• 66 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 8 - Might as Well Jump
    Jun 12 2024

    Conquer the elusive specter of fear with Denise Russo and Sam Powell, as they offer you a roadmap to happiness inspired by Mo Gawdat's profound insights. Prepare to challenge the fears that lurk in the shadows of uncertainty, whether they're keeping you tethered to a dead-end job or causing you to shy away from new experiences. Our latest podcast episode strips away the disguise fear wears, revealing its many faces—be it the terror of public speaking or the superstition that happiness is but a harbinger of doom.

    As we candidly share our own brushes with anxiety—from the dread of plummeting off a cliff to the unease of career instability—we also illuminate the steps to dismantle these fears. Discover how embracing the worst-case scenarios with logic rather than dread can transform your life, opening doors to optimism and courage. Uncover the emotional intricacies fear weaves through our daily lives, and learn how to break free from its grip, opening yourself to a life unburdened by the weight of irrational worries.

    Venture with us as we explore the philosophy of 'learning to die before you die,' unlocking the secret to life without the chains of fear. Anticipate our engaging discourse on the seven blind spots that cloud our vision, as we pursue the ultimate truths hidden within Gawdat's "Solve for Happy." Don't just listen—join the journey toward personal fulfillment and share your thoughts, as we carve a path through the grand illusions that stand between us and true happiness.

    Additional Resources:

    Order: Solve for Happy

    The How of Happiness
    website

    The Passion Planner
    Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

    Denise Russo's Website
    www.schoolofthoughts.net

    Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
    Forbes Article Link

    Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
    Lead The Game

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:
    Denise Russo
    Andy Hughes
    Samantha Powell
    School of Thoughts

    Where you can subscribe and listen:
    Apple Podcasts
    Spotify
    Amazon Music
    Podcast Index
    Podcast Addict

    Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

    Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

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    31 mins
  • 65 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 7 - Houston, We Have A Problem
    Jun 5 2024

    Have you ever tried to solve a jigsaw puzzle with pieces that just won't fit? That's the conundrum we tackle with Mo Gawdat, the insightful author of "Solve for Happy," as Denise and Sam dissect the tantalizing notion that we can wrestle life's unpredictability into submission. Together, they embark on a profound journey, examining the treacherous waters of grief, the anchor of joy in the present, and the strategies for weathering life's most unexpected storms. Mo's enlightening perspective and poignant personal anecdotes guide us through the realization that while we can't control every wave, we can learn to sail our ship with grace.

    Throughout this dialogue, they confront the sobering truth of black swan events and the butterfly effect—those unpredictable forces that test our illusion of control. Whether it's financial upheavals or the unforeseen challenges of the Apollo 13 mission, this conversation is an homage to the human spirit's resilience. We unpack the emotional equanimity that comes with recognizing the limits of our control and the transformative power of managing our actions and responses. It's not about suppressing emotions but rather harnessing them as valuable data that can steer us towards a state of authentic happiness. Join Denise and Sam for an episode that promises to shift your perspective from futile attempts at control, to mastering the art of living contentedly within life's capricious embrace.

    Additional Resources:

    Order: Solve for Happy

    The How of Happiness
    website

    The Passion Planner
    Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

    Denise Russo's Website
    www.schoolofthoughts.net

    Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
    Forbes Article Link

    Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
    Lead The Game

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:
    Denise Russo
    Andy Hughes
    Samantha Powell
    School of Thoughts

    Where you can subscribe and listen:
    Apple Podcasts
    Spotify
    Amazon Music
    Podcast Index
    Podcast Addict

    Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

    Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • 64 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 6 - Does Anybody Know What Time It Is?
    May 29 2024

    Ever pondered why some moments slip away like sand through your fingers while others seem to stretch into eternity? Join Denise Russo and Samantha Powell, as they connect the dots between our skewed perception of time and our quest for happiness, inspired by Mo Gawdat's insights from "Solve for Happy." Denise and Sam cover the six grand illusions that trip us up on our journey to joy, with a special focus on time's elusive nature. Prepare to be enlightened on how our engagement in beloved activities bends our sense of time—and how this knowledge could be the compass guiding us toward a more fulfilled existence.

    As we navigate the continuum of past, present, and future, our conversation meanders through the abstract realm of dimensions, the relativity of time shaped by gravity, and the richness of life observed through the lens of atomic clocks. It's a trek across different perspectives as we share tales of personal experiences and cultural contrasts between event-based and clock-based societies. Discover how animals like cats, who bask eternally in the now, might be on to something we humans often miss in our frenzied lives.

    Additional Resources:

    Order: Solve for Happy

    The How of Happiness
    website

    The Passion Planner
    Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

    Denise Russo's Website
    www.schoolofthoughts.net

    Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
    Forbes Article Link

    Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
    Lead The Game

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:
    Denise Russo
    Andy Hughes
    Samantha Powell
    School of Thoughts

    Where you can subscribe and listen:
    Apple Podcasts
    Spotify
    Amazon Music
    Podcast Index
    Podcast Addict

    Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

    Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

    Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • 63 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 5 - What You Know
    May 22 2024

    Have you ever wondered if what you think you know could actually be hindering your happiness? In our enlightening conversation, we discover the dangers of intellectual arrogance and how an obsession with being right can stifle personal growth and joy. We dive into why embracing a broader spectrum of understanding, particularly in the realm of human kindness, could be your ticket to a more fulfilled life.

    Imagine transforming your workplace into a hub of positivity simply by altering the way we communicate with each other. This episode is not just talk; we share moving personal experiences and the remarkable effects of assuming positive intent in professional and personal interactions. It's an insightful look into how the choice of our words can either build barriers or bridges to happiness, inspired by the profound lessons from "Solve for Happy." Get ready to walk away with practical tips for fostering a more compassionate and satisfying work environment.

    Finally, we take stock of the roots of unhappiness in our daily grind. Is it the environment, or is it our perception? We dissect this question with anecdotes and client stories that reveal the power of perspective in shaping our contentment. There's a duality of choice here—altering our surroundings or altering our mindset towards them. Embrace the unexpected benefits hidden within life's disruptions, and join us as we commit to a journey of wisdom-seeking for a happier existence. Let's move beyond the podcast, applying these insights to our lives, and continue the conversation together.

    Additional Resources:

    Order: Solve for Happy

    The How of Happiness
    website

    The Passion Planner
    Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

    Denise Russo's Website
    www.schoolofthoughts.net

    Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
    Forbes Article Link

    Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
    Lead The Game

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:
    Denise Russo
    Andy Hughes
    Samantha Powell
    School of Thoughts

    Where you can subscribe and listen:
    Apple Podcasts
    Spotify
    Amazon Music
    Podcast Index
    Podcast Addict

    Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts .

    Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

    Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • 62 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 4 - Who Are You?
    May 15 2024

    Join happiness explorers Sam Powell and Denise Russo as they embark on an enlightening expedition, guided by Mo Godat's wisdom from "Solve for Happy." Together, they dissect the 'grand illusions' that often veil our true selves and how our thoughts, ego, and physical form can deceive us. Discover with them how assessments like DISC can strip away these layers, revealing the core of our being. Navigate the intricate relationship between spirituality and science, and contemplate whether our essence is truly bound by our physicality or if something more profound lies within.

    Venture through a landscape where life's neutrality and the power of perception take center stage, shaping our experiences as either triumphs or tribulations. Through heartwarming anecdotes and personal revelations, Denise and Sam examine the serenity that comes from accepting life as an observer, unfettered by ego or identity. They also unravel the threads of self-identity and question if life's purpose might be simpler than we think—an odyssey of experiences, each teaching us anew. This session promises a profound reflection on personal freedom, the impact of others' judgments, and the peace found in life's unadorned simplicity.

    Additional Resources:

    Order: Solve for Happy

    The How of Happiness
    website

    The Passion Planner
    Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

    Denise Russo's Website
    www.schoolofthoughts.net

    Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
    Forbes Article Link

    Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
    Lead The Game

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:
    Denise Russo
    Andy Hughes
    Samantha Powell
    School of Thoughts

    Where you can subscribe and listen:
    Apple Podcasts
    Spotify
    Amazon Music
    Podcast Index
    Podcast Addict

    Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

    Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • 61 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 3 - That Little Voice in Your Head
    May 8 2024

    Discover the keys to unlocking true happiness Denise and co-host Samantha Powell, delve into Mo Gawdat's enlightening perspective from "Solve for Happy." Our minds are intricate labyrinths, and it's easy to confuse the tools of our thoughts for the essence of who we are. In a candid chat, Denise and Sam explore this distinctive notion, offering you a fresh outlook on the transient nature of emotions and the illusionary veil that thoughts often cast over our reality. This episode guides you through the maze, detaching from the internal chatter and approaching life with a newfound sense of neutrality that paves the way to joy.

    Ever find yourself stuck in a loop of negative thoughts and inaction? We've all been there, but this conversation sheds light on the science behind why our brains get caught in these cycles and, more importantly, how to break free. With insights into the complex network of neurons that shape our thinking patterns, we discuss practical strategies that can help you step out of paralysis and into a world of proactive living. From the 'suffering cycle' to mindfulness, this episode unpacks the emotional tools that lead to a more fulfilling and productive life, featuring an up-close and personal story that brings the theory into the tangible.

    Wrapping up our journey, we challenge the myth of multitasking and advocate the art of single-tasking, which can significantly boost your focus and efficiency. The mantra 'shut the duck up' becomes your ally in silencing mental noise, and I share a simple yet powerful mindfulness exercise that cultivates presence and enhances personal productivity. Our discussion on positive thinking, backed by research, might just be the nudge you need to adopt the 'fake it till you make it' mindset. So, tune into this episode for an engaging escape into the realms of the mind—because the pathway to happiness is just a thought away.

    Additional Resources:

    Order: Solve for Happy

    The How of Happiness
    website

    The Passion Planner
    Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

    Denise Russo's Website
    www.schoolofthoughts.net

    Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
    Forbes Article Link

    Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
    Lead The Game

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:
    Denise Russo
    Andy Hughes
    Samantha Powell
    School of Thoughts

    Where you can subscribe and listen:
    Apple Podcasts
    Spotify

    Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

    Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • 60 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 2 - 6-7-5
    May 1 2024

    Have you ever felt like happiness is a puzzle you just can't solve? Join Denise Russo and co-host, Sam Powell, as they journey through Mo Gawdat's enlightening book "Solve for Happy," dissecting the roots of our emotional states from confusion to joy. In our latest episode, we compare thoughts to seeds—each one capable of growing into a strong, resilient tree or a pestilent weed. Sharing from the heart, Sam and I intertwine personal stories of weathering life’s storms, underscoring the importance of a mindset that stands firm in the face of adversity, fostering growth and, ultimately, happiness.

    Denise and Sam unravel the intricate web of emotional states that define our lives, using gardening as a metaphor for the cultivation of our mental well-being. As we navigate the spectrum from confusion to joy, we discuss how early experiences shape our adult lives and ponder the ways we can guide ourselves out of states of suffering. The conversation takes us through the thorny path of negative thoughts, which need to be addressed at their root, and the art of growing through adversity instead of seeking distraction in escape.

    In their chapter discussion, they leave you with seeds of thought that, once planted, can bloom into a personal model of happiness. I extend heartfelt thanks for the wisdom shared and the perspectives gained. We invite you to engage with the transformative ideas from Mo Gawdat's work, and, as you tend to your own garden of thoughts, may you too find your own version of happiness. Check the show notes for links to "Solve for Happy" and additional resources that can further nourish your journey.

    Additional Resources:

    Order: Solve for Happy

    The How of Happiness
    website

    The Passion Planner
    Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

    Denise Russo's Website
    www.schoolofthoughts.net

    Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
    Forbes Article Link

    Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
    Lead The Game

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:
    Denise Russo
    Andy Hughes
    Samantha Powell
    School of Thoughts

    Where you can subscribe and listen:
    Apple Podcasts
    Spotify
    Amazon Music
    Podcast Index
    Podcast Addict

    Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

    Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • 59 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 1 - Setting Up The Equation
    Apr 24 2024

    Can happiness truly be solved like a mathematical equation? That's the tantalizing promise of our latest discussion on "What's On Your Bookshelf," where Denise Russo and Sam Powell dissect the happiness equation from "Solve for Happy." We challenge the myths that cloud our understanding of joy, suggesting that contentment isn't just a fortunate coincidence but our natural state of being. As we share tales from our own lives and those of the famous, we uncover that success may follow happiness, not the other way around. Join us as we swap stories and insights on how shedding old habits and embracing new perspectives can steer us toward a life brimming with joy.

    Have you ever considered that your expectations might be the thief of your contentment? This episode takes a deep look at the role perceptions and expectations play in our happiness, drawing a line between our life's events and the stories we tell ourselves about them. Reversing negative thoughts and experiences might just be the key to reclaiming our innate happiness. Our discussion is peppered with both celebrity anecdotes and our personal journeys, as we illustrate that true success is often a byproduct of happiness, not its precursor.

    Wrapping up with an exploration of happiness versus suffering, we reflect on the poignant lessons from Miley Cyrus's Grammy-winning moment. We share a poignant exercise that involves drafting a 'happy list', highlighting the importance of recognizing what genuinely brings us joy. I offer a glimpse into my own list, emphasizing faith, family, and life's simple joys. We conclude by pondering the narratives that shape our emotional landscape, and how we have the power to rewrite them in pursuit of a happier life. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that celebrates the stories from our bookshelves and their capacity to stir a gamut of emotions, guiding us closer to happiness.

    Additional Resources:

    Order: Solve for Happy

    The How of Happiness
    website

    The Passion Planner
    Passion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?C

    Denise Russo's Website
    www.schoolofthoughts.net

    Denise Russo's Forbes Articles
    Forbes Article Link

    Samantha Powell's Website and Blog
    Lead The Game

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:
    Denise Russo
    Andy Hughes
    Samantha Powell
    School of Thoughts

    Where you can subscribe and listen:
    Apple Podcasts
    Spotify

    Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

    Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

    Show More Show Less
    30 mins