In this special holiday episode of Finding Better, John Suzuki shares a heartfelt solo reflection on love, forgiveness, gratitude, and finding peace in a divided world.

As the holiday season brings both joy and tension, John offers a powerful reminder: we are far more connected than we realize. Through personal stories, thought-provoking perspective shifts, and deeply human lessons, this episode invites you to pause, reflect, and reconnect—with yourself and with others.

John explores why the opposite of love isn’t hate, but fear… how forgiveness can literally lift a lifetime of emotional weight… and why gratitude may be one of the most powerful tools we have for mental and emotional well-being.

Whether you’re preparing for a difficult family gathering, feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world, or simply looking for meaning during the holidays, this conversation is an invitation to find peace—starting within.

In this episode, you’ll hear about: 1. Why we are all more connected than we think 2. How forgiveness can free you, even when the other person isn’t present 3. Why fear—not hate—is the true opposite of love 4. How gratitude shifts your mindset and emotional health 5. What “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me” really means

This episode is about choosing love, practicing grace, and remembering what the holidays are truly about.

If this message resonates, please share it with someone who may need it.

What if the reason your relationships feel hard isn’t communication… but your nervous system?

In this episode of the Finding Better Podcast, John Suzuki sits down with Diane McDowell, creator of the Brain to Heart Code, to explore why love can feel unsafe even when everything else in life is working. Diane explains how our brains are wired for survival—not connection—and how a hidden “brain hijack” can turn the people we love most into perceived threats.

Together, John and Diane unpack how emotional disconnection happens, why willpower and communication tools aren’t enough, and how learning to regulate your nervous system can completely change how you show up in relationships—from romantic partnerships to work and everyday life.

Inside this conversation, you’ll learn:

1. Why most relationship struggles aren’t about communication 2. How the “brain hijack” turns closeness into perceived danger 3. Why shame and self-blame keep relationship cycles stuck 4. How emotional safety changes everything—without needing your partner to change 5. The power of calming your nervous system in moments that matter 6. Why changing your energy can change the entire relationship dynamic

💡 Key Takeaways:

1. Your brain is designed for safety, not connection—and that matters in love 2. Understanding your nervous system removes shame and blame 3. It only takes one regulated person to shift a relationship 4. Emotional safety starts from the inside out 5. You don’t need to fix yourself—you need to feel safe being you

Connect with Diane McDowell:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-mcdowell/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diane_pqc/ Website: https://www.powerfulquestionscoaching.com/

👉 If this conversation resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share this episode. Your support helps us continue bringing real conversations about finding better—together.

Want success that fuels you — not drains you? 🚀 In this conversation, Dorota Kosiorek (neuroscience coach, ex-consultant) explains how she hit the “success wall,” rewired her high-achiever brain, and designed a version of success that brings peace and productivity.

John Suzuki sits down with Dorota Kosiorek — a former consultant turned neuroscience coach for high achievers — to unpack the mental tools that let you keep winning without burning out. Over 13+ years in high-pressure corporate & startup roles Dorota discovered achievement without peace isn’t success. In this episode we cover practical brain training exercises, the power of one-word shifts, mental rehearsal used by elite athletes, and how to build boundaries and routines that protect your energy.

Inside this conversation you’ll learn:

1. Why the words “have to” vs “get to” change how your brain experiences work. 2. How the prefrontal cortex explains why mornings are prime for deep work. 3. Simple, science-backed exercises (mental rehearsal, visualization) to build confidence and skill. 4. How to use the 80/20 rule to stop perfecting low-value tasks and focus on what moves the needle. 5. Practical steps to say “no,” set boundaries, and rehearse difficult conversations. 6. Why adding the word “yet” unlocks a growth mindset for high achievers.

💡 Key Takeaways:

1. Reframe language: swap “I have to” → “I get to” (and add “yet” to limiting beliefs). 2. Prioritize deep work in the morning — your prefrontal cortex is freshest then. 3. Train your brain like an athlete: mental rehearsal builds confidence and improves performance. 4. Use the 80/20 rule to focus energy on the 20% that creates 80% of value. 5. Start small with daily micro-practices to build sustainable change (boundaries, visualization, morning rituals).

Connect with Doroa: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorotakosiorek Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindbydorota/ Facebook: https://www.ook: facebook.com/dorota.kosiorek.56/

If this episode helped you rethink success, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share with a high achiever who needs this. Comment below: what one word will you change today — “have” → “get” or add “yet”?