There are so many topics that have both positive and less-than-positive connotations, depending upon your point of view.

I think expectations can be like that. What if nothing is "good" or "bad" on its own ... it's our thinking and our perspective that makes either appear a certain way?

While I thought this episode was going to be more about expectations, it turned out to be more about two topics you're never supposed to bring up in public: Religion and Politics.

My ponders this week are circling around a couple of really deep conversations I've had about the concepts of politics and religion. I'd love to work through some of them here.

I hope you'll ponder these topics deeply instead of doing what I've done in the past: deny them or avoid them because they're difficult.

These are the types of wonderings and ponderings that will help all of us develop our critical thinking skills. Avoiding them does nothing to help us build those muscles.

In this episode I refer to Neale Donald Walsch's first book, Conversations With God, along with an essay written by one of the friends I met with this week.

Yesterday in our Enlightened Leadership Lab we continued our series on my new book Just Give a Sh*t and Chris Angell coined a new phrase: Give-A-Sh*t Factor.

This is something for each of us to figure out by determining our non-negotiables and then recognizing how often someone tries to steal our values from us (or how often we allow that to happen), usually without meaning to, or being conscious of.

What are the elements that affect your G-A-S factor? What conditions and elements matter most to you and which don't seem to affect you?

This is a great Wonder/Ponder exercise.

Here is a link to purchase your own book (reach out to me directly for the cards): https://amzn.to/49wDVRX

It's coming on Christmas, a holiday where we've gotten used to hearing kids tell Santa what they want the jolly guy to bring them.

How often do we adults get clear about what we truly want? And then, are we just interested or are we committed to experiencing or acquiring or having that?

In today's episode we address the distinction between wanting and committing.

I also mention PurpleDialogue.com which is still in the works as of this recording.

I've had lots of opportunities to learn stuff over my lifetime, and also to take that learning to action. Or not. I always have the choice, and with that choice, comes consequences. I can be upset with the consequences. That's also a choice. And then, I have more choices. That's the beauty of learning.

But the bottom line is, learning = change. If I haven't changed, have I really learned?

One observation I make today is how often it seems people make decisions and choices based on the exceptions instead of the possibilities. If we have an attitude of "poor me," you won't see that you have choices.

In today's episode I refer to QBQ: The Question Behind the Question by John Miller, and also The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership by Dethmer, Chapman & Klemp.

My new book Just Give a Sh*t will be available on November 25 for purchase and download through Amazon and local bookstores in Fargo.

Today's guest is certified executive coach, TEDx speaker, award-winning author, and the co-founder of the RAYMA Team, Mandy Anderson. 

Today Mandy and I talk about things you're not supposed to talk about in public, namely religion and politics, as well as the feminine perspective she brings to all her coaching clients, both male and female.

Find out more about Mandy and her Unstoppable Retreat, scheduled for December 5, at RaymaTeam.com.

Wow ... we've had a week in America! Lots to unpack and then to decide what to put back in the suitcase and what to donate or get rid of altogether.

Today I share a story from Dr. Seuss about the Star-Bellied Sneetches. I wonder what that has to do with anything? Listen and find out!

Also I hint at my next book coming soon. It's called "Just Give a Sh*t." I also mention another project on the horizon. See more at www.purpledialogue.com.

Today's episode is a stream-of-consciousness conversation with myself about a few topics:

1) The political landscape of America one week before the election

2) Restlessness and discontent that has us look for alternatives

3) Standing on the SHOULDers of Giants and what that gets us

Excuse the tickle in my throat that has me cough, or recognize it for what it is: a roadblock in the way to speaking my truth. That tickle represents my ability to choose to go forward in spite of circumstances that might want me to stay quiet.

What do you typically do when roadblocks show up? Do you look for permission to proceed? Do you "go along to get along"? Or do you move forward in spite of the challenges?

Want more opportunities to connect with others? Join us in the Enlightened Leadership Lab Mondays at 4 p.m. central (www.enlightenedleadershiplab.com).

I mention three books today: The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership, The Courage to Be Disliked, and The Courage to Be Happy.

Today I unveil the ideas leading to my next book "Just Give A Sh*t" and explore what it means to BE what you desire before you actually BECOME that.

I mention the Enlightened Leadership Lab (www.enlightenedleadershiplab.com) where we meet for an hour on Mondays to explore emergent conversations with the intention that each of us will leave with more ideas and action items because we were part of holding the space for our collective wisdom to emerge and guide us.

Today's episode started with the Albert Einstein quote about whether or not God plays dice with the universe. Is the world a friendly place, neutral, or unfriendly? That perspective will influence the way each of us lives our lives.

I share information about Loretta Ross and her TED talk as well as her book, "Calling In the Calling Out Culture."

If we only ever fight against the situations and the conditions we don't desire, we can't be surprised that that's what keeps showing up. Or, if we are, it will behoove us to begin to take responsibility for our part in that.

(Please forgive the random dings. I got a new smart watch and haven't figured out how to silence that notification!)

Each of us humans is on a journey, whether we know it or acknowledge it or not.

And today's guest, Jodie Harvala, shares steps along her journey, both physically and spiritually.

In our conversation, Jodie very candidly shares her story of learning of her intuitive gifts, and how she has learned to own that gift, and turn it into a career, guiding others to trust their own intuition and living the life they were born to live.

She shares how she and her family learned to embrace her gifts even when it didn't make sense financially to do so, and how they have overcome some of those money issues and she's stepped into her power.

Jodie also shares her recent excursion in Spain where she walked the Camino and what that meant for her own spiritual journey.

If you'd like more information about Jodie and/or her work, go to her website, JodieHarvala.com.