Episode 32: Bridging the political divide with dialectical thinking

(By Dayna Mason)

Political issues are rarely simple. Polarized thinking keeps us from seeing these issues as they often are: complex and nuanced. Thinking in extremes, an all-or-nothing, black-or-white mindset, doesn’t allow us to find the middle ground. When we seek to understand another’s viewpoint, we bridge the gap between our opposing positions. This not only brings peace to a contentious interaction but can lead to the discovery of an alternative view that we hadn’t even considered.

(music by Fro Magnum Man, and intro by "Jingle Queen" voice artist, Emily McIntosh)

©Dayna Mason, 2020

Episode 31: Gratitude: Complaint free approach to life

(By Dayna Mason)

Our thoughts produce our beliefs, and our beliefs determine our behavior. When we repeatedly complain or engage in gossip, we wire our brains for negativity. Negativity becomes a habit that not only dampens our mood but prevents us from seeing the good even when it’s right in front of us. Gratitude highlights the good that is already in our lives and promotes confidence in more good things to come.

(music by Fro Magnum Man, and intro by "Jingle Queen" voice artist, Emily McIntosh)

©Dayna Mason, 2020

Episode 30: Is fear getting in the way of your best life?

(By Dayna Mason)

Whether it’s the outcome of the upcoming presidential election, the projections of the pandemic on our economy, or anticipating the consequences of a mistake we’ve made, the feeling is the same: We are not safe. When we’re fueled by fear, we are motivated to take action or employ avoidance to feel safe again, which inhibits optimal decision-making. This keeps us from living our best life.

(music by Fro Magnum Man, and intro by "Jingle Queen" voice artist, Emily McIntosh)

©Dayna Mason, 2020

Episode 29: Good riddance to the handshake

(By Dayna Mason)

I’ve never enjoyed shaking hands and I hope after the pandemic is over it doesn’t make a comeback. The handshake is an often disingenuous and oddly intimate gesture for an initial engagement with someone you don’t know.

(music by Fro Magnum Man, and intro by "Jingle Queen" voice artist, Emily McIntosh)

©Dayna Mason, 2020

Episode 28: Humane communication: How to have more productive conversations

(By Dayna Mason)

Much of what passes as conversation today is simply monologue. We may take turns talking, but no one is actually listening. I say what I want to say and while you’re talking, instead of seeking to understand, I’m thinking about what I want to say next. Productive conversation requires dialogue—the process of understanding and reasoning.

When we are telling, we are not listening. If all we do is tell, we learn nothing. Conversations that inspire and transform require curiosity and respect.

(music by Fro Magnum Man, and intro by "Jingle Queen" voice artist, Emily McIntosh)

©Dayna Mason, 2020

Episode 27: Racial Injustice: It's time for accountability and appreciation

(By Dayna Mason)

I’m white. I have black friends. We talk about the same things all friends talk about, relationships, children, goals, etc. We’ve never talked about racism. Until now. This week I have learned more about racism in America and in the personal lives of my friends than I’ve learned in my entire life. My heart is breaking.

(music by Fro Magnum Man, and intro by "Jingle Queen" voice artist, Emily McIntosh)

©Dayna Mason, 2020

Episode 26: Hack the "flow": What's your superpower?

(By Dayna Mason)

Each of us has a special talent—a “superpower”—something that we enjoy, that seems effortless and when we are fully immersed in it, we can lose all sense of time. Psychologists call this state of peak performance “flow,” and research suggests that the time spent in this state enhances our memory, accelerates our learning, and boosts our immune system.

(music by Fro Magnum Man, and intro by "Jingle Queen" voice artist, Emily McIntosh)

©Dayna Mason, 2020

Episode 25: "Radical consideration" and your impact on the world

(By Dayna Mason)

Sometimes we overestimate our impact on others. Sometimes we underestimate it. Sometimes we don’t estimate it at all. Our view of the world is from the perspective of “me” and we often miscalculate how our words and actions affect others. But our influence is far more powerful than we may realize.

(music by Fro Magnum Man, and intro by "Jingle Queen" voice artist, Emily McIntosh)

©Dayna Mason, 2020

Episode 24: Can belief in a "Higher Power" benefit you?

(By Dayna Mason)

When we have a sense of connection to something bigger than ourselves, regardless of how we define that something—Universe, Higher Self, God, Nature, Spirit, etc.—research has shown that we experience greater emotional wellbeing and are happier, healthier and live longer.

(music by Fro Magnum Man, and intro by "Jingle Queen" voice artist, Emily McIntosh)

©Dayna Mason, 2020

Episode 23: COVID-19: How to manage the anxiety and fear of the unknown

(By Dayna Mason)

None of us knows for sure what the future holds for ourselves, our families, or our world, through and beyond this pandemic. Most of us, if not all, on some level and for different reasons are afraid. But history shows that humans are resilient. The probability is extremely high that we will weather this storm and get to the other side. In other words, we are going to be okay. In the meantime, let’s take a closer look at this fear and how we can manage it.

(music by Fro Magnum Man, and intro by "Jingle Queen" voice artist, Emily McIntosh)

©Dayna Mason, 2020