The Matt Townsend Show

Matt Townsend specializes in energizing and involving audiences with his unique approach to building and maintaining successful relationships. Known as one of America’s top presenters in the field of Human Relations and Development, Matt blends humor and story telling with interactive, real-life solutions that motivate and inspire his listeners.

Latest Episodes:

California Primaries, Why We Procrastinate, Say No More Jun 08, 2016

Show notes

Joe Cannon - California Primaries (18:02) Joe Cannon is our Washington Insider. Joe served as an assistant administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from 1983-1985. Was a candidate for the U.S. Senate in 1992. He served as the Chairman of the Utah Republican Party from 2002 to 2006. He was named editor of the Deseret Morning News on December 8, 2006. Joe currently is the CEO of Fuel Freedom Foundation. Joe Cannon and Matt Townsend recap the California primary. Dr. Tim Pychyl - Why We Procrastinate (1:04:57) Dr. Tim Pychyl is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology, the Director of the Centre for Initiatives in Education and he has a cross-appointment to the School of Linguistics and Language Studies. His most recent book is “Solving the Procrastination Puzzle: A Concise Guide to Strategies for Change”. Dr. Puchyl gives us some tips on beating procrastination. Diane Barth - Why is it Hard to Say No (1:55:01) Diane Barth, a licensed Clinical Social Worker. Along with leading private study groups in New York and workshops for therapists around the country, Diane has published articles in the Clinical Social Work Journal, Psychoanalytic Dialogues, Psychoanalytic Psychology, and other professional journals, and published a book entitled, Daydreaming: Unlock the Creative Power of Your Mind. Our days are very busy. Time is a premium. The only way to accomplish the most improtant tasks may be to say "no" to more often. It can be tough to say "no" and not come across as rude or unfriendly. Diane Barth shares her article where she explains why saying "no" is important and how to do it better.

Rise of Fiance and Death of Business, Foster Care Crisis Jun 07, 2016

Show notes

Makers and Takers: The Rise of Finance and the Fall of American Business (15:52) Rana Foroohar is the Assistant managing editor at Time and the magazine’s economics columnist. She is the author of Makers and Takers: The Rise of Finance and the Fall of American Business.The presidential race has brought to light the country’s frustration with the current economic state. While wages are up and the slow growth of the economy looks promising, many are still feeling left behind. Rana Foroohar tells us more about our nation’s trend towards financialization and the damage it has caused. Foster Care Crisis (1:03:57) Mike Hamblin is the Director of Recruitment at Utah Foster Care Foundation. Utah Foster Care is a private non-profit with a contract with the State of Utah to do all of the recruitment and training for state licensed foster families. As of 2014 there were 415,129 children in foster care in the United States with 39% 5 years old or under. 46% of those 400,000 children are living in a Foster Family Home which means they are living with non-relative caregivers. In 2014 only 238,230 children exited foster care. Many problems exist in the Foster Care system including the overuse of group homes, kids aging out of the system without proper support, and Foster Parents need more support to deal with the many challenges they face in caring for these children. Mike Hamblin discusses the many issues in the foster care system and how we can help. Coaches Corner - Helping Kid Believe in themselves (1:27:25) Kid face a life full on new experiences. Helping a child or young adult feel validated for their worth not their works. Dr Matt Townsend with some ideas. Did you eat breakfast? (1:50:26) Dr. Ron Hager is an Associate Professor of Exercise Sciences in the College of Life Sciences at Brigham Young University. His area of expertise is Chronic Disease Prevention. Dr. Hager and Dr. Townsend talk about the benefits of eating breakfast.

Big Money in Politics, Music to Treat Anxiety, Sibling Jealousy Jun 06, 2016

Show notes

Big Money in Politics (16:02) Stephen Spaulding, Legal director and senior policy counsel at Common Cause, where he works to reduce the undue influence of money in politics, expand access to democracy and uphold strong ethical standards in government. Stephen discusses money in politics, the goals of Common Cause and what steps need to be taken to better draw the lines between money and politics. Using Music to Treat Anxiety and Depression (1:02:32) Dr. Steven Hayes is the foundation professor of behavioral analysis at the University of Nevada Reno. Dr. Hayes has authored 38 books, he is the developer of the Relation Frame Theory and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Have you ever had a strange or wild idea that you had to force out of your mind? For those who suffer from OCD, pushing out intrusive thoughts can be an overwhelming battle. But turning your worries into a catchy tune might be a solution for those who suffer from intrusive thoughts. Dr. Steven Hayes discusses intrusive thoughts and the power of song. Coaches Corner - Dealing With Negative Thoughts (1:29:00) Sometimes it is tough to avoid negative thoughts that could lead to bad choices. Dr. Matt Townsend shares some ideas on how to overcome bad thoughts and replace them with positive ideas Sibling Jealousy (1:49:51) Kim Giles, President and founder of Clarity Point Life Coaching. Named one of the top 20 advice gurus in the country by Good Morning America in 2010. Writes a regular column on KSL.com every Monday in the Happy Living Section. Author of the Book Choosing Clarity: A Path to Fearlessness. Today Kim shares some tips on how to parent can deal with Sibling Jealousy

Exercise for Weight Loss, Awakened Family, Manage Expectations Jun 03, 2016

Show notes

Why You Shouldn't Exercise to Lose Weight (15:21) Andrea Ovard is a clinical dietitian at the University of Utah hospital in the cardiac ICU and medical units. Andrea also writes a blog titled "The Baking Dietitian". In the United States, nearly 70 percent of the population is either overweight or obese. For years we have been told that we must exercise to lose weight. Studies show that exercise alone is not enough. The type and amount of food we eat will have a bigger impact on our waistline. This becomes an issues of public policy when governmental agencies recommend health guidelines. We found an article on Vox.com that looked at over 60 studies in diet and weight loss. Andrea helps explain how to balence exercise and diet to achieve weight loss. The Awakened Family: A Revolution in Parenting (59:23) Shefali Tsabary, Ph.D., received her doctorate in clinical psychology from Columbia University. Specializing in the integration of Western psychology and Eastern philosophy. Dr. Shefali has written three books, including the award winning New York Times bestselling book The Conscious Parent and her new book "The Awakened Family: A Revolution in Parenting". We all have the capacity to raise children who are highly resilient and emotionally connected. However, many of us are unable to because we are blinded by modern misconceptions of parenting and our own inner limitations. Dr. Shefali Tsabary explains how to let go of these misconceptions and be the best parent we can be. Managing Expectations (1:27:42) Dr. Matt Townsend shares his thoughts on what to expect from your children and how to tell if you have gone too far. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (1:47:50) Rod Gustafson from Parent Previews joins the show to review the new movie Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows

The Abolitionists, War on Soda, Allergies and Dust Mites Jun 02, 2016

Show notes

The Abolitionists (15:42) Timothy Ballard is the Founder and CEO of Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.). He also serves as O.U.R.'s Jump Team Commander for rescue operations. Ballard began his career at the Central Intelligence Agency where he worked cases dealing with terrorism and Latin America. O.U.R. led by Ballard is working to end human trafficking across the globe. Ballard teamed up with Academy Award-winning Producer Gerald Molen (Schindler's List, Jurassic Park) to produce the movie "The Abolitionists" that follows O.U.R teams as they rescue children from human traffickers. They are joined by director Chet Thomas to discuss the movie. Is the war on Soda Justified? (1:03:31) Dr. Ayala Laufer-Cahana is a physician with focus on pediatrics and medical genetics, an entrepreneur, and a blogger who tries to balance nutrition and health with a moderation, simplicity and practicality. Obesity in the US is a growing health concern. Everywhere you turn, experts weigh in on how to reduce obesity. Whether it’s aerobic exercise, 8 hours of sleep, or dieting, experts are finding ways to fight the health epidemic. This raises the question, is the war on soda justified? Dr. Ayala explains. Coaching Corner - Breaking Habits (1:26:40) Dr. Matt Townsend shares his thoughs on how to lead by example and work on weaknesses. Matt talks about trying to break the habit of drinking soda and how it can be tough to resist the temptaition. Replace habits with a strength to connect with who you want to be and give you reason to control your habit you are trying to change. Allergies and Dust Mites (1:49:40) Dr. Scott Weber is an assistant professor in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology at Brigham Young University where he teaches courses in Immunology and Molecular Biology. Dr. Jim Johnston is an associate professor in the Department of Health Science at Brigham Young University, where he teaches courses in Environmental and Occupational Health. Have you heard the advertisements that you need new pillows

Brexit Effects, Game Theory and Parenting, James the Mormon Jun 01, 2016

Show notes

Why Brexit Matters for America (15:47) Dr. Peter Harris is an assistant professor at Colorado St. in the political science department and specializes in international relations. After several months of debate, Britain will vote on whether they will leave the European Union. This national referendum, set to take place on June 23, may have more impact the U.S. than we realize. With economic growth, and the effectiveness of counter-terrorism at stake, President Obama has urged British voters to remain part of the E.U. Dr. Harris explains more about the importance and potential harmful consequences of Brexit. The Game Theorist's Guide to Parenting (1:01:39) Dr. Kevin Zollman is an associate professor of philosophy at Carnegie Mellon University and co-author of the Book (along with Paul Raeburn) “The game theorist's guide to parenting”. Game Theory, is the mathematical analysis of conflict resolution. So game theory obviously has its place in decision making between international businessmen, heads of state, and with your 5-year-old?!? Dr. Zollman explains art of benevolent manipulation. James the Mormon - Not a Rapper (1:46:54) James Curran is not your traditional rapper. His dad is a stockbroker and his mom was a U.S. ambassador so he grew up overseas and was usually one of the only people of color where he grew up. He didn’t even know what rap was until he was 14. He is a returned missionary from the LDS church and started rapping to stand for his beliefs. He calls himself “James the Mormon” and, unexpectedly, his album rose to #1 Hip hop album in the world last month. James talks about his experience using his talents to make a positive impact on the world.

Snowden and Clinton Emails, Like What You Like, Spanking May 31, 2016

Show notes

Snowden and Clinton Emails (16:25) Joe Cannon is our Washington Insider. Joe served as an assistant administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from 1983-1985. Was a candidate for the U.S. Senate in 1992. He served as the Chairman of the Utah Republican Party from 2002 to 2006. He was named editor of the Deseret Morning News on December 8, 2006. Joe currently is the CEO of Fuel Freedom Foundation. Joe and Dr. Matt talk about the continuing Clinton email issues and if Ed Snowden should be prosecuted. How You Know She Was The One (41:50) People decide who to marry for a variety of reasons. Student producer Liana Tan talks to several married men to find out when they knew their wife was the one for them. Why You Like What You Like (1:04:43) Tom Vanderbilt is a contributing Editor at Wired (U.K.), Outside, and Artforum and the author of New York Times Best Seller: Traffic: Why We Drive the Way We Do. Tom Vanderbilt is also the author of You May Also Like: Taste in an Age of Endless Choice. Tom Vanderbilt explains why we like what we like. The Effects of Spanking (1:49:38) Julie Nelson (the "Child Whisperer") has a master's degree in Marriage, Family, and Human Development. She teaches classes such as Applied Parenting and Marriage and Relationship Skills at Utah Valley University. Dr. Matt and Julie talk about resent research into the effects of spanking on kids. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:16:25 - Snowden and Clinton Emails 00:41:50 - How You Know She Was The One 01:64:43 - Why You Like What You Like 01:109:38 - The Effects of Spanking

The Abolitionists, Nursing Shortage, Fully Charged May 27, 2016

Show notes

The Abolitionists (13:08) Timothy Ballard is the Founder and CEO of Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.). He also serves as O.U.R.'s Jump Team Commander for rescue operations. Ballard began his career at the Central Intelligence Agency where he worked cases dealing with terrorism and Latin America. O.U.R. led by Ballard is working to end human trafficking across the globe. Ballard teamed up with Academy Award-winning Producer Gerald Molen (Schindler's List, Jurassic Park) to produce the movie "The Abolitionists" that follows O.U.R teams as they rescue children from human traffickers. They are joined by director Chet Thomas to discuss the movie. Nursing Shortage (59:39) Nurses play a vital role in the health care of our country. It is the nurses who make hourly visits to hospital rooms, caring for and monitoring the patients in need. The work accomplished my nurses is often overlooked. And in recent years, that workload has continued to increase. With a majority of the nursing workforce joining prior to the 1970’s, we may face the largest nursing shortage our nation has ever seen. Combined with an aging population, the rise of chronic disease and limited capacity in nursing schools, patients and health-care providers are weary of the coming crisis. Joining us today, is Dr. Katreena Merrill, assistant professor of nursing at BYU. Dr. Merrill discusses the shortage and what we can expect to see in the nursing workforce. Are You Fully Charged? (1:44:11) Tom Rath is a researcher, author, and filmmaker who studies the role of human behavior in business, health, and well-being. Tom’s most recent work includes the bestselling book "Are You Fully Charged?" and the documentary "Fully Charged." Tom explains steps that can be taken to energise your life. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:13:08 - The Abolitionists 00:59:39 - Nursing Shortage 01:104:11 - Are You Fully Charged?

Russian Cable News, Authentic Strength, Fulfilling Relationships May 26, 2016

Show notes

Russian-funded TV and Free Press (14:28) Dr. Sophia McClennen, professor of international affairs and comparative literature at Pennsylvania State University. News outlets like Fox News, CNN and MSNBC dominate the cable news world. The American public is bombarded with biased reporting with few options for alternative opinions. However, there are internationally funded networks that are pushing media boundaries and perhaps even promoting free press within our country. One such outlet is RT America, a Russian funded outlet that airs here in the states and aims to compete with the three major stations. Dr. McClennen explains. Coaches Corner - Realistic Expectations (1:04:03) Dr. Matt Townsend about how to have realistic expectations when it comes to your spouse. Recognise your partner's limits and strengths and don't expect anything different. Authentic Strengths (1:10:09) Fatima Doman is the Founder and CEO of Authentic Strengths Advantage. She has worked internationally as an Executive Coach, utilizing her ability to speak French, Spanish, and Portuguese. She is the author of “Authentic Strengths.” We all have strengths that are unique to us. Maybe you can motivate others to be their best, or your ability to give directions brings out the best in people. These “authentic strengths” are an important part of who we are, but do you know what yours are? Fatima Doman with the info Fulfilling Relationships (1:50:02) Gary van Warmerdam is the creator of PathwayToHappiness.com, an interactive website with lessons for changing beliefs that drive negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Gary has studied extensively with his mentor, Dr. Miguel Ruiz, author of The Four Agreements. He is also an experienced engineer and author of the book, “MindWorks: A practical guide to changing thoughts, beliefs, and emotional reactions.” You can explore more of Gary's work at his website PathwayToHappiness.com which has extensive free material and online courses for changing beliefs, emotions, and creating better relationships

Electoral College, Adult Attachment, Living Well Spending Less May 25, 2016

Show notes

The Electoral College could still stop Trump, even if he wins the popular vote (16:50) Professor Derek Muller is an Associate Professor of Law at Pepperdine School of Law. His research and writing focuses on election law, particularly federalism and the role of states in the administration of elections. As we head closer to the Republican Convention, the reality of Donald Trump gaining the GOP’s presidential nomination solidifies. We’ve talked on the show before about the possibility of a brokered convention and attempts from other third-party candidates, but what about after November? Muller proposes a creative solution to the, Never Trump movement. His solution? The Electoral College. Muller talks about the possibility of state legislators appointing presidential electors, rather than following popular vote. Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment (1:01:45) Dr. Amir Levine is an adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist and neuroscientist. He graduated from the residency program at the New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University, where he is currently a Principal Investigator on a research project sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Levine is the co-author of the book “Attached” (with Rachel Heller) where they teach The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find - and Keep - Love. Living Well Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life (1:49:34) Ruth Soukup is the founder of livingwellspendingless.com, one, of the most popular personal finance blogs on the web. She is also the author of the popular book How to Blog for Profit (Without Selling Your Soul) as well as her most recent book, Unstuffed: Decluttering Your Home, Mind & Soul. The ‘good life’ is something we all want. But does it ever seem like groceries, bills, housework, and everyday errands get in the way? Well, what if those everyday ‘obstacles’ actually ARE ‘the good life’? Maybe it all comes down to how you manage them. Ruth Soukup gives us some financial and life advice to teach us some simple tip

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