In this episode with Stephanie Harrison, founder of "The New Happy" and expert in positive psychology, we get into the essence of happiness and dispel the common misconceptions surrounding it. Drawing from her own journey through personal unhappiness, Stephanie uncovers societal beliefs that often lead us astray and offers a fresh perspective on finding genuine happiness. With a blend of academic expertise and personal insights, she shares her revolutionary philosophy, emphasizing the transformative power of creativity, connection, and serving others. Some highlights we explore: The journey from "Old Happy" to "New Happy" and the damaging beliefs it entails. Strategies for hacking happiness and implementing actionable steps for joy. Revolutionizing our understanding of happiness, especially for entrepreneurs. The role of creativity, connection, and service in cultivating lasting happiness and success. And more Enjoy!

Ever wondered how a few minutes of play could supercharge your creativity? In this episode, I reveal actionable ways to integrate play into your busy schedule for unparalleled success. We explore how play can boost creativity and productivity, drawing from my years of experience in integrating playful breaks into a hectic work schedule. From musical performances to power washing, discover how even the simplest activities can rejuvenate your mind. Some highlights we explore: Ann Patchett's metaphor on how revisiting past experiences with a playful mindset fuels creativity. How live musical performances invigorate your creative process. Turning mundane tasks into enjoyable, refreshing activities. Tips on scheduling short, playful breaks to boost productivity. Prioritizing play for sustained creativity and high-quality output. Enjoy!

In this episode, John Mackey shares his journey from opening a small vegetarian store to developing Whole Foods into a global phenomenon. John is the co-founder of Whole Foods Market, which grew from a single store in Austin, Texas, to 540 stores with annual sales exceeding $22 billion. John dives into the visionary mindset that every entrepreneur needs, discussing how he overcame early skepticism and the critical role of timing and innovation. He reflects on Whole Foods' acquisition by Amazon, sharing the behind-the-scenes decisions and the importance of staying true to core values. John also opens up about his spiritual journey, including transformative experiences with meditation and psychedelics. To top it off, he introduces his latest venture, Love Life, a holistic health center aimed at integrating physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Some highlights we explore: Turning skepticism about Whole Foods as a "hippie grocery store" into success. How a flood disaster taught resilience and the power of community. Adapting to market demands without losing your core values. Transformative experiences with meditation and psychedelics, emphasizing love as the most important thing in life. and much more... Enjoy!

Do you ever feel the urge to shake things up and explore uncharted territory? In this episode, I discuss the exhilarating journey of stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing your bold, unfiltered expression of self. Some topics we discuss: The power of stepping beyond comfort zones for creativity and personal growth Practical strategies for confronting fears and defining success on your own terms Drawing inspiration from stories of audacious individuals  Creating opportunities and reflecting on daily actions for alignment, bravery and progress Enjoy!

Ready to revolutionize education? I sure am. In this episode I sit down with the remarkable Sal Khan, the visionary founder and CEO of Khan Academy. From tutoring students in Boston to founding nonprofits dedicated to providing free, world-class education, Sal's journey is nothing short of inspiring. But here's the kicker – we're just getting started. Together, we explore topics that are shaping the future of education, including the transformative power of AI. Enjoy as you gain valuable insights, be inspired by Sal's vision, and embark on a journey towards a brighter future of learning for all. Some topics we explore: How AI is transforming the creative process in learning The potential of AI in fostering personalized creativity and innovation in learning The implications of AI on individual creative expression in education Ethical considerations for AI in creativity-based education and much more... Enjoy!

In this episode, we explore a powerful mindset shift: turning problems into opportunities. Drawing from insights gained through interviews with high-performers in various fields,  I discuss how successful entrepreneurs and creators view challenges as launchpads for innovation. I offer strategies to help shift your perspective and create expansive opportunities for yourself. Some topics we'll discuss: Why successful individuals see challenges as opportunities Actionable strategies to shift your perspective on problems How to start small and build a robust mindset Mood and life boosting benefits of converting challenges into stepping stones to success Enjoy!

In this episode, Stephan Moccio shares his journey through the music industry, his creative process, and the power of showing up. Stephan is a world-renowned composer, artist, and producer, best known for his work on hits like Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball" and The Weeknd's "Earned It." A classically trained pianist, Stephan has found success across genres and formats, from pop hits to Olympic theme songs. During our conversation, Stephan delves into his classical background, his experience writing hit songs for other artists, and his transition into solo work. He also shares insights on creativity, the power of discipline, and the importance of self-expression in music. Some highlights we explore: How Stephan balances his classical training with his love for pop music His experience writing for superstars like Miley Cyrus and The Weeknd Stephan's thoughts on the creative process and how he combats writer's block The impact of his solo career on his overall musical journey Stephan's reflections on the role of spirituality and introspection in his music   Enjoy!

Small actions can be easily overlooked, but what if I told you these little moments in life are key to creating your desired future? Enter "Tiny Experiments." These two words are my daily reminder that significant progress can be made through small, manageable actions.    In this episode, I share examples of the tiny experiments I've integrated into my routine, from a ten-minute run or meditation to sending one strategic email. I talk about why these seemingly insignificant actions are meaningful in their ability to build momentum and combat the feeling of being stuck!   Key topics: Explaining tiny experiments and why they’re effective 4 steps for how to apply this philosophy of experimentation to your own life   Enjoy!

Interested in the art of manifestation? In this episode, Dr. James R. Doty, neurosurgeon and faculty member at the Stanford University School of Medicine, joins us to delve into the neuroscience behind manifestation. We explore topics such as brain structures, attention, visualization, and compassion. Dr. Doty shares his journey from facing adversity in childhood to becoming a successful neurosurgeon, entrepreneur, and bestselling author. The discussion also covers self-love, the role of compassion in enhancing our lives and those of others, and the importance of differentiating between desires and needs. Dr. Doty's insights bridge the gap between science and spirituality, offering listeners a better understanding of the power of the mind and how to contribute positively to the world. Key topics: Explanation of manifestation and the science behind it. Where to shift your focus and how simple mindset changes alter your life. Overcoming trauma and making progress in personal growth. The relationship between neuroscience and spirituality. Enjoy!

Are you at a crossroads, torn between sticking it out or heading in a new direction? Well, you're not alone. In this episode, we're diving deep into the dilemma of whether to quit or not. It’s not an easy decision. Are we giving up? Or is it the wrong direction? To help clarify all the swirling questions, we’ll walk through a few of my favorite frameworks to understanding our motivations, fears, and aspirations when contemplating quitting. Key topics discussed include: The REFLECT Framework and its seven components The 10-10-10 Rule and its application in decision-making The role of external perspectives in the decision-making process Enjoy!

In this episode, IN-Q shares insights about his latest work, "The Never Ending Now" and the power of vulnerability in creativity. IN-Q is an Emmy-nominated poet, multi-platinum songwriter, world-renowned keynote speaker, and best-selling author. He's known for weaving profound and provocative thought into captivating narratives, and his latest venture is no exception. During our conversation, IN-Q explores the process behind his new album, the impact of his work on his mental health, and the importance of having courage in expressing one's vulnerabilities. He discusses the transformative process of creating "The Never Ending Now" and how it inadvertently became a tool for exploring his mental and emotional health. Some highlights we explore: The creation process of IN-Q's new album, and how it morphed into a tool for mental health exploration.The significance of using poetry as a medium for personal expression and healing.IN-Q's journey in dealing with his past traumas, and how it has shaped his present life and art.The power of vulnerability and how it plays a part in IN-Q's creative process.The importance of having a safe space for conversations around mental health. Enjoy! Journal  Sales page: https://passionplanner.com/products/poetry-journal-emerald-green   Album  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0MraBfjwYPr75MedrPZX8F Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-never-ending-now/1737177643 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=326sQNsEaCY

Do you ever feel like you want to deepen your friendships, or find “your people” in life? In this episode, we're delving into the nuances of friendship. This can mean different things for different people. To optimize quality of life, it's more than just casual connections—it's about forging deep, meaningful bonds. I'm sharing three transformative strategies to help take your friendships to the next level. Areas of Focus: 1. Embrace vulnerability: Discover how opening up about fears and insecurities can ignite trust and authenticity in your friendships. 2. Share growth experiences: Explore the power in trying new activities together, forging unbreakable bonds and creating life memories. 3. Offer specific support: Say goodbye to generic gestures and learn how to provide meaningful, targeted assistance that truly makes a difference in the lives of your friends. Enjoy!

In this episode, Mark Bell shares his journey from powerlifting to personal transformation and entrepreneurship. Mark Bell, a father of two and an inventor, is known in the fitness industry for his impressive powerlifting records and his invention of the Sling Shot. He also co-founded a bi-monthly magazine called Power with his wife Andee and owns The Strongest Gym In The West Super Training. During the conversation, Mark delves into his transition from being a 330-pound powerlifter to running the Boston Marathon, demonstrating that strength and endurance are not mutually exclusive. He discusses the importance of becoming an expert in a field, in his case lifting, and how this expertise can open doors to other opportunities. Mark also touches on his entrepreneurial journey, creating products that help others achieve their fitness goals. Mark Bell is a firm believer that strength is more than just physical muscle. He emphasizes that true strength is a holistic concept that involves not only physical power and endurance, but also mental fortitude, resilience, and determination. He argues that maintaining strength, in all its forms, is crucial to promoting overall health and making it possible to improve every day. In his view, strength is never a weakness and being weak is never beneficial. Some highlights we explore: - Mark's transition from powerlifting to running and his realization that strength and endurance can coexist. - The concept of becoming a "material expert" and how that expertise can lead to success in other areas. - Mark's entrepreneurial journey, from inventing the Sling Shot to launching a supplement brand. - The importance of a growth mindset, and how Mark applies this to his personal and professional life. Enjoy!

Have you ever found yourself saying yes to things that don't light you up? In this episode, we're talking about how to weed out the unnecessary and focus our energy on the activities, relationships, and pursuits that truly resonate with us. By honing in on what works, we can ensure that our time and energy are being spent in ways that align with our values, contribute to our goals, and enrich our lives. Some topics we’ll dive into: - Stop-Start-Continue Framework: A method to identify what's not serving you, what you could start doing, and what's working well. - The Art of Saying No: Why saying no to distractions and energy-drainers is empowering and how it frees up space for what truly matters. - Strategies to Improve Your 'No': Practical tips on how to practice saying 'No' and stick to your priorities. - Progress Not Perfection: A reminder to focus on intentional actions rather than chasing perfection. Enjoy!

In this episode, Dr. Michael Norton, psychologist and professor at Harvard Business School, talks the reasoning behind humans transforming mundane activities into memorable experiences. From birthday traditions and funerals to more intimate personal moments, he describes rituals as deliberate practices that imbue daily routines with meaning. Throughout the discussion we explore various aspects of rituals, such as their application in personal, professional, and cultural contexts, in addition to their impact on creativity and coping with big emotions like stress or loss. Dr. Norton emphasizes the importance of rituals in managing life transitions, whether they're ordinary everyday moments or significant life events. He's found that awareness of both personal and shared rituals can be extremely grounding. The conversation delves into rituals' potential to create and enhance bonds in relationships, illustrated with personal anecdotes and examples from Dr. Norton's research on human behavior patterns. Some episode highlights: - Defining Habits vs. Rituals: How rituals have the potential to enrich our lives beyond automatic habits. - Noticing "hidden" rituals in everyday life and exploring why they're often overlooked. - How rituals can lead to a clearer personal head space to navigate uncertainty, both conciously and subconciously. - How to expand the creative space to the entire process, rather than just going through the motions before reaching your true creative potential. - Implications of Rituals in all kinds of relationships and how to start establishing them for yourself. Enjoy!

Ever felt like you're stuck in a rut? Maybe you've lost touch with that spark of creativity that used to ignite your passion. In this episode, we're talking about reigniting that creative fire within you! It's all about finding your path and pursuing what truly makes your heart sing. We delve into how every aspect of you—every quirk, every curiosity, every skill—is fuel for your creative fire. And guess what? You don't have to be good at it... you just have to start! Key topics discussed include: The importance of choosing a path that resonates with youThe power of designing your own creative lifeThe role of curiosity and learning in the creative processBreaking free from societal expectations of what a creator should look like or doThe value of authenticity in creating artEmbracing creativity in unexpected areas (like planning dinner parties!) Enjoy!

In this episode, Dr. Jeff Karp, a renowned biomedical engineer and professor, shares his journey of overcoming learning differences and the impactful strategies he developed to harness his potential. Dr. Karp, a member of the National Academy of Inventors and a celebrated mentor at Harvard Medical School and MIT, has dedicated his research laboratory to bioinspired medical problem-solving. His work has led to the creation of groundbreaking technologies, from a nasal spray to neutralize pathogens to a tissue glue that can seal holes inside a beating heart. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Karp delves into his experiences from his early struggles in the second grade to his current innovative work. He details the transformative moment of realizing that he could think about thinking and how this insight led him to develop a set of tools for understanding and navigating the world. He also discusses the importance of asking questions, challenging assumptions, and exploring new approaches to problems. Some highlights we explore: Dr. Karp's early struggles with undiagnosed ADHD and learning differences, and the transformative question that changed his life.The process of medical problem-solving that Dr. Karp's lab focuses on, and some of the innovative technologies they have developed.How Dr. Karp's principles can help anyone redirect their lives with energy, focus, creativity, and intention.The importance of recognizing manipulative messaging and managing information overload. Enjoy!

Do you ever feel like your mornings are more like a race against the clock than a grounded start to the day? In this episode, we’re talking about morning routines that are as efficient as they are effective. I’m taking the covers off my own morning ritual – an updated routine born out of necessity and refined through trial and error. I break down the intentional steps you can take to reclaim your mornings without sacrificing sleep or sanity. The best part: it isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. It's about making these practices work for YOU. I‘ve learned that having the “perfect” morning routine is really about finding one that adds to your day, rather than taking time away from it. It isn't just about checking boxes on a to-do list. It's about embracing flexibility, finding balance, and prioritizing what truly matters in life for success. It only takes 15 minutes, but the benefits? They last a lifetime. Play the episode to hear exactly what I’ve been putting into practice, and try some techniques to update your own morning ritual. Key topics I focus on:  Power of silent meditation from the comfort of my bed! Strength of gratitude, and how I utilize the internal/external thought approach. Energizing benefits of an icy plunge, fresh air and soaking up morning sunlight. How I fuel my body and the benefits behind a protein-packed breakfast. Enjoy!

In this episode, Hughes Norton shares his journey as a super-agent in the world of professional golf. Known for his instrumental role in managing giants of the sport such as Tiger Woods and Greg Norman, Hughes Norton's career is the very definition of a rainmaker. From his early days at Harvard Business School through his time at the forefront of the sports management industry, Hughes offers an insider's perspective on the evolution and explosion of golf from the Tiger Woods era to the present. Some highlights we explore: How Norton's passion for golf and his background in law led him on an unexpected path to becoming a pioneer in sports management.A look into his professional relationship with Tiger Woods and the role he played in Woods' stunning rise to fame.The transformation of professional golf and the role of television and celebrity endorsements.Norton's reflections on the ethical and moral choices he faced in his career and the personal costs of his success.His insights on the importance of work ethic, passion for the game, and the dangers of complacency in the face of success. Enjoy!

In this episode, we're talking about the trap of perpetual aspiration and the liberating power of accepting that some dreams are meant to remain just that—dreams. We explore the profound understanding that we're not meant to pursue every single dream we conjure up, and the real issue isn’t that we’re not achieving these dreams; it’s that we’re perpetually beating ourselves up for not chasing them. We delve into the concept of radical acceptance and how it can lead to true transformation. We discuss the importance of letting go—not as an act of surrender but as an act of self-love and self-forgiveness. We also look at how the process of letting go can unlock potential and create space for new opportunities to arise—opportunities that fit who we are now, not who we thought we’d be. Key topics discussed include: The trap of perpetual aspirationRadical acceptance as a path to true transformationLetting go as a key to unlocking potentialThe role of self-forgiveness in growthThe present as a gift Enjoy!