• 71 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 11 - The Pendulum Swing
    Jul 17 2024

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    Ever felt like your life needed a garage sale for the soul? Join Denise and Sam, as they embark on a quest for clarity in their latest podcast episode, inspired by Mo Gawdat's "Solve for Happy." They share intimate experiences about stripping back the layers of complexity in our lives, and how that opens up space for joy and productivity to flourish. Imagine your surroundings and your to-do list refreshed, simplified, and serving your quest for happiness. They shed light on practical approaches to living in the moment and the profound impact of embracing simplicity as a cornerstone for contentment.

    Change is the only constant, and this episode maneuvers through life's ever-changing currents with grace. They e ponder the exuberance that comes with riding the waves of change rather than resisting them. They navigate the intricate metaphor of a complex cockpit to demonstrate that life's richness lies not in the pursuit of control, but rather in the search for natural balance and harmony. The yin and yang of existence become our guides as we discuss the beauty of life's fluctuations and the tranquility that comes from welcoming them as old friends.

    In a heartfelt crescendo, Sam and Denise turn to the transformative power of gratitude. Through the moving story of a father’s shift from grief to gratefulness, they find keys to 'solving for happy.' This episode isn't just about listening; it's an invitation to engage with them and the community of listeners as we collectively unearth the joy that lies within. So, tune in, share your journey, and discover why gratitude might just be your new superpower on the path to genuine happiness.

    Additional Resources:

    Order: Solve for Happy

    The How of Happiness
    website

    The Passion Planner
    Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

    Denise Russo's Website
    www.schoolofthoughts.net

    Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
    Forbes Article Link

    Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
    Lead The Game

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:
    Denise Russo
    Andy Hughes
    Samantha Powell
    School of Thoughts

    Where you can subscribe and listen:
    Apple Podcasts
    Spotify
    Amazon Music
    Podcast Index

    Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

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    32 mins
  • 70 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 10 - Right Here, Right Now
    Jul 10 2024

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    Ever wondered why happiness can often feel like an elusive puzzle? Join Denise Russo and Sam Powell, as they unpack the teachings from "Solve for Happy" by Mo Gawdat, and take you through a journey that redefines your understanding of contentment. Amidst life's challenges and the inevitability of events such as death, we discover together how shifting our mindset and aligning our expectations with reality can lead to a transformative approach towards happiness.

    In this heartfelt conversation, we bring the beauty of living in the moment to light with wisdom from "The How of Happiness." Sharing personal stories and insights, Denise and Sam reveal how being present in everyday interactions can unearth joy that we often overlook, and how this simple shift in awareness can enhance our happiness. They delve into the power of connection and how it elevates our consciousness, drawing upon John Maxwell's ideas on effective communication and the profound difference between simply 'being' and 'doing'.

    As they wrap up this episode, Denise and Sam encourage you to join in removing the clutter from our lives - be that physical, mental, or emotional - to make space for growth and the new. They leave you with an invitation to reflect on your experiences with presence and awareness, and to look forward to the next discussion on minimizing distractions and deepening your appreciation for the time we have.

    Additional Resources:

    Order: Solve for Happy

    The How of Happiness
    website

    The Passion Planner
    Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

    Denise Russo's Website
    www.schoolofthoughts.net

    Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
    Forbes Article Link

    Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
    Lead The Game

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:
    Denise Russo
    Andy Hughes
    Samantha Powell
    School of Thoughts

    Where you can subscribe and listen:
    Apple Podcasts
    Spotify
    Amazon Music
    Podcast Index
    Podcast Addict

    Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

    Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

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    33 mins
  • 69 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 9 - Is It True? Part 3
    Jul 3 2024

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    Discover the secret to a happier life as Mo Gawdat unveils the intriguing role our memories play in shaping our joy. This week, Samantha and Denise plunge into the powerful teachings from "Solve for Happy," discussing how our past experiences are more than mere events; they're colored by our emotions and thoughts, influencing our present happiness. They navigate the complexities of how individuals can recall the same moment differently and the profound impact this understanding has on our ability to process the past and nurture contentment.

    This episode takes a hard look at the labels we assign to our experiences and ourselves. Exploring the subtleties beyond the simplistic 'good' or 'bad', they unlock how these tags can distort our reality and hinder happiness. By sharing insights from Mo and his son's life, they highlight the transformative power of living without labels, as it relates to everything from thrill-seeking adventures to the roles we play in life, such as being a parent.

    In their final discussion, they celebrate the brave souls who've challenged their emotional hurdles and dared to confront the blind spots blocking their path to fulfillment. Through stories of career transitions and newfound passions, like authoring a book, they reveal how combating fear and challenging our brain's instinct to protect us can lead to incredible breakthroughs. Join Denise and Sam for an episode that's not just an exploration—it's a guide to rediscovering the joy in your journey.

    Additional Resources:

    Order: Solve for Happy

    The How of Happiness
    website

    The Passion Planner
    Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

    Denise Russo's Website
    www.schoolofthoughts.net

    Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
    Forbes Article Link

    Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
    Lead The Game

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:
    Denise Russo
    Andy Hughes
    Samantha Powell
    School of Thoughts

    Where you can subscribe and listen:
    Apple Podcasts
    Spotify
    Amazon Music
    Podcast Index
    Podcast Addict

    Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

    Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

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    29 mins
  • 68 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 9 - Is It True? Part 2
    Jun 26 2024

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    Have you ever lost something small, like a favorite pen, and felt your day was ruined? We've all been there, and today, Denise Russo and Sam Powell are here to explore how these reactions connect to happiness, or the lack thereof. Through the lens of Mo Gawdat's "Solve for Happy," we tackle the seven blind spots that can turn molehills into mountains and prevent us from seeing the joy in our everyday lives. It's about identifying those negative filters our brains set up for survival, but which now do more harm than good, and learning how to sift the truth from the trivial to maintain our emotional well-being.

    We all have stories we tell ourselves, but how often do we stop to question their accuracy? In our honest discourse, we peel back the layers of our perceptions, focusing on the assumptions that fill in the blanks and often lead us astray. From personal encounters with authority figures to the science behind eyewitness reliability, we share anecdotes that shed light on the power our brains have to shape our reality. This episode is a challenge—a call to rewire our default settings and embrace the potential for positive outcomes.

    And what about when our predictions become our reality? We dive into the world of predictive thinking and the self-fulfilling prophecies that could be steering our lives down unnecessary paths of negativity. From the fears that sabotage relationships to the memories that color our future interactions, we examine how recognizing these patterns can open doors to new, more joyful ways of living. Next time, we'll push further into understanding how memories and labels influence our happiness. Until then, join us as we continue to apply the transformative principles from "Solve for Happy" and pave our own roads to a happier life.

    Additional Resources:

    Order: Solve for Happy

    The How of Happiness
    website

    The Passion Planner
    Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

    Denise Russo's Website
    www.schoolofthoughts.net

    Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
    Forbes Article Link

    Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
    Lead The Game

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:
    Denise Russo
    Andy Hughes
    Samantha Powell
    School of Thoughts

    Where you can subscribe and listen:
    Apple Podcasts
    Spotify

    Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

    Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

    Show more Show less
    31 mins
  • 67 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 9 - Is It True? Part 1
    Jun 19 2024

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    Discover the unseen obstacles to your happiness as we discuss Mo Gawdat's transformative book, "Solve for Happy." Hosts, Sam Powell and Denise Russo, guide you through the exploration of seven perception blind spots—filters, assumptions, predictions, memories, labels, emotions, and exaggeration. These are the unsuspecting culprits behind the distorted lens through which we often view our world. We also share personal reflections on the profound impact of recognizing and navigating through these mental barriers, offering practical advice on how to expand your awareness for a clearer and happier life.

    Feel like negativity sometimes has a stronghold on your mind? We dissect the brain's default to latch onto the bad over the good, diving into how the amygdala plays a pivotal role in this process. You'll hear how, with a little effort and the right tools, we can all learn to encode positive experiences more deeply into our memory. I open up about my mother's journey to recovery, and how an optimistic atmosphere significantly influenced her healing, driving home the point that happiness is a skill set that requires consistent practice.

    Ending on a heartwarming note, we delve into the extraordinary power of kindness within the healthcare industry. From moving tales of how a patient's gratitude can soften the hardest of hearts to the ripple effect of compassion in medical settings, this chapter demonstrates that empathy and a caring touch are just as crucial as any medication. Join us as we pledge to carry forward these lessons of positivity, and don't forget to tune in next Wednesday for more enriching conversations designed to steer you towards a happier, more fulfilled life.

    Additional Resources:

    Order: Solve for Happy

    The How of Happiness
    website

    The Passion Planner
    Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

    Denise Russo's Website
    www.schoolofthoughts.net

    Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
    Forbes Article Link

    Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
    Lead The Game

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:
    Denise Russo
    Andy Hughes
    Samantha Powell
    School of Thoughts

    Where you can subscribe and listen:
    Apple Podcasts
    Spotify
    Amazon Music

    Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

    Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

    Show more Show less
    31 mins
  • 66 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 8 - Might as Well Jump
    Jun 12 2024

    Send us a Text Message.

    Conquer the elusive specter of fear with Denise Russo and Sam Powell, as they offer you a roadmap to happiness inspired by Mo Gawdat's profound insights. Prepare to challenge the fears that lurk in the shadows of uncertainty, whether they're keeping you tethered to a dead-end job or causing you to shy away from new experiences. Our latest podcast episode strips away the disguise fear wears, revealing its many faces—be it the terror of public speaking or the superstition that happiness is but a harbinger of doom.

    As we candidly share our own brushes with anxiety—from the dread of plummeting off a cliff to the unease of career instability—we also illuminate the steps to dismantle these fears. Discover how embracing the worst-case scenarios with logic rather than dread can transform your life, opening doors to optimism and courage. Uncover the emotional intricacies fear weaves through our daily lives, and learn how to break free from its grip, opening yourself to a life unburdened by the weight of irrational worries.

    Venture with us as we explore the philosophy of 'learning to die before you die,' unlocking the secret to life without the chains of fear. Anticipate our engaging discourse on the seven blind spots that cloud our vision, as we pursue the ultimate truths hidden within Gawdat's "Solve for Happy." Don't just listen—join the journey toward personal fulfillment and share your thoughts, as we carve a path through the grand illusions that stand between us and true happiness.

    Additional Resources:

    Order: Solve for Happy

    The How of Happiness
    website

    The Passion Planner
    Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

    Denise Russo's Website
    www.schoolofthoughts.net

    Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
    Forbes Article Link

    Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
    Lead The Game

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:
    Denise Russo
    Andy Hughes
    Samantha Powell
    School of Thoughts

    Where you can subscribe and listen:
    Apple Podcasts
    Spotify
    Amazon Music
    Podcast Index
    Podcast Addict

    Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

    Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

    Show more Show less
    31 mins
  • 65 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 7 - Houston, We Have A Problem
    Jun 5 2024

    Send us a Text Message.

    Have you ever tried to solve a jigsaw puzzle with pieces that just won't fit? That's the conundrum we tackle with Mo Gawdat, the insightful author of "Solve for Happy," as Denise and Sam dissect the tantalizing notion that we can wrestle life's unpredictability into submission. Together, they embark on a profound journey, examining the treacherous waters of grief, the anchor of joy in the present, and the strategies for weathering life's most unexpected storms. Mo's enlightening perspective and poignant personal anecdotes guide us through the realization that while we can't control every wave, we can learn to sail our ship with grace.

    Throughout this dialogue, they confront the sobering truth of black swan events and the butterfly effect—those unpredictable forces that test our illusion of control. Whether it's financial upheavals or the unforeseen challenges of the Apollo 13 mission, this conversation is an homage to the human spirit's resilience. We unpack the emotional equanimity that comes with recognizing the limits of our control and the transformative power of managing our actions and responses. It's not about suppressing emotions but rather harnessing them as valuable data that can steer us towards a state of authentic happiness. Join Denise and Sam for an episode that promises to shift your perspective from futile attempts at control, to mastering the art of living contentedly within life's capricious embrace.

    Additional Resources:

    Order: Solve for Happy

    The How of Happiness
    website

    The Passion Planner
    Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

    Denise Russo's Website
    www.schoolofthoughts.net

    Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
    Forbes Article Link

    Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
    Lead The Game

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:
    Denise Russo
    Andy Hughes
    Samantha Powell
    School of Thoughts

    Where you can subscribe and listen:
    Apple Podcasts
    Spotify
    Amazon Music
    Podcast Index
    Podcast Addict

    Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

    Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

    Show more Show less
    34 mins
  • 64 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 6 - Does Anybody Know What Time It Is?
    May 29 2024

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    Ever pondered why some moments slip away like sand through your fingers while others seem to stretch into eternity? Join Denise Russo and Samantha Powell, as they connect the dots between our skewed perception of time and our quest for happiness, inspired by Mo Gawdat's insights from "Solve for Happy." Denise and Sam cover the six grand illusions that trip us up on our journey to joy, with a special focus on time's elusive nature. Prepare to be enlightened on how our engagement in beloved activities bends our sense of time—and how this knowledge could be the compass guiding us toward a more fulfilled existence.

    As we navigate the continuum of past, present, and future, our conversation meanders through the abstract realm of dimensions, the relativity of time shaped by gravity, and the richness of life observed through the lens of atomic clocks. It's a trek across different perspectives as we share tales of personal experiences and cultural contrasts between event-based and clock-based societies. Discover how animals like cats, who bask eternally in the now, might be on to something we humans often miss in our frenzied lives.

    Additional Resources:

    Order: Solve for Happy

    The How of Happiness
    website

    The Passion Planner
    Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

    Denise Russo's Website
    www.schoolofthoughts.net

    Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
    Forbes Article Link

    Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
    Lead The Game

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:
    Denise Russo
    Andy Hughes
    Samantha Powell
    School of Thoughts

    Where you can subscribe and listen:
    Apple Podcasts
    Spotify
    Amazon Music
    Podcast Index
    Podcast Addict

    Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

    Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

    Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

    Show more Show less
    36 mins