Choose A Happy Day Podcast

Host Lorraine Toth speaks with Mary Jo Hoffman about the unlikely path from aerospace research scientist to artist photographer, and how a simple daily habit turned into a long-running body of work, a bestselling coffee table book, workshops, brand collaborations, and a more attentive way of living. They also discuss happiness, seasonality, and why it is not too late to begin something new later in life.

In this episode: Mary Jo shares how she spent 20 years in aerospace engineering before shifting into art and photography in her mid-40s She explains the origins of her daily project, Still, where she photographs one found natural object each day She breaks down why daily practice works by focusing on “not breaking the chain”.

The conversation covers how minimalism, attention, and mindfulness show up in her creative process Mary Jo describes how her project led to a Martha Stewart Living feature and later to her book Still: The Art of Noticing.

She talks about the role of nature, flow, and active engagement in happiness Lorraine and Mary Jo discuss how life changes, including fertility struggles and a house fire, shaped the arc of her work.

Mary Jo explains how her practice travels with her and how it deepened her experience in places like southern France and Florida.  She outlines the different ways people can work with her through workshops, talks, and her daily image practice. She shares recent collaborations, including work with Target, West Elm, and wall coverings.

 Key takeaways:

Mary Jo's Blog

Mary Jo's Instagram

Steve's (her husband) Book

Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction and waiting six months for the interview (00:39) Mary Jo introduces her path from aerospace science to art photography (01:34) The Still project and the success of Still: The Art of Noticing (02:07) How a simple blog and good design helped attract Martha Stewart Living (03:04) Twelve and a half years of daily photos and the house fire interruption (04:02) Why minimalism is harder than it looks (05:29) Why dailiness matters more than talent or complexity (06:26) The power of “not breaking the chain” (07:25) How the daily practice reduces perfectionism and overthinking (08:57) The practice as a mindfulness habit that changes how she moves through the world (10:08) Why engineering felt like the path of least resistance (11:37) Fertility struggles, role reversal, and choosing to become a hands-on parent (13:25) Building a creative career that can continue indefinitely (14:04) Why the practice must be portable and travel-friendly (15:02) How Still shaped her experience in southern France (16:25) A philosopher’s idea of happiness as active engagement in projects of worth (19:25) Why nature is the fastest on-ramp to flow and happiness (21:59) The 72 micro-seasons of the north and the metaphor of seasonal change (23:09) How to work with Mary Jo through blog, workshops, and talks (25:16) Collaborations with Target, West Elm, and wallpaper/wall covering projects (26:39) Why it is not too late to start something new later in life (28:03) Autumn in Minnesota and the intensity of capturing seasonal change Notable Quotes: “All I have to do is find one thing and literally I can step outside my front door and pick up a handful of grass and I've not broken the chain.” “Active engagement in projects of worth.” “It’s both easy and hard, like minimalism.”

Host Lorraine Toth talks with Brownell Landrum about how to turn a wish into something more expansive, grounded, and effective. Brownell shares her “cosmic wish” framework, explains the difference between wishes, goals, and prayers, and connects everyday rituals like birthday candles and shooting stars to neuroscience, symbolism, and collective intention. This episode is especially useful for anyone who wants to reframe a desire without desperation, make better wishes, and understand the science behind the process. Brownell also shares how she uses these ideas in books, classes, and corporate workshops.

Brownell's Websites:

https://cosmicwishes.com/

https://brownelllandrum.com/

The Art & Science of Wishing on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CY3C574T/

00:00 - Welcome to Choose the Happy Day with Brownell Landrum

Jen's website:

https://wanderfreewellness.com/

Use code: Choosehappy for 10% off her November Retreat to Costa Rica.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and technical difficulties

In this episode, Dave McLachlan shares his innovative unemotional assessment tool designed to help women identify the right partner and avoid costly relationship mistakes. We explore how to use the 'Is He Worthy' system to save time, prevent heartbreak, and foster healthier relationships.

KEY TOPICS:

The creation of the 'Is He Worthy' assessment system

Sound bites:

"The relationship world needs a tool to stop bad behavior"

Dave's website here

Dave on Instagram here

Buy Dave's book on Amazon here

In this episode, Greg Pituch shares his journey of spiritual awakening, channel writing, and how to live more mindfully by connecting with your higher self. Discover practical tips on overcoming emotional patterns, holding your power, and embracing stillness.

Topics:

Greg's website

Greg's Instagram

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Greg Pituch and his spiritual journey

00:22 Greg shares his background as an ultra runner and spiritual writer 01:36 Manifesting Greg's interview opportunity through intention

02:24 Recognizing and shifting mind patterns and emotional loops

03:25 Questioning emotional triggers and childhood wounds

04:26 Embracing and honoring emotional states instead of pushing them away

05:27 Holding your power during difficult interactions with others

10:07 Shifting from asking 'Why is this happening to me' to 'What is the lesson?'

16:28 Greg's experience of writing his book through channeling and trust 24:24 Practicing stillness and connecting with the higher self

In this episode, Lorraine interviews Michelle about her journey of self-discovery, solo travel, overcoming stuck-ness, and using EFT to facilitate change. They explore how to embrace uncertainty, trust intuition, and live unconventionally to create a fulfilling life.

Key Takeaways:

Resources:

Buy her book:

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

Some of my Manifesting tips that I use daily and that also worked fabulously for me today! I am known as the "Queen of Manifesting" having manifested free travel around the World last year, my Airstream and now living for free in Naples Florida while my ideal tenant rents out my home in NY! Here are a few things you can do to help you manifest what you want in your life.

I recorded this right after recording an episode of my show the "Choose a Happy Day" Podcast in my Airstream named "Fifi La Roux".

Have a happy day! Lorraine

Learn more about the show here

Buy the Daily Gratitude Journal I wrote here

This is the App I use to do my "walking meditations" here

Join us in this enlightening episode as we explore the transformative power of intuition, manifestation, and spiritual growth. Nick Carbuto, a seasoned intuitive medium and sound healer, shares profound insights on how to trust signs, elevate your self-speak, and harness the collective consciousness to create your reality.

Episode 50- SO happy to announce my most recent Podcast guest, Mary Alice Stuart! In this episode I chat with Mary Alice Stewart, a gifted intuitive, medium, and clairvoyant with over 33 years of experience. The conversation begins with light-hearted banter and leads into a deeper discussion about empaths and their unique sensitivities to negative energy people (energy Vampires). Mary Alice explains how empaths can absorb the energies of those around them, often leading to physical symptoms like headaches or fatigue. She shares personal anecdotes and practical advice on how empaths can protect themselves from negative energies, including visualization techniques and the importance of setting boundaries with energy vampires. Mary Alice also emphasizes the significance of nature in grounding and cleansing one's energy. She shares insights on how deceased loved ones communicate through electronic devices and the presence of orbs, which are often seen as signs from the spirit world. The episode wraps up with practical tips for listeners on how to tap into their own intuitive abilities, the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, and how to seek guidance from the spirit realm. This enlightening conversation is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone interested in spirituality and personal growth.

Key Takeaways:

Mary Alice's WEBSITE

Unlocking Life Clarity with Tarot and Self-Discovery Techniques

Discover how tarot cards can serve as a powerful tool for gaining clarity in life decisions, understanding your subconscious patterns, and navigating significant transitions. This episode features expert insights into intuitive tarot reading, shadow work, and harnessing universal messages for personal growth.

Dreya Tarot Website