One Idea Away Podcast

Latest Episodes:

EP139 - Buddhist teacher, Zen priest, and Anthropologist, Roshi Joan Halifax: The New Meaning of Living Life on the Edge May 15, 2018

Show notes

Imagine this: you're sitting with a friend and you feel a sharp pain on your side. You think it's nothing. The next thing you know you're being wheeled to emergency surgery because your appendix is about to explode. In the midst of extreme pain and disorientation, how do you think you'll treat others around you? Buddhist teacher, Zen priest, and anthropologist, Roshi Joan Halifax, shares why in any and every life situation kindness is the way to go, and she has some powerful reasons to back up her advice.

Joan's a pioneer in the field of end-of-life care, receiving her PhD in Medical Anthropology in 1973 and lecturing on the subject of death and dying at many academic institutions and medical centers around the world. She's the founder, abbot, and head teacher of Upaya Institute and Zen Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Roshi's authored several books and it's her newest book that's our focus today, Standing At The Edge: Finding Freedom Where Fear And Courage Meet available May 1st.

Understand the profound and new meaning of living life on the edge--listen now!

Key takeaways:

The kind remedy. Right from the start, Joan identifies logical altruism, empathic distress, moral suffering, disrespect, and burnout, as signs of fraught--sound familiar? At some point in our lives, we're all faced with at least one of these, but there's hope! The simple secret to fighting such misery starts HERE…[11:36].

The moment of grace. There are moments where you might sympathize for someone, feel connected in their suffering in some way--yet you just don't know how to act on your concern--and you want to help. Breaking down empathic distress is doable if you only remember this ONE mnemonic device…[20:45].

The spectrum of admiration. The idea of respect is usually one that's transactional--in which you have respect for someone who mirrors the same kind regard for you--but is that ALL there is to this idea? An authentic relationship starts with understanding these THREE dimensions of R-E-S-P-E-C-T…[26:02].

Tune in and turn the volume up for a dose of inspiration and life lessons. You're never more than One Idea Away from a whole, new reality.

EP138 - Author and Willpower Debunker, Benjamin Hardy: Willpower Doesn't Work May 08, 2018

Show notes

Visualize your future self—what do you see? Are you more fit, healthier, more family-oriented, more career-focused—what's the real change you wish to see in yourself? All too often we set personal goals and have the strong willpower to carry us through the first phase, but somewhere along the second and third, we lose our way. Benjamin Hardy, author and willpower debunker, is here to share proven strategies you'll need to actually persist and defeat any future transformation.

Ben's the number one writer on Medium.com since 2016. His newest book, Willpower Doesn't Work (released in March) is already changing the view of willpower in the landscape. Ben's currently pursuing his PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psych at Clemson University and his research focuses on the psychological difference between one of the entrepreneurs versus actual entrepreneurs, AKA, the dreamers versus the doers.

Renew your energy and your decision-making. Renew your visualized future.

Key takeaways:

The future glimpse. You've mastered a transformative period in your life, you're soaring high, and you find yourself back in the environment in which you started. The temptation to go back to your old ways is seeping from everywhere. There's hope! Try these TWO things to avoid backsliding to familiar grounds…[10:11].

The situational oversight. We live in a world where we're bombarded with stimuli and endless options for any and every decision we need to make. And when you're faced with decision overload you lose your control over the situation. Willpower isn't strong enough to help you find your way, THIS is…[21:36].

The changing moment. There are two misconceptions out there that suggest that children are more adaptable than adults and that people never change. Imagine if they were wrong—oh, the possibilities! Learn this ONE lesson to debunk the misconceptions and believe in change at any age or situation...[33:41].

Tune in and turn the volume up for a dose of inspiration and life lessons. You're never more than One Idea Away from a whole, new reality.

EP137 - Journalist and Author, Emily Esfahani Smith: A World Obsessed with Happiness May 01, 2018

Show notes

Have you ever accomplished something that you were certain was going to give you utter happiness, only to find a continued void—like something was missing? You're not alone. Get ready to answer the unending question, what's it all for? Emily Esfahani, journalist and author of The Power of Meaning: Finding Fulfillment In A World Obsessed With Happiness, breaks down the research to what we need to find, build, and sustain a life worth living.

Emily's articles and essays have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Atlantic, The New Criterion, and many other publications. She's an editor at the Stanford University Hoover Institution where she advises the Ben Franklin circles project, a collaboration with the 92nd Street Y, and Citizen University to build meaning in local communities.

There's a life bursting with meaning and purpose waiting for you, it's time you found it.

Key takeaways:

The chosen path. There's a "happy" life and a "meaningful" life. Pursuing one of these has actually been proven to cause loneliness while the other can leave you feeling connected to something beyond yourself. THIS is the life you should pursue and why…[10:38].

The friendly side. When was the last time you spoke to your neighbor? If the answer's never, you're not alone. Communities are dissolving, interpersonal skills such as empathy are on a decline, and while this doesn't seem to be problematic, the NEED to belong is an existential one. Break this phase of isolation—start HERE…[18:00].

The nonfiction story. Who are you and how did you become this version of yourself? Your inner narrative colors your day, your week, your life. All too often we focus on the negative side of ourselves, the parts that need "work," but what if we changed that? Learn to focus on the BIG picture of yourself—try THIS…[28:47].

Tune in and turn the volume up for a dose of inspiration and life lessons. You're never more than One Idea Away from a whole, new reality.

EP136 - Special Panel Discussion: Where does true and sustainable happiness come from? Apr 24, 2018

Show notes

When you think of happiness, what comes first in your mind—a yellow smiley face, self-help books, sunshine, and rainbows? The conversation around the field of happiness has been evolving in the past 20 years and events such as The World Happiness Summit have brought leaders in positive psychology and more to share their own research and personal practices to sustaining happiness and well-being.

Turns out it's not about being happy all the time, and these researchers/experts aren't the happiest people in the world either! So, where and how do you find REAL happiness, the kind that lasts a lifetime? Listen in as today's guests include three professionals who've attended this year's World Happiness Summit and share their proven perspectives to finding such happiness.

First is business breakthrough coach, Aliya Levinson Kehoe, who helps small businesses think big. She works with new coaches who struggle with a lack of direction and clarity and would like to successfully launch their coaching practice and attract all their first paying clients quickly with ease and confidence. Second is personal development coach, Samantha Inch, who helps young women that are stuck and unfulfilled to redesign their lives so they can live with purpose and live on purpose. Samantha's passion for helping young women comes from her own transformation working in Corporate America. Last, but definitely not least, is positive psychology coach, professional speaker, and founder of Make Money Coaching program, Marc Cordon. He's the international bestselling author of Beyond Resilient: The Coach's Guide to Ecstatic Growth, has received his Bachelors in Science in neuroscience and behavioral biology, as well as a Masters in public health and policy management.

Let the happy conversation begin!

Key takeaways:

The happiness-when syndrome. I'll be happy when I get the promotion/find that perfect someone/have the money to travel, when I (fill in the blank). It's easy to get lost in the cycle of an unending happiness quest. Where does it end and how can you start to break free? Begin HERE… [12:59].

The happiness misconception. Going on a first date, getting a raise, eating your favorite dessert—these moments give you instant gratification but the pleasure's fleeting. So much of what we're taught is that happiness is linked to our external world and not sustainable. Ready to know true happiness? THIS is what happiness really is…[18:43].

The happiness game. You've discovered the real meaning of happiness and you've done the soul searching to identify what actually fulfills you internally and externally, but you're still NOT happy. What's the deal? Avoid THESE signs when you're on your happiness quest…[27:17].

The happiness strategy. If you're happy and you know it, is clapping your hands the only thing you should do to sustain it? The panelists reveal their most insightful daily/weekly practices to maintain and build happiness throughout your life. The full spectrum of happiness tips and exercises revealed at…[50:14].

For many, happiness can seem like an intangible (unreachable) target set far off in the distance. Everyone wants to be happy. You don't have to be a Harvard professor to know that. Or do you???

Dr. Tal-Ben Shahar actually taught a class at Harvard on the science and experience of happiness. It was one of the most popular courses at Harvard . . . EVER. Lucky for us, we won't have to pay Harvard money to access Tal's insights and wisdom. All we have to do is click a button.

This week we'd like to invite you to a sneak peek of the world's first certification in happiness as we partner with Tal and his team to launch the Happiness Studies Academy's Certificate in Happiness Studies program.

If you're ready to dive in, start by listening to this week's episode. It'll prime your mind and prepare you for what's to come in the happiness certification program. Then visit http://www.oneideaaway.com/happy to dig deeper, learn more, and get a FREE first look at Tal's course in happiness.

Tune in and turn the volume up for a dose of inspiration and life lessons. You're never more than One Idea Away from a whole, new reality.

EP135 - Author and Licensed Therapist, Ira Israel: How to Survive Your Childhood Now That You're an Adult Apr 17, 2018

Show notes

It is better to be hated for who you are than to be loved for who you are not. - Andre Gide

So much of who we are, from the way we respond to events to those we choose to have relationships with, is deeply rooted from our childhood. Whether it was a good or bad pastime, its influence is heavy. Get ready to dive deep as Ira Israel, author of, How to Survive Your Childhood Now That You're an Adult, shares tangible techniques along with heavy-hitting questions to discovering and accepting your authentic self.

Ira's a licensed marriage and family therapist, as well as a professional clinical counselor. He graduated from the University of Penn and holds advanced degrees in psychology, philosophy, and religious studies. Ira's DVD series including A Beginner's Guide to Happiness and Mindfulness for Depression, along with his sold-out Esalen workshops, have given him an international following.

Get ready to learn more about who you are than ever before!

Key takeaways:

Dying revelations. If you were on your deathbed today, what do you think would be your only regret? Ira says everyone has the same one: not loving enough. Loving more's the trick to sustaining happiness, but how do you actually do that? Ask yourself this ONE question each morning…[06:53].

Childhood roots. Attachment styles and defense mechanisms are developed from childhood. It makes sense that how you approach relationships and think about yourself is a ripple effect from how you were raised. But can you actually learn to change these parts of yourself? Yes! Try THIS…[14:06].

Authentic lessons. Who are you really? Living your authentic self means first understanding how you became inauthentic and why--but also accepting it. Get out of the mindset of regretting who you are and why you're not good. After you have, build a new sense of self by following THESE simple steps…[23:10].

We know there's more to life than merely surviving. Uncover how you can create more life by opening yourself to experiencing more love when you download the More Love, More Life momentum-building exercise and complete the activity.

Be a part of the conversation and share any insights you have in the One Idea Away Community Facebook group.

Tune in and turn the volume up for a dose of inspiration and life lessons. You're never more than One Idea Away from a whole, new reality.

EP134 - Author, Podcaster, and Branding Expert, Kathleen Shannon: Being Boss in Work and Life Apr 10, 2018

Show notes

You're "the boss" at work, at home, with everyone (even down to your pets). You talk and people listen and act--but does that really make you the boss of your own life? Kathleen Shannon, creative and entrepreneur mastermind, reveals what being "The Boss" actually means and how to get to a place of self-realization.

Kathleen's the co-founder of Braid Creative, a branding agency that specializes in helping creatives, small businesses, and organizations blend more of who they are into the work that they do. She's also the co-host of the Being Boss podcast and co-authored the Being Boss book with Emily Thompson which is being released today. Being Boss is where she digs into the mindset, the habits, routines, and boundaries that help creatives be more "boss."

Get ready to be The Boss in every part of your self-fulfilled life from the inside, out.

Key takeaways:

Beyond the hunt. Do you have a life motto you quietly tell yourself when facing a challenge? Right from the start, Kathleen shares a mantra that'll empower anyone on their way to discovery and reassurance. The one thing every entrepreneur MUST repeat to themselves…[02:45].

Becoming "The Boss." Living the entrepreneurial lifestyle's on the rise; and how could it not be when people are becoming more and more creatively fulfilled by going out on their own. Ready to give it a try? Start HERE…[17:38].

Handling the Imposter. There are times when you feel out of alignment-- like you're pretending to lead when really you're just not feeling it--Kathleen calls this imposter syndrome "fraudy feelings." Good news! There's a way to overcome them, and here's how…[25:20].

When someone else's agenda drives your direction, life just isn't as sweet as it could be. Your life is meant to unfold from who you are. So, how do you uncover a life that puts you back in the driver's seat so you can create the life you want over an experience you feel you were dealt?

Visit http://oneideaaway.com/boss to download the "Your Life, More You" Activity.

Share your thoughts on the episode and your insights from the activity in our One Idea Away Facebook Community to continue the conversation.

Tune in and turn the volume up for a dose of inspiration and life lessons. You're never more than One Idea Away from a whole, new reality.

EP133 - Authors on Romance and Research, Suzann Pileggi Pawelski and James Pawelski: Happy Together Apr 03, 2018

Show notes

The secret to long-term happiness and wellbeing are true, healthy relationships. But how can you develop them if our cultural expectations of what love looks like are so skewed? Authors of Happy Together: Using The Science Of Positive Psychology To Build Love That Lasts and married couple, Suzann Pileggi and James Pawelski, share their knowledge and science behind what being happy together really looks like.

Suzann blogs for Psychology Today, writes for The Science of Wellbeing column for Live Happy, and is also a columnist for the International Positive Psychology Association Newsletter profiling many of the field's leading scientists and their ground-breaking research. James is the director of education and senior scholar in the positive psychology center and adjunct professor of religious studies in the school of arts and sciences at the University of Pennsylvania. He's also presently serving as the principal investigator on a three-year $2.5 million grant from the Templeton Religion Trust to study the humanities and human flourishing.

Is love all you really need? Find out in this episode!

Key Takeaways:

Blockbuster magic. The cinematic romantic universe heavily influences our cultural expectations of what real love looks like. You meet your soul mate, you fall in love, and you live happily ever after. But why do some days feel like so much work when it's "meant-to-be?" The SECRET to uncovering long-lasting love…[04:00].

Ying-Yang romance. You start seeing someone and the butterflies are swirling for weeks but then you begin to notice a change in your habits and other relationships in your life. In a mature, healthy relationship both partners are independent and interdependent with each other, but how? Know THIS…[13:06].

Harmonious affair. Passion in a relationship is that fire that burns--that all-consuming notion that if I'm not with you I'm going to die without you. That sort of passion's called obsession, and it's fleeting--plus not very healthy. For REAL passion, the experts suggest looking for these signs…[22:14].

Personality Q&A. At the core of strong relationships lies good character. This is where the good in the other person's so inspiring that it helps YOU become a better person. But do you know the top strengths of your character that need focus? Take the test! Identify your signature strengths with THIS questionnaire…[34:45].

Visit http://oneideaaway.com/together to download the Relationship Reflection Activity. Explore the 3 different types of relationships that we have in our lives (according to Aristotle) and how each form brings out different aspects of who we are and our happiness.

Share your thoughts on the episode and your insights from the activity in our One Idea Away Facebook Community to continue the conversation.

Tune in and turn the volume up for a dose of inspiration and life lessons. You're never more than One Idea Away from a whole, new reality.

EP132 - Bestselling Author and Money Mentor, Dr. David Krueger: Define Your Relationship with Money Mar 27, 2018

Show notes

How much money do you think it'd take to boost your happiness? Studies show that money only increases our happiness up to a certain amount ($75,000 a year in income). Beyond that amount, there isn't much change. In this episode, bestselling author and money mentor, Dr. David Krueger, challenges you to reevaluate your emotional relationship with money, whether it's healthy or not, and take a look from the outside in.

David's the CEO of MentorPath, an executive coaching, training, and wellness firm. Author of 20 books, his business bestseller, The Secret Language of Money, has been translated into 10 languages and is the focus of today's episode. With scientific data in his pocket, and 25 years serving as a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, David offers experienced advice on both money and self-development. Define a new, healthy relationship with money AND yourself!

And while you're developing this newfound self, consider your overall wellness and check out Bruce D Schneider's Uncovering the Life of Your Dreams -- NOW available. A pioneer in the field of coaching and consciousness for nearly 20 years, Bruce helps you listen and act on your internal voice urging for change and purpose. Awaken and fuel a new reality!

Key Takeaways:

Money Tale. The highs and lows of money affect us all. You've heard stories about those winning the lottery and others in a money crisis urgently asking for donations, but a REAL money story means so much more than that. Its true meaning revealed and what it says about YOU…[05:26].

Money 101. Your parents influenced your relationship with money since birth, and long before you're gone, financial discussions will flourish. How can you alter such a relationship that's been established since childhood? The roadmap's simple and only a few steps away-- start HERE…[15:37].

Money Incentive. The idea of money means one thing to you and a completely different thing to the person sitting next to you. How you act and feel about it follows a pattern. Changing it takes work. Whether you're looking to break or boost your bond with money, try THIS first…[20:00].

Tune in and turn the volume up for a dose of inspiration and life lessons. You're never more than One Idea Away from a whole, new reality.

EP131 - Educator, Business Advisor, and Author, Tom Asacker: Find and Focus on Your Purpose Mar 20, 2018

Show notes

You've probably heard the mantra carpe diem, which means, live for today, but how about memento mori? Which means, remember you will die. Tom Asacker, educator, business advisor, and internationally published author, is here to remind you memento mori with the intent to have you stop taking everything that you're doing in life so seriously. To help you focus on how you're living and for what purpose.

Tom's inspiring combination of down-to-earth philosophy and intellectual reasoning has given him supporters all over the world, and for the past 10 years, he's been advising leaders that the traditional engines of growth have run out of steam. He's predominantly known for several critically acclaimed business books such as The Business of Belief and A Little Less Conversation, but it's I am Keats that we'll focus on in today's episode -- a reference to the 19th Century English romantic poet who celebrated the need to embrace your life's purpose and find a life worth living.

Be ready to look forward to your unknowing future ahead and never be tempted to look back again!

Key takeaways:

The rewrite. The moment we're born we're thrown into a movie world where everything from the language, characters, and environment must be learned to survive. It's as if the script, our destiny, is predetermined. Ready for the ultimate rewrite? Write the ending to your own "movie" by learning this ONE lesson...[11:01].

The unscripted. In I am Keats, one of the main characters represents curiosity, compassion, and creativity. He's the wild-eyed child who wants to change the world and live out his own story without knowing how it's going to end. Doesn't that just sound like the way to live? To add a little improv to your life, try THIS…[25:42].

The finale. Our society is fixated on the achievement of success and happiness, but can you actually have them both? While ideally the path of curiosity, compassion, and creativity seems like the right direction to aim, how can you be successful in it? And does it even matter? The only question you NEED to ask yourself…[28:59].

Tune in and turn the volume up for a dose of inspiration and life lessons. You're never more than One Idea Away from a whole, new reality.

EP130 - Author and Breathing Instructor, Patrick McKeown: All the Effects of Your Breath Mar 13, 2018

Show notes

Take a breath - normally, naturally, feeling the rhythm. Feel the sensation of the airflow. Feel the way that your body moves with each inhale and exhale. While you may know that focusing on your breath can increase your concentration levels and decrease stress, international bestselling author and master instructor Patrick McKeown shares how the act of breathing alone can also keep you physically safer and help create a positive cycle with the world around you.

Patrick's the creator of the Oxygen Advantage Technique and the author of the book, Oxygen Advantage. Over the last 15 years he's trained more than 7,000 people around the world to safely challenge their bodies and produce positive changes. From delayed lactic acid and fatigue to improved aerobic and lung capacity, as well as reduction of the risk of injury and improved psychological preparedness. Such knowledge can impact the way you sleep, stress levels, and your overall wellbeing.

Get ready to let the oxygen in and breathe a better life!

Key takeaways:

The danger zone. Imagine you're in a stressful situation – your heart's beating quickly and your breathing is getting dangerously faster and faster. Recent research from Stanford shows that fast breathing relays signals of agitation to the rest of the brain. The SECRET to combating stressful breathing…[06:06].

The sleep monster. When your upper airways become a bit inflamed it can increase issues such as snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. What's the big deal? Studies show that 20% of all car accidents are caused by obstructive sleep apnea. Yikes! Luckily there's an easy fix – try THIS…[09:27].

The breathing lesson. Did you know there's a right and wrong way to breathe that can truly increase your quality of life? It starts with your nose and ends with breathing lightly. Exercises to help you learn the REAL way you're meant to breathe at…[14:18].

The clear facts. Air hunger and CO2, in the blood – they sound like they should be a bad thing, but they're actually not. Did you further know there's a proper level of oxygenation and balance of CO2 you can achieve on your very own? Go HERE to take the simple test…[24:50].

Want to try? Patrick shared a guided breathing exercise you can tune into anywhere. Download it here.

Tune in and turn the volume up for a dose of inspiration and life lessons. You're never more than One Idea Away from a whole, new reality.

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