We always want to improve ourselves, but as we gain proficiency with a skill set it starts getting difficult to tell if we're actually improving or not. In Episode 20 we explore different ways we can seek out improvements when we feel as though we've stagnated. We discuss the 80% Proficiency Model and the "Drops in the Bucket" concept. 

Derek Shoemaker is a Watertown, NY author and paranormal investigator. In Episode 19 Derek shares with us his 8 year endeavor behind writing his most recent book and how the pursuit of this goal has helped him shape his personal philosophy on life and become the person he is today. He also shares with us some fascinating insight into the world of paranormal investigation.

https://www.amazon.com/Search-Truth-World-Deception/dp/1546331611

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVnv6sIWWamjh87tx1c4_Iw

In Episode 18 we look at the inherent imbalances in every relationship, why it's important to spend time with people that are willing to give as much as they take, and how to tell when you're in a one sided energy exchange. We examine some of the possible reasons that drive people to become "energy vampires" and how we can prevent ourselves from becoming a drain. 

"Flow state", "being present", "living in the moment". These are all catch phrases that you hear time and time again from artists, meditation enthusiasts, performers, athletes, and so on. But what exactly does that mean, and how do we obtain it? In Episode 17 we discuss different practices that we've found that help us more deeply connect to the moment and various times we've been able to find our own "flow state" and become completely engrossed in the moment at hand. We also touch on the profound impact these moments can have on our mental health and overall quality of life. 

Developing a grateful mind and a grateful heart is one of the most productive things one can do on the path to self betterment. In Episode 16 we discuss different techniques we use to help push ourselves towards finding something to be grateful for in every situation, especially ones that are particularly painful. Ending, as always, with actionable steps we can take to practice gratitude every day

Everyone always talks about how important "self care" is for our mental health, but we almost all struggle with drawing the line between self care and selfishness. In Episode 15 we explore the differences between the two and how we may have to occasionally embrace being selfish for a little while in order to become a better version of ourselves. 

"Patience is a virtue". But what does that mean? In Episode 14 we define what patience means to us and different ways we can put it into practice. Dealing with anger, anxiety, boredom, etc, the practice of patience will almost always help us deal with our emotional responses to almost any situation. 

In Episode 13 we break down the importance of community. What it means to us, how to find it, and, maybe most importantly, how to build it. We discuss what it means to lead from the front and how to find like minded people to help facilitate growth of a purposeful community. 

Danny Allen is the head sound engineer at War Drum Mixing in Watertown, NY. War Drum is focused on providing local musicians with affordable, high end recording to help facilitate their growth as artists. Danny shares with us his trials and tribulations that led him to his dream job, what it takes to stay on track balancing daily life and pursuing his passion, and details both his artistic and philosophical process. 

https://www.wardrummixing.com/watertown-scheduler

In this two part Episode we do a deeper dive into the old world philosophy of Stoicism. Where it started, where it "ended", the principles that have transcended time. We break down how Stoicism fits into our own personal philosophies, or more aptly, how what we "discovered" was already written thousands of years ago. There is nothing new under the sun, we are just in a constant of loop of rediscovering ourselves as humans.