He earned his law degree from BYU while playing for the 49ers and now runs HGGC, a successful private equity firm in the Bay Area.

Young spent years downplaying his football past in his new career. But he has fully embraced the magic and nuance of his two worlds.

In 2016, Young published his memoir, "QB: My Life Behind the Spiral."

Young is married and the father of four children, two boys and two girls.

His daughters have shown the greatest interest in playing football.

On this Dying to Ask:

Advice on crafting a second act
How the future Olympic sport of flag football created an incredible bond between father and daughters
And Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. Steve Young has thoughts. The empathy he has for Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes

3 Ways Going Outside Improves Your Health Jan 11, 2024

Feeling blah? Head outside. Mother Nature may be the ultimate mood booster.

Science has long backed the health benefits of the great outdoors.

Spending time outdoors impacts your physical and emotional health. Going outside can fight depression and lower blood pressure.

Feel cranky after a long day indoors at school or work? A 10 minutes walk outside soaking in some sun can radically change how you feel and ultimately perform.

Can't think?

Go outside.

Feeling down?

Go outside.

Can't sleep?

Go outside.

You get the idea.

On this Dying to Ask:

The viral video from Finland prompting more interest in the health benefits of spending time outside.
The vitamin you'll increase naturally by soaking up some sun.
And the link between your eyes, age, sun and sleep.

3 Ways To OWN 2024 Dec 28, 2023

New year, new you? Why not?

The calendar change is a great time for a habit refresh.

This week I'm sharing three things I'm doing this year to capture the spirit of a fresh start while also reflecting on the people who enriched my 2023.

Ready to kick your year into gear?

Mentioned during this episode:

Get motivated with entrepreneur Jesse Itzler.

Plan your 24 in 24 with happiness expert Gretchen Rubin.

Clear the digital clutter with tech expert Jennifer Jolly.

On this Dying to Ask:

Why you need to sit down and write some good old-fashioned letters in January
How to craft a 24 in 24 list
And the easiest way to clear digital clutter

Other places to listen

CLICK HERE to listen on iTunes
CLICK HERE to listen on Stitcher

4 Ways To Take A Brain Break Dec 21, 2023

Overwhelmed this holiday season? Try a brain break.

It's my secret to doing all the things and trying to be in the moment while I'm doing them.

A brain break is the act of giving yourself a mental time out. That mental rest can boost your mood, increase productivity and make life more enjoyable.

In this episode, we'll identify how to spot your noggin needs a break. (It's not as obvious as you think.)

And, we'll go through a 4 step plan to perfect a brain break. It's a great practice to work on over the holidays.

Also in this episode, we'll review this year's top 10 Dying to Ask episodes.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stolen Focus: Why you can't Focus and How Think Deeply Again

Eat Pray Love and get creative with Elizabeth Gilbert

Should you get in on the giant water bottle trend?

The power of the happily ever after with Brenda Novak

The big benefits of little luxuries

Find Scholarship Money With Bold.org Dec 14, 2023

What do Terry Crews, Dwyane Wade and MMA star Cat Zingano have in common? They're giving away money on bold.org.

The site is a go-to for college students to win scholarship money to pay for school.

Dror Liebenthal is bold.org's founder and CEO. The site's goal is to match people and organizations who want to give away scholarship money with students who need cash for college.

It's often difficult for students to find opportunities. But, Dror found it can be just as difficult to give money away!

Dror says, "Often you were spending as much or more to manage the scholarship as you were awarding in the scholarship itself, and what we allow on our platform is allow anybody in any company to easily create a scholarship in minutes with the confidence that 100% of your tax deductible donations going to go towards deserving scholarship winners."

The site has drawn attention (and cash) from companies, individuals and celebrities.

Worried about paying for college? Listen to this one and make sure to tell us if you or any of your family members win a scholarship!

On this Dying to Ask:

Find out how bold.org's founder came up with the idea.
Why it's difficult logistically to give away scholarship money.
How the algorithm matches students with opportunities
Learn about some of the more random scholarships on the site
And see what drives celebrities like Terry Crews and Dwyane Wade to pay it forward through scholarships

How NOT To Catch A Cold With ’Hamilton’ Star Darnell Abraham Dec 08, 2023

Sick of being sick? A "Hamilton" musical star won't miss his shot when it comes to boosting immunity.

Darnell Abraham is starring in the international touring show as George Washington.

Abraham may play a founding father but he also doubles as a wellness guru when it comes to health. He's sharing the health hacks that keep him on stage night after night.

It starts with the basics.

Eat well, exercise and get sleep.

But there are immunity boosters he swears by including a near-daily drink he doesn't really like but feels has made him healthier.

"Immune health begins in the gut and kombucha, it's packed with probiotics, prebiotics depending on what type of kombucha that you get, and I have actually found it to be really helpful. I drink it like every other day," Abraham said.

He travels with a medicine bag of herbs, teas, and vitamins and he's basically spilling it out so we can make it through the cold and flu season too.

He even has a photo tip to minimize exposure to germs without missing those Instagram moments.

On this Dying to Ask:

How Abraham made the decision to accept the offer to tour internationally with "Hamilton."
A performer hack to stop a sore throat quickly
Two appliances he swears keep his airways clear
Why he will never use your pen
The bougie throat lozenge Abraham says is worth every penny

Stop Work Drama in 3 Steps With Richard Birke Nov 30, 2023

Sick of work drama? You can diffuse most conflicts with three simple steps.

Richard Birke is the senior vice president of JAMS Institute, a conflict resolution company.

He's a master mediator. Things have to be really bad before he heads into a workplace and usually the goal is to avoid litigation.

But we all deal with conflict in our lives. Maybe it's someone who gets under your skin at work? Maybe it's someone who lets everyone else do all the work. Or, it's someone who knows exactly the wrong thing to say.

Unsettled conflict hurts your mood and impacts both creativity and productivity. The person who suffers the most when you don't deal with drama is you.

Richard has a three-step plan to diffuse conflict. You'll change your mindset and actually get a script of what to say (or not say) to someone annoying you. Think of this as your playbook to reduce drama in your life!

On this Dying to Ask:

How to shift your mindset when you're in the middle of a conflict
What you need to know about your communication style to effectively deal with others
And a 10-second tip to change the tone of an interaction

How Gratitude Makes You Happier Nov 24, 2023

Gratitude is an attitude. And, it might be the easiest way to boost your happiness.

This week, we're revisiting the role gratitude plays in our physical and mental health. The holidays are a great time to hit a "reset" and reflect on what's really important in your life.

My colleague Edie Lambert just produced an incredible story on the science of happiness and a new way it's being taught through gratitude at Sacramento State University.

Dr. Meliksah Demir is Sac State's very first "endowed professor in happiness."

He teaches a class called The Psychology of Happiness.

"When you practice gratitude, it has the potential to give you the sense of peace, comfort, which is likely to help you say before bedtime, to breathe easily and then comfortably sleep. Perhaps this could be one reason as to why we are observing those benefits in the sleep domain," says Dr. Demir.

And his students are impressed by what they're learning.

"If you practice gratitude, happiness, you make more money, sleep better, better health. I've been surprised at how many benefits there are," says Amanda Rose.

You can check out Edie's story here.

On this Dying to Ask:

The impact gratitude makes in mindset
How to play the "gratitude game" this holiday season
What you can learn about a person by asking them what they're grateful for
And what happened when I asked my colleagues to tell me what they're thankful for right now

How To Be A Genius With Biographer Walter Isaacson Nov 20, 2023

Here's a genius move. Immerse yourself in a few more interests and watch yourself grow intellectually.

That's the advice from biographer Walter Isaacson. And he should know as he's often considered the genius biographer.

Isaacson is a bestselling author. He's written biographies about people including Leonardo da Vinci, Benjamin Franklin, Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs and Jennifer Doudna.

He's a former editor of Time Magazine and served as the CEO of the Aspen Institute in addition to teaching at Tulane University.

His latest book may be his most controversial due to his subject, Elon Musk.

Isaacson spent two years with Musk with what he describes as unfiltered total access.

He thought the book would primarily focus on electric cars and space travel. Then came the Twitter sale in the middle of his writing project.

Now, Isaacson's Elon Musk is out and he's facing criticism from some in the tech world for taking hit too easy on a controversial leader. Isaacson says his job is to be a storyteller and it's a reader's job to reach conclusions on his subjects.

On this Dying to Ask:

The unusual deal Walter Isaacson struck with musk before writing the book
How Isaacson found out Musk had accepted his offer to do the book
How the Twitter sale impacted his research and book
Why broadening your interests helps you think bigger

Avoid Holiday Stress With This Fall Organization Hack Nov 09, 2023

Move over spring cleaning. Fall organization may have an even bigger impact on mindset, stress levels and happiness.

Kim Salisbury is a personal organizer and the creator of Home Method Co. She says a lot of people get a burst of energy when the cooler weather starts. She recommends using that energy to get your house ready before the holiday season.

Want to thrive instead of survive the holidays? The key is getting the holiday to-do's done now, not later.

"I always say to try to get as much done as you can in October and November before Thanksgiving. Make a list of everything that you need to do before the holidays," advises Salisbury.

The holidays are stressful because of all the extra demands on your time. Those opportunities should be fun. Don't resent them. Just prep for them.

Take our Fall Organization Challenge and give yourself the gift of decompression!

On this Dying to Ask:

The psychology behind fall organization
Why your fridge and pantry deserve your time and Clorox wipes
How an organizing binge will save you money this holiday season
The gift hack to reduce waste and increase happiness
How to make a master holiday to-do list that will keep you accountable

Detoxing ’A to Z’ With Author Sophia Ruan Gushee Nov 02, 2023

Sophia Ruan Gushee is one of the least toxic people you'll meet. That's probably because she wrote the book on it.

She's the author of "The A to Z of D-Toxing" and the host of the Practical Nontoxic Living podcast.

But Sophia isn't a scientist and didn't study harmful plastics in school.

Becoming a mom for the first time forced her to look at her environment in a whole new way. That led her to question the impact of products she used on her family's health.

The questions turned into answers and, ultimately, major lifestyle changes to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals. Her book reads like an encyclopedia and is like a bible for families trying to reduce toxic exposure.

Along the way, Sophia became the go-to expert in all things toxic. She left her dream job to become a practical, nontoxic lifestyle expert.

In her passion, Sophia found her purpose.

The good news?

Leading a less toxic lifestyle doesn't have to be hard. A few simple swaps can lower your exposure and ultimately let you feel better about harmful toxins that are seemingly everywhere.

Sophia is smart, kind and essentially a non-toxic cheerleader for those of us who would like to do better but really don't need it to feel like a lot of work!

On this Dying to Ask:

Sophia's unlikely path from finance to nontoxic lifestyle expert
The role convenience plays in our lifestyle choices
3 simple swaps you can make today to live a cleaner lifestyle
And, how did Sophia decide to go all-in on her new career?

4 ways to jumpstart motivation when you’re just not feeling it Oct 20, 2023

Have something you need to do but can't find the motivation? Join the club.

Sometimes it's just hard to get yourself going, even if you're normally a disciplined person.

It's normal and it's really annoying!

This week, we're looking at where motivation comes from and why it's hard to jumpstart sometimes.

And we have a 4 step action plan to fire up your motivation to get more out of life.

On this Dying to Ask:

Defense of the word "busy"
The difference between "have to's and want to's"
Why your "want to's" get put off first
A 4 step plan to get motivated

Other places to listen

CLICK HERE to listen on iTunes
CLICK HERE to listen on Stitcher

Diving Into ’Victory In The Pool’ With Bill George Oct 12, 2023

This summer, Paris will become the second city to host three summer Olympics. This week, we're merging history and the Olympics on the "Dying to Ask" podcast.

Bill George is the author of a new book called "Victory in the Pool."

Decades before Team USA celebrated names like Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky, Sacramento was the center of U.S. swimming, and its aquatic leader was a guy named Sherm Chavoor.

Chavoor coached athletes, including Debbie Meyer, Mark Spitz and Mike Burton, to win Olympic gold medals between 1968 and 1972.

Chavoor coached at the Arden Hills Swim and Tennis Club.

But he wasn't a swimmer himself.

And Sherm Chavoor wasn't even his real name.

"He didn't publicize it. His real name was Izikiel Correa and he was a poor kid from the Oakland area. He came to Sacramento as a swim coach and became famous as Sherm Chavoor. Everybody knew him as Sherm Chavoor. I think even his swimmers never really realized his real name," George said.

On this Dying to Ask:

How Sherm Chavoor became Sherm Chavoor.
How he started a swimming dynasty that defied race, religion and social status.
And how a natural knack for marketing led underdog swimmers and a green coach to greatness.

John Legend’s ’Twin’ Talakai Seizes The Moment Oct 05, 2023

As doppelgangers go, Talakai is the ultimate winner. And now he can credit his likeness for his latest opportunity.

Talakai is a 34-year-old singer from Sacramento. He turned chairs with his rendition of Sam Smith's "Stay With Me" during the blind auditions on "The Voice." Then, he turned heads with his uncanny resemblance to judge John Legend.

“Wait until you see his face,” Legend told Niall Horan and Gwen Stefani as the other coaches turned their chairs following Talakai’s performance.

Twinning with a superstar is nothing new for Talakai. He can't go anywhere without someone saying something. The thing is, Talakai can sing. Like, really sing. And now the world, and John Legend, know it.

Talakai stopped by the KCRA 3 studios in his now signature "Legend" jacket and charmed everyone he met. He's as likable as he is talented and is enjoying every minute of what he calls "the best week of my life."

He is seizing the moment and has advice on how you can, too.

On this Dying to Ask:

What it's like to have a famous doppelganger
How to take advantage of a natural edge
How to be in the moment when it happens

The Power Of a Beginner’s Mindset Sep 14, 2023

What if I told you the key to personal growth could be forgetting everything you know? It's called a beginner's mind, and it's worth mastering.

It's the idea of approaching something with a 100% fresh perspective or like you've never done it before.

Do you remember the thrill of riding a bike? How about learning to read? Speaking another language and actually having someone understand what you're saying?

Beginner's mind is a little like the social media trend, "I was today years old when..."

It's a powerful tool.

Mastering a beginner's mindset can pay off big time for your physical and mental health.

And it's linked to boosting creativity and overall happiness.

On this Dying to Ask:

The areas of your life that can benefit from a beginner's mindset.
Three ways to develop a beginner's mind.

Why We All Want Glowy Skin With Elise Hu, Author Of ’Flawless’ Sep 07, 2023

The Korean Wave continues and it's coming after your pores. Korean exports of beauty products have surpassed smartphones.

Elise Hu is the author of "Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital."

Hu is a journalist and podcaster who currently is the host of "Ted Talks Daily."

Flawless is inspired by her years working as an NPR bureau chief in Seoul, South Korea.

The book examines how South Korea's pervasive beauty culture spread globally as the latest ripple of a Korean Wave of entertainment and tech.

"Six out of 10 of all Netflix subscribers in the world have watched some sort of Korean content. When it comes to Korean beauty, Korea is now exporting more cosmetics and skin care and skin care tools than it exports in smartphones," Hu said.

Hu's book is part memoir, part international investigative reporting, and well-researched.

Fun fact: Elise and I are both graduates of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, and our former professor connected us for this interview!

On this 'Dying to Ask':

How Korean beauty culture seeped into and then dominated beauty culture around the world
What is technological gaze, and how it impacts your feelings about yourself
How Zoom forever changed and blurred the visual and virtual world
Why is glowy skin a thing?
A reality check on how much beauty costs in terms of time and money
And how do we get to a better balance in our lives where we're more accepting of who we actually are?

’Growing Up In Public’ With Author Dr. Devorah Heitner Aug 24, 2023

Growing up on the internet may not be as bad as we thought.

The first generation of kids exposed to a fully digital childhood is coming of age.

Their childhoods have been radically different than their parents' childhoods.

That's led a lot of parents to instinctively want to control kids' access to things like screen time and social media by installing limits and trackers on phones.

It's like a digital tug-of-war between parent and child with sometimes unintended consequences.

Dr. Devorah Heitner is an expert in all things family and tech and she has spent years looking at the impact of screens on kids.

Her new book, Growing Up in Public, examines the good and bad about growing up in a digital world.

Her message is non-judgmental and in many ways, she's more positive about teen screen exposure than their parents are.

In fact, a lot of teens are expressing frustration with their parents after, in some cases, discovering how much of their childhood was shared on social media.

Heitner says parents often express frustration with how much their kids share online. But, in her experience, kids often have a better grasp of online privacy than kids do.

Heitner says, "I have met so many kids who are so embarrassed by things that their parents are posting. When I go into schools, I'll ask kids to step in a circle if their friends have posted something that's embarrassing, and about half the kids will step in. Then, if I say step in if your parents have ever posted something embarrassing, and 100% of the kids will step into the circle."

On this Dying to Ask:

What it's like to grow up in public.
Why Heitner emphasizes mentoring over monitoring.
Two things parents should do before posting about their kids on social media.
A warning for schools and families when it comes to education apps that track assignments and grades.
Why Heitner isn't a fan of tracking apps like Life 360.

4 Habits To Set Your kid (And Yourself) Up For School Success Aug 17, 2023

It's back to school time and that means back to anxiety for a lot of families. But four easy tips could lessen stress for kids and parents.

Jenn Curtis is an educational consultant, the founder of FutureWise, and co-author of "The Parent Compass." She says back to school stress is normal. But, going into the school year with a plan can help.

The school year is a natural reset for families and a great time to shake up habits, both in and out of the classroom.

Jenn has four tips to help improve academic success for kids. The funny thing? Those tips are applicable to all ages!

It starts with setting out some goals and then setting your kids (and yourself) up for success.

On this Dying to Ask:

How to set goals with your kids for the school year
Why you need a "family meeting" at the start of the year
How to form a "what if" plan in case kids run into trouble academically
4 tips to set your kid (and yourself) up for success this school year

Can you be successful without social media? Aug 10, 2023

Making a mark without leaving a digital footprint. It's tough to do, but debut novelist Elizabeth Castellano is pulling it off.

Elizabeth, or Liz as she goes by, is the author of "Save What's Left."

In a field where a strong digital footprint is often a predictor of professional success, Liz is defying the odds.

Her book is one of the most buzzed-about titles this summer. People Magazine called it one of the best books of the summer.

You can credit a lot of things for Liz's success, but a strong social media presence isn't one of them.

Liz has a three-line bio on her website and doesn't do social media.

"I got off social media a couple of years after college. I just decided not for me. I don't like it. I think there's more harm than good. I just felt better being off of it, and so it just stuck, and you do miss things," says Liz.

On this 'Dying to Ask':

What pushed Liz off social media, and how that impacted her mental health and creativity.
How unusual it is for a "creative" not to use social media to promote a product.
What it's like to be an "overnight success."

Other places to listen

CLICK HERE to listen on iTunes
CLICK HERE to listen on Stitcher

Seeing A Gold Medal Moment In The 1-Year Countdown To The 2024 Paris Olympics Aug 03, 2023

Been there, done that. I've never been so glad to say that covering a one-year countdown to an Olympics.

It's been a few years since that milestone didn't involve significant talk about the pandemic.

This year felt, dare I say it, normal.

I had that realization while doing an interview with 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist Gabe Gardner. I covered Gardner's golden moment in Beijing and we've been friends ever since. Gabe is still active with Team USA. He's worked as an athlete liaison and Board Member for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Endowment.

Gabe is one of my go-to interviews as we hit the one-year mark to an Olympics. In the last couple of Olympics, we've focused on pandemic protocols, masking, testing and all things COVID-19.

This year, we talked about the fun stuff. It was deliciously normal. And we both remarked after the interview that it felt good to get back to something we'd done before. Been there, done that.

On this Dying to Ask:

A challenge to all of us to recognize and appreciate these moments as they come up post-pandemic
And I'll play the full Q&A I did with Gabe with his thoughts on the one-year countdown to the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.

College Organizing 101 With Kim Salisbury Jul 31, 2023

Three words: less is more. That's the advice from professional organizer Kim Salisbury of Home Method Co when it comes to packing up and moving into a college dorm room.

Kim has helped families organize college dorms for years. This year, she'll take her own advice when her oldest child heads to college this fall.

"The most important thing that I can say is, don't bring too much, because that's what we have found. That's happening over and over again. You don't need to, much less is more," Salisbury said.
Easier said than done. But, studies show an organized living space is key to focus, productivity and happiness. Creating a welcoming and simplified space can go a long way in boosting mental health.

See the full top 10 list of must-have dorm items on Kim's blog.

And listen to this week's conversation with Kim goes over what to pack while unpacking the complex emotions parents feel when their kids leave the nest.

On this Dying to Ask:

What to pack and what *not to pack
The most overrated thing kids put on their beds
A paperwork checklist before you even step foot on the campus
The inexpensive space saver parents might want to add to their bedrooms

5 Areas To Declutter To Destress With Kim Salisbury Jul 27, 2023

Want to feel less stressed? Try cleaning out your junk drawer.

Decluttering may be the simplest path to destressing.

Research has shown eliminating unneeded or unused things and organizing is good for focus, self esteem and mood.

You can actually lower your cortisol stress hormone by purging areas in your home, especially the places where you spend the most time.

Professional organizer Kim Salisbury is the owner of Home Method Co. She studied psychology in college. And, she says she uses the psychology background every day in her work helping families clear the clutter.

"When you are living in spaces that are calm and organized, it brings your blood pressure down, it brings your anxiety down. It brings your stress level down," says Kim.

Kim says the goal is to make your home feel like a sanctuary and it doesn't have to take a lot of time or money to make it happen.

Do you geek out on all things organization? Check out Kim's blog here.

On this Dying to Ask:

How Kim became a professional organizer.
The mental health benefits of decluttering your space.
How negative space impacts your mood.
The room you need vertical space in.
And the top five spaces you should declutter first.

Other places to listen

CLICK HERE to listen on iTunes
CLICK HERE to listen on Stitcher

How To Start A Side Hustle With Frank Vella Jul 20, 2023

Need cash? Maybe you need a side hustle.

Inflation has a lot of people looking for ways to bring in more money.

Getting a raise in the job you have now is likely not an option. But adding a part time job might be.

Small business startups aka "side hustles" tend to boom during very specific times.

Tightening job markets, recessions, and inflation inspire fiscal creativity. But it's not always about the money.

Sometimes people road-test a new career by starting a side hustle.

Sometimes people just want something fun to do in their free time!

But how do you maximize money while limiting the additional work hours?

You need a plan and today's guest has some great advice.

Frank Vella is the CEO of the marketing platform Constant Contact.

Frank says new entrepreneurs often run into the same problem.

"My advice to the small business owner is do what you do well and leverage tools to to get done what you don't have time or don't do well," says Vella.

In other words, be realistic.

On this Dying to Ask:

How to find a side hustle.
How to launch your new gig.
Some Business 101 advice, the do's and don'ts of a small business.
Why the greatest gift of your side
And Frank and Fitz even talk parenting.

How To Know When It’s Time To Quit Your Job With Jaclyn Goldis Jul 13, 2023

From big law to big adventure to big-time author. Jaclyn Goldis' new book is called "The Chateau" and the thriller is topping summer beach reads lists.

But Jacyln's personal story has some interesting chapters too. And it starts with quitting a prestigious and lucrative job.

She quit her job in Chicago as an estate planning lawyer right to travel the world. And, she quit that job after seven and a half years, right around the time most attorneys make partner.

The decision was met with a 50/50 reaction from friends and colleagues.

She brought two small backpacks and the hope that she could realize her dream of life as a fiction writer.

It worked. The trip unlocked creativity and fueled her soul in a way her more linear career path was not.

Seven years later, she's settled in Tel Aviv, Israel, lives two blocks from the beach and is living a lifelong dream because she took a chance.

"I had so many fears of how it was going to work and where it was going to end up, and how the writing thing was going to go. And you know, there were a lot of stress in terms of that. But ultimately, I'm so happy I took that risk and I'm really happy where I ended up," Goldis said.

On this Dying to Ask:

How Jaclyn knew to trust her gut and quit her lawyer job.
What her colleagues said when she left law right around the time she was about to make partner
A reality check on what quitting a job and traveling the world as a single adult is really like.
What did she pack in the two small backpacks on her trip around the world?
Where Jaclyn ultimately ended up settling and what her new life as a buzzed-about author is like.
The quote that guides her life.

It’s Time For A Mid-Year Reset Jul 06, 2023

How's that New Year's resolution going for you? Yeah, me too. Maybe we need a summer reset.

It's like a resolution do-over so your future self doesn't have to be irritated by your past self and your current self can lose some anxiety. It's very meta.

80% of New Year's goals or resolutions are a memory by mid-February.

Only one in 10 people will follow through for a solid year on a resolution.

On this Dying to Ask:

Why you might be able to blame the weather for tanking your New Year's goals
3 reasons why a summer reset makes a lot of sense
How to re-frame how you look at the calendar in goal setting

Need a new podcast to binge? Here's a link to Scamanda, which I mention on the show.

The Big Benefits Of Little Luxuries Jun 29, 2023

The "Dying to Ask" podcast is marking its 200th episode in a most luxurious way.

We're talking about how simple luxuries can have a big impact on your mood and mindset. Think cheap and easy. This is not a heavy lift.

My colleague and dear friend Edie Lambert joins me as co-host.

Both Edie and I are huge fans of the Happier with Gretchen Rubin podcast. Rubin is the best-selling author of The Happiness Project. A few months ago, she published an episode highlighting the value small luxuries have in daily life.

Edie and I loved it and did a deep dive into the little things we do to make a tough day feel a little less horrid. And we each asked our Facebook communities to weigh in too. The result is this episode.

And this is the "Dying to Ask" podcast's 200th episode! This show starts with a quick discussion of how podcasting has changed since our debut and answers a few questions listeners have asked about the success of "Dying to Ask." Thinking about starting a podcast? You're not alone, and the info may give you insight into the podcasting industry before you get started.

Back to luxuries.....

On this 'Dying to Ask':

The big impact of small luxuries.
We share KCRA viewers' suggestions on little things that make their lives feel fancy.
And Edie and I share 10 of our small luxuries.

2023 Summer Beach Reads Part 2 (For Kids) Jun 08, 2023

Go read a book! It's like a summer anthem for parents but the dividends are worth the nagging.

Research continues to prove that summer reading helps kids avoid the brain drain that often occurs during summer break.

Summer reading improves reading skills. Reading fluency is key to academic success in all subjects.

Kids + summer reading = a winning combo.

That said, it's sometimes a tough sell with kids. That's why it's critical to find something that grabs a kid's interest and reflects their individuality.

Tina Ferguson is the owner of Face in a Book bookstore and my co-host on our annual "Summer Beach Reads" show.

In part 2, Tina suggests titles for kids that are rich in inclusivity and imagination. Have a reluctant reader in your home? Tins suggest parents be open to graphic novels, whose popularity has exploded.

"There are things you can do with illustrations along with the vocabulary in the book that really works together to get a beginning reader to really keep going and to really enjoy what they're reading," says Tina.

On this Dying to Ask:

How the publishing world is meeting the need for more inclusive books
Tips to get a reluctant reader hooked on books
The number one thing parents can do to encourage reading
Tina's top 10 pics for summer books for kids

Tina's picks for kids:

The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels/Beth Lincoln

The Sour Grape/Jory John and Pete Oswald

The Agathas/Kathleen Glasgow

When You Trap a Tiger/Tae Keller

Dog Man #11: 20,000 Fleas Under the Sea/Dave Pilkey

Big Tree/Brian Selznick

Where You See Yourself/Claire Forrest

The Windeby Puzzle/Lois Lowry

Judy Moody & Friends: Jessica Finch is in Trouble /Megan McDonald

Once Upon a Book/Grace Lin illustrated by Kate Messner

2023 Summer Beach Reads, Part 1 Jun 01, 2023

Read anything good lately? Your answer will be YES after checking out our annual summer beach reads episodes.

We have so many book pics this year that we're breaking it up into two episodes. Part 1 will cover adult titles. Part 2 will cover kid picks from preschool to young adult (YA).

Our literary guide is Tina Ferguson, owner of Face in a Book bookstore.

This summer, Tina says romance is still hot, so to speak — but she's also seeing a trend in "feel good" books.

"I think that feel-good books are trending because we just need some uplifting in our day. And so that's been a really nice thing to see as well. And then I see a lot of like speculative fiction, a little bit of sci-fi coming back, too," Tina said.

Tina's picks:

"When Women Were Dragons"/Kelly Barnhill

"Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club"/J. Ryan Stradal

"Yellowface"/R. F. Kuang

"The Midnight Library"/Matt Haig

"You Could Make This Place Beautiful"/Maggie Smith

"Happy Place"/Emily Henry

"The Covenant of Water"/Abraham Verghese

"The Wager"/David Grann

Finley Donovan Series/Elle Cosimano

"Trust"/Hernan Diaz

On this 'Dying to Ask':

The book trends emerging for the summer of 2023.
How to fit more reading into your life.
Tina's top 10 books to bring to the beach this summer.

How To Do An Energy Audit May 25, 2023

How's your energy level these days? Doing a personal energy audit could be the key to preventing burnout.

A personal energy audit is like a home energy audit.

It's an evaluation of when and where energy is strongest and what drains it quickest.

Being honest about your energy level can impact performance, outlook and overall health. Constantly pushing through a low energy level can lead to chronic stress, depression and a sense of unhappiness.

On this Dying to Ask:

A 3-step plan to do a personal energy audit
How to stack your day based on your energy levels
The impact planning around your energy level can have on your physical and mental health

’Dying to Ask” podcast: The do’s and don’ts of graduation etiquette May 18, 2023

Get an A+ in modern etiquette by following some do's and don't this graduation season.

Diane Gottsman is back on the "Dying to Ask" podcast busting some manners myths for grads, their parents and the friends and family who want to celebrate their achievements.

Diane is a modern etiquette expert and the founder of the Protocol School of Texas. She specializes in working with companies on navigating workplace etiquette. She helps executives and want-to-be execs present themselves in a way where people want to work for them and with them and that in turn is great for career advancement.

She also advises college students on how to handle themselves in business situations. Graduation is the first big test of how one shares their celebrations. And, that might mean grads asking their parents to pull back a little on the celebrating!

You'll find out the difference between an announcement and an invitation and when each should be sent out. When do you give a gift? What should you give?

"People are moving to new apartments. They're going into a new dorm. You may not know what to buy them, so if you send a check, or if you give them a gift card to a store where they can buy a variety of things, they're really going to appreciate it," says Diane.

What about cash? We're covering all things graduation in this episode.

On this Dying to Ask:

The difference between an invitation and an announcement
Who should receive invitations and announcements and when should they be sent?
The gift rules on if receive an announcement
Graduation gift ideas at different price points
And is it rude to gift cash?

How A 2,000-Plus-Day Yoga Streak Fuels Jasmine Guillory’s Mind And Body May 11, 2023

From lawyer to a New York Times bestselling author. Jasmine Guillory found her "happily ever after" writing happily ever afters.

Vogue Magazine calls Jasmine the "queen of the modern-day romance."

Literary fairy godmother Reese Witherspoon's book club has featured her work too. Her book, "The Proposal," was the first romance ever picked for Witherspoon's club.

Jasmine's books feature accomplished Black women navigating romantic complications.

Jasmine is a Stanford Law grad who worked as an attorney for years before giving fiction a try as a hobby.

She found the creative outlet exhilarating and soon was spending lunch breaks, evenings and weekends writing. An online novel writing challenge provided the push to finish her first book.

But she didn't quit her day job. And Jasmine credits that decision for a successful professional pivot.

Eventually, Jasmine secured a multi-book publishing deal and spent five weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.

Eight books later, Jasmine writes the kind of books that Publisher's Weekly describes like this: "The lush background and Guillory's signature blend of sexy, sweet, and funny keep the pages flying."

Her other hobby? Yoga.

Jasmine has a 2,000-plus-day yoga streak! The practice has a significant impact on her health and creativity. We'll dive into the impact a health streak can have on all aspects of your life.

On this Dying to Ask:

How Jasmine knew it was time to quit her day job
What "research" looks like when you're writing romantic fiction
The impact Reese Witherspoon's attention has on an author's life
How a non-work creative outlet adds value to your personal and mental health
And the backstory on Jasmine's 2000+ day yoga streak and how it impacts her physical health and creativity

How To Be Fine With Jolenta Greenberg And Kristen Meinzer May 04, 2023

Fine is just fine.

That's the premise of a book and podcast taking aim at the self-development and wellness industries.

Marketresearch.com estimates the self-improvement industry is worth more than $10 billion a year. It exploded virtually during the pandemic.

Jolenta Greenberg, a comedian and self-described reality TV historian, and Kristen Meinzer, a culture critic, lived by 100 self-improvement books. They evaluated the good, the bad and the truly ridiculous.

Their adventures were the basis for a podcast called "By the Book."

Their big conclusion? Being fine is just fine.

Greenberg and Meinzer went on to write the book "How to be Fine" and now co-host a podcast by the same name that offers advice to listeners while tackling other wellness trends.

"Look at the credentials of who is giving you advice. That's my first pointer, and the first thing I sort of learned to do once I started really reading some advice that was out there. Look at the source. Is the person a doctor? Is it an honorary doctorate? Did they actually go to school to become a doctor? Just make sure the person who's giving you advice is someone you actually trust before you jump all in," Greenberg said.

On this Dying to Ask:

The danger of "positive thinking" your way out of jams.
How to evaluate a motivational speaker.
Techniques to critically evaluate whether a self-help program is worth your time and money
Jolenta and Kristen's picks for the worst self-help books on the NY Times Best Seller's List (hint: you'll recognize a few!)

Running While Black With Alison Mariella Desir Apr 27, 2023

Running saved Alison Mariella Desir's life. Now she wants to save running from itself.

Alison's new book, "Running While Black: Finding Freedom in a Sport that Wasn't Built for Us," is a memoir.

It simultaneously tells her personal story while uncovering the historic reasons why distance running is a predominantly white sport, tracing it to the origins of the running industry, racial discrimination and white supremacy.

Alison decided to train for a marathon to fight depression. It worked. But, she quickly realized her experience as a Black female runner was drastically different from white women.

She wrote an op-ed for Outside Magazine called "Ahmaud Arbery and Whiteness in the Running World" that went viral and ultimately led to her book.

She is the founder of Harlem Run and Run 4 All Women movement to support women's reproductive rights. She's an advocate, a brand ambassador and most recently, the TV host and producer of "Out and Back with Alison Mariella Desir."

Well + Good named her one of its "Changemakers of 2023" and Women's Running Magazine calls her one of the "Power Women of 2022."

Running While Black is unlike any other book I've read. It will make you think, make you laugh, and likely make you look at a start line with different eyes.

On this Dying to Ask:

Who inspired Alison to start running and what she noticed instantly
What happened after she started her own running club in Harlem and only one person showed up
The historic reasons distance running and the running industry lack diversity
Why movement is a powerful agent for social change
And the unusual opportunities that have come Alison's way since her memoir came out

Connect with Alison Mariella Desir:

On Instagram

On Twitter

Harlem Run Retreat.

Alaska Retreat.

The Power Of The Happily Ever After With Brenda Novak Apr 05, 2023

Brenda Novak is the queen of the HEA. Happily ever after. And, she wouldn't have it any other way.

"We've been through some rough years for sure. I think that that is just so enjoyable to see two people overcome whatever challenges they face to find a happy ever after," says Novak.

Novak will publish The Seaside Library, her 75th book, in April. She's known primarily as a romance novelist. But, in recent years, she's pivoted to writing romantic suspense and women's fiction.

The Seaside Library is the perfect beach read. And, she'll kick off a two month tour in an Airstream trailer retrofitted to function as a bookstore and coffee shop on wheels. Check out her "bookstream" here.

Novak's introduction to writing sounds like one of her plot twists. She was working as a loan officer and caught her babysitter drugging her kid with cough syrup.

She looked around for a job she could do at home and settled on writing books. She had no experience. But, she had an incredible imagination and work ethic.

Novak quickly realized she'd need to publish frequently to make the money she needed and settled on the romance genre.

She's averaged three novels a year ever since and has a legendary connection with her fans. She's a mother of five and has been married for nearly 40 years to her husband Ted, her real-life happily ever after.

On this Dying to Ask:

What it's like to have written 75 books
How Brenda pivoted from romance to suspense and women's fiction
Why we all need an "internal editor" and how to follow it
What publishing has in common with Netflix
Relationship advice from the queen of romance

Other places to listen

CLICK HERE to listen on iTunes
CLICK HERE to listen on Stitcher

BONUS: Creativity Hack From Elizabeth Gilbert Mar 30, 2023

In a rut? Want to be more creative? Author Elizabeth Gilbert finds inspiration in a box of crayons.

Really.

Gilbert is the author of seven books, including the New York Times Best Seller "Eat, Pray, Love."

But even she feels stuck sometimes. And that's saying something considering she wrote a book about creativity called "Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear."

Her hack? Crayons.

"Lots of times, all I do is just make baked giant circles. It was something that soothed me when I was 3. It soothed me when I was 8. It soothed me when I was 11, and it soothes me now when I'm 53," Gilbert said.

In this bonus "Dying to Ask" podcast episode, author Elizabeth Gilbert shares her favorite hack to spark creativity and the specific type of crayon that makes the big magic happen.

Here is where to find the crayons Liz talks about.

’Eat Pray Love’ And Get Creative With Elizabeth Gilbert Mar 27, 2023

Eat, pray, love and get creative.

Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of "Eat Pray Love" is taking on creativity these days.

"Eat Pray Love" has sold more than 13 million copies. It inspired a movement. It also, depending on who you ask, inspired a lot of divorces.

Julia Roberts starred in the movie adaptation in 2010.

Gilbert's memoir tells the story of how she rediscovered who she is and who she wants to be on a solo trip around the world following a divorce.

More than 15 years later, the story is reaching a new generation of readers but its core message hasn't changed.

"I always think, as women, we forget that we belong to ourselves. I think 'Eat Pray Love' was this giant celebration of that. I think that book is a giant permission slip that reminds women to change their lives, leave their lives, and most of all remember their lives belong to them," says Gilbert.

"Eat Pray Love" is Gilbert's biggest book. But she's a prolific writer.

Gilbert is the author of seven books of fiction and nonfiction. Her book, "Big Magic," offers advice on how to cultivate creativity. It offers ways to get unstuck if you're feeling mentally blocked.

On this Dying to Ask:

What the reaction from readers is like more than 15 years after the release of "Eat Pray Love."
What it's like to be primarily known for one book when you've written lots of books.
Advice on how to unlock creativity and why we all need a "thing."
Her connection to the movie "Coyote Ugly."

The 5 People You Need to Know Mar 24, 2023

"Who's in your five?"

That T-Mobile ad was onto something.

In part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Ivan Misner, we're talking about the 5 types of people you need to know.

Dr. Ivan Misner was nicknamed the "Father of Modern Networking" by both CNN and Forbes. He's the founder of Business Network International (BNI,) a business networking organization with more than 10, 000 chapters globally.

His colleagues call him "the people scientist." He's an expert in workplace dynamics and relationship building.

His latest book is a deep dive into your five, as the T-Mobile commercial says.

"Who's in Your Room? The Question That Will Change Your Life" is a metaphor that asks the reader to evaluate their relationships.

Did your friend circle shrink during the pandemic?

There's a reason for that.

Your inner circle, whether professional or personal, has a great impact on your mental health and mindset.

In this Dying to Ask:

How to evaluate your inner circle
The types of people you need to know
The types of people you don't need to know
How to have a tough conversation with a toxic person
How to be the type of person other people want to hang out with
How to authentically re-establish contact with a friend you've lost touch with over the years

Other places to listen

CLICK HERE to listen on iTunes
CLICK HERE to listen on Stitcher

Why Small Talk Matters Mar 17, 2023

Small talk gets a bad rap. But small talk can lead to big payoffs if you do it correctly.

Dr. Ivan Misner was nicknamed the "Father of Modern Networking" by both CNN and Forbes. He's the founder of Business Network International (BNI,) a business networking organization with more than 10, 000 chapters globally.

His colleagues call him "the people scientist." He's an expert in workplace dynamics and relationship building.

Misner says networking has changed a lot since the pandemic and the increase of work-from-home jobs. It's more important than ever to initiate face-to-face conversations with colleagues or others in your community. Those small moments can lead to job opportunities or deeper connections with friends.

Want to get to know someone better or expand your social circle? Initiate some small talk.

But conversation can be tricky. Say the wrong thing and you might end the connection. Say nothing and you might lose an opportunity to expand your network.

Misner has hacks to increase your comfort level in any social setting.

Don't know what to say? You will after listening to this episode.

On this Dying to Ask:

Why small talk equals big opportunities
How COVID-19 and work-from-home gigs have impacted networking
How to start a conversation with anyone
The best follow-up question to deepen a business conversation
How to network without feeling like an idiot
How to re-start a friendship with someone you've lost touch with over the years

Is Temptation Bundling The Ultimate Habit Hacker? Mar 02, 2023

Struggling to form a habit? Temptation bundling could boost your willpower.

Temptation bundling is the concept of bundling a behavior you don't want to do with an activity that you do like to do. The idea is that by pairing the two actions, you're more likely to follow through on the harder habit.

The habit hack can give willpower a boost. And it can make everything from working out to cleaning the house a little more enjoyable.

On this Dying to Ask:

The psychology behind temptation bundling
Ideas on how to bundle fitness and tough family conversations

The Most Stressful Word In The English Language Feb 24, 2023

You SHOULD stop saying the word SHOULD immediately if you want a near-instant boost to your mental health and creativity.

That's the recommendation from psychotherapist Dr. Ron Alexander.

Dr. Alexander is a go-to mindset shifter for clients including Apple, Universal Pictures, Sony Entertainment and Microsoft.

He's also the author of Core Creativity: The Mindful Way to Unlock your Creative Self.

The American Psychological Association says 27% of adults report being so stressed they can't function in everyday life! Read the report here.

Dr. Alexander has a simple tip that provides a lot of us relief.

Stop saying the word should.

He calls it the most stressful word in the English language.

Dr. Alexander says the word should is harmful because "it implies you are wasting time or doing things that aren't important instead of what you 'should' be doing."

You can stay out of the stress zone and get a near-instant positivity boost by using different self-talk.

On this Dying to Ask:

How the word should impacts mindset
What you can say instead of should to reduce stress
What the second most stressful word is that you likely use all day long
And how quickly your stress levels decrease by dropping the word should

BONUS: Behind The Scenes Of ’Bringing Down The House’ Feb 22, 2023

An extortion note. A statewide manhunt. The most complicated bomb in history.

It's not the plot of a movie. It actually happened.

It's the subject of the first collaboration between Hearst Television's KCRA and Very Local.

And it's also a great example of what can happen when someone who likes their job decides to spread their wings within their current workplace.

Dave Manoucheri is the producer and director of "Bringing Down the House."

The documentary explores the bombing of Harvey's Casino in South Lake Tahoe in 1980.

No one died. No one got hurt.

But a 1,000-pound bomb did go off and blew up part of the casino.

It's the stuff Hollywood movies are made of, yet few people really know what happened.

Dave and KCRA 3 photojournalist Victor Nieto spent a year tracking down everyone from the lead FBI agent, to the bomber's son, to the grandson of casino owner Harvey Gross.

In this BONUS Dying to Ask:

What drew Dave Manoucheri to the backstory of the Harvey's bombing
Who on the KCRA 3 staff got tasked with building a bomb (non-working) for a re-creation
The lengths Dave and photojournalist Victor Nieto went to for the show to have an authentic 80s vibe
And the personal benefits Dave got out of tackling this year-long assignment

Should You Get In On The Giant Water Bottle Trend? Feb 16, 2023

Are water bottles the size of a toddler the key to better health? TikTok says yes and giant water bottles are having a moment.

Social media is filled with influencers touting the health benefits of downing large amounts of water each day.

Increased water intake gets the credit for everything from better skin to lower weight to increased energy.

That's led to an entire industry of giant water bottles. Water prophets are filling social media feeds linking increased productivity thanks to increased water consumption.

And, it's made companies that make those bottles like Stanley and Hydroflask household names.

But how did giant water bottles become a lifestyle trend?

And, is it a trend you should jump on?

On this Dying to Ask:

How giant water bottles became a trend
Why some people are addicted to lugging them around and what it's like to chug from one all day long
Can increasing water really improve your skin and help you lose weight?
And a reality check on how much water you really need in a day

This week's podcast recommendation: Listen to "Can you really trust your gut" on Ten Percent Happier here.

3 Ways To Wake Up Feeling Refreshed Feb 09, 2023

Want to feel more refreshed when you wake up tomorrow? The secret lies in what you do today.

That's the conclusion of a sleep study that looked at the neurological reasons of why it's hard to wake up and why some people feel less energetic after the alarm goes off.

UC Berkeley researchers teamed up with European counterparts and analyzed sleep data from roughly 800 people.

They tracked how much participants exercised, ate and slept. They then monitored the participants' alertness when they woke up.

You can read the full study here.

The big conclusion? What you do today significantly impacts how you will feel when you get up tomorrow.

Raphael Vallat, the lead author of the study, is my guest this week.

Raphael will break down three basic things you can focus on to improve how you feel tomorrow morning.

In this Dying to Ask:

How to figure out how much sleep you really need
The best breakfast to eat today to wake up better tomorrow
Why workouts impact sleep quality

This week's podcast recommendation: Listen here for "This Organized Life"

4 Ways To Make Fitness Habits Stick Feb 02, 2023

Getting in shape is the number one New Year's resolution. But 80% of people have failed their goals by February because they haven't figured out how to make fitness habits stick.

Solidifying habits can be hard. But there are hacks putting actions and behaviors on autopilot.

Keystone habits are the things you do that you don't have to think about.

When fitness isn't on autopilot, New Year's health goals don't stand a chance.

Just do, don't think.

That's the advice from researchers at the University of Scranton. In a study called "The Resolution Solution," they studied when our New Year's goals lose steam. They confirmed eight out of 10 New Year's resolutions fall apart by February.

"The problem is that people have great intentions. They get started, but they don't really have a plan on how they're going to execute it is that why we tend to fall into that statistic of 80% of the people drop off by February," says personal trainer Ty Rendlich- Texidor.

This week, we're doing a deep dive with three experts who've made working out work for them.

You'll learn how they plan their week. Find out how to use Instagram as an accountability partner versus time suck. And, if you're a data geek? It might be time to go streaking.

On this "Dying to Ask":

Sobering stats about how little willpower we have to follow through on fitness goals
A planning technique that increases your probability of following through on a workout
How KCRA 3 Meteorologist Tamara Berg finds self-motivation through selfies
Why the best workout starts in your closet the night before
Four ways to make 2023 the year you follow through on fitness goals

This week's podcast recommendation: Listen here for Ali on the Run.

Why You Need A Work Best Friend And How To Find One Jan 26, 2023

Do you have a work best friend? New research says work besties are the key to professional and personal happiness.

The Gallup organization tracked workplace relationships (non-romantic) and found having a work best friend is good for morale and good for the bottom line. The research showed those relationships are good for employee engagement.

Having a work best friend is proven to raise morale, increase productivity and help with employee retention.

Most interesting, the need for strong work connections has gone up since the pandemic thanks to an increase in remote work and a decrease in worker satisfaction.

Bosses: want to hang onto your people and make them happier without spending money? Create a supportive environment that encourages colleagues to interact beyond the scope of their jobs.

Employees: want to enjoy the place you likely spend the bulk of your day? Find a friend and enjoy life on the job together by vesting in each other's personal and professional lives.

The research is so overwhelming that wellness writer Jancee Dunn included the importance of work friends in Day 5 of the NY Times Wells series, the "7 Day Happiness Challenge."

My KCRA 3 colleague and work bestie Edie Lambert joins me in this episode to explain how we forged a deep relationship despite the fact we've never worked in the same room at the same time.

And we'll offer a four-step plan on how to find a friend at work.

In this week's "Dying to Ask" podcast:

Why workplace friendships are more important since the pandemic
Four ways to get and be a work best friend

This week's podcast recommendation: Listen here for Ali on the Run

Go Ahead and Feast on Activity Snacks Jan 19, 2023

Want an easy way to improve your health? Add an activity snack into every hour.

An activity snack is a short break where you get up and move. A "snack" as small as five minutes can have a big impact on how you feel and perform. And science has proven it.

Dr. Keith Diaz, an associate professor of behavioral medicine at the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, conducted the study.

Dr. Diaz researched the harmful effects of sitting. Participants took part in "activity snacks," usually simply leaving a desk and walking for a few minutes.

You can read the results here.

Bottom line, moving is life-changing.

Move as little as five minutes and you will likely impact things like blood pressure, diabetes and mental health.

On this Dying to Ask:

How we got to a point that we have to remind ourselves to get up and move.
The unexpected business benefits to getting your people walking more.
Come along on an activity snack with my friend and colleague, Eileen Javora

This week's podcast recommendation: Before Breakfast with Laura Vanderkam.

What Is Singular Focus And How To Get It Jan 12, 2023

Want to be more productive? Stop multitasking and master the lost art of singular focus.

Singular focus is loosely defined as doing one thing at a time.

That might seem like a colossal waste of energy in a world where we wear busyness as a badge and treat spinning plates as an Olympic sport.

But research continues to show that multitasking isn't as effective as we think. And, it's harming our mental health by increasing stress and anxiety.

Constant interruptions to your attention are bad for business too in terms of lost productivity.

How you do one thing is how you do everything. And, if you can re-learn singular focus, you might find you have more time on your hands and more to show in general for your effort.

But it's surprisingly hard to do one thing at a time after years of doing 17 things at once. We're breaking it down into three steps you can implement today.

New this episode? Don't miss "what I'm listening to" at the end of the show for recommendations to other podcasts worth listening to.

On this Dying to Ask:

What singular focus is and why worth mastering
The big lesson I learned when I was forced into singular focus
3 ways to improve your focus

This week's podcast recommendation: 23 in 23 on the Happier with Gretchen Rubin podcast

How Being Fired As A Class Mom Changed Laurie Gelman’s Life Dec 15, 2022

Laurie Gelman got fired from a volunteer gig as a class mom. Then she wrote the best-selling book series "Class Mom" and wrote her personal next chapter as an author.

Chances are you've seen Laurie Gelman from time to time on "Live with Kelly and Ryan." Her husband Michael Gelman is the show's producer.

Gelman worked in TV as well as a news anchor, reporter and TV host. She left TV after the birth of her daughters and threw herself into raising kids and volunteering at their school.

An invitation to be the class mom led to firm advice from Live's host Kelly Ripa, who warned that the volunteer gig was to be avoided at all costs. Laurie ignored Kelly's advice and jumped into the job with enthusiasm and humor.

She infused sarcasm and humor into emails with parents to get their attention about school activities. It was a huge hit with parents until it wasn't. A mother complained about Laurie's approach and Laurie got fired as class mom. Yes, you can get fired from a volunteer school position.

"It was my agent who said, when I was complaining about getting fired as class mom, 'that's your book, you know.' That's and it just poured out of me. I didn't expect to write sequels. I didn't expect anything to come of it, because it took me three years to write it, and literally, nobody on this planet was waiting for a book from Laurie Gelman. It was a happy accident," Gelman said.

"Class Mom" is now a four-book series and tells the story of Jenn Dixon, who navigates parent politics with humor, as Laurie did in real life.

It's irreverent. It's well-written. And, it turned into a total midlife career pivot Laurie Gelman never saw coming.

On this week's Dying to Ask:

The backstory on what it takes to get fired as a class mom
How to see the humor in universal experiences like volunteering at your kids school
What real-life class moms think of Laurie's books
And what its been like for Laurie and her husband to raise their family behind the scenes on on-air of "Live with Kelly and Ryan"

How To Beat Jet Lag And Be A Better Human With Andrew Herr Dec 01, 2022

Andrew Herr wants to make you a better human. A better performing human that is.

Herr is a human performance expert.

He claims he can get rid of 95% jet lag with protocols designed to optimize sleep, light exposure and what you eat and drink.

His most recent high-profile client? Team USA's men's soccer team and its performance at the World Cup indicates the guys are feeling good.

The U.S. Army has twice named Herr a "Mad Scientist" for his work in optimizing rest protocols for fighter pilots.

Among his early "lab rats?" Navy Seals.

Herr's early work with the military transitioned to an entrepreneurial effort called Fount.

Fount creates protocols and products to help you feel and perform your best.

FlyKitt is his most recent creation. The app-based program controls how you feel post-flying by dictating what you do before and during a flight.

But you don't have to be an elite athlete or a frequent flier to improve your daily performance. Herr's unique take on our "humanness" has takeaways for all of us.

On this Dying to Ask:

How the Department of Defense found Andrew and what it asked him to do.
How controlling inflammation is the key to feeling good and performing better.
How Andrew made the entrepreneurial leap with Fount.
The easiest lifestyle hacks you can make to feel better today.

Take The Holiday Gratitude Challenge Nov 23, 2022

Feeling stressed or overwhelmed?

Join our holiday gratitude challenge. Commit to focusing on what you're grateful for every day from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day.

Gratitude is an attitude. It's also the quickest way to improve your mental and physical health.

Science backs that up.

There is a lot of research that supports that being thankful can lower stress and improve your sense of well-being.

And it doesn't take long to start seeing results.

This week, we're taking a look at the power of a simple gratitude practice and encouraging you to join our Gratitude Challenge.

Try one of our three tips each day and see how the

In this Dying to Ask:

A 30-second way to make gratitude a habit
The gratitude hack that can stop your kids from fighting in the car
And the two words that will keep you engaged in The Gratitude Challenge

3 Ways To Avoid Holiday Stress Nov 10, 2022

'Tis the season to get stressed out. But, what if we made a game plan to thrive and not just survive the holidays?

This year, I'm treating the holidays like I would an endurance race.

I'm developing a strategy, making a plan, and I'm going to stick to it in order to get to the finish line.

That finish line? A less stressed holiday season that focuses on the meaning behind the season and being in the moment.

And, that could be tricky this year since all your holiday favorites (and not so favorites) are back after their pandemic hiatus.

In this episode, we'll identify three ways you can lower your stress level without missing out on holiday fun.

But the "work" starts now. We're frontloading the holiday chore list and making decisions about what we will and won't do right now.

The goal is to make being truly in the moment doable and allow you free time to be spontaneous with the people you care about.

In this Dying to Ask:

3 ways to reduce holiday stress
How to put the "no" into November
And a reality check on family traditions

The Ironman behind the 13 for 13 Heroes Mission Oct 20, 2022

What's your "why?" Mark Goldman's "why" for being an Ironman is simple. "I can because they can't."

They are the 13 Americans the Ironman athlete competes in honor of in the 13 for 13 Heroes Mission.

Goldman said, "13 for 13 Heroes is simply a mission to complete 13 Ironman, full distance or half distance races in honor of each of the 13 service members who we lost on August 26th of withdrawing from Afghanistan after our 20-year presence there."

Goldman is a husband, father and businessman from Minneapolis. He's a recreational athlete who turned to Ironman racing to test his personal limits and improve his health.

The Ironman is a 140.6-mile endurance race featuring a 2.4-mile swim, 112 miles of cycling and a 26.2-mile run.

The explosion that took the lives of the 13 service members at the Kabul Airport made Goldman think his athletic efforts could bring attention to the sacrifice military families make.

Each of his races takes place near where one of the heroes grew up. Goldman races with an American flag tucked into his wetsuit, his bike jersey pocket and on a flag pole he carries while he runs the marathon.

Goldman's mission will be spread out over three years.

Race number 4 is Ironman Sacramento where Goldman will honor the life of Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee, who grew up in Roseville.

Sherri Juels, Gee's aunt, will be at the race cheering Goldman on and will greet him at the finish line. Juels said, "It's just nice knowing that there are people like Mark who to crazy extent 140.6 miles to honor her is insane. I'm so honored by him doing this to keep her name alive."

In this Dying to Ask:

The logistics of the 13 for 13 Heroes Mission
Goldman's training secrets to stay fit and healthy to meet the goal
How to train to run with a flag pole for 26.2 miles
The role Goldman's personal health journey played in coming up with the idea
How families of the 13 service members reacted to his plan
How the experience has already changed him as a man and the surprising trait he says is heightened because of the mission

How Ironman Athlete Michelle Bandur Turned A Bully’s Message Into A Movement Oct 17, 2022

From an act of meanness to an act of kindness. A bully's note changed Michelle Bandur's life forever.

Michelle Bandur was working as a TV reporter in Omaha when she got a card with a dollar in it from a viewer.

The card instructed her to "accept the gift and use it wisely. 50 cents for those bags under your eyes and 50 cents for your big, fat nose. You need the help." It was signed, "A viewer."

The note was devastatingly mean and triggered insecurities she'd felt being teased as a kid.

That, despite the fact Bandur is an award-winning and accomplished investigative journalist.

The reality is female newscasters are frequent targets of physical criticism. Usually, we ignore it.

This time, Bandur decided to expose the bully and start a movement to empower young girls.

She took the bully's dollar, asked for more dollars from the community and started Ironhawk Juniors Triathlon Club. The club teaches girls 8-14 how to swim, bike and run with the goal of completing a triathlon. It's 100% free, and the club even finds free bikes for girls who don't have one.

Bandur never did find out who sent the mean card and dollar.

"I do want to say thank you because think of all the girls that we've helped. Think of the message that's out there. Turning, taking a negative and turning it into a positive and uh really helped kind of change the lives of so many people teaching girls how to love themselves, giving them the self-confidence, knowing they can accomplish something that they've set out to do, and they finish it. That's so rewarding and so satisfying. So, hey bully, thanks appreciate it," said Bandur.

Bandur's "big fat nose" card resulted in a TED Talk that's been viewed thousands of times and landed her on the cover of Triathlete Magazine.

In this Dying to Ask:

What receiving the mean card and dollar triggered in Bandur that she hadn't felt in years
The hilarious advice her news director gave her when Bandur showed her the note
How quickly the Ironhawk Juniors Racing Club came about and how many lives have been changed in the process
And we do a lightning round of "Ask Michelle" and get advice on everything from moving across the country in mid-life to feeling confident at any age

’Chopped’ Winner’s Memoir Details Realities Of Antidepressant Withdrawal Oct 13, 2022

Brooke Siem went from winning "Chopped" to writing a memoir.

But her book isn't about cooking. It's about perfecting the recipe for living her life.

"May Cause Side Effects" is the story of what happened when Siem went off antidepressants after being on them for 15 years, having started them at the onset of depression after the sudden death of her father.

Siem's journey off antidepressants started with a question her psychiatrist couldn't answer. "What would I be like and how would I feel without antidepressants?"

At 30, she'd been on the same drugs she'd been prescribed as a teenager. At 30, she still had suicidal ideation and felt unhappy.

Under her doctor's supervision, Siem decided to find out what her true "baseline" for mental health, and life in general, was without medication.

What she didn't realize was how physically and emotionally hard antidepressant withdrawal can be or how long it can take.

The opportunity to go on "Chopped" happened at a time when Siem assumed the drugs would be out of her system. Instead, she was in the depths of withdrawal and no one on the show or in the audience knew. And then she won.

"May Cause Side Effects" is one woman's story of what withdrawal looked and felt like for a solid year. It's about rebuilding a life while appearing on national TV and then traveling the world.

It's raw.

It's poignant.

It's funny.

And it will make you think about your own mental health and what you are doing to take care of yourself in a whole new way.

On this Dying to Ask:

Siem's turning point that led to the decision to stop antidepressant use after 15 years
The question that never came up in Siem's mental health appointments
How Siem ended up on the show "Chopped"
Questions Siem recommends we all ask our doctors about mental health
And Siem debunks myths about competing on a TV cooking show

How To Make Rest Your Superpower Oct 06, 2022

Take a rest.

Learning how to unplug with purpose is a superpower worth developing. Science will back you up on that.

Being chronically tired is linked to hormonal imbalances and mental health issues. It creates or worsens physical problems too.

Americans are overtired, overworked and overwhelmed. Taking a rest, even a short one, can help you recharge in a hurry.

But, why does the concept of rest seem so elusive to so many of us? Why is taking a break seen as a break in productivity versus a badge of honor?

Taking a brain break often leads to an increase in creativity, productivity, and overall well being.

And, you don't have to crawl in bed for the afternoon to see results.

A few well-timed "rest breaks" can revive you enough to feel a boost that will carry you to bedtime.

In this Dying to Ask:

Why rest is so hard for some people
The science that backs the importance of quieting your mind
Hacks to build short breaks into your day without shirking responsibilities
Easy habit stacking tools to change your outlook in minutes

How To Live An Affordably Fabulous Life With HGTV Star Lauren Makk Sep 29, 2022

You are how you live and how you live should be fabulous. That's Lauren Makk's motto and the best part is you don't have to break the bank to live her vision.

Makk sprung to TV design fame on "Trading Spaces."

Her TV career has included stints on shows like "Drill Team" on A&E, "FABlife" alongside Chrissy Teigan and Tyra Banks, "Home Made Simple" on the Oprah Winfrey Network, and "Design Star: Next Gen" on HGTV.

Makk grew up in Oklahoma watching her mom flip houses. Her design career took off after college in Los Angeles designing model homes.

By 2005, the real estate bubble popped. Answering a Craigslist ad changed the trajectory of Lauren's life.

Her penchant for affordable luxury is at the core of her message that everyone deserves to love the feel and look of their home.

And, she firmly believes that you can change your mood and outlook by freshening your personal space.

On this Dying to Ask:

The backstory of how Lauren got her big break on "Trading Spaces"
How Lauren constantly re-invents herself and pivots for professional opportunities
Two home design changes you can make this weekend that will lift your mood without breaking the bank
The lifestyle change Lauren made that keeps her energy high and her personal life on track
And learn a lifechanging #Makkhack to remove stubborn price stickers from candles and gifts bought at discount stores

How To Wake Up Early Even If You’re Not A Morning Person Sep 15, 2022

What time did you get up today? What time did you intend to get up today?

This week on the podcast, we're doing a deep dive into how to wake up early even if you're not a morning person.

Sounds simple. Set an alarm clock and then get out of bed when it goes off.

But we all know it's tougher than that. Americans are more sleep deprived than ever before.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says one in three Americans isn't getting enough rest.

That makes getting up with that alarm clock tough, if not impossible, some days. And the reality is that the alarm is set for a reason. You have kids, work, school and life to get to!

But what if we told you there are ways to make getting up earlier a little easier?

You might not feel like a million bucks. But you won't feel the added stress of running late because you snoozed 14 times.

The only thing worse than sleeping poorly is waking up miserably. Improve your outlook by improving how you start the day from the second you open your eyes with wake-up tips courtesy of the KCRA 3 morning team, experts in all things early.

In this Dying to Ask:

Why getting up early is one of the top productivity hacks
How the morning news team gets up hours before sunrise
Why your inability to wake up might be your alarm clock's fault
And learn the quirky ways the KCRA morning team gets going long before sunrise

BONUS: Surviving An Empty Nest With Amy Schmidt Sep 12, 2022

Is your house quiet? Do you keep buying more food than you can eat in a week? Is your laundry basket empty for the first time in decades?

If you answered "yes" to any or all of those questions, then you might be an empty nester!

Kids are off to college. And, if you are finding yourself with fewer heartbeats at the dinner table, don't worry if you're finding it unsettling.

Empty nest syndrome is legit.

And, it makes sense. You've been a caretaker of another human being for at least 18 years. It's going to take a while to get used to a new normal.

Many people experience fear, anxiety, depression and flat-out confusion during this time.

In this BONUS episode of the podcast, Amy Schmidt shares her personal experience of having kids leave home for college and adulthood. And, she's honest about the conflicting feelings parents have when kids take off. She also explains the term "gray divorce" and why relationships face new challenges during this time.

Amy is an entrepreneur and the creator and co-host of the Better Than Gossip streaming show and podcast.

Don't have college-aged kids? Don't worry. The advice is applicable to anyone facing a big lifestyle transition.

In this Dying to Ask:

6 tips to embrace an empty nest
Why it's time to lose the predictability in your life
The importance of rediscovering hobbies and developing new interests

Get Stuff Done With An Accountability Partner Sep 08, 2022

Want to get something done? Consider finding an accountability partner.

Accountability partners can be friends, work colleagues or even strangers at first.

They agree to help coach each other toward goals, personal or professional. They can be a really effective tool in setting and reaching milestones.

But, there are dos and don'ts to finding and being a good partner.

Amy Schmidt, the co-host of the Better than Gossip podcast, is back on the show with how she relies on accountability partners.

A good partnership can help you reach goals faster. And, isn't it more fun to work hard with the support of a friend?

In this Dying to Ask:

How to choose an accountability partner
How to structure the relationship so that both sides are getting something out of it
Why bluntness is important in the relationship
How accountability partners add purpose and enrich our personal and professional lives

3 Ways To Become A Runner Sep 01, 2022

How can I become a runner? Easy. Start running.

It sounds a little flip, but it's actually the truth. Goals don't become reality until you take the first steps.

If your goal is running, those first steps are quite literal.

Running consistently is a goal a lot of people struggle to meet. Why? Running is hard. It's tiring. It can be painful. It's annoying at times. You know, kind of like life.

And that's why conquering a running goal is a powerful confidence booster for so many people.

This episode came from a listener's suggestion.

Listen if you have a goal of becoming a runner.

Listen if you just like talking about goals period. The hacks are applicable to any fitness goal or life challenge.

In this Dying to Ask:

A three-step plan to get your feet moving and your brain cranking this fall.

Three Ways To Look And Feel Better, Plus Medical Myths Busted Aug 25, 2022

Feeling blah?

Dr. John Whyte has a prescription to feel and look better with three tweaks to your day.

No drugs. No supplements — and best of all, no copay!

Whyte is the Chief Medical Officer of WebMD. It's his job to make sure the medical info on the site is factually correct. He's a medical storyteller with a background that includes stints at the Food and Drug Administration and time as the chief medical expert at Discovery Channel.

The good news heading into fall? Whyte is positive about our ability to manage COVID-19 without the world shutting down and needing to mask mandates.

The bad news? We have some work to do on our mental health. Like a lot of work.

This episode starts with some good news about the pandemic.

Then, Fitz and Whyte have some fun breaking down five medical myths. Spoiler alert: Fitz isn't on board for two of them!

Think it's gross when someone doesn't shower every day? That person may have a health edge. Pop a lot of Vitamin C when you get a cold. Skip it. Get irritated when your family members don't make the bed? Get over it.

Finally, Whyte has three hacks to improve your health, physical and mental. You can implement them today and he'll be surprised if you don't feel different quickly. They'll cost you nothing. They don't take much time. They're backed by science.

On this Dying to Ask:

Why showering daily is overrated
The health benefits of not making your bed
Why Vitamin C is probably a waste when you're sick
Three changes you can make today to improve your health dramatically in days

How To Perfect An Apology Aug 18, 2022

Sorry, not sorry.

Know someone who is horrible at apologizing for a mistake? Or, for those self-actualized among us, maybe you're that person?

Quickly taking responsibility for messing up has a near-instant impact on your mental health and well-being.

Blaming others for your own mistakes is a one-way street to sabotaging your mental mindset.

So, what if you commit to accepting responsibility for screwups quickly? It could be a lifestyle hack that could change how you perceive the world and how it perceives you.

In this episode, Fitz shares a personal story about a podcast guest scheduling mistake she recently made. It left a CEO stranded solo in a Zoom waiting room while Fitz ate breakfast at the TV station. She shares how she handled it that preserved the relationship with the CEO's company and how it allowed Fitz not to beat herself up about the error.

On this Dying to Ask:

The surprising mental health benefits of apologizing for mistakes quickly
The link between responsibility and anxiety
Fitz' "Triple A" method of saying sorry and actually meaning it

Dorm Designers, Phone Dumps And All Things College 101 Aug 11, 2022

We're going back to school in this week's episode of the Dying to Ask podcast. Not a la Rodney Dangerfield in the 1986 comedy. More like a time hop to a time that may seem just as foreign.

Colleges expect this school year will be the most "normal" year for students since the pandemic started.

It might be normal by today's standards for young people. But if it's been a while since you moved into a dorm, wait until you hear what the college experience is like these days.

Jenn Curtis and Cynthia Muchnick, authors of "The Parent Compass," are back on the show this week.

And we're talking about everything from the HGTV-ization of dorm rooms to how phone dumps work and why your family needs one.

If you have no idea what I'm talking about, buckle up, and get ready to go back to school, Dying to Ask-style. And yes, there will be a pop quiz for anyone who fails to leave a rating or review.

On this Dying to Ask:

The emergence of college trends like professional dorm decorators
Why you need a "proof of life" plan with your kid
The pros and cons of a "phone dump"
How to ease the transition to college for parent and child

How Being Hangry Costs You Friends And Productivity Jul 28, 2022

Hunger plus anger equals hanger. It's a thing. And science now backs that up.

You could be one snack away from sabotaging your relationships and career. An exaggeration? Only slightly.

A new survey on hanger proves the phenomenon exists.

That "hanger" is actually fluctuating blood sugar that leads to impulsive decisions, words you don't mean (or shouldn't say out loud) and interactions you might regret.

Dr Neha Pathak is part of WebMD's medical team. Her job is to make sure the site's articles and videos are medically sound. She says the hangry study confirms what moms have known forever.

"Absolutely, so I think what we've known for a long time, is when we have low blood sugar it puts us up higher risk of being irritable getting angry and being impulsive. So this new study kind of adds to that, by showing us that when we're hungry, we also are at higher risk of negative emotions on a day to day basis," Pathak said.

The takeaway?

You might make some really bad calls in life because you needed a snack.

Think about that. You could be a handful of almonds away from setting your body and mind up for a blowup or for success.

One snack!

On this Dying to Ask:

How scientists studied hanger
A simple explanation of why you get cranky when you get hungry
The time of day you should probably never schedule an important meeting
Dr Pathak's pick for the number one food to treat hangriness fast
And what it's like to be a WebMD doc

5 Ways To Stress Less By Walking More Jul 21, 2022

Feeling blah? Three words: take a walk.

Walking is having, as they say, a moment.

Walking is the simplest thing we do each day and it may be the most instantly impactful when it comes to our mental and physical health.

In this solo episode, Fitz takes a walk on the not so wild side to explain how adding frequent walk breaks to the day had a positive impact on stress and creativity.

You'll learn the science behind why "moving mindfulness" works and you'll get easy hacks to make walk breaks a powerful reset button in your day.

Feeling stuck? Take a walk.

Feeling down? Take a walk.

Feeling frustrated or tired? Say it with me, take a walk.

Up for taking our walk challenge? Take a selfie and post it on social media with #walkwithfitz and she'll share your pics to motivate the Dying to Ask community.

On this Dying to Ask:

How to sneak walking into your work or school day to improve productivity
The hidden benefit to taking your kids on a lap around the block
The science behind why walking impacts mood, depression and anxiety
Five ways to make a walking habit stick

Creating Confidence With TV Host Amy Schmidt Jul 14, 2022

Want to be more confident? Maybe you need to practice more.

That's the philosophy of author, TedX speaker, podcast and TV host Amy Schmidt.

Amy's "why not me and why not now" philosophy has made her an expert in mid-life reinvention.

Amy co-hosts the Better Than Gossip podcast and streaming TV show. The show's tagline, ageless advice for timeless women, promotes the idea that most problems are solvable with help and empathy from friends.

She says she's noticed many people complaining about a loss of confidence after everything we've been through in the last few years.

Her advice?

Recruit a good friend/ accountability partner and ask them a simple question: "what am I good at?"

"When you really dig into that conversation with someone you really trust that accountability partner and they say, 'you know what, I admire your confidence around public speaking. I love the way you can just, you know, go to a PTA meeting, and you can stand up and take charge. Or, I love the way when you walk into a yoga class, you kind of are this light.' You find out these things about yourself and you're like, 'wow I should do more of that.' That is the stepping stone to building more confidence."

On this Dying to Ask:

Three ways to boost your outlook when you're feeling flat
How to know it's time to make a personal or professional pivot when things are actually going OK
What Fitz said on Amy's podcast that turned out to be controversial
The power of having a word of the day

How To Define Your Life’s Purpose With News Anchor Latrice Currie Jul 07, 2022

What's your purpose?

The pandemic forced all of us to reflect on where we are and where we're going. The Great Resignation is full of people who've redefined their life purpose and made professional and personal changes based on those evaluations.

Latrice Currie didn't need the pandemic to redefine her life's purpose. Life dealt her a curveball in 2019 and she's been on a different path ever since.

Latrice is a longtime, respected news anchor at WRCB-TV in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She's a wife and a mom. She's active in her community.

She also survived a life-threatening health scare she never saw coming.

Latrice suffered a blood clot. Quick thinking saved her life. Careful reflection changed her life after she spend six months off the air in rehab.

Everything changed one Sunday morning when Latrice suffered the blood clot out of the blue. She woke up three weeks later unable to speak and walk and comprehend how much her life had changed.

Her new book, My Journey: Finding God's Purpose and Power, tells the story of what happened before and after LaTrice's turning point. The good news? You don't have to live through a blood clot to live a bigger, more satisfying and impactful life!

It's equal parts raw and inspiring. And, it's a road map to identifying and following through on pivoting to one's true purpose.

On this Dying to Ask:

What LaTrice did while barely conscious that gave her a shot at surviving a blood clot
What she advises all people to do to better their chances of a freak health problem
What it was like to BECOME the story instead of TELL the stories
How we can all find our purpose when life deals us a bad hand

The Annual Summer Beach Reads Episode, Part 2 Jun 30, 2022

Go read a book.

Those four words summarized my mother's constant summer refrain in my childhood and I find myself parroting her words as a mom myself!

Part 2 of our annual summer beach reads episode focuses on books for kids and young adults, or YA readers. But, here's the thing. YA is actually for all ages.

Do you just love a quick, fun read? Listen for some great YA reads that will inspire and entertain.

Have a reluctant reader at home? My guest Tina Ferguson has some great hacks to get kids lost in the pages of a great book.

Tina is the owner of Face in a Book bookstore in El Dorado Hills, California.

Titles mentioned in show:

Family of Liars by E. Lockhart
The Peach Rebellion by Wendelin Van Draanen
Shinji Takahashi and the Mark of the Coatl by Julie Kagawa

In this Dying to Ask:

How to get a reluctant reader interested in reading
Why graphic novels are a powerful reading motivator
How Disney and TikTok are inspiring great children's literature
The rise of inclusivity and diversity in children's lit
Why YA books are for all ages
And, stick around to the end for the backstory on how Dolly Parton and James Patterson teamed up for one of the most popular books of the year

The Summer Beach Reads Episode, Part 1 Jun 30, 2022

Read anything good lately? Your answer will be 'yes' if you pick up any of the titles in our annual summer beach reads show.

We've broken the show into two parts. Part one covers titles for adults. Part two has suggestions for kids and young adults.

Our guide to all things literary is Tina Ferguson, owner of Face in a Book Bookstore in El Dorado Hills, California.

This summer's picks include:

Sea of Tranquility by Emily St John Mandel
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
This is Not a Pity Memoir by Abi Morgan
The Divorce Colony by April White

In this Dying to Ask:

How pre-sales factor into authors making the New York Times Best Sellers list
The influence of groups like Reese's Book Club and Jenna's Book Club on book sales
How authors are referencing the pandemic in fiction set in COVID-19 years
Fitz and Tina share their favorite titles for a great summer read

Get In Shape With The Creator Of Fit Girl Hacks Jun 02, 2022

Can you hack your way to better health? The creator of "Fit Girl Hacks" says absolutely.

Monique Christian is the trainer behind the social media community "Fit Girl Hacks." She has worked in the fitness industry for more than 20 years. Her big conclusion after training hundreds of people? Working out and eating well don't have to be so complicated.

She's sharing her shortcuts to better health in weekly hacks including:

Don't think too long or you'll talk yourself out of a workout
Start the day with a win and see how the rest of the day goes
Go to farmer's markets and learn the growers' names since they are generous with their friends

Simple but effective.

Listen to this episode on a workout and I'll bet you'll burn a few extra calories!

On this Dying to Ask:

Christian rapid-fire breaks down more than two dozen fit girl hacks
How friends can help or hinder your fitness goals
Why your brain is your biggest workout enemy
A summer grilling hack that will change how you look at meal prepping
And Monique shares what it's like to embrace life as a fitness influencer at 50

Dying To Ask Podcast: How Gardening Improves Mental Health May 27, 2022

Stressed out? Maybe it's time to dig in the dirt.

A recent study highlighted in Agweek confirmed gardening has tremendous benefits for reducing stress and improving mental health.

Struggling to relax or focus?

Try planting some seeds and watching flowers grow. Or, bury a tomato plant and watch half of a Caprese salad sprout before your eyes.

The experts at WebMD confirm the correlation between time spent around plants and a sense of peace.

And more Americans than ever are sowing the seeds of sanity as they give backyard gardening a try.

In this solo episode, I'll share how I got into gardening and how it's kept my mind clear during some of life's most stressful times.

On this Dying to Ask:

The science of why gardening is good for mental health
Why watching things grow is good for focus
How to get started even if you have a small space and limited budget

How To Deal With Toxic People With Diane Gottsman May 20, 2022

Gotta get away?

Good luck getting away from toxic people this summer.

Summer travel is predicted to hit pre-pandemic rates and you'll need to pack more than patience to make it to your destination with your cool intact.

Diane Gottsman is a modern etiquette expert and the founder of the Protocol School of Texas.

If you think people are edgier and crankier than ever, she says you're right! And those dicey interactions are spilling into many aspects of daily life.

Pandemic anxiety lingers and crowded airplanes are often where passengers who don't see eye to eye on virus precautions get into it.

Internships are back. But, employers and interns may be out of step on expectations on everything from communication to wardrobe.

The labor shortage has made shopping in some stores difficult because of inexperienced workers. It's easy to get frustrated. It's easy to say something you shouldn't. And it's often difficult to calm conflict.

So, how can you diffuse a hot situation?

Diane has a script for that and she's going to coach you on how to tricky situations and difficult people.

On this Dying to Ask:

How to diffuse conflict in places like planes or stores
How to extract yourself from a gossipy conversation
Two ways to instantly improve your interactions with people

Financial Adulting With Ashley Feinstein Gerstley May 12, 2022

Why is our relationship with money so complicated?

Financial insecurity creates anxiety. The best way to fight that anxiety? Become more confident in your money knowledge.

Ashley Feinstein Gerstley is the author of "Fin ancial Adulting: Everything You Need To Be a Financially Confident and Conscious Adult."

She wrote the book she says she wishes she had as a young adult struggling to manage a personal budget. That says a lot considering she majored in finance and worked as an investment banker! A career change led to a pay decrease and Ashley quickly found herself living beyond her means.

Sound familiar? People of all ages are struggling with mounting debt and inflation.

She challenged herself to get a better grasp on her finances and started blogging about everything from 401(k) accounts to buying a house. That website, The Fiscal Femme, launched a career as a money coach, speaker and author of "The 30-Day Money Cleanse."

Financial adulting challenges readers to learn about everything from 401(k) accounts to buying a house in simple and often humorous ways. You'll learn about how insurance works and what kinds are important at different stages of life. And, you'll see how re-branding common financial terms like "saving" to "investing" is a useful way to change a money mindset.

And, Fitz and Ashley get into the challenges of teaching money values to kids in our increasingly cash-free society.

On this Dying to Ask:

Why you should throw yourself a money party
The power of using the word "investing" instead of "saving"
And three changes you can make today to change your money mindset

How Pallavi Golla Found An Untapped Market In Kids Activewear May 05, 2022

Ever had a great idea but didn't know where to start?

That's called being an entrepreneur.

The successful ones start somewhere and often end up with a company or product that seems to have followed a linear path. The reality is that business journeys rarely make sense.

But there are some hacks to launching products that tend to work and Pallavi Golla is sharing those secrets in this Dying to Ask podcast episode.

Pallavi is the founder of Lark Adventurewear. Lark makes breathable activewear for kids.

Pallavi's son was 4 months old when she noticed he'd get really sweaty in his cotton onesies. She looked for more breathable materials to dress him in and struggled to find any that met her family's needs.

So, she created it.

But, designing activewear for kids wasn't easy. Most adult workout clothes contain chemicals to make them "breathe" during sweaty workout sessions. That fabric wouldn't work on a little kid's skin.

Pallavi had zero background in fashion or textiles.

But, in six years, she's created and trademarked a fabric called Softek and is the driving force behind a seven-figure online kids clothing company that is expanding to adult clothes too.

In this episode, Pallavi shares how she used knowledge from a background in hedge funds and the wine industry to propel Lark Adventurewear to success.

On this Dying to Ask:

Pallavi Golla's advice for entrepreneurs coming out of the pandemic
Why she's against quitting your day job to follow a dream
How she gives herself grace to make mistakes
How to mine your resume for hidden skills that might help you start a business
And how to handle the people in your life who think you've lost it when in fact you might be about to find your next big thing

Bonus Podcast: How Author Colson Whitehead Writes May 04, 2022

They say good things come in threes.

And a lot of people suspect author Colson Whitehead may become the first person this century to win three Pulitzer Prize awards in fiction.

Only three other novelists, William Faulkner, John Updike and Booth Tarkington, have won two Pulitzers for fiction.

Whitehead was recognized for "The Underground Railroad" and "The Nickel Boys." Both books use prose to draw attention and insight to systemic racism in America.

But Whitehead's latest novel, "Harlem Shuffle," his eighth, takes a detour and tells the story of Ray Carney, a lovable crook in 1960s Harlem.

On this Dying to Ask:

Why "Harlem Shuffle" is such a diversion from Colson's previous two novels
How he found out he'd won a Pulitzer Prize and how it changed his life
What it's like to write a crime caper and why listening to our parents can save us a lot of time

How To Find Purpose After Loss With Maura Horton Apr 28, 2022

What is your life's purpose?

Sometimes we feel passionate about going in a direction. Other times life itself seems to send you down a path.

Maura Horton's life trajectory changed when her husband, college football coach Don Horton, was diagnosed with Parkinson's.

She watched Don struggle to do basic things like button his shirt as the disease robbed him of his mobility.

That loss of independence was crushing.

Maura looked for clothing with snaps that were easier to close.

She couldn't find any, so she invented it and patented a magnetic closure system to make dressing easier for people with limited mobility.

MagnaReady specializes in adaptive fashion and fills a gap whose importance most people don't recognize until an illness or injury impacts their ability to do something as simple as getting dressed.

The clothing line is sophisticated and trendy enough that it's popular with people who don't need adaptive features.

Amazingly, Maura Horton did all of this without any prior experience in fashion or entrepreneurship.

On this Dying to Ask:

How Maura started a company with zero experience in fashion
How to recognize something has become a life purpose
Maura's advice on overcoming grief

100 Things We’ve Lost To The Internet With Pamela Paul Apr 13, 2022

Are you old enough to remember the before times? Before times — as in before the internet.

If you are, then this is the interview for you. If not, then this is the interview for you.

Pamela Paul is the author of "100 Things We've Lost to the Internet."

It's a collection of 100 essays about things we no longer do or no longer need because of the internet. She writes about everything from Rolodexes, to answering machines, to struggling to remember the name of an actor on TV before you could google it.

Pamela recently took on the role as a full-time opinion writer for the New York Times after working as the editor of the Book Review and overseeing the Times' book coverage.

The idea for "100 Things" sprang from an essay she wrote about the lost art of boredom titled "Let Children Get Bored Again."

The result is a fun walk down memory lane for some and a true history lesson for others. Either way, it's a great reminder of how much our lives have changed in a reasonably short period of time.

On this Dying to Ask podcast:

The viral NY Times article that sparked the idea for this book
Pamela's takeaways about our connections with the internet
Why acknowledging your relationship with the internet is a powerful tool to bridging generational differences

How To Navigate College Acceptance Season With ’The Parent Compass’ Apr 06, 2022

Getting into college. It's complicated.

Navigating this year's college acceptance season is tricky thanks to some emerging trends.

There are record numbers of applications. But class sizes haven't increased and that means more kids than ever aren't getting into their target schools.

It's made talking about college plans challenging for a lot of families.

Jenn Curtis and Cynthia Muchnik are the authors of "The Parent Compass: Navigating Your Teen's Wellness & Academic Journey in Today's Competitive World."

Both have worked as college counselors for years and have been troubled about trends they were seeing in their offices. Kids who couldn't speak for themselves and parents who can't stop talking about their kids' college dreams.

Post-Varsity Blues Scandal, they say the spotlight is heavily on who gets in and who doesn't get into select schools.

The pressure is greater than ever for high school seniors, and sadly, a lot of parents add to the stress.

On this Dying to Ask

The do's and don'ts of college acceptances
Why Curtis and Muchnik would like to ban the word "rejection" from college-talk
Why parents should refrain from celebratory social media posts
And a lot of adults joke that they'd never get into their alma maters today. Is that actually true?

How To Fight Procrastination With Brainly’s Patrick Quinn Mar 24, 2022

Procrastination isn't new. But it's getting worse, especially with kids.

Why?

Because there's a lot of stuff we'd rather be doing than the stuff we should be doing.

And that is basically the definition of procrastination.

The difference these days is that we have so many digital distractions to monopolize our attention.

You think you have a tough time focusing on a task at hand? It's way worse for kids.

Patrick Quinn is a parenting expert at the online homework help site, Brainly. Before that, he worked as a middle school teacher in Brooklyn.

The father of three is also a viral video star and the creator of one of the greatest time wasters of all time, the Cheerio Challenge.

His sense of humor combined with his understanding of how kids' brains work make for a powerful combo in his role at Brainly. And, he has some time (and dad) tested ideas of what's fueling our ever-growing tendency to procrastinate and more importantly, what we can do to get more stuff done.

On this Dying to Ask:

How Patrick went from making viral dad videos to becoming a parenting expert
Advice for parents and kids on how to avoid procrastination
How creative outlets like blogging turn into careers

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