Can positivity be a discipline — not just a feeling — especially in a season meant for hope?

In this special Christmas-season episode, Alma Ohene-Opare is joined by Dr. Ginny Murtaugh, retired dentist, artist, and graduate student in positive psychology, for a timely conversation inspired by the article “Willful Positivity in a Negative Age.”

Together, Alma and Ginny explore what it means to practice intentional optimism in a culture overwhelmed by cynicism, outrage, and constant negativity — and why the Christmas season calls us back to meaning, gratitude, and renewal.

Ginny brings a unique perspective shaped by 30 years in dentistry, her current studies in positive psychology at the University of Missouri, and her lifelong commitment to learning, creativity, and human flourishing. From neuroscience to daily habits, she explains how positivity can be cultivated — personally, relationally, and culturally.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why positivity must be chosen — not passively hoped for

• How Christmas reminds us of light in dark seasons

• The role of gratitude, meaning, and responsibility in mental well-being

• How positive psychology can strengthen individuals, families, and communities

• Why cultivating hope is an act of courage in today’s culture

This conversation is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and choose joy with intention — not as escapism, but as a disciplined response to a fractured world.

Perfect for the Christmas season and anyone seeking clarity, hope, and purpose.

What holds America together — heritage or values? Culture or policy? In this episode of Restitch America, host Alma Ohene-Opare sits down with political commentator Cler Patriot to explore one of the most defining questions of our time: does immigration work without assimilation?

Inspired by the article “Immigration Without Assimilation” on Willful Positivity, this conversation goes beyond politics and dives into what makes the American experiment possible in the first place — a shared culture, a common language, and a commitment to the ideals written into the Constitution.

Alma and Cler discuss:
Why the U.S. historically required assimilation to thrive
How identity politics and cultural fragmentation weaken unity
The difference between honoring heritage and rejecting American values
Why assimilation isn’t erasure — it’s participation
What happens when immigrant communities are encouraged to separate rather than integrate
How we can rebuild a culture of shared responsibility and civic identity

From lived experience to cultural observation, Alma and Cler explore the tension between diversity and unity — and why real patriotism means adding your story to the American story, not tearing pages out of it.

If you believe that America can be a unified nation of many backgrounds, this episode is for you.

Join the conversation — and help Restitch America, one shared value at a time.

Be a part of our community and subscribe @ www.willfulpositivity.com

Connect with our guest:

IG, X, TikTok and Facebook : @clerpatriot

Alma Ohene-Opare grew up in Ghana during military coups, famine, and dictatorship. He watched his mother build schools and a university from nothing. He lost five dogs to DDT poisoning at age 6. He made a pinhole camera because a physics book told him to — and then realized he could never develop the film because the resources simply didn’t exist.That moment broke something in him… and lit a fire that burned until he finally touched American soil.In this nearly 3-hour conversation, Alma explains:- Why America is the only place on earth where you can wake up with an idea and have a working prototype by sundown - Why socialism always contains “a teaspoon of dog poop” no matter how good it smells - Why true justice can only come from God, not government - How his mother educated over 10,000 kids with the motto: “We train leaders, others train the rest” - The day he took the oath of citizenship and finally put his hand over his heart during the national anthem after 18 years of waiting - Standing at the exact spot where Charlie Kirk was assassinated and what it means for all of usThis is not political talking points. This is raw gratitude from a man who knows exactly what the alternative looks like.If you’ve ever taken your American privilege for granted — watch this. If you have kids who think the American Dream is dead — make them watch this. If you’re tired of the noise and just want to hear truth spoken with love — this episode is for you.Alma’s book: “A Vision of Greatness: An Immigrant’s Unyielding Pursuit of the American Dream” – Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDF5BLJ4/?bestFormat=true&k=my%20american%20privilege%20book&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-bk-ww_k0_1_22_de&crid=MQRO7V0MRYS4&sprefix=my%20american%20privilage%20Connect With Alma! Youtube: www.youtube.com/@UC-JXKDg4ow2-ND0nFYj_pYw TikTok, IG, Facebook: @willfulpositivityConnect With Micah!Youtube: www.youtube.com/@UCbDRG3_xrVcBHEGnr_0psyw IG: @micahgoodman @americas.podcastsTimestamps:00:00 – Intro & How We Met 04:30 – Born in Ghana Right After Famine & Military Coups 15:45 – The Legend of Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings 28:10 – Growing Up With 7 Dogs, Ducks, Sheep & Massive Responsibility 37:00 – The Day 5 of His Dogs Died (age 6) 44:20 – His Mother’s Insane Legacy (Built a University From Nothing) 53:30 – Teaching Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah in 6th Grade → Drafted #5 Overall by Detroit Lions 1:03:00 – The Photo That Changed His Life Forever (Dad Touching a Dolphin) 1:12:00 – The Pinhole Camera That Broke His Heart 1:23:00 – Why America Freed Him From “Mental Slavery” 1:35:00 – Socialism = A Teaspoon of Dog Poop in Your Favorite Meal 1:52:00 – Why It’s Impossible to Be Christian and Socialist 2:10:00 – Becoming a U.S. Citizen After 18 Years 2:25:00 – Standing at the Spot Where Charlie Kirk Was Assassinated 2:40:00 – Final Message to Young AmericansIf this moved you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.