Long-term relationships are message and magical. Why do we choose our person? And what keeps us from choosing them? Expect personal stories, hard questions, and one jaw-dropping insight about handwriting that left everyone speechless.

Highlights

• Why your choice of life partner might reflect who you were when you met – and how to evolve together as you change
• Divorce: What women often know and men don't see coming
• Mary, James, and Stel get personal: Stories of choosing (and being chosen by) their life partners
• A deep dive into handwriting analysis: Your pen strokes may reveal hidden patterns in love and life
• The link between self-awareness, communication styles, and sustaining long-term intimacy
• Why personal growth (even unconventional tools like vision therapy and dancing alone) might just save your relationship

Resources:

• Helen Fisher’s TED Talk: The brain in love
• Handwriting analysis: Blog
• The book Eight Dates by John and Julie Gottman: Amazon
• Strategic Coach:Strategic Coach

You’re with yourself for life – but are you really connected to who you are?

In this episode, Stel and Mary (we missed you, James!) explore what happens when you lose touch with your true self, how survival skills can mask your real identity, and what it feels like when your life doesn’t fit anymore. Plus: practical ways to start coming back to yourself.

Highlights:

• Why we create a "survival self" to fit in
• How early experiences shape (and sometimes hide) who we really are
• What it feels like when you’re out of alignment — and what to do about it
• Tools to reconnect with your strengths, your story, and your purpose

Resources:

• Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey – website
• Book a call with Mary – Calendly
• OnPrpose CEO Coaching – website

What long-term friendships really take – and why they’re worth it.

What makes someone a ride-or-die? Relationships that go the distance change and survive big life transitions. From childhood friends to new connections that go deep fast, we explore the difference between time and trust, and why cultivating meaningful friendships as adults takes a different kind of intention.

Whether you’re feeling grateful for your inner circle or wondering who’d actually help you bury the body… this one’s for you.

Highlights:

• Why long-term friendships shift – and how to keep them strong
• The relationship between time and depth in relationships
• Relearning how to cultivate adult friendships
• How big life changes shape who stays close
• Ride-or-die vs. draining dynamics: learning who lifts you up
• The role of intentionality in friendship, and why it’s different from family
• A surprising take on who your real best friend might be

Resources:

• The Wealth Money Can’t Buy by Robin Sharma – Amazon
• The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck – Amazon
• Dr. Joe Dispenza’s Weeklong Retreats – Website
• Strategic Coach – Website

In a world overflowing with interactions, how do you decide who gets your energy – and identify who drains it? This episode takes on relationships: the intentional ones, the forgotten ones, the ones that fill your cup, and the ones that need a little more mischief to spark again. From surprise reunions and joy bombs to raising your hand (literally) for the relationships that matter, this one’s about showing up with purpose – and adding a little magic while you're at it.

Highlights:

• Battery Chargers vs. Drainers – A simple metaphor to audit your relationships and protect your energy.
• Reimagining the “Personal” in Personal Relationships – Why one host shifted the focus inward.
• How to Add a Zero – The “100 out of 10” mindset for making moments unforgettable.
• Quarterly Check-ins, but Make Them Emotional – A system to evaluate and prioritize your relationships like you would your goals.
• Micro-Moments of Meaning – How a car ride with a stranger became the most surprising connection of the week.
• Joy Bombs & Family Intentions – A personal story about choosing to show up differently (and joyfully) for the people who matter most.

Is staying constantly connected costing you more than you think?

Our good intentions to stay engaged can quietly steal our focus, drain our energy, and derail our bigger goals. What starts as "just checking in" becomes a full-time job – and not the kind that moves the needle.There’s a hidden weight of everyday interactions – from endless group chats to overloaded inboxes. Cutting back might be the key to clarity, focus, and real progress.

Who actually needs your time? What if your inbox was empty? …and what if saying “no” gave you your life back?

Big results don’t come from big decisions. They come from the little ones – made over and over again. Every choice is a vote for the life you're building. From avoiding road rage to committing to a daily run, the ripple effects are real. This episode is about momentum, missteps, and the magic that happens when you choose to be intentional… one choice at a time. If you've ever told yourself "just this once," this one’s for you.

Episode Highlights:

• The real-life road rage story that could have gone very wrong
• How compounding decisions shape health, wealth, and relationships
• The difference between habits and “compounding decisions”
• Why one micro-decision can start a whole new trajectory
• The power of intentionality – and what to do when you fall off track
• How to create your own “call to action” for the future you're building

Can you talk politics without getting political? We try.

What does it mean to stay curious when the world is polarized? How does fear show up in our choices? Why might disruption be exactly what we need? From unconscious programming to economic uncertainty, we reflect on what it takes to stay grounded, generous, and growth-minded…especially when everything feels uncertain.

Key Topics Discussed

• What if I didn’t choose sides? – The liberating power of curiosity over polarization.
• Fear pushes, vision pulls – How fear shapes behavior and how to rise above it.
• From survival to contribution – Why surrounding yourself with the right people matters.
• Leadership as stewardship – Seeing countries like businesses and our role in them.
• Living in the now – How to stay present when uncertainty is everywhere.
• Safety, positivity, and principles – What the UAE can teach us about cohesion.
• Giving as a way through darkness – The surprising link between service and peace of mind.

Resources & References

• Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs – Link
• Inside Out (Pixar Film) – IMDb
• Strategic Coach – Website

Ever been caught in that awkward moment where you say something with good intentions – only to wonder if it was wildly inappropriate? Dive into the messy, ever-evolving landscape of communication, intention, and social norms. From the difference between appropriately inappropriate and inappropriately appropriate to cultural expectations around compliments and personal space, we challenge the modern rulebook of what can and can’t be said. We also explore Viktor Frankl’s wisdom on personal choice, the psychology of offense, and the deeper implications of a world where everyone is walking on eggshells. Should we be more mindful – or have we taken it too far?