The EnRich Your Soul Podcast: Recent Episodes
Rich Bracken
Welcome to The EnRich Your Soul podcast hosted by Rich Bracken!
Rich is a global keynote speaker covering topics such as emotional intelligence, leadership and goal achievement.
Each episode of this podcast will discuss ways to address the obstacles in your life and help you learn how to put your heart and soul into everything you do.
Each episode features a key message or a guest who has overcome their own obstacles in life to achieve greatness.
Learn more about Rich and his mission at http://richbracken.com
Do you struggle moving through fear to make things happen?
Now, this doesn’t have to be working through a traumatic fear (see also snakes and spiders for me) but that little fear that makes you talk yourself out of opportunities, goals, and pursuing the life that you truly want.
In this episode, I discuss how I’ve worked with and through fear in my own life and how you can use fear to your advantage as you pursue growth opportunities. I’ll share words of wisdom that have helped me manage my own fears from Anna Greenberg and Jess King of Peloton as well as one of my all-time favorites, Mel Robbins.
Check out richbracken.com for more episodes and content to help you reach and sustain your goals!
Have you ever felt, emotionally or mentally, that you’re walking in the dark or in shadows? That things are difficult and there’s little to no brightness shining through?
Of course you have, we all have.
That’s why I have a better alternative for you.
During a morning meditation with Anna Greenberg of Peloton, she talked about the mental shift of happiness being similar to walking on the sunny side of a city street. With the one side of being a bit darker and shadowed, because the sun’s behind buildings, vs. the sunnier side across the street.
We tend to walk on the colder, darker side when things are incredibly tough and challenging. But even that meditative shift to the sunnier side of the street brings about feelings of warmth, happiness, and light.
In this episode, I share how I crossed to the sunny side amidst struggle and how you can move to the other side of the street mentally and begin to feel better immediately.
Ever feel like you’re caught in this rut or a storm of frustration and you’re just wondering “why me?”
We’ve all been there and it’s a suffocating feeling to not know which way is up on certain days. It’s when we stop and realize that the storm is actually clearing the way for better days that we embrace these times as opportunities to learn, grow stronger, and improve who we are as people.
In this episode, I share how tough times are like sculpting a statue. You’ve got to manage the pressure and removing unnecessary weight and things from your life to become the work of are you are deep down.
For more content like this, please subscribe to this channel and The EnRich Your Soul Podcast on your favorite podcast platform!
For more information about booking me to help your company, conference or cause as a keynote speaker or consultant, please contact rich@richbracken.com.
You can learn more about me at richbracken.com
Thank you for stopping by!
There are times in our lives where we take on a ton mentally and emotionally. Especially in the last few years, there have been more and more reports of people suffering from anxiety and burnout because of the stress they put on themselves to perform while managing their mental and physical state.
While we are all familiar with the feelings of stress, are you aware of how it actually affects your physical and mental wellbeing as well as your ability to have mental capacity for critical thought?
In this episode, I share the impacts that stress and anxiety can have on your brain, your physical wellness, and how you can get mentally unstuck when you are feeling out of inspiration.
We all do it.
We speak to ourselves in a defeatist, finite tone that limits where we are and where we can go.
Don’t think you have?
Have you ever said “I can’t do…” “I can’t figure out…” “I don’t know…” Sure you have, we all have.
This is where it changes with one simple word: yet.
By adding “yet” to the end of any statement that applies to your growth, learning, goal achievement, or abilities, you open the door for progress. I kinda knew it worked for me when I was conscious in doing it, but when my easily frustrated 6 year old started changing his mentality by doing it, I knew there was something there.
In this episode, I share how the addition of the word “yet” can blow open a world of success and achievement when you feel stuck in life and down on your ability to improve it.
For more episodes, content, and contact info, visit richbracken.com
We’ve all been there before….
You wake up and your emotions and thoughts are off to the races and you become the mental/emotional equivalent of the dog walker holding onto the leash trying to keep up with the gigantic dog who’s chasing something.
This sometimes goes on until you lay your head down that night. Just hanging on for dear life, unaware of where the hell you’re going and what you’re feeling from minute to minute. You feel frazzled during the day, uneasy every second, and then completely baffled at the end of the day wondering “What just happened??”
I too have felt that and found myself in an exercise this morning that changed the game for me.
While I have love and respect for my go-to Peloton meditation instructors Anna Greenberg, Ross Rayburn, and Kirra Michel, Aditi Shah blew my world wide open this morning.
In this episode, I share the exercise that transformed my mental and emotional clarity and how I combined it with a recent article I read on how we should be more specific when describing our emotions. The pairing of these two has brought me an immense amount of joy and energy and I had to share it with you.
We live in a distracted society, full stop.
With our attention span being at that of a goldfish, it’s no wonder there studies galore about how our focus and productivity is being demolished by the day.
Consider these statistics:
- CARLETON UNIVERSITY SURVEYED 1,500 PEOPLE IN SIX ORGANISATIONS AND FOUND THAT, ON AVERAGE, THEY WORKED 47.2 HOURS A WEEK AND SPENT 17 OF THOSE HOURS ON EMAIL.
- EMAIL INTERRUPTIONS INCREASE EMPLOYEES TIME ON TASKS BY ONE-THIRD.
- THE AVERAGE OFFICE WORKER IS PRODUCTIVE FOR ONLY THREE HOURS A DAY.
- 36% OF MILLENNIALS AND GEN Z ADMIT TO SPENDING TWO HOURS OR MORE CHECKING THEIR SMARTPHONES AT WORK.
Source: Sereneapp.com
So, if you’re a motivated, goal-achieving person, how do you battle these odds?
Simple, starve your distractions and feed your focus.
In this episode, I share some top tips on how to reduce (or eliminate) distractions from your day to strengthen your focus, energy, and productivity. All of these tips provide instants lifts and cost nothing to achieve.
As mentioned in the episode, I am also sharing my go-to work focus playlists on Spotify. Feel free to use and follow as I’ll be updating these.
House Focus - Instrumental chill/tropical house music for a good focused groove.
Brain Food - Experimental electronica created to spark your focus and creativity.
Best Classical for Work - The classics to make you feel focused and help you create that creative masterpiece.
It’s not often that you hear the words harp, piano, metal, gothic, and award-winning in the same description of someone, but here we are.
Lindsay Schoolcraft is a one-of-a-kind musician and talent. Her music is the perfect blend of beauty and emotion with some haunting, darker tones. She combines her classically trained voice and talent with the energy and power of metal music.
To see her perform and listen to her messages in music is an absolute game-changer, to talk to her and get to know her is a blessing.
In this episode, we discuss her musical upbringing, her passion for storytelling, and how she blends her unique sound to capture the hearts and minds of millions.
We also discuss the critical nature of discovering your voice in the world and not being afraid to own who you are and how you feel. This approach has allowed her to have a genuine connection with people and fans all of the world and she shares messages on how everyone can own their story and connections in the world.
She also shares how the pandemic affected her work style and how it’s opened up new opportunities to perform and to coach and consult other musicians.
You can learn more about Lindsay on her website, Instagram, or Patreon. You can also follow her Spotify channel to hear her amazing music.
It’s such a special opportunity to mark 150 episodes, on my birthday, with one of my favorite singers and people in the world!! Thank you for all your support!
About Lindsay
Juno Nominated Lindsay Schoolcraft composes and performs Ethereal Gothic music exploring orchestral soundscapes and heavy metal. From the small city of Oshawa, Canada, LINDSAY is a hauntingly enchanting Singer, Harpist, and Pianist, and was presented with the 2021 Oshawa Music Award for Artist of the Year. Releasing her own solo work since 2010 with the debut full length metal album Martyr, co-written by Grammy Award Winner Rocky Gray (Formerly Evanescence), releasing in 2019, and her harp-driven, orchestral offering Worlds Away in 2020.
Her music is elegant and yet powerful, delivering a compelling sound fuelled by raw emotion. Lindsay’s style prevails effortlessly through every composition whether focusing solely on orchestral instrumentation or delving into the realms of heavy music. Lindsay received her musical education from established vocal instructors, the Royal Conservatory of Music (Toronto), and briefly at York University for Opera and Theory studies. She continues today to study in the fields of business, musical theory, and music production.
Lindsay works with a wide variety of artists and different sub-genres in metal. She has recently featured on gothic-metalcore hitmakers MOTIONLESS IN WHITE’s “Cyberhex”, hardcore outfit CANCER BATS’ “Hail the Acoustic Destroyer”, black/folk metal artist MYRKUR’s single “Rivers Blessed” on harp, and released “Stolen Light” with Sarah Jezebel Deva. Lindsay embraces the creativity of musicians around the world leading to the production of some extraordinary collaborations.
What is the best version of yourself?
Before you give that answer too much thought, I want you to also stop and ask yourself, “When was the last time I invested in my own clarity and confidence?”
What I mean by this is that we are typically running on the treadmill of life; exhausting ourselves and not going anywhere because we get caught up in the day to day of demands. We rarely step off the treadmill just to check in with ourselves and we often miss valuable time and opportunity because of that.
I spent the morning in longer meditation than normal and wound up taking a class from Aditi Shah of Peloton. It was a class called “Peak Performance” and the mentality that she shared with me was transformative and I couldn’t wait to share it with you.
This episode will transform how you view the best version of yourself and allow you to free yourself from the mental restraints that yourself and others have placed on you.
Stress, worry, and anxiety can make you feel like you’re wandering around in the dark with no direction. While these times feel like they take forever and there’s not an end in sight, they truly are temporary; just a page or two in the story of you.
To increase your self-management and emotional intelligence, do these three things:
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Remind yourself that this is temporary. Knowing that a finish line is out there somewhere will clear your thoughts.
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Find 1 thing to have gratitude for. It’s the little positive steps that walk us out of the dark.
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Reach out to a supportive friend.
They can help you find your way out.
For more information about booking me to help your company, conference or cause as a keynote speaker or consultant, please contact rich@richbracken.com. You can learn more about me at richbracken.com
If you’re like most of us, you have ups and downs, ebbs and flows of life that may find you in a place of stagnation. Maybe you’re feeling over-protective of yourself, afraid to step out of your comfort to try something new or go after a goal or change you’ve been wanting to pursue.
Just kidding, we’ve ALL been there.
That’s why this episode is a bit different than most. In this episode, I share my thoughts about digging deep within yourself, to that place that blends your purpose, determination, and resilience to turn and face your fears with a smile.
Whether you’re battling self-doubt, insecurity, or you’re just flat out scared of change (most of us are) this is absolutely for you.
Take a listen and know that I’m cheering on what’s about to happen for you!
Way before I was a speaker and podcaster, I was a DJ. It started as a semi-fluke when I was a 15 year old and became one of my favorite things in the world for the following 25 years. Avicii, Kelly Rowland, Roger Sanchez, Betty Who, were some of the brilliant names I performed with during my career and I got to play for crowds in Chicago, Vegas, Miami, London, Boston and scores of others.
What I will say is that for those who think DJing is just pushing a couple of buttons (ok for some people pretending to be DJ’s it is) it is a much more complicated scenario than you think.
In this episode, I share 5 of my life lessons that DJing taught me that have carried over into my personal and professional worlds. These educational opportunities provided me clarity on my self-worth, personal branding, communication, and relationship management.
As a bonus, I’m excited to share one of my favorite mixes that I did a few years back that has still held up well. Even if you call all dance music “techno” there will be some familiar songs remixed in here. So whether you are reminiscing on a time where I got to play for you, or you just need some motivation to move your body, I hope you enjoy it.
Life is tough.
Even before the pandemic, millions were dealing with issues that affected their emotional and mental well-being while keeping their feelings to themselves.
Even with the conversation around mental health and self-care becoming more prevalent, there are still way too many people keeping themselves in the dark, out of fear, embarrassment, or sheer confusion on what to do.
It's time we open the blinds of our mental house, to let the light in and shine light on what we need help with. This conversation encourages you to reach out if you're struggling, or if you know someone who might be.
For more information about booking me to help your company, conference or cause as a keynote speaker or consultant, please contact rich@richbracken.com.
You can learn more about me at richbracken.com Thank you for stopping by!
Life is tough, challenging, and can throw you for a loop when you least expect it. This existed before the pandemic and has become a mental and emotional dodgeball game ever since.
The silver lining is that more and more conversations are happening about self-care, mental health awareness, and how we can be better people holistically every single day.
In this episode, I chat with Natalie Ottosen, Founder of Soul Sister Coaching. She is a Certified Transformational Life Coach, Reiki practitioner and Astrologist. She is also a Mother to two amazing children, wife to an adoring husband, and seeker of light and truth.
Natalie leverages her knowledge with her experience battling traumas with fitting in, self-love, self-worth, and finding her place in this world. She’s now on a mission to help others like yourself, find your place, your love and your worth.
We discuss her path to becoming a Life Coach, how she incorporates energy work and astrology with her clients, the benefits of meditation, and how you can live a Soul Led Life.
She offers courses, coaching and a fantastic monthly membership engagement that’s full of value added content at soulsistercoaching.com.
I have always been a proponent of being absolutely authentic on social media; it’s actually why I started this podcast. It’s refreshing to see people bring their true selves to any social platform to share their personality, get their messages across, or just have fun.
Nobody does it better than Britney Crosson.
As a podcaster, social media company owner, and Peloton/Wine/Comedy social media influencer, Britney quickly became one of my favorite accounts to follow to inspire and entertain me. Her blend of social media tips with hilarious dancing videos (sometimes even on her Peloton equipment) are incredibly fun to watch.
In this episode, Britney and I discuss tons of topics including the power of social media, how to step into your authentic brand, and how to balance life as a business owner.
You can learn more about Britney at britneycrosson.com and her company Fun Love Media funlovemedia.com.
About Britney
Britney Crosson is the host and producer of The Social Sunshine Podcast, owner of Fun Love Media, a social media management and content creation agency based in Houston, TX, and the founder of Small Biz Social Society, a membership that helps ambitious entrepreneurs stand out on social media. As a performer from the age of 3 with a total of 30+ years experience on stage and screen, Britney developed a natural love for being in front of audiences via social media. She has used her love of social media and her experience as an actor and dancer to help her clients, membership members and podcast audience to use their existing talents, skills and knowledge to create exciting online content for their businesses. When she's not working hard on her businesses, you can find her having a dance party with her two kiddos or cuddled up on the couch with wine and her husband watching their favorite tv shows.
As you progress to goals, happiness, & success, you will have to make changes.
There will be things that remain the same, but some habits, people, tendencies, will have to go. We can not improve our lives by living the same way that we currently are.
In this episode, I will share the value of the self-audit to optimize your time, your energy, and your “emotional gas tank” on the road to success. This will empower you to choose what serves you and provides you with the drive to push through.
I will also share a special announcement as part of this episode to show that I’m walking the talk.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #141 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST I’m a huge fan of seeing people succeed. It brings me joy to watch people build their presence, their voice, and their success.
It makes me even happier to watch it happen to someone I’ve known for a long time. Like, Middle School long time.
Erin Lopez is a friend that I’ve known for a long time and in the past several years, I’ve applauded her explosion as a positive personality in the worlds of business, women empowerment, and speaking. She brings a background of success and humility to her energetic social media content and her speaking engagements as she encourages other women to find their own success.
In this episode, Erin shares her path to success and what she holds near and dear to her heart that continues to drive her, and support others.
We discuss:
- Her journey to success
- Her jump from corporate to entrepreneurship
- Advice to anyone starting a business to invest in themselves
- The strength of an authentic personal brand
- How to strike balance in life
You can learn more about Erin on her Instagram page at @alopezlifestyle and on her Facebook page and her website www.alopezlifestyle.com.
About Erin
Erin took her 25 years of the fashion industry along with her business mindset to the world of network marketing. She quickly grew an organic organization in a few short years and became a top earner and leader of the industry. Don't be fooled by her smile, she knew nothing of the industry and was determined to learn every bit of it while claiming her way to the top. Through her social media techniques, unique online tools, she has been able to duplicate her success with her personal team while sharing her secrets throughout the industry.
Erin quickly fell in love with knowing that in order to become successful, you have to help others become successful. Successful in business but also in life. Erin is a keynote speaker breathing light and motivation regarding true beauty, mindset breakthroughs, stories that move you out of your seat and how success can look on anyone listening. Erin is captivating and brings her positive energy with a clear message, style and innovative ideas to a room.
She and her husband live in Houston, TX with their two daughters and two golden doodles . If not hustling, she can be found shopping for her select group of wardrobe clients, playing on Tik Tok with her tweens and reading the latest edition of Vogue.
In life, specifically in social media, we are bombarded with images, stories, videos, and other “proof” of success in others. Whether it’s the luxurious vacation sunset, the new car, the growing business, or some other form success example, there are so many who are trying to show their rank.
And why not? I’m sure they deserve what they’ve worked hard for.
But have you ever felt yourself caught up in the image? Frustrated that it’s not you taking the picture of the sunsetting on the ocean, or the crowd, or the car? Have you ever allowed yourself to doubt your own success or journey based off something you’ve seen?
Of course you have, we all have.
In this episode, I share some insights based off observations and self-experience on how success may look one way esthetically, but there’s always a story behind it. Everyone’s definition of success is different when you look at the full picture.
They may be traveling a ton for work, but what is that doing to their family life? How do they balance it? They may be driving a fancy new car, but what nights have they missed or how much sleep have they lost in the pursuit?
So when you consider the full 360 view, what does success look like to you?
In our lives, we will constantly be bombarded by change, uncertainty, and challenge. But when we embrace who we truly are and are open to growth potential, we can withstand anything that comes our way.
Stacie Wimer is a perfect example of that.
She is the host of the Man Shopping Podcast, her own venture into the unknown of sharing her stories as a divorced, single mom, re-entering the dating scene. In her podcast, she bares her soul, her heart, and her bashfulness at times, so that women and men, single or married, can find their own self-appreciation in the midst of finding love.
In this conversation, we discuss:
- Why she started the podcast and what type of response it’s gotten
- What she’s discovered about herself in the process
- How her podcast has helped her open up a strong line of communication with her teenage daughter
- How her vulnerability and self-acceptance journey has helped so many discover their own needs
You can learn more about Stacie at https://manshoppingwithstacie.com or on Instagram @stacie_wimer.
About Stacie
Stacie is an unabashed 43 year old twice divorced single mother of an amazing teenage daughter and the best black lab shelter mutt ever.
She is a pharmaceutical & medical device sales professional by day and a writer, podcaster, cooking & baking enthusiast by night. She is a true extrovert with a passion for helping people.
Born and raised in rural Missouri, Stacie graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a degree in Organizational Communication and Business management. After spending several years living in Minnesota, Kansas, and Georgia, Stacie calls Kansas City, Missouri home.
What are you holding on to?
We all have things that we are carrying consciously, or subconsciously, that constantly drain us or weigh us down. Previous struggles, impostor syndrome, fears, doubts, negative interactions.
We leave that door open behind us to let those negative voices continue to restrict us from moving forward. This prevents us from maximizing our potential and sharing our gifts.
In this episode, I will share a couple of tips on how you can not only identify what those things are that hold you back, but how you can drop them, leave them behind, and kick open the doors in front of you.
When you think about the road to success, what does it look like?
Chances are, it’s an inclining path which gets harder as you get closer to the top.
But, if you zoom in and look closer, there are many ups and down, cliffs to climb and fall off of. It’s never the same for any two people, and these fractures in the the straight line can come at any moment.
So, how to you keep moving up?
In this episode, I share some insights that I’ve learned and witnessed over the years of how to navigate these changes in trajectory while also keeping your eye on the finish line.
For more information about booking me to help your company, conference or cause as a keynote speaker or consultant, please contact rich@richbracken.com.
You can learn more about me at richbracken.com Thank you for stopping by!
Impostor syndrome is a momentum killer.
In certain scenarios, it will prevent you from even starting a new project, goal, or achievement. It's that feeling that we are not worthy of what we achieve or that we might not be qualified enough for certain recognition.
If you've suffered from this, you're not alone. Studies show that 75% of Americans have been halted by impostor syndrome at some point in their life. But what if you could use the problems caused by impostor syndrome to your advantage?
In this episode, I give you three ways that you can turn this horrible status into your advantage!
For more information about booking me to help your company, conference or cause as a keynote speaker or consultant, please contact rich@richbracken.com.
You can learn more about me at richbracken.com Thank you for stopping by!
WELCOME TO EPISODE #135 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST They say art is an escape; a form of self-expression that turns the should and the mind loose. No matter the form, medium, or final product, the process is what takes you on a journey.
If that’s the case, you want Natosha Keefer as your guide.
I’ve been blessed to know Natosha for many years and have watched her emerge as one of the most talented artists in the Midwest. But what she does from an artistic ability is beyond anything I’ve ever seen.
In this episode, Natosha will share her journey in discovering her artistic ability and how she blends it with her energy healing and high empathy to create unique art pieces that are truly one of a kind.
This podcast is unique as Part 2 is over on my Vimeo channel where you will get to see Natosha’s intuitive painting style in action.
You can learn more about Natosha and her talents at natoshasart.com where you can also book your own intuitive painting session. You can also see her art on Instagram at NatoshaKeeferArt.
The news today was shocking: Simone Biles withdrew from the Olympics over mental health and stress concerns.
While I hate that this happens to anyone, especially her, I applaud her decision.
Even with the increased awareness around mental health, we still have a LONG way to go in regards to de-stigmatize the conversation about it.
In this episode, I talk about why Simone’s decision is so admirable, what we can do to further the conversation, and why there’s a double standard when it comes to physical and mental wellness acceptance.
This is a wake up call if you don’t think mental health struggles can affect everyone; it got the G.O.A.T. However, we now see how the best respond: take care of yourself and your boundaries.
If I can be of any support, please reach out to me at rich@richbracken.com.
(Cover Photo Credit: Marvel)
Pre, during, and post-pandemic, we have a major problem with taking proper care of ourselves. The levels of stress, anxiety, and depression have risen in the last two years due to the pandemic, but it was a big problem even before that.
Now, as things are returning to less restrictions, that lack of self-care won’t be changing anytime soon.
So what can we do about it? Be more intentional about taking care of yourself.
In this episode, I share my top 4 self-care options that you can do in under 5 minutes. Now, there are a multitude of options of implementing self-care, but these have worked wonders for me and for those that I speak to and consult. In just 5 minutes, you can enhance your energy, mood, and focus.
This removes the pushback that you don’t have enough time to do these kinds of things and it also shakes off the thought that self-care is a long, time-consuming process. These short disruptions will help you tremendously.
Also, we need to change a communication dynamic in our lives. can we please stop saying “I’m so busy!” You’re not busy, you just haven’t prioritized and delegated properly.
Mini-rant: complete!
If I can be of any support, please reach out to me at rich@richbracken.com.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #132 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST We pass them by in hotels and commercial buildings all the time:
“In case of emergency, break glass.”
This scenario is when we need to put a fire out so it doesn’t get out of control. But what happens when it’s our passions in life that are trapped behind the glass, only to be dipped into on occasion when we want to START a fire?
In this episode, I discuss the dangers of being spread too thin that cause our passions to be trapped behind this glass and how we can break open, and keep open, our passion and focus for life.
If I can be of any support, please reach out to me at rich@richbracken.com.
Have you ever felt stuck?
That there’s more for your to achieve, more to your ever unfolding story, but you’re just not sure how to get there?
Then you’ve come to the right place because Laura Gassner Otting helps people get “unstuck” — and achieve extraordinary results.
In this episode, Laura and I will talk about finding our purpose, overcoming obstacles on the way to our goals, and how we can truly seize our absolute potential.
Through Limitless Possibility, Laura collaborates with change agents, entrepreneurs, investors, leaders, and donors to push past the doubt and indecision that consign great ideas to limbo. She delivers strategic thinking, well-honed wisdom, and catalytic perspective informed by decades of navigating change across the start-up, nonprofit, political, and philanthropic landscapes.
Laura’s 25-year resume is defined by her entrepreneurial edge. She served as a Presidential Appointee in Bill Clinton’s White House, helping shape AmeriCorps; left a leadership role at respected nonprofit search firm, Isaacson, Miller, to expand the startup ExecSearches.com; and founded and ran the Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group, which partnered with the full gamut of mission driven nonprofit executives, from start-up dreamers to scaling social entrepreneurs to global philanthropists. She is the author of Mission-Driven, a book for those moving from profit to purpose, and most recently the author Limitless: How to Ignore Everybody, Carve Your Own Path, and Live Your Best Life, which debuted at #2 on the Washington Post bestseller list, right behind Michelle Obama, and which Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts chose as one of her Favorite Books of 2019.
Visit https://lauragassnerotting.com to learn more about LGO!
I recently read a great LinkedIn post from my friend, Jay Harrington. In this post, he cited another favorite thought leader, Adam Grant, who was discussing the term “languishing” as a big word in 2021 in regards to our mental status.
Grant writes: "Languishing is a sense of stagnation and emptiness. It feels as if you’re muddling through your days, looking at your life through a foggy windshield.”
Even before the pandemic, I’ve experienced this and I’m guessing you probably have, in some form, as well. When we pursue goals or change, sometimes we hit that lull, stagnation, or languish mode that feels like we’re stuck in quicksand.
In this episode, I will share 4 key tips on how to get unstuck in your goal pursuit. All of these have worked for me throughout my personal and professional success, and I’ve used them with executives I’ve coached.
Be sure to let me know which of these you’ll start leveraging (or all 4) to get back on track with your progress.
If I can be of any support, please reach out to me at rich@richbracken.com.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #129 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST In our daily lives, we feel the ebb and flow of emotions and energy that impact our activities and moods. Most of the time, we seem to feel out of control of those emotions.
But what if you could take that control back and have a stronger foundation for success and happiness?
My good friend, and my personal advisor, Danielle Laura, joins me on this podcast to talk about how she works with individuals and couples to find their balance in life and manifest happier, more rewarding lifestyles.
In this episode we discuss:
- Danielle’s journey to her current position as an advisor
- The mental and physical benefits of energy work
- How couples have benefitted from her work
- The critical value of self-love and acceptance
- How to unload the personal mental weight that holds you back
About Danielle
Danielle Laura is a two time number one bestselling and award-winning author, advisor, energy and relationship expert, and founder of the H.O.T. Method™. She founded several companies that better the way we heal and learn.
In her private work, she guides thought leaders, celebrities, and power couples around the globe in igniting their innate gifting so they can master their mission, amplify impact, and experience deep connection and fulfillment.
A recognized authority on relationships, alternative healing, and self-mastery, Danielle has been featured in over 30 international publications and podcasts, including Authority Magazine, HuffPost, Reader’s Digest, Thrive Global, and more.
You can connect with Danielle through the following links:
Media handles:
Website: www.danielle-laura.com
IG: www.instagram.com/_daniellelaura_
Twitter: www.twitter.com/_daniellelaura_
Fb: www.facebook.com/daniellelauracoaching
WELCOME TO EPISODE #128 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST
I come to you today as a very thankful, grateful, and energized individual.
You see, for the last several years I have been working tirelessly to grow my keynote speaking presence and thought leadership. The goals that I have been shooting for, are here.
But this isn’t about me (although the start seemed that way).
What this is about is me turning to you all as I pause in the position I am to tell you one single thing:
KEEP GOING!
In this episode, I share my thoughts on how the climb is worth every step of the way, every minute of work, every sacrifice, when you’re pursuing what you’re truly meant to do and what you’re passionate about. I am standing here cheering you on and reaching my hand down in support and love of the effort you’re putting forward and I’m here for you 100%!
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and my website, richbracken.com
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? Do you want to share your story? Do you know someone who has a fantastic story to share?
You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @Richbracken1
WELCOME TO EPISODE #127 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST Note the wording of the title. Where most people say “Demand more of yourself,” which has an effort or exertion feel to it, I want you to “Demand more of you.”
What do I mean by that?
This hit me during a Peloton ride where Hannah Frankson said this same phrase. What she was talking about was becoming more authentic in who you are, how you show up, what you say, how you convey yourself, and simply owning who you are.
So many times we stop short of that because we’re afraid of feedback, or rejection,, or judgement. But stop and think about acting in a way that is 100% authentic to you without fear of any of those. Doesn’t the thought FEEL amazing??
In this episode I will talk about, how you can approach self-limiting thoughts and behavior and bring about more of your authentic personality and qualities.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? Do you want to share your story? Do you know someone who has a fantastic story to share?
You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #126 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST It all started on a ladder while painting in my house.
I was reminded of my fear of heights. As I went up the steps, I felt it creep in.
“What if I fall?”
“What if the ladder gives way?”
My mind starting creating all of these scenarios where something went wrong. But why? I hadn’t even gotten to the top and I was already creating scenarios of dread.
This is all of us at some point. Whether it’s heights, a new job, taking a chance to chase a dream, or whatever you’ve been wanting to pursue but haven’t yet. We have all created the worst case scenario.
In this episode, I share how I’ve let this fear engulf me for too long and how I, and you, can and should battle back against the “What if?” negative rabbit hole to achieve our dreams and goals.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #125 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST When was the last time you felt scared to face something? Even the smallest thing?
Speaking up for yourself or someone else? Trying something new? Just getting out of bed in the morning? Starting a new workout routine?
Chances are, you’ve felt it in the last few days. So, how do we face the fear and exercise our courage?
In this episode, I will share the main reasons we act courageously and how you can start overcoming your fears today through a couple of simple self-affirmations. These tips will help you overcome even the smallest, or the most daunting, fears you have in your life.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? Do you want to share your story? Do you know someone who has a fantastic story to share?
You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
Big goals are hard…really hard.
It’s hard enough trying to accomplish what you set out for because we will face our own doubts. Add in external doubts from friends, colleagues or even mentors, and that road becomes even steeper. This is where we start to bring in impostor syndrome and the complications of self-doubt. We also compromise who we really are and all of our beliefs to “fit in.”
But what if you just said, “Screw it. This is me and I won’t take no for an answer!”
In this episode, I talk with someone who ignored the doubters and pursued her dreams. National TV news personality, Jennifer Eckhart, has embraced who she really is and makes no apologies for it. We will talk about how she (and you) can stay strong on your path to goals and the freedom of owning who you truly are.
About Jennifer
Jennifer is anational TV journalist, anchor, radio personality and producer as seen on Fox News, the Fox Business Network and Fox Nation based in New York City. She is also a contributing author for Thrive Global, a platform that helps the world’s leading enterprises build healthy habits through inspirational storytelling.
Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Jennifer often serves as a featured keynote speaker and emcee at various social & charity events such as The Lupus Foundation of America’s “Evening of Hope,” New York Fashion Week, Unfair Advantage LIVE and “Night to Shine” sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation.
From the floors of the New York Stock Exchange, to interviewing celebrities on the red carpet, Jennifer thrives in covering the intersection of business, tech and entertainment news. When Jennifer isn’t on-camera, she single-handedly produces television segments with headline newsmakers, such as Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.
Jennifer’s proudest achievement, however, is giving some of the youngest and brightest entrepreneurs aiming to disrupt entire industries a chance at the national spotlight. She is also a recognized advocate for women's rights and a survivor of sexual assault.
Prior to joining Fox News, Jennifer was a correspondent for ESPN Radio where she hosted the 2011 ESPN College Football Awards live from the red carpet in Orlando, FL. Jennifer also served as an Entertainment Anchor for WUFT-TV, a PBS affiliate in Gainesville, Florida.
You can learn more about Jennifer at jennifereckhart.com
In our lives, we have a myriad of things we want to accomplish. Big, small, in-between. Whether it’s something to change your life, or just getting your oil changed, we are constantly striving to compete tasks and goals.
But what is it, as humans, that makes us pause before pursuing? That makes us doubt ourselves in the middle of an energetic push? That talks ourselves out of full finish because we feel we don’t deserve the outcome?
Well, that all changes today.
In this episode, I will share with you 4 tips on how to stop stalling on your goals, no matter how big or small they may be. These tactics are ones that I’ve used to achieve huge dreams and just make a doctor’s appointment. I’ve also witnessed so many that I’ve coached get out of their own way and accomplish great things.
The 4 tips that I cover are that will help you achieve anything are:
- Figure out your priority
- Respect, don’t remove, emotion
- Visualize the outcome
- Focus on the positive.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? Do you want to share your story? Do you know someone who has a fantastic story to share?
You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
I have been extremely blessed to surround myself with some of the best people I’ve ever met. My guest on this podcast is one of those people that I am lucky to know and lucky to call a friend.
I have an immense amount of respect for Roy as a leader, a person, a friend and someone who’s viewed in our community as a source of support and inspiration.
In this conversation, Roy and I dive into self-awareness and leadership and how to break down the invisible wall in between the two topics.
Topics we discuss include:
- About Roy (1:35)
- How to create a memorable presentation (6:12)
- Managing your introversion with your extroversion (7:56)
- Leveraging extroversion for energy (12:16)
- How to recharge when you’re emotionally exhausted (16:30)
- The value of a serving mentality (20:53)
- What COVID has taught us about our weaknesses (26:04)
- What is the pure view of a leader? (28:17)
- How to battle self-doubt before stepping into the spotlight (33:23)
- How to prepare for flexibility (38:23)
- How to build your legacy through giving back (40:42)
- Wrap up (46:18)
About Roy:
Roy Sexton leads Clark Hill law firm’s marketing, branding, and communications efforts, collaborating with the firm's exceptional team of marketing and business development professionals.
Roy has nearly 20 years of experience in marketing, communications, business development, and strategic planning. He has been heavily involved regionally and nationally in the Legal Marketing Association as a board member, content expert, and presenter. He is treasurer-elect currently for the Legal Marketing Association’s International Board of Directors. Roy was named a Michigan Lawyers Weekly "Unsung Legal Hero" in 2018.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? Do you want to share your story? Do you know someone who has a fantastic story to share?
You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
If you’ve never been in the pit of self-pity, I congratulate you, I am jealous of you and I would love for you to buy me a lottery ticket because you are the luckiest person I know. Self-pity is a slow creep takeover that can absolutely ruin your mood, your productivity and your health.
Over the last month and change, I have been battling this awful phenomenon.
It started with fear with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and suddenly became this slide into a bottomless pit of self-pity. Sadness, unhappiness, lack of energy and insomnia took over my vibrant soul and turned the lights out. I felt un-motivated and this old nemesis of self-doubt became a daily battle that I would fight.
On certain days, I’d get my shots in and feel like I was making progress, only to be knocked down again, harder than before. Then, one morning, something changed. I realized what I was doing to myself and I decided I had had enough.
What did I change? In this episode I will share the 6 behavioral changes that I implemented that got me out of the endless slide of self-pity and back on solid, bright ground.
- Face Your Feelings
- Understand Your Self-Pity Triggers
- Be Wary of “Blanket” Negative Statements
- Go Toe-to-Toe With Your Negative Self
- Keep a Pity Time Journal
- Practice Gratitude
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? Do you want to share your story? Do you know someone who has a fantastic story to share?
You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
Mental awareness and self-care have typically carried a heavy stigma with them in our society.
“What’s wrong with you/me?”
“Suck it up!”
“You/They must really be in trouble if they’re going to a therapist!”
All of these sayings are ones that I’ve heard when I’ve either discussed the topic in general or when I have shared my own story. The idea that someone is mentally cracking or needs help sorting things out has been quite taboo because we don’t want to show weakness or vulnerability.
Thankfully, as time as gone on, that stigma has weakened as more and more studies are done on mental awareness from both a personal and professional angle. Between suicide rates, chemical dependencies and addiction to lost production and turnover, the statistics that come with this area are staggering when you consider how many people it affects.
As reported in 2019, 43.8 million adults in the U.S. will experience mental struggles or disorders, but only 41% actually seek treatment or counseling. This leaves a large population needing help.
Enter Ken Bramble, a benefits consultant with HUB International and a mental health advocate.
In this episode, I talk with Ken about the paralyzing effect of mental health, even on C-Level executives, and how we as a general population are talking about mental awareness more and more to weaken the stigma. We’ll also discuss the effect this has on personal and professional satisfaction.
You can find Ken on LinkedIn where he shares his story, and others, on his weekly video series.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? Do you want to share your story? Do you know someone who has a fantastic story to share?
You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #107 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST Dreams….the ever elusive vision.
Or is it?
We spend a ton of time thinking about our dreams and goals, but likely haven’t taken the proper steps to pursue them. Nor have we taken the time to sit down and really figure out what’s truly important to ourselves.
No matter what the size or type of your dream, there are some fundamental ways that you can start taking action now to make them happen.
In this episode, I share the key strategies to turn your dream(s) into reality. By using these steps myself, and coaching on the same for others, I have witnessed some amazing things happen and I want them to happen for you too.
- Spend time in introspection - Focus on what makes YOU happy and what goals and dreams will mean the most to you.
- Write it down - Write down exactly what it is, put a photo up as your desktop background that relates to your goal, put it everywhere. The more you see it, the more focused you’ll be.
- Get from Point A to Point B - No one starts their dream knowing everything. Figure out what gaps exist between where you are and where you want to be. Map out the action steps and information you need to get to your finish line.
- Give yourself grace - Big goals take time. Hell, even little goals take time. Be gracious with yourself and understand that you’re going to have to put in work to make it happen. The benefit is that you’ll be putting in time towards your true purpose which will make it all worth it.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? Do you want to share your story? Do you know someone who has a fantastic story to share?
You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #106 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST We are truly in unprecedented times.
COVID-19 has gripped our world in a way that nothing else has in almost a century. As we face uncertain timing, scaling issues and a potentially disastrous economy, we have lots of things to stress about.
So, what better time to talk about being intentionally happy?
In these times, as with any sort of conflict, mindfulness of your emotions and intentionally taking control back is absolutely critical. Being able to flex and navigate your emotions can keep your energy up, your focus sharp, and your life in tact.
In this episode, I discuss key elements of how to maintain happiness in a period of chaos, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, with renowned expert, Dr. Catherine Sanderson. These tactics will allow you to turn the tide on your anxiety and maintain a stronger level of positivity.
Professor Sanderson speaks regularly for public and corporate audiences on topics such as the science of happiness, the power of emotional intelligence, the mind-body connection, and the psychology of good and evil. These talks have been featured in numerous mainstream media outlets, including The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, The Atlantic, CNN, and CBS Sunday Morning with Jane Pauley. She also writes a blog for Psychology Today - Norms Matter - that examines the power of social influence on virtually all aspects of our lives.
A Ted Talk alumni, her presentation on “The Psychology of Inaction” is one of my favorite eye-opening conversations.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? Do you want to share your story? Do you know someone who has a fantastic story to share?
You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #105 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST I never dreamed that, when I started this podcast, that I’d have the honor and privilege to talk with someone who has had a profound impact on my life. Someone who I’ve actually never crossed paths with but who has helped shape who I’ve become as a man, father and person.
But here I am, sharing that conversation with you all.
Speech is the leader of the 2x Grammy Award winning hip-hop collective, Arrested Development.
He and the group have been a ground-breaking force in Hip-hop culture since ‘91. Their debut album, “3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life of...” (EMI), sold over 4 million albums, earned them two Grammy awards for Best New Artist and Best Rap Single (Tennessee), 2 MTV awards, (People Everyday), a Soul Train Music Award, and the coveted NAACP Image Award.
Rolling Stone magazine named them Band of The Year (92), while VH-1 named them one of the greatest Hip-hop artists of all time! The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame even named the AD smash “Tennessee” one of the 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll.
Speech has continued to be a trailblazer with the group and as a solo artist sharing stages with Nelson Mandela, Minister Louis Farrakhan, Hilary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama, he is the categorical definition of legendary.
In this episode, we’ll talk about Speech’s rise as a musician, his passion for positivity and faith and we have an amazing conversation about personal growth and how we, from many different races, can come together for a more positive world.
You can learn more about Speech and all of his amazing projects at https://www.brotherspeech.com
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? Do you want to share your story? Do you know someone who has a fantastic story to share?
You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #104 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST The big red F
I remember the first time it stared at me from the front of a page at school. I remember the way it felt when I fell off my bike. Or when I couldn’t figure out how to play the guitar like Motley Crue.
Truth is, I took failure really hard as a child which is why I battled it mightily into my adult years. We don’t want to look stupid, fall on our face, come up short or lose, so we do one of two things:
1) Look back on the experience with sadness and regret
2) Don’t even try at all for fear of failing
In this episode, I will share how I overcame the fear of failure to make every attempt a success, no matter the outcome. By no means am I encouraging failure or losing (I’m way too competitive for that) but what I will do is give you the tools you need to succeed in the face of coming up short.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? Do you want to share your story? Do you know someone who has a fantastic story to share?
You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #103 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST I’ve never been a fan of bullies. Not that one would ever be, but having been on the wrong side of bullying, I know the impact that it has and the toll that it takes on your mind and heart when someone attacks you.
I was reminded of that fact after this last week specifically. Now, I have to admit that even I was a bit taken back by the fact that this reminder came from Jennifer Lopez, Shakira and Taylor Swift as those three are not in my iTunes playlist rotation.
Why they play a factor is that the three of them came under attack for just being them. JLo and Shakira for their Super Bowl performance and after watching the Taylor Swift documentary on Netflix, I realized that she’s under constant criticism and attacks based on her platform and fame.
But it raised a couple of questions that I can’t shake off my mind:
1) What do people gain personally when they go on these attacks on celebrities (or anyone for that matter?)
2) What could I do about it?
In this episode, I share my thoughts on bullying, verbal attacks and how we can be better as a society. No one deserves to be attacked due to the insecurities of another.
I’ll admit, the tone and flow of this one is a bit different as it’s more of a thought dump and a plea for something better, but I hope you enjoy this thought provoking episode and that you change your own mentality and are more aware of the behavior of others.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? Do you want to share your story? Do you know someone who has a fantastic story to share?
You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #102 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST When we take our cars in to get them tuned up, there’s usually some sort of recalibration that takes place. Our wheels need rotating, system needs to be updated in your dash. Mainly so they can make money off you, but also to get your car back to performing in its sweet spot of performance.
So when was the last time you recalibrated yourself?
In this episode, I will share my main trick to making sure that no matter how far off center you get bumped emotionally or mentally, that you can figure out the solution and get back to good.
I’ll also share the incredible payoffs that this dedicated time will provide you for immediate and long term happiness and success.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? Do you want to share your story? Do you know someone who has a fantastic story to share?
You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #100 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST It’s here!!!!!!!
When I started this podcast a couple of years ago, my goal was to get to 100 episodes. I wasn’t sure how, what I’d talk about along the way or how long it would take. I just knew I wanted to hit that mark.
100 episodes later, I am a blessed man.
I have shared my insights, my own ups and downs, words of encouragement and support so that, hopefully, at least 1 person listened and had their day, week, or life improved.
Thousands of texts, e-mails, phone calls and conversations have ensued since I began because I am so fortunate to have so many people listen and find value in my stories and motivation.
In this episode, I share my key takeaways from all of these wonderful episodes and from my phenomenal guests. I am so thankful to each and every one of you for sharing your time, your story and your path to creating your own better lives. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
To those of you who have listened, reached out, shared my podcast with others, thank YOU! My heart is so full with all of the love that you’ve shown me.
And we’re just getting started.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? Do you want to share your story? Do you know someone who has a fantastic story to share?
You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #099 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST There is a time in all of our journeys towards a goal, whether personally or professionally, that we stumble.
Maybe it’s before you even get going because you’re too afraid of not having everything be perfect.
Maybe it’s along the way of building your dream business, only to get caught up in comparing yourself to another competitor.
It could be that a “failure” has come along and derailed your confidence.
Well, that changes today.
In this episode, I will point out your 4 invaluable resources that will help you get started and push through any sort of personal or professional goal. Having learned a lot about these 4 from my own journeys and in consulting people and businesses for many years, these always come back as the main means to stay on course, raise your eyebrow and get s*&t done:
- Your personal story
- Your determination
- Your resilience
- Your focus
I will share how to activate and leverage all four of these to stay on course.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss?
You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #098 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST Therapy. Counseling. Psychology.
When you say any of these words in regards to yourself in a conversation, there tends to be a bit of a hesitation and awkwardness because of society’s outward tone towards mental health and self-care when it comes to therapy.
So why is it that when we say we’re going to the gym more, people applaud that we’re working on ourselves and trying to be the best we can be. However, when it comes to therapy, there’s this “oh no, what’s WRONG with them?” stigma that comes with it, even though we’re still just working on ourselves.
Thankfully, the statistics around our population either having been to therapy or open to it are rising.
After reading an article on HuffPost entitled, “4 Ways Everyone Can Benefit From Therapy” by Lindsay Holmes, I immediately wanted to talk about these great findings.
In this episode I’ll discuss the 4 main benefits of going to therapy for self-care:
- Therapy can help you handle emotions from problems or stressors, even if they aren't dramatically life-altering or traumatic.
- Life coaches can hold you accountable for your goals.
- Talking with someone can help you find purpose.
- A professional can help you dissect a problem -- then help you figure out how to solve it.
Also, please check out HuffPost Life’s new series “You Should See Someone.”
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss?
You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #097 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST Change can be terrifying no matter how big or small the change is.
To make matters worse, we often never see change coming. An ended relationship, loss of job or loved one are often world shakers that we can never predict. Even small changes get us out of our comfort zone and disrupt our daily satisfaction.
So how do we best deal with change? Psychological flexibility.
In this episode, I will discuss the elements of psychological flexibility and how you can use emotional intelligence exercises to become more agile in your thinking and resilient in your bounce back.
The elements of psychological flexibility that I’ll discuss are:
1) Recognizing and adapting to the demands of different situations.
2) The ability to change behavior when it interferes with successful functioning.
3) Maintaining a sense of balance in life.
4) Consistency between our values and our behavior.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss?
You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #101 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST As we start a new year and a new decade, most of the world have made resolutions. The importance of change comes about rampantly at this time of year which causes us to pause and evaluate our lives.
While many will focus on their weight, their job and other day-to-day elements, rarely do you hear someone say “I’m going to focus more on my mental health.”
The main reason why is because there is a stigma around mental health and admitting when we are at breaking points or simply when we need help.
My resolution is to do all I can to break this stigma.
Crystle Lampitt, a television personality in Kansas City, is using her platform to do the same thing.
She is the on-air Host of KMCI-TV (38 The Spot), and the Digital Reporter for KSHB-TV’s 4 p.m. newscast, The Now (41 Action News). We began a conversation when I started noticing a segment on her show called “The Mental Health Minute" where she and her co-host, Kelly Nyberg, would discuss various self-care & mental health issues that affect the vast majority of us.
Why was this impactful to me? I just loved that someone was even discussing it on TV on a regular basis and I wanted to learn more about Crystle’s background and reasoning for doing this.
In this episode, you’ll hear about Crystle’s background, her interest in psychology and mental health and her path to her current role in television. She’ll also share her own views on mental health awareness, different topics that she struggles with and how she thinks we can all come together on the topic by simply discussing it more.
We also put together a brilliant playlist of positive songs that encourage us both and hopefully will encourage you as well. You can listen to it on Spotify here: The Crystle Ball of Happiness.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? Do you want to share your story? Do you know someone who has a fantastic story to share?
You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #096 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST It all started with Twitter and a glass of wine and the end result changed my life.
Had I not given away the end result in the title, I’m sure that could’ve gone down many an interesting route of Choose Your Own Adventure.
This adventure ended in Central Park, in the driving rain, freezing, exhausted, starving and….blessed.
You see, I had just completed 10 months of training to run 26.2 miles through the 5 boroughs of New York called The New York City Marathon.
Not only had I completed one of the most prestigious races in the world, I did it EXACTLY how I envisioned it all through my training. From the first step of my first training run to the last lean through the finish line, I learned a ton about myself and how to leverage this experience to become a better person.
That’s why I want to share it with you all.
Now, don’t think for one second that I wasn’t nervous about the whole thing. Watch this short video:
In this episode, I will share the 6 key lessons I learned while training for, and running, The New York City Marathon:
- Opportunity will find you in the most random places
- Start, especially if you’re terrified
- Create a vision in your mind of success
- When you’re near your breaking point, push a little further and chase small increments
- People are inherently awesome
- The physical body is a means of transportation for the mind and heart
I’m sharing the insights I took away so that you can find the source of drive within you to complete whatever marathon you’re currently running. Losing weight, job hunting or just hardcore trying to make your dreams happen, I want my words to help move you along and get you across your own finish line.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss?
You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #095 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST We’ve all been asked the question at least once in our lives: “What’s your dream job?”
The range of response is as vast as the world is wide. However, the percentage of those that actually can say they’re living their dream job is much, much smaller.
My guest on this episode is in that small group.
I am thrilled to share this conversation I had with Jay Harris of ESPN.
I’ve been a big fan of Jay for years because of his cool, hilarious demeanor on Sportscenter and other shows he’s worked on during his career at the network. A mainstay on Sportscenter, his style and delivery are the same: cool and stylish.
Jay joined ESPN in February 2003 as a SportsCenter anchor, and is most often seen as anchor of the Saturday and Sunday morning editions of the program. Among his other honors, Harris was part of SportsCenter’s Sports Emmy-winning efforts in 2004 and 2005, and a recipient of the Silver World Medal from the New York Festival Awards, Robert L. Vann Award from the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation, and an EXCEL Award from the Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals.
I started to follow Jay on social media and I got to see lots of behind the scenes stuff that made me realize that he might likely be the most down to earth guy around.
My chat with him confirmed that.
In this episode about pursuing and living your dream job, I talk with Jay about:
-
His career path
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The value of embracing your imperfection
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His advice to those pursuing huge dreams
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How he thanks his wife snooping on a phone call that lead him to where he is
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss?
You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #094 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST A couple of years ago, I had a childhood dream come true. Well, almost.
You see, I spent many a day as a child “sick from home” simply because I wanted to watch The Price is Right. Since those days, my dream job has always been to be the host of the show once Bob Barker was done.
Fast forward to 2017 and I didn’t make the game show circuit as a host, but a contestant on The $100,000 Pyramid. Not only was the experience of taping the show so surreal and amazing, the whole process taught me a ton about myself.
In this episode, I will share six lessons that I learned through auditions, rehearsal and the actual recording of the show itself. I’ve carried these lessons with me ever since and even in a couple of short years, they’ve taught me a lot.
- Be your authentic self
- Bring your energy up
- Don’t worry about being perfect
- The 5 Second Rule
- Active listening is key
- Don’t ever count yourself out
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #093 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST Have you ever gotten to the end of the day and found yourself exhausted and thinking, “The day just got away from me.”
It’s those days that just roll by without the highlights of anything special that seem to weigh on us in a negative fashion. We feel like time and life is just blowing by.
Today, we change that.
In this episode I will talk about the benefits of inserting moments of intentional joy into your life and how you can actually live a longer, happier life in the process.
I’ll also discuss a variety of methods to identify intentional joy activities and how to ensure that they happen in you day. One example I talk about is journaling, which I also discuss in an appearance on Fox 4 in Kansas City that you can see here.
Today is the day that you become a happier person on a consistent basis.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #092 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST We’ve all felt it.
That painful sting of rejection that makes you immediately question your worth, what’s wrong with you and how this could possibly be happening!
Having battled some serious funks of depression through my own episodes of rejection, I learned a valuable lesson: you’re actually being pushed in a better direction.
In this episode, I’ll share a couple of mental shifts that will help you be more agile in your emotions when facing rejection or failure (big or small) and how that negative sensation is actually a power source waiting to be tapped into.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #090 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST “We’re not worthy! We’re not worthy!”
One of the most memorable comedy lines from Wayne’s World makes us laugh at the visual of Wayne and Garth bowing down to Alice Cooper.
But how many times do we quietly, to ourselves, declare that we’re not worthy of a person, job, opportunity or life path?
In prepping to watch Brene’ Brown’s new Netflix special, I went back and re-watched her TED Talk on vulnerability. In that talk, which you must go watch after this podcast located here, she talks about the concept of worthiness.
It’s as if my eyes saw a new color and I was reintroduced to the real me.
In this episode, I discuss the last 24 hours of my reawakening thanks to the amazing Brene’ Brown. Through the power of vulnerability and worthiness, I plan on leveraging this newfound energy and focus and I wanted to share it with you in hopes that you find the same power.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #089 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST The moment you hear the words “happy hour” you immediately think of a bunch of friends or co-workers sitting around having a drink at around 5:05pm (or sooner depending on how the week went.)
This podcast will change the imagery you think of when hearing those words, but it also will change your life for the better.
In this episode, I will discuss the new version of a “happy hour” which is dedicated to your self care and will help you raise your levels of happiness, focus and energy throughout a hectic week.
By dedicating this time for yourself and deliberately implementing happiness into your week, it becomes the best meeting you’ll have.
For those that don’t think they have the time, I give you a fool proof way to find the time.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #087 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST How many times in your life have you said “I can’t”? That method of self-limitation happens in all of us. We all convey doubt upon ourselves when faced with the smallest of challenges.
But what if you could change that conversation?
In this episode, I discuss how to fulfill your potential by removing self-doubt and empowering a new method of goal attainment. By creating experiential goals and setting small landmarks along the way, you can achieve whatever you want with the right level of dedication and focus.
Even if you fall short of the ultimate goal, you will learn a tremendous amount about yourself and enjoy the progress and growth you’ve uncovered along the way.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #086 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST Perfection is a myth, a falsehood that, for some reason, so many people chase. This idea of never making mistakes and living this faultless life will bring more stress and unrealistic pursuit.
So what if I told you that by accepting your failures, your faults and your mistakes, you would then be “perfect?”
In this episode, I discuss the benefits of humility and transparency in your personal, and professional, life as you admit your mistakes.
Amongst the personal benefits of stress relief and growth, you can also expect to experience improvement these areas as a leader:
- Earning respect from your team
- Vulnerability strengthens your team
- Leading by example (improving your own humility)
- Building a culture of trust
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
When we are born, we’re pretty limited in our emotions and even more so limited in what causes our happiness or sadness.
As we grow and experience life, we create this unique collection of things, experiences, sounds, sights, people, etc. that bring us joy.
However, in the age of social media when we’re too busy scrolling other peoples’ lives, we have lost touch with what makes us happy in our core.
In this episode, I will give you an incredibly simple trick to redefine your happiness and use that trick to bring bliss into every single day of your life moving forward.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
Thank you for all of your amazing support as the podcast has continued to grow.
Please share and review on iTunes when you have a moment! It would be greatly appreciated.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #084 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST Welcome to a special edition of the EnRich Your Soul podcast where I’m joined by my friend and wellness expert, Shanna Hutcheson.
A registered dietician, wellness blogger and lover of all things healthy with a side of positive energy, her online presence through her blog and instagram content as @wellnessforthewin has moved thousands to embracing, or at least entertaining, healthy eating as a preferred and fun way of life.
I’m incredibly excited to share this conversation with Shanna as her outlook on health, food, exercise and emotional self care is very near and dear to my own heart.
In this information, content and laugh filled hour, we discuss:
- Shanna’s background and her why of getting into wellness (2:25)
- How we should focus more on preventative wellness vs. reactive health (6:27)
- The impact of social media on physical and mental well being (9:27)
- An explanation of intuitive eating and how it can benefit your life (16:14)
- How portion control can jumpstart your weight loss journey (21:50)
- Using social media to make healthy fun (26:45)
- Her impact on wellness through social media (35:32)
- Why women who incorporate weight training find more joy with their bodies (43:47)
- The value of self acceptance (50:35)
And why a Lil Wayne ice cream cake may be in our future along with the world’s first cellphone less social festival.
Visit Shanna’s website for her blog, recipes and amazing content to help you on your way to being healthier inside and out.
Wellnessforthewin.com
WELCOME TO EPISODE #083 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST Career stagnation is one of the worst feelings that you can possibly have, especially if you’re an overachiever by nature.
You’re cruising along, knocking it out of the park and then, your path for growth either has obstacles, no clear vision or doesn’t exist at all.
Maybe you’re a leader in your organization and you have a high performer who’s started slowing down their production, their energy has dropped and they just don’t seem as engaged as they usually are.
This is a perfect time to talk path to growth.
In this episode, made for leaders and achievers, I share some successful tips to keep your high performers happy while also uncovering some efficiencies and competitive differentiation for your company. While the talking points are geared towards the leaders, those who currently feel stuck should listen in to hear about some crucial conversations that they can have to bring joy back into their daily roles.
Thank you to Jay for submitting this question!
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
Thank you for all of your amazing support as the podcast has continued to grow.
Please share and review on iTunes when you have a moment! It would be greatly appreciated.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #082 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST There is nothing more frustrating that being focused on a goal, kicking it off properly, building momentum and then
SCREEEEEECH!
Roadblock.
If you’ve not been there, you will be. Anyone who pursues a goal, big or small, professional or personal, will encounter this. The bigger the goal, the bigger the adversity.
So, what do you do about it?
In this episode, I will share 4 tips on how to overcome adversity when pursuing your goals. These have worked wonders for me in achieving some monster, and minor, goals in my life and I’ve utilized them with scores of people I’ve coached.
I will dive into the following tactics to adhere to when things go sideways (and they will):
1) Reset your mindset
2) Pause for gratitude
3) Go back to your plan
4) Don’t overcompensate
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
Thank you for all of your amazing support as the podcast has continued to grow.
Please share and review on iTunes when you have a moment! It would be greatly appreciated.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #081 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST I’ll admit it without reservation: I’m a KonMari addict!
If you’re not familiar with KonMari, it’s the method made popular by Marie Kondo (konmari.com). She is a tidying expert, author and now has her own Netflix show “Tidying Up With Marie Kondo.” In it, she helps people in various stages of life de-clutter their homes and find happiness.
Through her direction of bringing everything in a certain group into one pile and keeping things that only spark joy, it’s amazing what you find you’ve been holding on to for way too long. In trying her method at our house, it’s unreal what we uncovered, even as self proclaimed minimalists, through this approach.
Not only has it brought more peace and joy to the house, but also a ton of positive energy into me.
Last night, I got to thinking, “What about applying this to life, career, social life, social media, etc.? Why couldn’t you do the same thing to de-clutter your entire life?”
In this episode, I share how to de-clutter your daily life using the KonMari Method as I gush about Marie and her amazing philosophy. You will walk away with a new outlook on the things that impact your life every single day so that you can find true bliss in everything you do.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
Thank you for all of your amazing support as the podcast has continued to grow.
Please share and review on iTunes when you have a moment! It would be greatly appreciated.
Photo by Maarten Deckers on Unsplash
WELCOME TO EPISODE #080 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST We all freak out when a new phone comes out these days. The upgraded camera, the faster system……the upgraded camera!
When was the last time you got as excited about upgrading YOUR features?
In this episode, I will discuss how you can start implementing small version updates to yourself to ultimately achieve your huge goals for the year. By building this momentum, you will keep the energy and focus up to make sure that you make 2019 your best year yet!
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
Thank you for all of your amazing support as the podcast has continued to grow.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #079 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST It’s that time of year again: Resolution Season!
The time where we reflect on the past year and focus on what we’re going to change or improve in the new year. Typically it’s a huge life change and/or ridding ourselves of our decade long bad habit.
But what if you shifted your mindset with the understanding that it would bring longer lasting change, goal achievement and life happiness?
By treating our lives like a homeowner treats their house, you can get more done throughout the year and find the time to enjoy your progress at the same time.
Whether you’re changing the lightbulb of life or replacing the exploding water heater of your career, all of life’s to-do list is much more manageable with a few minor tweaks.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
Thank you for all of your amazing support as the podcast has continued to grow.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #078 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST With all of the avenues for us to pursue and enjoy happiness, why are we so depressed?
With all of the resources to enjoy life and experience the world, why are we so anxious?
We live in a day and age where comparison, self-doubt, negative comparison and poor emotional management are rampant. We put our happiness into things, the opinions of others and the images we see on social media.
What if I told you that the solutions to all of this is sitting right above your eyes and right below your throat?
In this episode, I take on the worldwide problem of negative self-image and subsequent depression and how you can battle back. By implementing a few tactics of appreciation, you can change your world.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
Thank you for all of your amazing support as the podcast has continued to grow.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #077 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST In our society, nearly everyone has a new megaphone for their opinion and we’ve also become more divisive than ever. Why? We’ve fallen into this habit that if your opinion is different than mine, well, then you’re wrong.
The art of asking follow up questions to learn about others thoughts or stances on issues is all but lost. Even if you don’t agree at all with where they’re coming from, even after you ask, is ok. The lessons learned and the perspective gained just by having the conversation is worth the time.
In this episode, I discuss the value of engaging in conversation with someone you either disagree with or who might be from a very different background than you.
I also share some personal experiences on how just having the discussion has informed me about other cultures and beliefs and enhanced my peripheral view of the world, thus making me more able to have a variety of discussions I would have never been able to engage in before.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
Thank you for all of your amazing support as the podcast has continued to grow.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #076 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST The feeling of accomplishment is one of pure joy. Knowing that you pushed yourself to greater heights, further limits and new knowledge of yourself is one that is not rivaled by many other feelings.
So why is it that we settle for the comfortable sweatshirt of “good enough” far too often?
While we sit here with greatness inside of us, waiting to be exercised, we often pull up short for one of many reasons.
In this episode, I share three of the most common reasons for mediocrity:
- Habit of self-pity
- An over-conservative mindset due to fear
- Trying to be everything to everyone
I’ll share some personal insights as I’ve fallen victim to all three of these myself and how you can push these aside to have more great moments in your life.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
Thank you for all of your amazing support as the podcast has continued to grow.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #075 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST Have you ever gotten to the end of an extremely busy day and you’re exhausted, yet, unfulfilled?
Or that the things you’re accomplishing don’t quite bring you the joy you thought they would?
What you’re lacking is purpose.
Purpose brings you a deeper, more intrinsic value in everything you do and is easier to draw on when things get tough. Your purpose is a source of strength and drive that will overcome even the most difficult of challenges.
But how do you find it and stick to it?
In this episode, I will discuss the best way to find your purpose and how you can use it on a daily basis to achieve greatness, even on the toughest of days.
I will share with you the benefits of:
- Being honest and introspective about your dreams and goals
- Sharing your goals for support and advantage
- The value of acknowledging your progress
- How to audit your actions to identify efficiency.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
Thank you for all of your amazing support as the podcast has continued to grow.
WELCOME TO EPISODE #074 OF THE ENRICH YOUR SOUL PODCAST Through two separate e-mails yesterday, this question was asked of me:
“How do you keep going when you’re just not in a place that you have the focus or care to do anything?”
Simple: re-motivation.
Yes, it is a made up word, but it is one that has served me well throughout my life as I’ve worked my tail off to achieve, and come up short, on many goals.
To me, this is getting the engine going in your heart and soul when you’ve lost your way from the path to your goals and you’re in a darker, more frustrated place. When you lack the overall motivation to achieve, not just the daily “don’t feel like it.”
In this episode, I share the three key things I’ve done that have helped me refocus, recharge and re-motivate myself to get back on track and reset myself to overcome the obstacles of doubt and despair.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
Have you ever been in a position where you felt that you weren’t able to give 100% of your effort? Maybe it was due to illness or injury or maybe mental burnout because you were busy chasing the images that you see on social media. Just pushing yourself too hard because that influencer you follow is “always crushing it, every single day!!!!”
Well, I’m here to tell you that you need to give yourself some grace.
In this episode, I share my thoughts on 100% of 50%. Basically giving your best of what you have to give. You’re not always going to be at the top of your game, but you can always give your best no matter what the day brings.
I’ll also discuss the dangers of buying into social media influencers and maintaining the superficial level of “crushing it” that might not be what you think it is.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
Thank you for all of your amazing support as the podcast has continued to grow.
Please share and review on iTunes when you have a moment! It would be greatly appreciated.
Imagine your act of positivity is a drop in someone’s still pond of life. That ripple effect is what we should all live for.
Even a simple drop can cause ripples that reach outward, effecting the rest of the water. Your kindness and positivity can shape the day, week or even life of another.
Internal and external changes through deliberate acts of positive behavior benefit us all and will reach us all eventually. The more we do it, the quicker the reach.
In this episode, I will share how using this approach in your personal and professional lives can have a profound impact internally and externally.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
Thank you for all of your amazing support as the podcast has continued to grow.
Please share and review on iTunes when you have a moment! It would be greatly appreciated.
We all have that dream in the back of our head. Something that we want to pursue and achieve. Something that we can envision ourselves in the moment of success and it feels very real in our minds.
Maybe it’s standing on the stage to graduate with the degree we always wanted to get.
Maybe it’s sitting down in your chair of the first day of the business you always wanted to start.
Maybe it’s putting on that pair of jeans you never thought you’d fit into.
But then that vision fades because we tell ourselves, “That’ll never happen.”
Well, why not?
In this episode, I discuss a few steps to start reverse engineering any dream to find the path to reality. With time, patience and persistence, the only thing that’s holding you back….is you.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
Thank you for all of your amazing support as the podcast has continued to grow.
Please share and review on iTunes when you have a moment! It would be greatly appreciated!
Have you ever been at a point, when pursuing a goal, that you just feel like things aren’t progressing? Or maybe it’s simply that you’re psyching yourself out at the complexity of what you want to accomplish and you’ve created this mental mountain that’s too high to climb?
In this episode, I share the keys to leveraging consistent and persistent behavior to accomplish anything you want.
Give me 10 minutes and I’ll give you the permission to get out of your own way and start chasing the life that you truly want to lead.
Do you have a topic you'd like me to discuss? You can contact me by email at rich@richbracken.com or on Twitter and Instagram @richbracken1.
Thank you for all of your amazing support as the podcast has continued to grow.