Get Happy With J Podcast

Music is an integral part of the fabric of our lives.  There are few artists with the impact and reach of Aretha Franklin.  Her career spanned over six decades, and she remained relevant in all of the them.  She never changed her style to fit any particular musical genre, instead she uniquely managed to seamlessly fit in wherever she chose to. Her four octave range and perfect pitch made her voice the one of a kind instrument that it was.  There will never be another Aretha, and why would we want a copy when we were blessed with the original?  There is so much that can be said of this icon.  She will truly be missed.  Please listen to this podcast as we attempt to honor this legend in our own way. We do not own the rights to any of the music you will hear in this tribute.  We simply could not let this moment go by without acknowledging her precious gift that she shared with the world.  We love you Aretha!  Join the conversation with a comment at http://www.gethappywithj.com.

There could not be a more appropriate time to release part two of our conversation on race than on the eve of the anniversary of the tragedy in Charlottesville.  As I type there is a heavy police presence as that beautiful college town braces for unrest.  Last year an incredible soul, who was there to protest against the white nationalist hate rally, was killed horrifically.  Her name is Heather Heyer and we remember and acknowledge her at this time.  She is an example of all the good citizens who abhor hate and racism and are willing to sacrifice their life for justice.  It shouldn't have to go that far.  Having conversations like you will hear in this podcast is a start.  Listen and join the conversation.  Please remember to rate, review and subscribe to the podcast.

We are getting closer to contest time!  Entering to win a gift basket full of goodies will be simple.  All you will have to do is comment on episode 49, which is just two weeks away!

The happy  movement is growing!  You can now listen to us on Spotify.  Check us out.

In this podcast episode we begin a conversation about race relations.  I am joined by Alex Larson, Michael Hurt and Ruben Ramirez for this panel discussion.  You may be surprised by some of what we have to say.  We each brought our own unique experiences about race to the table.  Although we had some differences of opinion, we were still able to walk away with a better understanding and appreciation of one another.  That is how a constructive conversation about this topic should be.  Listen with an open heart and by all means, feel free to join the conversation by posting a comment on the Get Happy With J Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj/

To all of you who took the time to nominate the show for a podcast award, thank you so much!  We will find out later this month if we made the final cut.  Also, we are just a few weeks away from our first ever give away!  Get ready to enter to win.  All you will have to do is comment on episode 49 at the website, http://www.gethappywithj.com and you will be automatically entered! Don't forget to add your shirt size to the comment.

His name is Ruben and he is the son of hard working immigrants from Mexico.  He has faced countless obstacles head on with determination and grit.  We hear so many bad things about millennials: they are lazy, unmotivated, no work ethic, etc.  Ruben proves that the future of this country is in good hands with young men like him.  He has clear goals and the drive to achieve them.  I will be cheering him on all the way.  I hope you enjoy part two of our conversation.  Go Ruben!

You still have a few more days to nominate Get Happy With J for a podcast award!  If you have not already done so, please visit http://www.podcastawards.com, register and look for this podcast under the People's Choice category.  Thank you!

Ruben Ramirez has a story to tell and if you take the time to listen you will be just as encouraged as I am.  He comes from a family that immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico while his mother was pregnant with him to be able to give him a better life.  Forget the horrible racially insensitive remarks that come from the occupier of the highest political office in this country, If you ignore his false narrative of immigrants and accept the fact that Mexicans are not unlike any other immigrant population that come here seeking opportunities you will recognize them for the great contributions they make.  Mexican- Americans greatly contribute to the tapestry of this nation.  Never allow bigotry to make you feel differently.  Ruben is an incredible young man with goals and dreams.  He seeks to not only take care of his family, but to give back to others.  If you ever wanted to know what it's like to be of Mexican decent in 2018, listen to this podcast with an open heart.  You will meet just one of the millions of Mexican immigrants who come here, work hard and give back.  Let me introduce you to Ruben.

Nominations for podcast awards are going on now through July 31st.  Please consider nominating the Get Happy With J podcast. Visit http://www.podcastawards.com and find the show listed under the "People's Choice" category.  Thank you for your support!

Before we get into the details for this week's podcast, I need to make a correction.  If you are planning to nominate Get Happy With  J for an award at https://www.podcastawards.com/, we are located under the "people's choice" category and not the "health" category.  Nominations will be accepted until July 31st, and we thank you in advance for your consideration.  This request is not for a thirst for accolades or ego, but to help spread the word about the podcast and our happy message.

Now onto this week's podcast!  This is part two of my discussion with Dr. Maryann Akers on wellness.  We delve deeper into the concept, and look at some of the ways that wellness can be realized.  Most of us do a great job of taking care of ourselves, and whether we recognize it as such, we are practicing wellness.  There are always areas in which we can improve and this chat will give you some valuable ideas.

As always, your feedback is welcome.  Visit the Get Happy With J Facebook page where you can keep in touch and make comments.  https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj/?ref=bookmarks Also remember to subscribe and review the podcast.

Dr. Maryann Akers returns as a guest expert in this week's podcast.  In part one of our discussion, we are defining wellness.  According to the National Wellness Institute, wellness is defined as "an active process through which people become aware of and make choices toward a more successful existence".  Just like happiness, wellness is a choice and that's good news.  It means that no matter how bleak things may look in your life, you can choose to change.  We all know what being unwell can look and feel like.  Being unwell can manifest itself as depression, sadness and even suicidal thoughts.  The flipside is a life full of possibilities.

If you like what you hear, please share the podcast and subscribe.   Consider nominating  Get Happy With J for a podcast award.  Now through July 31st, visit the link below to nominate the show.  Thank you in advance!

https://www.podcastawards.com/

The Get Happy With J podcast was intentionally created to be a positive listening experience where hope is shared.  I was pleased to be able to chat with the CEO of another space on the web where hope reigns supreme, and that is the CaringBridge.  Liwanag Ojala brings business skills, legal expertise and genuine concern for those facing health issues to this non-profit organization.  The CaringBridge is where you can create a free website to share, connect and rally support for friends and family going through a health crisis.  It's an opportunity to show love to someone who needs it most. In this podcast episode we chat with this incredibly accomplished woman, who tells us much more about this wonderful site and her vision for its future.  The CaringBridge is able to operate mainly from donations from private citizens.  If you are interested in making a donation after hearing more about the CaringBridge, then please click on the link below. As always, please subscribe, review and leave us a comment.

https://www.caringbridge.org/

Please consider visiting the link below to nominate Get Happy With J for a podcast award. Thank you in advance!

https://www.podcastawards.com/

This podcast episode is one of our most encouraging shows to date! My special guest,  brain health expert Janet Rich Pittman, came with the hope of living your entire life without Alzheimer's or dementia.  These conditions that are afflicting more and more Americans every year do not have to be your fate.  Even if you are already exhibiting dementia like symptoms, it can be reversed.  The power for life long good brain health lies within each of us.  Want to know how you can avoid Alzheimer's or dementia?  Just listen to this podcast to hear some of Janet's tips.  To learn even more from this expert, click on the link below to download a free copy of her booklet, "9 Signs You're Experiencing Brain Drain."  While you're visiting her website be sure to take her brain health quiz to see just how well your brain is aging.  Early signs of dementia can begin up to 30 years before an official diagnosis.  While this fact may be a bit frightening, why not know now when you can do something about it?  There is hope and I am grateful for Janet sharing her years of research with us.

http://www.janetrichpittman.com/

In this week's podcast episode we meet Julia Carlson.  Julia is the founder and CEO of Financial Freedom Wealth Management Group LLC.  She is also an award winning wealth advisor and author of the book, Fit Money 7 Steps to Get Your Financial Life in Shape. In this interview Julia talks about her personal journey to becoming a successful business woman in the male dominated world of finance.  She shares some starting tips on getting financially fit and I am sure you will be encouraged and inspired!  As a special gift for Get Happy With J podcast listeners, you can click on the link below to download your free e-copy of her book!  Thanks Julia!  Now listen and learn how you can become financially fit.

http://www.financialfreedomwmg.com/fitmoney

http://www.financialfreedomwmg.com/

https://www.facebook.com/juliacarlsonfitmoney

https://www.facebook.com/FinancialFreedomWealthManagementGroup

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC.

The Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor ranking, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes: client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receives a fee in exchange for rankings.

The Forbes ranking of America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative and quantitative data, rating thousands of wealth advisors with a minimum of seven years of experience and weighing factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and best practices learned through telephone and in-person interviews. Portfolio performance is not a criterion for either award due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK receives a fee in exchange for rankings.