The Better People Podcast is simply about building a better self.
Too often we're placed in situations where we don't know how to manage basic communication, conflict resolution, and etiquette. The Better People Podcast is here to help.
Together, we'll learn how to establish your core values, communicate better, and provide weekly encouragement to improve ourselves
Join us each Tuesday morning for a brand new episode hosted by yours truly, along with the occasional special guest.
Is it possible to buy happiness?
We can buy many things like fast food, peaceful hotel stays, and memorable moments on vacation, but can we actually buy happiness?
In today's episode Rhonda Ramirez, LPC from Central Texas and host Tom Warner discuss ways to buy happiness, and "free" ways of finding it.
SUBSCRIBE:
We'd love to hear from you!
How can your environment affect mood and stress? It's really a question of "How do you feel about it?" The stress of seeing an unmade bed to one person may be of little concern to another.
It comes down to how it affects you.
Studies do show the way we perceive our environments carries into how we handle situations.
Which is easier?
This isn't to say we all have the same standards, but it's important to know our environment affects how we react to situations. Is your environment productive or chaotic?
As always, thanks for listening!
HOSTS:
SUBSCRIBE:
We'd love to hear from you!
In this episode, we discuss how our furry friends can help save the day when it comes to battling stress and anxiety.
HOSTS:
SUBSCRIBE:
We'd love to hear from you!
Art allows us to express ourselves, and it can help relieve stress.
Rhonda Ramirez, LPC from Central Texas, discusses her personal passion for art along with how you too should appreciate it for a less-stress life.
SUBSCRIBE:
We'd love to hear from you!
How do I know when I should rest? You'd think that's an easy question, but we're asking it, so is it really?
Rhonda Ramirez, LPC, from Central Texas presents a thought-provoking question about the signs to look for when it's time to take a break.
ORIGINAL POST: https://bit.ly/3jSCwwi
SUBSCRIBE:
We'd love to hear from you!
How can you tell when you've achieved balanced mental health?
In this episode Rhonda Ramirez, LPC, goes into detail about the signs she's looking for with her clients.
Side Note: If you're in counseling, that's definitely a discussion to have with YOUR counselor.
SUBSCRIBE:
We'd love to hear from you!
Last week we discussed the known dangers of social media.
This week let's talk about the benefits of social media to our mental health. Yes, they do exist, but like most things in life, it's good in moderation.
SUBSCRIBE:
We'd love to hear from you!
With all the good social media has brought, have we ever stopped to think about "the bad"? In this episode, Tom Warner and Rhonda Ramirez discuss the dangers of social media and how it affects our self-image and mental health.
SUBSCRIBE:
We'd love to hear from you!
Anxiety! Many of us have it, but what are some quick methods to deal with its sudden onset? Rhonda Ramirez, LPC provides some tips on how to deal with acute panic attacks or the sudden onset of anxiety.
Note: These aren't long-term replacement methods, but they might be able to help until you can make a more long-term change in yourself and your environment. Always seek the advice of a professional.
SUBSCRIBE:
We'd love to hear from you!
You've heard the phrase, "Live in the Moment", but what does it mean?
In today's episode of The Better People Podcast, Rhonda Ramirez discusses what it means to "Live in the Moment" and ways to use it to calm down and ease anxiety.
SUBSCRIBE:
We'd love to hear from you!
We're often told to "Stay positive!" It sounds like a great idea, but to what extent? It's okay to feel your feelings. It's okay to process how you feel, and sometimes that feeling isn't positive.
In today's episode, Rhonda Ramirez describes the subject of "toxic positivity" and the best ways of working through your feelings without resorting to surface-level statements.
SUBSCRIBE:
We'd love to hear from you!
A "year end review" is a great way to mark your achievements and areas of improvement in your life over the course of the past year and illustrate opportunities for growth in the next.
ORIGINAL POST: https://bit.ly/3FBu65n
Consider making a list starting with the good, then emphasizing areas of improvement which can help you longterm. There's no wrong way to start one.
Remember, progress over perfection!
SUBSCRIBE:
We'd love to hear from you!
SUBSCRIBE:
Today, we try to answer the question, "I need a counselor, now what?"
Rhonda Ramirez, LPC, provides a list of resources on how and where to seek counseling services. She provides details on agencies you can reach out to, including how to seek counseling if budget is a concern.
Helpful links and resources to find a counselor:
We'd love to hear from you!
SUBSCRIBE:
It's common to feel different during the holidays. Shorter days, longer nights and a complete change in routine affects us all. For some, it can become a problem known as Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Seasonal Affective Disorder also referred to as S.A.D. affects thousands and is characterized as a form of depression that coincides with the holidays, although it's not necessarily exclusive to this time of year.
In today's episode, we speak to Rhonda Ramirez, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based out of Central Texas. She provides tips to help understand the symptoms along with methods that can help ease the onset of SAD and hopefully allow us to become better people.
We'd love to hear from you!
SUBSCRIBE:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3tij3HD
Spotify Podcasts: https://spoti.fi/2ZjuIg4
ORIGINAL POST: https://bit.ly/2ZQolRJ
Let's talk about conflict! More specifically, we're talking about "conflict resolution" between friends, relatives/family, and co-workers. There is so much we can accomplish when we work to resolve conflict and reduce friction in our friendships and relationships.
In today's episode Rhonda Ramirez, LPC, provides her expertise on resolving conflicts and how to be better people.
We'd love to hear from you!
"Introverts Unite! Separately, in your own homes!" That sounds like something that should be on a t-shirt, actually, it is.
When you're at a public event do you feel energized, or drained?
For many, it's the latter, and if you're one to feel energized, don't worry, we have some information about you too.
In today's episode of "The Better People Podcast", Rhonda Ramirez, an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) in Central Texas gives her insight in how to deal with people if you're an introvert.
We first have to identify what it means and doesn't mean to be an introvert.
First, being an introvert does not mean you don't like people. It simply means your "energy" is derived from yourself vs. from other people. We're not talking about any type of mysticism when we say "energy". It means you've developed ways of recharging internally through solace.
In this episode, we discuss the book: "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking"
We'd love to hear from you!
Drop us an email at hello@betterpeoplepodcast.com
Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/betterpeoplepodcast
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/betterpeoplepod
Have you ever been given a truth you felt was so impactful to your life you thought others should know about it too? That's how I felt when I first read the book, "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie
In our day and age we've let the issues of politics and general disagreements influence our ability to resolve conflict. Scores of people refuse to answer their phones or engage in conversation leading to further "social distancing". We hide behind text messages, emails, and chat screens refusing to deal with our problems.
It's time to start behaving like we really care, and to do that requires good ole' fashioned dialogue.
That's what we discuss today as well as some basic principles in the above mentioned book by Dale Carnegie.
Also, you're invited to join a new Facebook book club called "Progress Over Perfection" For the remainder of this month we're reading the book "Atomic Habits" by James Clear
As always, thanks for listening!
Visit BetterPeoplePodcast.com and let's connect!
Here's a personal update from, Tom Warner.
Folks, why should you listen to someone who doesn't take their own advice?
I took a break for a few weeks so I could handle some personal matters dealing with depression.
I'm seeing a counselor and right now my prognosis is good.
In this episode, you'll hear a little about what I went through and how with the aid of a counselor along with continuing to build healthy habits I'm seeing some light at the end of the tunnel.
--
We go through the gamut in today's episode. Our guest, Rhonda Ramirez, LPC, discusses the importance of seeking counseling, and how it can help with life changes. We even compare the differences between a counselor and a life coach.
Visit betterpeoplepodcast.com for more information.
Send us an email at hello@betterpeoplepodcast.com
Like Us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
In today's show we bring back our resident guest, Rhonda Ramirez a Licensed Professional Counselor from central Texas as we discuss how to handle backtracking on our goals.
Today, Rhonda Ramirez, a Licensed Professional Counselor from Central Texas, joins me on the show to discuss the popular topic of "Self Care". She addresses the overall meaning, and how it can sometimes be misused, but don't fret, she also explains a few coping techniques to help keep us on track.
We're going to continue this series out over the next few weeks as we address additional Self-Care techniques, stress coping actions, and habits you can form to help work through anxiety.
If you have an idea for a topic, or perhaps you've developed your own life hack you'd like others to know about, send an email to hello@betterpeoplepodcast.com.
As always, thanks for listening!
Building Your Core - Key Points
Today we talk with Shannon Bralley, an upcoming leader in a movement that focuses on the items, thoughts, and overall mindset that could be distracting you from the things that are most important to you. We're learning how to embrace minimalism.
Links and Resources Discussed:
Last week we wrapped up the first iteration of our Building Your Core series last week by listening to your instincts. I encourage you to listen to the first 5 or 6 episodes of the Better People Podcast to help establish who you are and can be. We'll likely revisit that part of the series in the future, and I'm sure it will be revised as new techniques are made available. We'll make mention of previously used techniques as we continue which is why it's important to be familiar with Building Your Core.
If you have an idea for a topic, or perhaps you've developed your own life hack you'd like others to know about, send an email to hello@betterpeoplepodcast.com.
As always, thanks for listening.
Building Your Core - Main Points
I'm Tom Warner and welcome to the Better People Podcast!
Today's episode is going to be a bit somber. A coworker passed away today. He was a good man and added value to those who knew him. I'm not going to focus on his passing. Instead, I'm going to focus on instincts. In this case, my instincts said I needed to pay him a visit prior to his passing, but I decided I didn't have time.
In her book "The 5 Second Rule", Mel Robbins stresses taking action when the moment hits, move in the direction of your instinct. She uses a technique of counting down from 5 to launch yourself in the direction you need to go.
Often when we're met with that small voice that says to do something, we need to do it. I'm all for thinking things through, but there are some actions that don't require thinking. Pay that person a compliment, write that thank you letter, make that phone call. Sometimes you have to shoot your shot without overthinking. If it's meant to happen it will happen.
Visiting my friend wouldn't have delayed his passing, but it's something I could say I did. What opportunities have you possibly missed out on because you waited? Don't wait, 5-4-3-2-1, go.
Remember
Remember to join us Tuesday mornings for a brand new episode of the Better People Podcast.
Say hi by emailing hello@betterpeoplepodcast.com.
Let us know in which areas you'd like to improve.
Thanks for listening!
I'm Tom Warner and welcome to the Better People Podcast!
Thanks for joining us! Today we're continuing our focus on defining who you are by building your core, this is part 5, Be Intentional.
We've talked about journaling, remembering who's in control of our thoughts, developing healthy routines, and identifying stress.
Today, we're going to talk about being intentional with your actions. Basically, imagine what you want to do, and do it.
Every song, every work of art, building, company, organization and masterpiece began as a thought. That thought becomes a desire, and that desire became an action that leads to its creation. The people who started and finished these things were intentional in their actions to bring these accomplishments to fruition.
Being intentional means being intentional about personal development. It means I want to improve in these areas, and I'm going to start now. It doesn't mean you have everything figured out, it means you're taking steps to get there.
A few years ago I took one of my sons hiking with his scout group at Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glenn Rose, TX. We got separated from our group, I was unfamiliar with the trails, and there was little to no cell phone reception. We were lost and we spent about 3 hours walking trying to find the trailhead, or really anywhere that looked familiar. We backtracked several times, and I was becoming exhausted. I was starting to panic. Eventually, we found a place we could cross the river. The interesting part was this was a key part of the park. One thing you have to know about Dinosaur Valley State Park, as the name implies, is that it's a popular place to see dinosaur tracks. We happened to emerge in the area where the tracks were more prominent. I remember thinking had we just went right back to where we started we would have missed seeing them. I was very tired, and I remember ambling up the stairs to where our group had been cooking hotdogs. The funny part was my son said it was fun and he wanted to do it again. The point of this story is that while I felt were walking in circles, and we were, we were still heading towards a great reward.
What's a good takeaway from this topic?
Do you want to better yourself by going back to school? Then sign-up for a class.
Do you have an idea for a new workflow at work? Tell your boss.
Have you wanted to become more active in your kids' lives? Find a reason to spend quality time with them like going on a walk.
Google that dream of yours and at least start somewhere in your personal growth.
Remember, whatever you're not changing, you're choosing. Listen to that again, whatever you're not changing, you're choosing.
Get out of your comfort zone!
Remember
Remember to join us Tuesday mornings for a brand new episode of the Better People Podcast.
Say hi by emailing hello@betterpeoplepodcast.com.
Let us know in which areas you'd like to improve.
Thanks for listening!
Connect with The Better People Podcast
SUBSCRIBE:
Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/3tij3HD
Google Podcasts - https://bit.ly/3nPOkAq
I'm Tom Warner and welcome to the Better People Podcast! The Better People Podcast, build a better self.
Thanks for joining us!
Today we're continuing our focus on defining who you are by building your core, this is part 4, "Identifying Stress"
Remember, the overall idea behind this process is to help us determine our real selves. Finding your real self means, who are you when you strip away all distractions and comforts.
Today's topic is one I believe we can all universally relate to, and that is stress. With me today is Rhonda Ramirez, a Licensed Professional Counselor from Central Texas.
She is here to talk about identifying stress, and tips on how to manage it.
LinkedIn Profile: Rhonda Ramirez
Here's this week's homework:
Remember to join us Tuesday mornings for a brand new episode of the Better People Podcast.
Say hi by emailing hello@betterpeoplepodcast.com.
Let us know in which areas you'd like to improve. Thanks for listening!
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/3tij3HDGoogle Podcasts - https://bit.ly/3nPOkAq
We're continuing with Building Our Core. Remember, the overall idea behind this process is to help us determine our real selves. Finding your real self means, who are you when you strip away all distractions and comforts.
This one hits home, with me personally as it's something I'm still struggling with. Today we're talking about setting a routine. We've been focusing on waking early and keeping a journal to help plan your day, let's expand on this by creating a healthy routine.
You're waking up, journaling, and reflecting, but now what? This next part is a bit more open to you personally. I'll provide my routine, but you can make it your own.
What you plan the night before affects how you start your morning.
What is your breakfast plan? It probably shouldn't be, I'm running to McDonald's or Starbucks. Instead, what is available to you in your kitchen? Are they options one would consider healthy? I tend to make a simple breakfast of scrambled eggs, sometimes with a sliced bell pepper which has been sautéed in a bit of oil, or sometimes cooked with the eggs. I'll add in a little shredded cheese and prepare it with sliced deli ham.
The point is, it doesn't matter what you specifically choose to eat, what matters is that you've built it into your routine. To do that, you should be planning at least the night before, if not a few days before as you shop for food. Common suggestions are foods that can be considered healthy such as oatmeal, cereal, and the aforementioned eggs.
What are you wearing? That sounds like the setup of a terrible joke, but honestly, are you picking your clothes well in advance? This should include a clean shirt, underclothes, socks, and shoes.
Are you taking a shower? Do you have what you need ready?
Are you planning to exercise? Again, are you ready? Are your clothes laid out?
And finally, let's discuss one very important routine you should always stick to. In fact, this could be the first thing, even overriding your journaling. Make your bed. On May 17, 2014, Admiral William H. McRaven told the graduating class of the University of Texas at Austin at their commencement "If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed." In his book titled "Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World" McRaven writes:
“If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter. If you can’t do the little things right, you will never do the big things right. And, if by chance you have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is made—that you made—and a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better. If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.”
Some may be thinking I'm providing common-sense advice. I hope it is, but as a person who has and does suffer from depression and anxiety, I've found when I stray from these routines my life slowly devolves. Maybe I sleep in later, and then the next day I sleep in just a bit later. I forget to make my bed, eat. I forget to shower. I forget to journal, reflect and pray. Maybe I can get by for a few days, I'll start again tomorrow, next week. Eventually, you're back to living by the seat of your pants.
Say hi by emailing hello@betterpeoplepodcast.com
SUBSCRIBE:
Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/3tij3HD
Google Podcasts - https://bit.ly/3nPOkAq
Last week we talked about starting your morning with journaling. Journaling is a great way to organize your thoughts of the day and find balance. Be sure you continue to do so. We also talked about the book, "The 5AM Club: Own Your Morning. Elevate Your Life." by Robin Sharma. If you missed it, check out Episode 1.
We're continuing this week with Building Our Core.
Imagine a situation where you lose your job, money, and family. At the end of the day, who are you? Would you continue to be kind to others in the same way you did before? That's the question. It's really a hypothetical one, but it's good to think about these things so you can set boundaries and the "lows" at which you'll still be a good human. I also hope we don't have to face these circumstances, but I know people have and do, far too often. A common theme though is many who have hit rock bottom and rose again say the experience taught them a lot about themselves and made them better people.
The world owes us nothing. Nor is the world out to get you. The world doesn't really care. I don't mean that to sound negative. Sure there are people in the world who may have a grievance, and sure, there are people who do care about you, but in general, there's not some cosmic force plotting to ruin your life. All the feelings of anger you may feel are simply the way you choose to react. Choose to react negatively, and guess what you'll feel negative. Choose to see the event as an opportunity for growth, and that is what it will be.
People will be mean to you, sometimes on purpose, but most of the time, it's just because they are living their lives, just like you. Day-to-day, they're not thinking about how their actions will affect you, and it's really not their responsibility to do so. It's up to you to choose how to react.
There are definitely toxic people out there, but more often we use our perception of an event to tell us how to feel instead of saying "Perhaps this person is unaware of their actions, perhaps they've had a bad day and aren't aware of the image they are projecting." Keep in mind, the only person you can change is yourself. You cannot change a person, only the way you react to them.
Someone at work says something we interpret to mean they're against us or mad, or trying to assert themselves over us. Our reaction is to get mad. Maybe that is their intention, it's most often not, but let's say it is. Why are you giving control over your emotions to them? Stop it! You control how you feel.
Is all of this easier said than done? It sure is. I have my struggles. Perhaps there's a project update or reply to the boss I'm prepared to make, and then someone else beats me to it. I have to tell myself the end result is more important, not who shared it. I know that sounds petty, but that's one item I hear come up from others, and what I just said about "The overall result is what's important." is exactly what I say. So why shouldn't I follow my own advice?
This week's takeaway is simply this. Define who you can be at life's worst moments. Is it someone you can still be proud of? And remember, you control your thoughts. The world isn't plotting against you. Keep waking up early, keep updating your journal, and keep trying to be a better person.
Remember to join us each Monday morning for a brand new episode hosted by yours truly.
Say hi by emailing hello@betterpeoplepodcast.com. Let us know in which areas you'd like to improve.
Thanks for listening!
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/3tij3HD
Google Podcasts - https://bit.ly/3nPOkAq
Thanks for joining us!
Today we're going to focus on defining who you are by building your core, but before we get into that, let's have a heart-to-heart talk.
Recommended Reading:
"The 5AM Club: Own Your Morning. Elevate Your Life." by Robin Sharma
The 5AM Club focuses on waking up early to start and own your morning. It's written in a story-form style which centers around the plight of an "Entrepreneur", an "Artist", a "Billionaire" and a man they refer to as the "Spell-binder". I recommend it because many of the principals fall in line with what we're going to focus on in the Better People Podcast.
Recommended Purchase:
"Amazon Basics Classic Lined Notebooks, 240 Pages, Hardcover - Ruled"
If there was a take-away from today's show, it's this. Wake-up early and start journaling. If you read "The 5AM Club" it's recommended to start your morning with exercise. I happen to agree and it's something I'm working to focus on. Baby steps.
If you'd like to see an example of my journal format, click here.
We'll have part II of building your core next week.
Remember to join us each Monday morning for a brand new episode hosted by yours truly, along with the occasional special guest.
Say hi by emailing hello@betterpeoplepodcast.com. Let us know in which areas you'd like to improve.
Thanks for listening!
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/3tij3HD
Google Podcasts - https://bit.ly/3nPOkAq
I'm Tom Warner and welcome to the Better People Podcast! The Better People Podcast is simply about building a better self.
Too often we're placed in situations where we don't know how to manage basic communication, conflict resolution, and etiquette. The Better People Podcast is here to help.
Together, we'll learn how to establish your core values, communicate better, and provide weekly encouragement to improve ourselves
Join us each Monday morning for a brand new episode hosted by yours truly, along with the occasional special guest.
Say hi by emailing hello@betterpeoplepodcast.com. Let us know in which areas you'd like to improve.
Stay tuned, and let's Build Better People!