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What does it actually mean to live a good life? Not an impressive one, or a productive one — but a genuinely good one?

In this episode, Ryan and Vic revisit a framework that sits at the heart of Ryan's Ignite the Spark program: three research-backed foundations that consistently predict deep, lasting life satisfaction. They're not what most people expect. And chances are, at least one of them has been getting less attention than it deserves.

Together, Ryan and Vic walk through what the research says — drawing on the Harvard Study of Adult Development, Self-Determination Theory, and the work of researchers like Emily Esfahani Smith and Dacher Keltner — and then guide listeners through a structured reflection exercise to assess where they actually stand across all three foundations right now.

This is the episode to return to whenever life feels a little off but you can't quite name why.

Resources Mentioned

• The Good Life Check-in
• The Power of Meaning by Emily Esfahani Smith
• Dacher Keltner's research on awe
• The Harvard Study of Adult Development
• Self-Determination Theory
• Ignite the Spark — Ryan's 8-week life design cohort program — [link]

Referenced Episodes

• Purpose: Define, Discover and Live Your Why

Hosts:

Ryan Reichert-Estes, StackRise Coaching | LinkedIn | Insta: @stackrisecoaching

Vic Smith, WhistleSmith.co | LinkedIn | Insta: @vic_bk

Let us know what you think about this episode or send us an idea!

Go Coach Yourself! welcomes Andy Storch! Andy discusses his mission is to get the most out of life and inspire others to do the same.

This episode is for anyone looking to powerfully align their work with personal strengths and values. From battling imposter syndrome to building a personal brand, Andy's insights will challenge and motivate you.

Andy is an author, speaker, consultant, coach, connector, and facilitator specializing in helping organizations improve engagement and retention by teaching employees to own their careers and achieve their goals.

Andy is also the author of the book Own Your Career Own Your Life and the host of two podcasts, including The Talent Development Hot Seat and the Own Your Career Show as well as the founder and host of the Talent Development Think Tank Conference and Community.

Don't miss out on becoming proactive and intentional in crafting the future you deserve!

Learn more about Andy:

https://andystorch.com/

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andystorch/

Hosts:

Ryan Reichert-Estes, StackRise Coaching | LinkedIn | Insta: @stackrisecoaching

Vic Smith, WhistleSmith.co | LinkedIn | Insta: @vic_bk

Let us know what you think about this episode or send us an idea!

What helps people feel more connected over time?

In this episode, Ryan and Vic revisit a theme from season two and take it deeper. Inspired by the Gottmans’ questions for emotional intimacy, they explore what it looks like to keep getting to know someone, even when you already know them well.

Together, they reflect on trust, vulnerability, shared dreams, personal values, love, and relationship fears. What unfolds is an honest conversation about being seen, feeling enough, remembering the small things, and why deeper connection is something we practice, not something we arrive at once.

This one is a real-time model of what it can look like to ask better questions and stay curious with the people you care about most.

In this episode, Ryan and Vic talk about:

• Why emotional intimacy needs ongoing attention
• The difference between surface conversation and deeper connection
• How trust is built through curiosity, care, and positive intent
• The values they learned from family and still carry forward
• What quality time actually means in different relationships
• Small gestures that make people feel seen and cared for
• Their biggest fears in close relationships
• Why these kinds of questions matter in friendships, not just romantic partnerships

Referenced in this episode:

• Season 2 episode: You Don’t Know Me Yet: Questions to Build Real Connection with Someone Else
• 75 Insightful Questions to Deepen Emotional Intimacy

Listener reflection:

• Who in your life would you like to know more deeply right now?
• Pick one question and ask it.

Hosts:

Ryan Reichert-Estes, StackRise Coaching | LinkedIn | Insta: @stackrisecoaching

Vic Smith, WhistleSmith.co | LinkedIn | Insta: @vic_bk