This episode is Part 1 of a 2-part Interview with John Azzolina.

What happens when your entire world changes in an instant? John Azzolina, my stepfather and one of the most influential people in my life, received a terminal liver cancer diagnosis at age 50 despite feeling completely healthy. The disconnect between feeling fine while facing mortality creates what John calls a "mindfuck" – perhaps the only word that accurately captures such a surreal experience.

John's journey began with routine bloodwork showing slightly elevated liver enzymes, quickly escalating to emergency surgery for a tumor growing from his liver toward his heart. His story unfolds with raw honesty as he describes losing 44 pounds during a five-week hospital stay, undergoing treatments that initially showed promise before the cancer adapted, and navigating the complex emotions of knowing his condition is terminal while still feeling physically well.

Beyond the medical details, this conversation reveals profound insights about human resilience. John discusses how his childhood, athletic background, and previous experience losing his father to cancer shaped his approach to his diagnosis. With remarkable candor, he shares how his extensive support network – his partner of 15 years, lifelong friends dating back to kindergarten, and extended family – provide the strength to face each day. Most touching is John's determination to "prove everyone wrong" by surviving beyond his prognosis, even if just by a day.

This deeply moving episode captures not just a cancer journey, but a powerful testament to facing life's greatest challenges with dignity, humor, and love. Whether you've been touched by cancer or simply want to understand how to embrace life more fully, John's perspective will transform how you think about time, relationships, and what truly matters. Listen to part one of this special two-part conversation, and join us next week Tuesday as we continue exploring John's remarkable story.

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**Legal Disclaimer**
The Sage Solutions Podcast and content posted by David Sage is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. No coaching client relationship is formed by listening to this podcast. No Legal, Medical or Financial advice is being given. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a psychotherapist, physician, professional coach, Lawyer or other qualified professional. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The opinions of guests are their own and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the podcast.

What if everything you thought you knew about self-care was incomplete? In this eye-opening conversation, David and Anna Sage challenge conventional wisdom about what it means to truly take care of yourself in a world obsessed with hustle culture and Instagram-worthy self-care rituals.

The siblings explore how authentic self-care transcends bubble baths and expensive spa treatments. It's not about what looks good to others—it's about what genuinely restores you. "Self-care is about what feels restorative to you and what helps you restore the areas of your life that are feeling a little bit dry," Anna explains, offering a refreshingly practical perspective that cuts through the commercialized noise.

Together, they navigate the complex territory between selfishness, selflessness, and where meaningful self-care fits into this spectrum. Through their engaging conversation, they introduce a powerful metaphor: "Rather than being a candle that consumes itself to light the way for others, be a lighter that can be refueled." This sustainable approach to caring for yourself allows you to continue showing up fully for others without burning out.

The discussion takes unexpected turns as they differentiate between restorative self-care and momentary self-indulgence, challenging listeners to consider how their actions affect not just their present selves but their future selves too. They reveal how science backs the importance of consistent self-care practices, with research showing significant reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression among those who prioritize small, regular acts of self-replenishment.

Whether you've dismissed self-care as too feminine, too indulgent, or too time-consuming, this episode offers practical wisdom for integrating moments of genuine restoration into your daily life. Identify what truly fills your cup—then make it a non-negotiable priority. Your well-being isn't just a luxury; it's the foundation upon which everything else in your life is built. Subscribe now and share this episode with someone who needs permission to prioritize their own restoration.

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https://sagesolutions.buzzsprout.com

If you are interested in one-on-one coaching, email us at:
sagecoachingsolutions@gmail.com

**Legal Disclaimer**
The Sage Solutions Podcast and content posted by David Sage is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. No coaching client relationship is formed by listening to this podcast. No Legal, Medical or Financial advice is being given. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a psychotherapist, physician, professional coach, Lawyer or other qualified professional. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The opinions of guests are their own and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the podcast.

Fear striking right as you're about to send that important email? That lunch invitation sitting in your drafts for days? You're not alone. We all avoid things that make us uncomfortable, but what if that avoidance is precisely what's keeping you from the life you truly want?

Join David and Hannah Sage as they dive deep into the psychology of avoidance – that sneaky habit of sidestepping discomfort, anxiety, or fear. Drawing from the groundbreaking work of Dr. Luana Marques, Harvard Medical School professor and anxiety expert, this episode reveals the paradoxical truth: the more we avoid what makes us anxious, the bigger that anxiety grows.

The science is fascinating but also empowering. Your brain creates a feedback loop where momentary relief from avoiding something reinforces both the anxiety and the avoidance itself. But there's a way out. Through Dr. Marques' three-step Bold Move framework – Detect, Disrupt, and Reframe to take action – you'll learn how to recognize your avoidance patterns, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and take meaningful steps toward what matters most to you.

We share practical techniques like the 5-Second Rule for immediate action, the 2-Minute Rule for quick tasks, and the powerful perspective shift of reframing physical sensations of nervousness as excitement (they're physiologically identical!). Most importantly, you'll discover that courage isn't about eliminating fear but about feeling it and moving forward anyway.

Whether you're avoiding career advancement, difficult conversations, or personal challenges, this episode offers science-backed strategies to break free from the avoidance cycle and start living boldly. As Dr. Marques wisely says, "Be the water, not the rock." Subscribe now and share this episode with someone who needs to hear this message – together, we can turn avoidance into action.

We would love to hear your feedback! Click here to tell us what you think.

https://sagesolutions.buzzsprout.com

If you are interested in one-on-one coaching, email us at:
sagecoachingsolutions@gmail.com

**Legal Disclaimer**
The Sage Solutions Podcast and content posted by David Sage is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. No coaching client relationship is formed by listening to this podcast. No Legal, Medical or Financial advice is being given. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a psychotherapist, physician, professional coach, Lawyer or other qualified professional. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The opinions of guests are their own and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the podcast.

Imagine if your brain actually craved effort instead of avoiding it. What if the very struggle you're trying to escape is precisely what can fuel your motivation and drive? In this eye-opening exploration of intrinsic motivation, David Sage reveals the powerful neurological mechanisms that can transform how we approach challenges.

Drawing on cutting-edge research from Stanford neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman and self-determination theory pioneers, David unpacks how dopamine - our motivation molecule - operates in surprising ways. Contrary to popular belief, dopamine isn't just released when we achieve goals; significant releases occur during the effort itself when we believe we're making progress. This revelation changes everything about how we approach difficult tasks.

The key insight? Our subjective interpretation of effort determines whether we suppress or enhance this beneficial dopamine release. When we consciously reframe struggle as evidence of growth and progress, we create a powerful feedback loop that makes effort itself rewarding. As David explains, "Effort is enough. Progress is the point. Growth is the goal." This perspective shift aligns perfectly with the Stoic philosophy that "the obstacle is the way."

Through practical, actionable strategies, you'll learn to subjectively reward effort, carefully manage external rewards, focus on actions rather than outcomes, and embrace the growth mindset necessary for lasting motivation. Rather than waiting for inspiration to strike, you'll discover how to build the ultimate self-development muscle - one that creates its own energy and fuels everything else in your life.

Ready to transform how you approach challenges? Join us on this journey to harness your natural reward system and cultivate genuine, lasting motivation. Subscribe now and share with someone who could benefit from developing this superpower of intrinsic drive.

We would love to hear your feedback! Click here to tell us what you think.

https://sagesolutions.buzzsprout.com

If you are interested in one-on-one coaching, email us at:
sagecoachingsolutions@gmail.com

**Legal Disclaimer**
The Sage Solutions Podcast and content posted by David Sage is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. No coaching client relationship is formed by listening to this podcast. No Legal, Medical or Financial advice is being given. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a psychotherapist, physician, professional coach, Lawyer or other qualified professional. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The opinions of guests are their own and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the podcast.

Ever wonder how all those personal growth concepts actually fit together? In this illuminating episode, I'm connecting the dots between the key topics we've explored in the holiday months, revealing how they form a powerful framework for becoming your best self.

I start by unpacking the importance of social skills and relationships, explaining why success and fulfillment inevitably require working effectively with others. Whether you're an introvert or extrovert, we're all hardwired for connection—it's literally in our DNA. The magic happens when we develop genuine interest in others, practice vulnerability at appropriate times, and maintain healthy boundaries. I share practical approaches for navigating difficult relationships while protecting your energy.

Diving deeper, I revisit my conversation with relationship expert Tanez Hosimpour on the "holy grail" of relationship dynamics. We explore how nervous system regulation affects our interactions, the power of small consistent acts over grand gestures, and Gottman's four horsemen that predict relationship destruction: criticism, defensiveness, stonewalling, and contempt. Understanding these patterns is transformative for every relationship in your life.

The latter half tackles discipline, grit, and goal achievement. Grit—that magical combination of discipline, perseverance, and patience—functions like a super-muscle that strengthens with use. I outline a practical approach to building this quality: thinking systematically, reflecting thoughtfully, setting clear intentions, and taking massive action. When obstacles inevitably arise, stoic principles help us maintain perspective and focus on what we can control. The result? A compound effect of personal growth that builds momentum over time.

No matter where you are on your journey, these interconnected concepts provide a roadmap to greater confidence, fulfillment, and self-compassion. Ready to see how these pieces fit together in your own life? Listen now, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who's working to improve their life.

We would love to hear your feedback! Click here to tell us what you think.

https://sagesolutions.buzzsprout.com

If you are interested in one-on-one coaching, email us at:
sagecoachingsolutions@gmail.com

**Legal Disclaimer**
The Sage Solutions Podcast and content posted by David Sage is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. No coaching client relationship is formed by listening to this podcast. No Legal, Medical or Financial advice is being given. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a psychotherapist, physician, professional coach, Lawyer or other qualified professional. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The opinions of guests are their own and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the podcast.

What if the key to a longer, healthier, more fulfilling life isn't found in the latest wellness trend, but in something far more fundamental? David and Hannah Sage delve into the surprisingly powerful impact of human connection in a world that increasingly pushes us toward individualism and digital relationships.

They introduce a simple yet revealing test: Who would you call at 3 AM during an emergency? The answer often exposes the gap between our social media connections and genuine support networks. Through compelling research and personal insights, they explore how strong social ties directly impact our physical health, mental wellbeing, and even our lifespan.

Drawing from fascinating Blue Zones research, where communities worldwide enjoy exceptional longevity, they highlight how shared gardens, communal cooking, and collective problem-solving create the foundation for not just longer lives, but more meaningful ones. The podcast offers practical guidance for building authentic support systems—from immediate family and close friends to pets and broader community connections.

Perhaps most powerfully, David and Hannah challenge listeners with a counterintuitive solution for those feeling isolated: give what you wish to receive. By supporting others who feel alone, you create the very connections you're seeking. They share observations from their travels in Japan, where small community-minded acts create a fabric of care that extends to strangers.

Whether you're feeling isolated, sensing your relationships lack depth, or simply wanting to strengthen your existing connections, this episode provides actionable insights for creating the support network we all need to thrive. Because as the science clearly shows, we're simply not designed to go through life alone.

We would love to hear your feedback! Click here to tell us what you think.

https://sagesolutions.buzzsprout.com

If you are interested in one-on-one coaching, email us at:
sagecoachingsolutions@gmail.com

**Legal Disclaimer**
The Sage Solutions Podcast and content posted by David Sage is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. No coaching client relationship is formed by listening to this podcast. No Legal, Medical or Financial advice is being given. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a psychotherapist, physician, professional coach, Lawyer or other qualified professional. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The opinions of guests are their own and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the podcast.

For our 40th episode, we're switching things up with a Q&A format to address listener questions about personal development, coaching approaches, and practical self-improvement strategies.

• Passion for self-improvement stems from personal transformation from a muted version to authentic self
• Self-improvement feels like leveling up in a video game—building skills, finding synergies, and growing stronger
• First coaching step is deeply understanding a client's situation before tackling self-limiting beliefs
• Currently reading "Language in Thought and Action," "Sapiens," and "Tools of Titans"
• Don't push personal development on reluctant partners—model the behavior and inspire through actions
• Balance self-improvement with self-acceptance and compassion for yourself and others
• Growth requires both consistency and intellectual humility to keep learning

Send us your questions for future Q&A episodes by clicking the link in the description or messaging us on our Facebook page.

We would love to hear your feedback! Click here to tell us what you think.

https://sagesolutions.buzzsprout.com

If you are interested in one-on-one coaching, email us at:
sagecoachingsolutions@gmail.com

**Legal Disclaimer**
The Sage Solutions Podcast and content posted by David Sage is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. No coaching client relationship is formed by listening to this podcast. No Legal, Medical or Financial advice is being given. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a psychotherapist, physician, professional coach, Lawyer or other qualified professional. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The opinions of guests are their own and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the podcast.

Fear of failure holds most of us back from reaching our potential, but what if we've been looking at failure all wrong? In this transformative exploration of "failing forward," we challenge the deeply ingrained belief that failure represents the end of the road rather than a necessary part of the journey toward success.

We dive into the fascinating reasons behind our aversion to failure, examining both our evolutionary hardwiring and the unintentional conditioning from educational systems that teach us to avoid failure at all costs. Through cognitive biases like pain avoidance, binary thinking, and loss aversion, we develop patterns that limit our willingness to take risks - even when the potential benefits far outweigh the potential losses.

The path forward requires embracing a growth mindset, where abilities are viewed as developable rather than fixed. By extracting valuable lessons from each setback and building resilience through continued action, failure becomes not just acceptable but essential to meaningful progress. We explore inspiring examples from innovators like Thomas Edison, who famously found "10,000 ways that don't work" before succeeding, and entrepreneurs like Sarah Blakely, who transformed countless rejections into stepping stones toward building her empire. Perhaps most powerfully, we examine how we all once mastered the art of failing forward as babies learning to walk - failing hundreds of times daily without becoming discouraged.

Ready to transform your relationship with failure? Try our actionable strategies: take imperfect action rather than remaining paralyzed by analysis, reflect regularly on lessons learned, set smaller achievable goals, build a supportive network, and practice self-compassion through the process. Your failures aren't the opposite of success - they're the building blocks that make success possible. Subscribe now and start your journey toward embracing failure as a catalyst for personal growth and achievement.

We would love to hear your feedback! Click here to tell us what you think.

https://sagesolutions.buzzsprout.com

If you are interested in one-on-one coaching, email us at:
sagecoachingsolutions@gmail.com

**Legal Disclaimer**
The Sage Solutions Podcast and content posted by David Sage is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. No coaching client relationship is formed by listening to this podcast. No Legal, Medical or Financial advice is being given. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a psychotherapist, physician, professional coach, Lawyer or other qualified professional. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The opinions of guests are their own and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the podcast.