“Through discipline comes freedom.” – Aristotle, Greek philosopher

Self-control and consistent routine – all aboard the fun bus! Jordan and J.T. find themselves in a momentary state of mediocre self-discipline. How is it possible when he spent more than a decade as a calorie-counting vegetarian athlete? Jordan, a non-drinking entrepreneur with a first-degree black belt, struggles with her dormant capacity to keep her eye on the prize. Join the conversation to discover:

- Can you be disciplined if you don’t know what you want?

- The power of writing down specific, actionable goals

- What it means to “create a predictable success framework”

- Learn seven tips to boost self-discipline

- Invest in personal strengths in lieu of focusing on points of weakness

- How an accountability partner can improve personal habits

- Don’t underestimate the importance of positive self-talk and milestone moment rewards

Enjoy the conversation? Please take a moment to SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW on the homepage www.letsdigintothat.com or wherever you find your podcasts. THANK YOU – your click means more than you can imagine.

Fantasies, daydreams, visions – the imagination is a powerful tool. Is sexual fantasy a form of intimacy? A way to sustain desire and feel more connected? Jordan and J.T. answer listener questions as they dig into the wonder of fantasy. Whether you want to keep your steamy scenes to yourself or incorporate your creativity into your real-world relationship, you are not alone. Tune in for insights and advice on:

- Communicating with your partner: how a positive feedback loop can transform ick into a deeper bond

- America’s seven most common sexual fantasies

- The magic of bypassing reality and inner blocks

- Novelty, romance, sexual fluidity, control: why taboo is not an excuse

- Curiosity and anticipation: how to embrace the unexpected

Join Jordan for her next READ: Gillian Anderson, Want: Sexual Fantasies by Anonymous (Bloomsbury UK, 2024)

“Negative reinforcement stops behavior; positive reinforcement changes behavior.”

– Rick Lavoie, M.A., M.Ed., author of The Motivation Breakthrough

Jordan and J.T. are thrilled to welcome Dr. Patty Templeton Smith as the first guest on Let’s Dig into That! Dr. Smith honors the pod with her wit and wisdom, inspiring an unmissable conversation on education…and aerospace...and passion.

Join Jordan and J.T. to discover:

- How a change in administration impacts education

- The scope of parent choice

- Current value of higher education

- Power of the teachable moment

- Motivation: positive and negative reinforcement

- "Are you there to teach – or make sure everybody learns?"

About Patty:

Dr. Patty Templeton Smith is a champion of child development, a motivation wizard, and the queen of creative learning. Earning her Doctoral Degree in education from the University of Missouri-Columbia, Dr. Smith has taught at the elementary, secondary, and university levels. Spending most of her career in the public school system, Dr. Smith currently consults for a French immersion charter school in Kansas City, Missouri. As a final ‘teacher candidate' for NASA’s 1986 Challenger Expedition, Dr. Smith shares deep ties with National Aerospace and the Space Program. Founder of Missouri Young Astronauts, Dr. Smith continues to inspire generations of curious minds. And she just so happens to be Jordan's mom.

“Listening is suspending disbelief.” Rick Rubin, The Creative Act: A Way of Being

While hearing is automatic, listening is intentional. What are we missing when the desire to be understood is lost in another’s need to respond? Jordan’s self-awareness about her status as a multitasking interrupter – the personal anecdote interjector – has led to a more proactive approach to listening. J.T. explores retention issues when we half-ass the words, tone, and even the body language being shared.

In this episode, discover:

- Active listening requires a combination of the right attitude and attention

- The importance of asking questions and paraphrasing to ensure understanding

- Listening does not include formulating an opinion or preparing a response

- When to empathize, provide solutions, or just…listen

THANK YOU, Listeners! In an attempt at rapid-fire Q&A, Jordan and J.T. tackle the gamut, from their most embarrassing moments to advice on talking to your teenager about sex. Unwilling to shy away and anxious to dig in, your questions inspired quite the conversation.

A special mini-shout out to @handsomepod (34:18) for Fortune's shared love of the sitcom Designing Women. (Mae, it has been confirmed by the high school best friend that Jordan also wrote a letter to Angelina Jolie - and proceeded to forget about it.)

TEN EPISODES! Please keep your curious topics and invasive inquiries coming –letdigintothat.com or @letsdigintothat

Why is it so hard to talk about money, the taboo topic that can often make or break a relationship? Combining finances…sign of "healthy love" or a suicide mission?

No matter your financial personality (the frugal saver who fell for the generous shopaholic), it’s best to get the conversation started – sooner rather than later – because one thing is for sure: cash will come up. Join J.T. (the financial free spirit) and Jordan (the stat tutor) as they weigh in, discussing triumphs and tragedies in their own fiscal history. J.T. shares advice on why checking your ego at the door is critical and the importance of celebrating “little wins.” Jordan advocates for regular financial “dates” to ensure partners are on the same page and working toward shared goals. Learn why transparency tends to be the best option and how joint goal-setting can empower a partnership.

Jordan views jealousy in a partner as a threat to her independence, “possessive, controlling, and a total buzz kill.” J.T. sees his jealousy as “healthy,” a protective response to some combination of anger, anxiety, fear, and insecurity.

In this episode, discover:

- Distinction between jealousy and envy

- How Jordan and J.T. used compassion to set boundaries, allowing for a shift in mindset

- Signs of a jealous partner

- Jealousy and Fear: fear of a relationship ending or of not being good enough

- Get a taste of the couple’s deep respect and admiration for Dr. Brené Brown. If you want "to access a universe of new choices and second chances," do yourself a favor and find a copy of her book, Atlas of the Heart.

Growing up, it was never a question of if - but how many. Children were the guarantee that came with the partner and picket fence. It was the assumption – and so they tried.

Why did J.T. and Jordan attempt to procreate with others and ultimately decide to live child-free together? In this episode:

- J.T. discusses his journey from painting a nursery to a premature, medically advised vasectomy at age 34, how he reframed fatherhood, and his capacity to nurture.

- After surgery on her “cuterus” and years without a single pregnancy, Jordan recreationally attended adoption meetings and credited the universe for the resolution not to freeze her eggs.

- Discover how Jordan and J.T. attempt to impact the next generation and the outreach they find most rewarding.

“Kindness is seeing the best in others when they cannot see it in themselves.”

November is KINDNESS month. Jordan and J.T. explore what it means to be kind to yourself and its impact on the greater good.

- Jordan describes her intentional efforts to be kind as a practice of anticipating needs.

- J.T.’s habit of starting his workday with an awareness pause and his belief that small gestures can positively impact global goodwill.

- The kindness inherent in “getting involved in the community” has positive biological effects on well-being and happiness.

- Is kindness as critical to our health as sleep and exercise?

- Punchline: Please don’t be a dick.

Self-deception is how many of us get through the day: “I’ll start my diet tomorrow,” or the flattering angles reflected in a “skinny mirror.” What about the lies we tell to protect our image - the lies that could snowball into an identity we don’t recognize?

Jordan (the compulsive exaggerator/plan canceller) and J.T. (the shapeshifter) share the biggest lie they told themselves. In this episode, discover:

- Why we might not feel empowered to tell the truth.

- When “fake it until you make it” became bad advice.

- Can giving pieces of our truth away start us down a path of inauthenticity?

- So, I’m a liar. What now? Tips on accountability and compassion.