Episodes

  • Productivity Smarts 067 - Quitless with Corey Poirier

    Productivity Smarts 067 - Quitless with Corey Poirier
    Aug 27 2024

    Are you struggling to juggle your work responsibilities with your personal life? Have you ever wondered how saying “no” might actually be the key to maintaining focus and achieving your goals? With the evolving definition of work-life balance, how do you strike the right chord between dedication and burnout?

    In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard engages in an enlightening conversation with Corey Poirier, an acclaimed keynote speaker and author. They explore key topics such as productivity, work-life balance, and personal growth. Corey shares his distinctive perspective on work-life balance, stressing the value of truly loving what you do. He also introduces his latest book, The Enlightened Passenger, and highlights the importance of saying no to non-essential tasks. This episode delves into how clarity, focus, and purpose are crucial for productivity and provides actionable strategies for maintaining a productive mindset and leveraging your network for success.

    Tune in to hear more from Corey Poirier and gain practical tips to elevate your productivity and well-being.

    What We Discuss

    • [02:01] - Introduction to Corey Poirier

    • [04:37] - The concept of balance

    • [09:32] - Clarity in purpose

    • [15:00] - Strategies to avoid burnout

    • [18:16] - Traits of consistently productive individuals

    • [21:35] - Mindset and productivity

    • [28:29] - Event + response = outcome

    • [31:01] - Continuous learning

    • [33:16] - Leveraging networks for productivity

    • [41:23] - Blue Talks initiative

    Notable Quotes

    • [03:39] “For me, when it comes to work-life balance, I threw out that term years ago. Balance to me is the fact that I love what I do all day, every day.” - Corey Poirier

    • [07:27] “I grew up as a yes person. My grandfather always told me to do everything, say yes to everything, and then figure out how to juggle it all. But I realized that high achievers say no over and over again to focus on what truly matters.” - Corey Poirier

    • [14:03] “I burned out twice in my life, and I don't ever want to burn out again. It took me nine months of feeling exhausted all the time. I don't want anybody to burn out, so I say no to things that drain me and take breaks to recharge.” - Corey Poirier

    • [31:01] “Once we stop learning, we stop living.” - Corey Poirier

    Resources

    Corey Poirier

    • Website - https://www.thespeakingprogram.com/

    • Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/thatspeakerguy/

    • Twitter - https://x.com/thatspeakerguy?lang=en

    • Book: Quitless with Corey Poirier



    Productivity Smarts Podcast

    • Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com

    Gerald J. Leonard

    • Website - geraldjleonard.com

    • Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com

    • Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard

    Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
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    43 mins
  • Productivity Smarts 066 - The Leadership Project with Mick Spiers

    Productivity Smarts 066 - The Leadership Project with Mick Spiers
    Aug 20 2024

    Are you ready to transform your leadership approach and elevate your impact? Join host Gerald J. Leonard on this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast as he sits down with Mick Spiers, the visionary behind the Leadership Project Movement. The Leadership Project is a vibrant initiative with a vision to inspire all leaders to challenge the status quo. The Leadership Project is dedicated to empowering modern leaders through knowledge and emotional intelligence to create meaningful impact.

    Gerald and Mick delve into the essence of effective leadership, spotlighting the crucial elements of self-reflection, intentionality, and the hurdles that new leaders encounter. Mick reflects on his personal journey, underscoring the value of drawing lessons from past leadership roles and nurturing a collaborative atmosphere. He presents key strategies, such as being the last to speak and cultivating inclusive work environments. Together, Gerald and Mick emphasize the importance of embracing diverse perspectives and committing to ongoing learning in leadership.

    Tune in now to hear Mick Spiers’ invaluable advice and learn how to implement leadership principles from his book, You're a Leader Now What?

    What We Discuss

    • [01:17] Introduction to Mick Spiers

    • [08:48] Mick's journey to leadership

    • [12:11] Importance of coaching in leadership

    • [14:23] Experiential learning in leadership

    • [19:41] Common pitfalls for new leaders

    • [20:34] Creating a leadership credo

    • [25:03] The shift from “I” to “we”

    • [30:55] Building trust and rapport

    • [41:18] Creating an inclusive workplace

    Notable Quotes

    • [9:55] “No one deserves to work in a workplace that they hate; they should all have a workplace that inspires them, where they feel valued, where they feel seen, where they feel heard.” - Mick

    • [2:48] “People remember how you make them feel, and whether it’s good or bad, they will remember the emotion much more than what you specifically said to them.” - Gerald

    • [4:58] “What gives people pride in the work they do is feeling like they matter.” - Mick

    • [41:43] “You don't need to have all the answers, but you surround yourself with people with diverse experiences and backgrounds. This is what is going to enrich our decision-making.” - Mick

    • [45:48] “There is a vacuum of leadership in some ways in the world, but also a place where young leaders are looking for resources to help grow themselves.” - Gerald

    Resources

    Mick Spiers

    • Website - https://www.mickspiers.com/

    • LinkedIn -linkedin.com/in/mickspiers

    • Book: You're A Leader Now What?: The proven path to high performance leadership

    Productivity Smarts Podcast

    • Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com

    Gerald J. Leonard

    • Website - geraldjleonard.com

    • Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com

    • Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard

    Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
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    48 mins
  • Productivity Smarts 065 - 9 Simple Solutions to Achieve HealthEquity with Mauvareen Beverley MD

    Productivity Smarts 065 - 9 Simple Solutions to Achieve HealthEquity with Mauvareen Beverley MD
    Aug 13 2024

    Are we truly achieving health equity when patients with sickle cell anemia face a stark lack of family counseling and support in hospitals? How can we claim fairness in healthcare when these basic needs are so often neglected? And what about cultural differences in healthcare? How frequently are these crucial aspects overlooked, perpetuating disparities? Is it any wonder that African-American patients often feel undervalued in a system that fails to recognize their humanity?

    In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard is joined by Dr. Mauvareen Beverley, an executive physician renowned for her expertise in patient engagement and cultural competency. As the author of Nine Simple Solutions to Achieve Health Equity, Dr. Beverley draws on her extensive experience to explain why cultural competency is essential in healthcare. She shares innovative approaches for improving health outcomes, focusing on African American communities and patients with sickle cell disease. Through personal stories, Dr. Beverley underscores the importance of understanding cultural contexts to enhance patient care and achieve meaningful results.

    Don’t miss this episode for Dr. Beverley’s invaluable insights and actionable strategies for advancing equitable healthcare.

    What We Discuss

    • [02:32] Dr. Beverley's background

    • [04:43] The bridge-team concept

    • [05:47] Patient story: Sickle cell experience

    • [07:41] Understanding patient needs

    • [10:39] Sustainability of health equity initiatives

    • [12:52] Barriers to health equity

    • [14:53] Historical context of health disparities

    • [20:24] Cultural competence in healthcare

    • [22:34] Curiosity in patient engagement

    • [29:04] Workplace health equity strategies

    • [36:23] Bridging perceptions and reality

    Notable Quotes

    • [10:32] “My focus is on sustainability of a process that we're going to put in place to achieve health equity.” - Mauvareen

    • [10:49] “If our health is not taken care of and we're not being advocated for or we don't know how to advocate for ourselves, our productivity will be shot.” - Gerald

    • [20:24] “Recognize and treat all atrocity survivors the same.” - Mauvareen

    • [27:06] “Once accurately diagnosed, there's no human being on planet Earth that can give it that. The millionaire can think, oh, I'll give you $1 million to take the cancer back. Oh, that's not enough. I'll give you 5 million.”- Mauvareen

    • [29:07] “Eliminate the word non-adherent or non-compliant without asking implied questions.”- Mauvareen

    • [35:26] “If you're designing a system based on perception and not reality, how are we able to solve the problem?”- Mauvareen

    Resources

    Dr. Mauvareen Beverley

    • Website - https://drbeverley.com/

    • LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauvareen-beverley-md/

    • Book: The Nine Simple Solutions to Achieve Health Equity

    Productivity Smarts Podcast

    • Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com

    Gerald J. Leonard

    • Website - geraldjleonard.com

    • Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com

    • Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard

    Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
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    42 mins
  • Productivity Smarts 064 - How to Care for a Loved One Without Losing Yourself with Delia Chiaramonte

    Productivity Smarts 064 - How to Care for a Loved One Without Losing Yourself with Delia Chiaramonte
    Aug 6 2024
    Have you ever found yourself unable to focus at work because you're constantly worried about someone you care about? It's undeniably tough, but focusing on gratitude in these challenging times could make a world of difference. In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Delia Chiaramonte, the visionary behind the Integrative Palliative Institute and the voice of the Integrative Palliative Podcast. She is also the author of Coping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for Navigating a Loved One’s Illness Without Losing Yourself. During their sit down, Delia delves into the world of integrative palliative medicine, blending holistic care with palliative methods to enhance the quality of life for patients and their families. She offers practical advice on balancing caregiving responsibilities with professional life, stressing the importance of embracing an "imperfect plan" to stay on track. She introduces the concept of "finding the flowers in the poop," which involves acknowledging the challenges of caregiving while seeking out positive moments to maintain emotional resilience and enhance productivity. This episode shines a light on the transformative power of positivity and gratitude, even during tough times, don’t miss it. What We Discuss [02:01] - Introduction to Delia Chiaramonte [08:40] - Coping with difficult situations [11:15] - Control and letting go [13:20] - Finding flowers in the poop [13:56] - Common productivity pitfalls for caregivers [22:07] - Imperfect plan for caregiving [28:58] - The importance of focusing on the now [36:07] - Facing the darkness [43:41] - Tools for sustained productivity Notable Quotes [03:27] “Palliative medicine is the care of families who are facing serious illness, focused on improving symptoms, improving well-being, and reducing suffering.” - Delia Chiaramonte [04:33] “Many people are mistaken, they think that palliative care and hospice are the same thing, but they're not. Hospice is a teeny tiny part of palliative care.” - Delia Chiaramonte [09:21] “When someone might die, they often change the way they're living. They stop doing things that they don't want to do, they stop seeing people that they don't like, and they focus on what really matters to them.” - Delia Chiaramonte [12:43] “People cause a lot of suffering for themselves by trying to control the things they can't control.” - Delia Chiaramonte [19:30] “Sometimes we wait to get through something difficult to be grateful. But I think it's more important to be, like you said, looking for those flowers while we're going through.” - Gerald J. Leonard [40:18] “When we are depleted, hard regular things become impossibly hard.” - Delia Chiaramonte [47:43] “If we're brave and willing to face the darkness, it can create such depth, connection, and meaning, and it can be a really powerful and even positive experience.” - Delia Chiaramonte Resources Delia Chiaramonte Website - https://integrativepalliative.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/deliachiaramonte/ Book: Coping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for Navigating a Loved One’s Illness Without Losing Yourself Podcast: https://integrativepalliative.com/podcast Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
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    53 mins
  • Productivity Smarts 063 - The 7 Habits of Highly Dysfunctional Companies with Joel Dubin

    Productivity Smarts 063 - The 7 Habits of Highly Dysfunctional Companies with Joel Dubin
    Jul 30 2024

    Ever been part of a dysfunctional company? They are like puzzle pieces that don't quite fit, breeding gossip, stifling innovation, and diminishing output quality over time. When faced with such dysfunction, it's easy to point fingers at individuals.

    In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard is joined by Joel Dubin, author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Dysfunctional Companies” and a seasoned cybersecurity consultant. Together, they explore the complexities of dysfunctional companies, the impact of detrimental behaviors on productivity, and actionable strategies for employees to navigate such environments.

    Joel’s book humorously outlines the common traits observed in dysfunctional companies. The duo discusses how these habits affect employee morale and productivity, highlighting the crucial role of leadership, open communication, and adaptability. Joel shares humorous anecdotes from his career, shedding light on the negative effects of bureaucracy and constant reorganizations.

    Both Gerald and Joel provide practical advice for navigating dysfunctional work environments, emphasizing the importance of networking and building emotional connections. This episode offers valuable insights and actionable strategies to boost workplace productivity and morale. For more on navigating dysfunctional work environments and boosting productivity, tune in to this episode.

    What We Discuss

    • [02:01] Introduction to Joel Dubin

    • [04:39] Dealing with dysfunctional companies

    • [12:50] Impact of dysfunctional behaviors on productivity

    • [16:24] Examples of dysfunctional behaviors

    • [18:41] Engagement with frontline workers

    • [19:47] The Japanese Assembly Line scenario

    • [20:48] Impact of dysfunctional company habits on morale and motivation

    • [24:06] The role of leadership in fostering or mitigating dysfunctional habits

    • [31:23] Steps to improve productivity and avoid multitasking

    • [34:22] Advice for employees in dysfunctional companies

    • [38:57] Building relationships and emotional value

    Notable Quotes

    • [13:58] “You got to have people that know how to be even at high levels of management, know how to be vulnerable. You need to be able to say, ‘I made a mistake. Let's see how we can fix it.’” - Joel Dubin

    • [34:22] “Look at your career, not your job. Be loyal to yourself and your career, constantly take any training to improve your skills.”- Joel Dubin

    • [36:41] “Always be prepared for change. Don’t be complacent, don’t feel too comfortable, and remember today could be your last day.” - Joel Dubin

    Resources

    Joel Dubin

    • Website - https://www.joeldubin.com/

    • X: https://x.com/dubinslanguages/status/1807546992819675314

    • LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeldubin/

    • Book: The 7 Habits of Highly Dysfunctional Companies

    Productivity Smarts Podcast

    • Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com

    Gerald J. Leonard

    • Website - geraldjleonard.com

    • Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com

    • Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard

    Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
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    42 mins
  • Productivity Smarts 062 - Deep Tradeoffs with Mike Hassell

    Productivity Smarts 062 - Deep Tradeoffs with Mike Hassell
    Jul 23 2024
    In a world increasingly chaotic, how can one make clear decisions and find peace of mind? Amidst the noise of debates and conflicts, it's easy to lose balance. This episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast is a deep dive into the fascinating concept of deep trade-offs. Host Gerald J. Leonard speaks with Mike Hassell, former General Manager and Co-founder of audio publisher Knowledge Products. Mike's background spans engineering, business, and liberal arts, a testament to the power of curiosity and risk-taking. His book, “The Deep Trade-offs,” explores conflicts between values and how understanding these can enhance decision-making. They discuss mental and physical health connections, grit, and persistence in overcoming challenges. Mike explores living authentically, drawing on the idea of being kaleidoscopic in adapting to different situations. They delve into honesty versus deception, reversible versus irreversible decisions, and the transformative power of relationships. Storytelling emerges as a tool for understanding complex ideas and forging meaningful connections. This episode offers practical wisdom and thought-provoking insights to revolutionize productivity and decision-making. Let’s dive in! What We Discuss [02:01] - Introduction to Mike Hassell [03:25] - Mike's defining trait that has driven his success [05:34] - Understanding deep trade-offs [10:43] - Subconscious and emotional decision-making [12:16] - Insights gained from psychology and medicine [15:43] - Growth mindset and grit [18:43] - The concept of authenticity [21:10] - The tension between ideals and reality [22:59] - The subconscious and shaping behavior [31:08] - The difference between corresponding truth and coherent truth [33:05] - The impact of relationships on inducing change [36:31] - The concept of theories as stories Notable Quotes [06:13] "We don't give up on the things that we want to happen, and we struggle for them, and we step on toes." - Mike Hassell [05:19] "What we admire most about people is generally not their pleasures and their beauty; it's their endurance and their resilience and their ability to do something in the face of hardship." - Mike Hassell [11:35] “A lot of our decisions are made by emotions, and then we rationalize them to make them logical.” - Gerald J. Leonard [20:01] "We change over time and we change based on the circumstances that we're in, but yes, we're a lot more like chameleons in some ways." - Gerald J. Leonard [25:11 "A lot of times it's not the things that we don't know that's the problem; it's the things that we know that are not true." - Mike Hassell [33:05] "People are not shoved into change; they're loved into it. Relationships come first if you want to change somebody, including yourself." - Mike Hassell Resources Mike Hassell Website - https://deeptradeoffs.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-hassell/ Book: Deep Tradeoffs: Restoring Balance and Respect In A Polarized, Angry World Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
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    41 mins
  • Productivity Smarts 061 - Highway to a Happy Place with Dr. Gary Sprouse

    Productivity Smarts 061 - Highway to a Happy Place with Dr. Gary Sprouse
    Jul 16 2024

    Feeling overwhelmed or stressed out? You’re not alone. In our busy world, it’s easy to feel like we’re constantly racing against the clock. But guess what? Finding your happy place is doable.

    This episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast delves into the intricate relationship between stress, fear, and productivity. Host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Dr. Gary Sprouse, a practicing primary care doctor and the author of "Highway to a Happy Place: A Roadmap to Less Stress."

    During the conversation, they discuss the impact of fear and worry on productivity, emphasizing the importance of managing stress through perspective shifts and practical tools like the "circle of control" and "worry organizer." Dr. Sprouse shares insights on self-esteem, hypnosis, and neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) for reprocessing traumatic memories. The episode offers actionable strategies for reducing stress and enhancing productivity, encouraging listeners to apply these insights in their daily lives.

    Don't miss out—tune in and start transforming your stress into productivity today!

    What We Discuss

    [02:01] - Introduction to Dr. Gary Sprouse

    [05:59] - Understanding worry and fear

    [08:10] - The benefits of yoga and tai chi in stress reduction

    [11:04] - Dr. Sprouse's decision to become a doctor

    [13:31] - Transition to writing the book

    [16:39] - Misconceptions about stress and productivity

    [17:23] - The perspective prism

    [22:38] - The stratosphere model

    [27:25] - Future negative and worry organizer

    [34:52] - Circle of Control

    [36:32] - Reframing memories and changing perspectives

    [51:28] - Realistic optimism

    [52:58] - Understanding self-esteem

    [01:00:38] - Gratitude and your “happy place”

    [01:06:07] - Perspective prism and limiting beliefs

    Notable Quotes

    • [08:06] “It's the fear that gets us into trouble. That's what's running our motor at 100 miles an hour.” - Dr. Gary Sprouse

    • [15:24] “The less fear that we have, the more productive we're going to be.” Dr. Gary Sprouse

    • [39:49] “You made the decision to risk your own life because you could have laid there and played dead, but you risked your own life to get up and help that other person. That’s what heroes do.” - Dr. Gary Sprouse

    • [51:28] “Guys tend to deal with their stresses by minimizing them. And women deal with their stresses by sharing them.” - Dr. Gary Sprouse

    • [53:20] “Self-esteem gets started when you're one. The first time you figure out you're different from your mom and your dad, your self-esteem starts.” - Dr. Gary Sprouse

    Resources

    Dr Gary Sprouse

    • Website - thelessstressdoc.com

    • LinkedIn: Gary Sprouse

    • Instagram: lessstressdoc

    • Book: Highway to a Happy Place: A Roadmap to Less Stress

    Productivity Smarts Podcast

    • Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com

    Gerald J. Leonard

    • Website - geraldjleonard.com

    • Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com

    • Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard


    Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Productivity Smarts 060 - The Oxcart Technique with Terry L Fossum

    Productivity Smarts 060 - The Oxcart Technique with Terry L Fossum
    Jul 9 2024

    Get ready to be inspired by an incredible story of triumph over adversity in this episode of Productivity Smarts. Host Gerald J. Leonard dives into the remarkable journey of Terry L. Fossum, a true testament to the power of determination and resilience.

    Terry's journey to success started in one of the most challenging cities in the United States. His life was filled with heart-wrenching setbacks and moments of overcoming tremendous hardships. Despite facing bleak predictions about his future, Terry defied the odds and went on to become a highly esteemed captain in the United States Air Force, as well as a successful international businessman, author, speaker, builder, and trainer.

    In this engaging conversation, Terry introduces the groundbreaking Oxcart technique, a powerful tool he created to ignite passion and motivation. Through gripping personal stories and examples of individuals who have conquered formidable challenges, Terry vividly demonstrates the incredible transformative power of passion.

    By tuning in to this episode, you'll gain valuable wisdom on how to harness passion and motivation in pursuit of your own goals. It's an episode you won't want to miss.

    What We Discuss

    • [02:01] Introduction to Terry L Fossum

    • [04:25] Challenges in goal setting

    • [05:55] Overcoming failures

    • [07:29] The role of passion in success

    • [13:50] Embracing failure and Oxcart technique

    • [15:11] Harnessing pain and Oxcart technique

    • [17:40] Structured approach and real-life example

    • [20:05] Visualizing success and failure

    • [22:12] The parable of the Oxcart

    • [24:39] Research and scientific validation

    • [26:14] Neuroscience and personal growth

    • [28:06] Steps for changing your life

    • [30:15] Daily review and personal growth

    Notable Quotes

    • [04:27] “Most of what we've been taught about goal setting is either incomplete or completely wrong.” - Terry

    • [05:58] “We all have failures. We talk about embracing failure and the future. I learned everything I could about positive visualization and goal setting.” - Terry

    • [28:19] “You can say money doesn't buy happiness, but poverty hurts and it does not help out.” - Terry

    Resources

    Terry L. Fossum

    • Website - terrylfossum.com

    • LinkedIn - Terry L. Fossum

    • Book: The Oxcart Technique: Blueprint for Success

    Productivity Smarts Podcast

    • Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com

    Gerald J. Leonard

    • Website - geraldjleonard.com

    • Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com

    • Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard

    Mentioned

    • Book: Soul Surfer

    • Movie: Soul Surfer

    Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
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    34 mins