Dr. Allen Lycka:

Welcome to "How to Live a Fantastic Life." Today, we have a special guest, Marc Fussell, an expert in mental wellness and founder of the nonprofit Take Two Minutes, a platform designed to enhance mental wellness through positive psychology and technology. Marc has been in IT for 25 years and has a deep passion for improving mental health.

Marc Fussell:

Thank you, Dr. Allen. I appreciate the introduction.

The Birth of "Take Two Minutes"

Dr. Allen Lycka:

Marc, can you share how your passion led to the creation of this platform?

Marc Fussell:

The platform started when my son, Luke, was struggling with mental well-being in high school. I began sending him positive messages daily to lift his spirits, which eventually snowballed into the platform we have today. I leveraged my 29 years of experience in technology to create a system that allowed me to send these messages at appropriate times. The platform grew as more people wanted to receive the messages, and eventually, I collaborated with a psychologist from Duke University to further develop it.

Developing the Platform

Dr. Allen Lycka:

Can you tell us more about the developmental phase?

Marc Fussell:

I initially wrote the messages myself, and over time, counselors and psychologists contributed to the content. The platform now includes a mix of original messages and famous quotes, all designed to promote positivity and mental wellness.

The Importance of Gratitude

Dr. Allen Lycka:

You emphasize gratitude in your platform. Why is it so important?

Marc Fussell:

Gratitude is a powerful tool recommended by many therapists to help people shift their focus to the positive aspects of life. At Take Two Minutes, we have a Gratitude Challenge to help people start a gratitude practice. By recognizing things to be grateful for daily, people can prime their minds to notice positivity more easily, which can help combat negative thought patterns and depression.

Dr. Allen Lycka:

When should one practice gratitude journaling?

Marc Fussell:

We recommend gratitude journaling in the morning to start the day on a positive note. In the evening, we suggest reflecting on "Three Good Things" that happened during the day. This combination helps reinforce positive thinking throughout the day.

BIO:

MARC S. FUSSELL is the visionary founder behind the non-profit Take 2 Minutes, a revolutionary platform designed to enhance mental wellness through positive psychology and technology. With over 25 years of experience in IT, Marc’s entrepreneurial spirit and passion for improving mental health have led to creating a suite of tools that leverage daily positive messages, gratitude journaling, meditations, breathing exercises, a grounding exercise, a gratitude challenge, sleep audio, dream journaling, and more to foster happiness and wellbeing. As a dedicated father, his journey into positive psychology was inspired by a personal commitment to support his son’s mental health, evolving into a mission to spread positivity to a broader audience. Marc’s expertise in positive psychology, technology’s role in mental health, and the power of small habits to drive significant life changes make him an inspiring speaker for podcasts focusing on wellness, technology, and personal growth.

Social Media:

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcfussell/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/take2min/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/take2min/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@take2min

Interview with Joel Dubin

Introduction

• Host: Dr. Allen Lycka
• Guest: Joel Dubin, a retired cybersecurity consultant turned humorous author and foreign language enthusiast.
• Topic: Discussion of Joel's book, "The Seven Habits of Highly Dysfunctional Companies."

Segment 1: Inspiration Behind the Book

• Joel shares his extensive experience consulting for various companies, observing dysfunctionality and office politics.
• The book was a form of "therapy" for Joel after years of encountering dysfunctional corporate environments.
• Joel spent nearly a year writing the book, committing to daily writing and revisions.

Segment 2: Identifying Dysfunctional Companies

• Joel introduces the concept of the "Asshole Density Ratio" as a humorous metric for measuring dysfunction in a company.
• Key indicators of a dysfunctional company include:
• High levels of ego and office politics.
• Confused messaging and inconsistency between what a company says and what it does.
• Lack of psychological awareness in business practices.

Segment 3: Strategies for Dealing with Dysfunction

• Joel outlines three options for employees in dysfunctional companies:

1. Stay and endure the environment.
2. Attempt to change the environment.
3. Prepare to leave and find a better opportunity.

• He emphasizes the importance of networking, skill development, and staying loyal to one’s career rather than the company.

Segment 4: The Seven Habits of Dysfunctional Companies

1. If It Makes Sense, Don’t Do It:

• Companies often complicate simple tasks, leading to inefficiency.
• Dysfunctional companies fail at core activities like selling and servicing products.

1. Turf Battles Are Part of Our Culture:

• Bureaucracy and internal competition hinder collaboration and progress.
• Employees focus more on building personal fiefdoms than contributing to the company’s success.

1. Poor Communication Delivers the Message:

• Employees are bombarded with conflicting messages and excessive communication, leading to confusion and inefficiency.

1. If You’re Not in a Meeting, You’ll Be Assigned to One:

• Meetings are often unproductive and lack clear agendas.
• Dysfunctional companies have a culture of excessive and unnecessary meetings.

1. Human Contact with Customers is Prohibited:

• Companies make it difficult for customers to reach real people, leading to frustration and poor customer service experiences.

1. Drive Out Your Best Employees and Ignore the Rest:

• Dysfunctional companies fail to retain top talent and often have counterproductive HR practices.
• Employees are often underappreciated, undertrained, and overburdened.

1. The Company Doesn’t Serve the Common Good:

• Companies often engage in practices that contradict their public statements, such as claiming to be environmentally friendly while polluting.

Segment 5: Closing Thoughts

• Joel emphasizes the importance of staying proactive in managing one’s career.
• Dr. Lycka and Joel discuss the value of efficient meetings and the dangers of bureaucratic inertia.
• The interview concludes with a reminder that while the book is humorous, the issues it addresses are serious and widespread in many organizations.

BIO:

Joel Dubin is a retired cybersecurity consultant turned humor author and foreign language enthusiast. His most recent book, The 7 Habits of Highly Dysfunctional Companies, was inspired by his many years working both for, and with, messed up companies. The book pokes fun at office politics and bureaucracy and, in an offhand way, is an anti-manual of how not to run a business. He is fluent in several languages, which enabled him to do consulting around the world. He lives in Chicago. He has an MBA from Kellogg at Northwestern University.

Social Media:

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeldubin/

Web Site:   https://www.dysfunctionalcompany.com/

X: @dubinslanguages and @dubinscybernews

Episode Introduction

Dr. Allen Lycka introduces a remarkable guest, Charlynne Boddie. She is an ordained minister, Hollywood producer, TV host, and a seasoned media professional. Charlynne has served as a corporate, police, and military chaplain in the U.S. and Europe and worked as a lead press officer for the White House during the Clinton and Bush administrations. She shares her journey of survival and success despite facing life-threatening challenges.

Charlynne’s Journey to Hollywood

Charlynne discusses her childhood dreams of being in Hollywood, which she shared with her sister. Their passion for television started early, leading to their first exposure on TV during their college years. Her career took a major turn when she left her position at the White House to pursue her Hollywood dreams. A pivotal moment was her interview with Kevin Kline, facilitated by Universal Pictures, which launched her show "Real Sisters Film Review," watched by 312 million people worldwide.

Transition from the White House to Hollywood

Charlynne recounts how her career at the White House began through a simple yet powerful act of writing a letter to President Bill Clinton, asking for a job. She emphasizes the importance of faith and the power of written letters over emails, sharing how her life changed after the White House reached out to her.

The Power of Faith and Writing

Charlynne and Dr. Lycka discuss the significance of belief and the impact of handwritten letters. Charlynne shares a touching story of a 12-year-old boy who, inspired by her experience, wrote a letter that changed the course of his life, leading him to become an F1 engineer.

Challenges in the Media Industry

Charlynne shares insights into the media industry, highlighting the importance of making a personal connection, as demonstrated by her experience with Kevin Kline. She also discusses the challenges of being heard in a crowded media space and the unconventional methods that often prove effective.

Serving as a Press Officer for the President

Charlynne talks about the honor and responsibility of serving as a press officer for the President. She reflects on her time representing the ideals of the Commander in Chief and working on significant assignments, including issues related to environmental disasters and Native American communities.

Contributions to Native American Communities

Charlynne discusses her involvement in initiatives supporting Native American communities, including securing funding for the Native American University, Sinte Gleska University, in South Dakota. She reflects on the progress made in recognizing the importance of Native American culture and rights.

Extreme Dream Life Coaching

Charlynne introduces her life coaching program, "Extreme Dream," which helps individuals in transition rediscover their purpose. She shares her personal story of recovery after a life-threatening car accident, which inspired her to help others rebuild their lives.

BIO:

Miss Charlynne Boddie is an ordained minister with a prophetic edge, seasoned media professional and Hollywood producer/TV host, author, international life coach who has served as a corporate, police and military chaplain in the US and Europe. She is a former lead press officer for the White House and a recent Pentagon instructor who has worked for both the Clinton and Bush Administrations for several of America’s largest disasters. Charlynne is also the survivor of a head—on collision with a drunk driver and was once blinded for four months from a staph-infected bug.

Social Media:

1) My website: www.Charlynne.com

2) LinkedIn: Charlynne-Boddie

3) Instagram and Facebook: @CharlynneBoddie and @cbc2_ltd

Introduction:

• Host: Dr. Allen Lycka
• Guest: Susan P. Lax
• Episode Topic: Insights into Susan's journey, her spiritual evolution, and her book "A Heart's Landscape: An Invitation to the Garden of Moments."

1. Susan Lax's Background and Journey:

• Susan's evolution from a creative drama teacher to a spiritual counselor and inspirational writer.
• Importance of life's hardships in her personal growth.
• Transition at age 50: Susan reflects on redefining her identity beyond societal roles and embarking on a spiritual journey.

2. Embracing the Present Moment:

• Discussion on the significance of living in the moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
• How societal pressures often distract us from the present.
• The concept of shifting from "What if?" to "What is?" to fully experience life.

3. The Power of Music:

• Susan shares the story behind her song "The Haig Joy," written during a time of sorrow, but inspired by the belief that joy can coexist with grief.
• The song was dedicated to a friend who was a victim of the October 7 massacre in Israel.

4. Writing "A Heart's Landscape":

• The origin of Susan's morning blessings, initially written for a friend battling cancer.
• The transformative power of offering moments of positivity during challenging times.
• The journey from morning blessings to compiling them into a book.

5. Insights from "A Heart's Landscape":

• Dr. Lycka reads a passage from the book about the metaphor of an ocean wave, reflecting the choices we make when facing life's changes.
• Susan discusses the importance of taking risks and embracing change for personal growth.

6. The Importance of Gratitude and Time:

• Susan emphasizes the role of gratitude in her life, especially during challenging times.
• The importance of recognizing the value of time and making conscious decisions to spend it meaningfully.

7. Living a Fantastic Life:

• Susan shares her three recommendations for living a fantastic life:

1. Identify one thing that consistently makes you smile.
2. Reflect on a daily task you dread, and counteract it by thinking of what makes you smile.
3. Physically let go of stress by raising your shoulders and releasing them, symbolizing the release of negative thoughts.

8. How to Connect with Susan Lax:

• Book: "A Heart's Landscape: An Invitation to the Garden of Moments" is available on Amazon.
• Additional Offerings: Susan shares insights, photography, and more through her online presence.

Conclusion:

• Dr. Lycka wraps up the conversation, thanking Susan for sharing her journey and wisdom on living a fulfilled life.
• Encouragement to listeners to incorporate moments of joy, gratitude, and presence into their daily lives.

BIO:

 Susan P. Lax is an author, spiritual counselor and inspirational writer.

 She is the creator of the “Morning Inspiration" series, which provides readers with reflections to start the day with.

 Her book, A Heart's Landscape was a book Pick by Robin Roberts on Good Morning America.

Susan's Morning Inspirations have been put to Music and are part of The Heart-to-Heart Songbook performance. 

Social Media:

Face Book-https://www.facebook.com/SusanLaxAuthorMorningInspiration

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/slaxmorninginspiration/

TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@susanplax?_t=8nI2VoH74uc&_r=1

Episode Title: Turning Setbacks into Powerful Comebacks

Guest: Sara Freeman-Smith

Host: Dr. Allen Lycka

Introduction

• Host: Dr. Allen Lycka introduces Sara Freeman-Smith, a blind, inspirational speaker, author, former HR recruiting leader, and disability advocate who turned her setback into a powerful comeback.
• Guest: Sara Freeman-Smith shares her journey of becoming blind later in life and how she overcame the challenges it presented.

Sara's Journey to Blindness

• Initial Signs: Sara noticed her vision deteriorating mid-career, missing signage while driving, and struggling with reading street signs and PowerPoint presentations.
• Diagnosis: After multiple tests, Sara was diagnosed with a genetic autoimmune condition attacking her retina, leading to irreversible blindness.
• Emotional Struggles: Sara talks about going through a grieving process, experiencing phases of anger, denial, bargaining, and depression.

Overcoming Adversity

• Faith and Reflection: Sara emphasizes the importance of reflecting and being rooted in something higher to cope with devastating news.
• Adapting to Change: Sara discusses her familiarity with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the importance of seeking accommodations and assistive technology.
• Learning to Ask for Help: Sara stresses the significance of asking for help and using available resources to continue thriving professionally and personally.

The Four R's of Resilience

• Reflect: Take time to be still, reflect on the situation, and focus on what you can do.
• Refine: Surround yourself with positive influences and break down challenges into manageable steps.
• Reinvent: Reimagine your life with the tools and accommodations available to you.
• Reboot: Recharge and invest in yourself continuously.

Becoming a Disability Advocate

• Advocacy Message: Sara highlights the untapped potential of individuals with disabilities in the workforce and encourages employers to be inclusive.
• Encouragement to Others: Sara advises individuals with disabilities to reach out, find support groups, and not let their circumstances define their destiny.

Living a Fantastic Life

• Enjoying Life: Sara shares how she continues to enjoy her hobbies and social life through the use of technology, such as audio descriptions in theaters and accessible reading tools.
• Family Life: Despite her blindness, Sara remains active in her family life and hobbies, including cooking and traveling.

Sara's Book: "Turning Stones into Gems"

• Six P Process: Sara briefly discusses the six P’s: Prayer, Plan, Passion, Patience, Persistence, and Paying it Forward.
• Availability: Sara's book is available on her website, where additional resources like an action planner and gratitude journal can be accessed.

Conclusion

• Final Thoughts: Dr. Lycka commends Sara for her resilience and advocacy work, encouraging listeners to apply the insights shared in their own lives.
• Contact Information:
• Sara Freeman-Smith: Visit www.urgems.com to learn more about Sara’s work and to purchase her book.
• Dr. Allen Lycka: For more on living a fantastic life, visit www.drallenlycka.com.

Call to Action:

Subscribe, share, and leave a review if you found this episode inspiring. Explore more episodes at Dr. Allen Lycka's website for insights on living a fantastic life.

BIO:

Sara Freeman Smith is a blind inspirational speaker & author, former HR/Recruiting leader & Disability Advocate who defied the odds when she took her setback & turned it into her powerful comeback! She

Social Media:

Website: www.urgems.com

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/sarafreemansmith/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/urgemsgroupinc

LinkedIn  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-freeman-smith/

X or Twitter

https://x.com/sarafsmith_

Kathy Gardarian, Founder and CEO of Qualis International Inc.

Host: Dr. Allen Lycka

Introduction

• Overview: Dr. Allen Lycka introduces Kathy Gardarian, a distinguished business leader and the founder and CEO of Qualis International Inc. Kathy has been recognized for her contributions to business and leadership, including being awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Women Business Owners.

Kathy’s Journey to Success

• Initial Challenges: Kathy discusses her early experiences in a male-dominated sales department, where she was often the only woman and faced significant gender-based challenges.
• Turning Point: Kathy shares a pivotal moment when she was told by a male superior that she could never run her own company, which ultimately motivated her to prove him wrong.

The Role of Feminine Energy in Business

• Home Depot Partnership: Kathy talks about securing a major client, Home Depot, early in her career and how she navigated male-dominated environments by embracing feminine energy in her leadership style.
• Balance of Energies: Kathy emphasizes the importance of balancing feminine and masculine energies in business, highlighting that companies with women on their boards perform better financially.

Lessons in Leadership

• Leading with Love: Kathy and Dr. Lycka discuss the concept of leading with love and how it creates a more humane and successful business environment.
• Wisdom from the Dalai Lama: Kathy recounts her transformative experience meeting the Dalai Lama, who taught her to focus on what she wants to see in the world and to lead from a place of love and positive intention.

World Business Academy

• Finding Her Tribe: Kathy reflects on her involvement with the World Business Academy, a group that aligns business practices with spiritual and ethical principles. This group became an essential part of her growth as a leader.
• Importance of a Supportive Community: Kathy stresses the significance of finding a community or tribe that challenges you to grow and supports your journey.

Mentoring and Supporting Women

• Mentorship: Kathy shares her passion for mentoring women, especially in today’s business climate where there is a growing recognition of the value women bring to leadership roles.
• California’s Board Diversity Requirement: She discusses California’s legislative requirement for corporate boards to include women, and how this is positively impacting business culture.

Personal Philosophy and Success

• Living a Fantastic Life: Kathy talks about her personal life, the importance of her oceanfront home for her well-being, and how meditation and a supportive family contribute to her happiness.
• Success as an Inside Job: She emphasizes that true success comes from within, encouraging listeners to work on their inner selves and to live authentically.

Conclusion

• How to Connect with Kathy: Information on how listeners can purchase Kathy’s book, "The Wisdom of Love and Business," available on Amazon and Audible.
• Final Thoughts: Dr. Lycka thanks Kathy for her insights and reminds listeners that they can learn more about living a fantastic life by visiting his website.

BIO:

Kathy Gardarian is the Founder and CEO of Qualis International Inc., a multi-million-dollar distribution and sales company. She has served as a director on many boards including Van’s Inc., The World Business Academy, Chapman University, The Gorbachev State of the World Forum, and the Woman’s Leadership Board at Harvard’s JFK School. She was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Woman Business Owners, and her company Qualis International Inc. has been one of the top forty woman-owned businesses in Orange County in Southern California.

Social media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-gardarian-7b75b31/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551416349618

Dr. Allen Lycka’s Interview with Geri Jewell

Introduction

• Host: Dr. Allen Lycka
• Guest: Geri Jewell, actress, comedian, and motivational speaker
• Notable Achievements: Best known as Cousin Geri on The Facts of Life, Geri was the first person with a visible disability in a prime-time role. She is a sought-after speaker on disability, diversity, and GLBT issues.
• Topics Covered: Geri's groundbreaking career in Hollywood, overcoming adversity, and her motivational book.

Episode Summary

Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Geri Jewell, a pioneer in the entertainment industry as the first actress with a visible disability in a prime-time television role. Geri discusses her journey from stand-up comedy to landing the role of Cousin Geri on The Facts of Life, the challenges she faced in Hollywood, and how she used her condition, cerebral palsy, as a strength. They explore the power of resilience, the importance of taking risks, and Geri's recent projects, including her inspirational book based on her columns in ABILITY Magazine.

Key Takeaways

1. Breaking Barriers in Hollywood: Geri Jewell made history as the first actress with a visible disability to star in a prime-time TV series. Her role on The Facts of Life opened doors for others with disabilities in the entertainment industry.
2. Using Adversity as Strength: Geri shares how her cerebral palsy became a creative force, inspiring her career in comedy and acting. Her journey emphasizes the power of resilience and using one's challenges as a superpower.
3. Importance of Risk-Taking: Geri highlights the importance of creating opportunities and stepping out of one's comfort zone, illustrated by her experiences with Norman Lear, a key mentor, and her involvement in major events like I Love Liberty.
4. Humor as Healing: Comedy has been a key part of Geri’s life, allowing her to rise above personal and professional challenges. She discusses how humor helped her navigate difficult situations and connect with her audience.
5. Writing During the Pandemic: During the 2020 pandemic lockdown, Geri compiled her columns from ABILITY Magazine into a coffee table book, which still resonates with readers today. She reflects on the timelessness of the articles and how they apply to current societal challenges.
6. Spirituality and Life Values: Geri emphasizes the importance of spirituality and valuing the positive aspects of life. She believes that everyone is shaped by what they value and that these values guide our actions and attitudes.

Memorable Quotes

• "If I hadn’t been born with cerebral palsy, I probably would have been a professional tennis player." – Geri Jewell
• "We must create our opportunities. We must take risks." – Geri Jewell
• "What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger." – Dr. Allen Lycka
• "Get out of your own way and let God walk through you and guide you." – Geri Jewell

Geri Jewell’s Book

• Title: Cherries, Jewels, and Gems
• Description: A collection of Geri’s writings from ABILITY Magazine, blending humor, depth, and personal reflections on life’s challenges and joys.
• Where to Buy: Available on Amazon and through Geri’s website, www.gerijewell.com.
• Foreword by Norman Lear: Geri shares the touching story of how Norman Lear, at 101 years old, contributed to the book by writing its foreword.

Dr. Lycka’s Final Thoughts

Dr. Lycka praises Geri for her courage, perseverance, and ability to inspire others. He encourages listeners to embrace their challenges and find joy in the journey, just as Geri has done throughout her life.

How to Connect with Geri Jewell

• Website: www.gerijewell.com
• Book: Cherries, Jewels, and Gems on Amazon
• Watch: Geri’s performance on I Love Liberty by searching "Geri Jewell I Love Liberty" on YouTube.

Welcome to today’s episode, where we have a very special guest, Dr. Gary Sprouse. Dr. Sprouse is a retired primary care physician, having practiced in Maryland for 38 years. He graduated at the top of his class from George Washington University Medical School and is a member of Mensa. Dr. Sprouse has dedicated his post-retirement life to helping others manage stress and find happiness, which he shares through writing and speaking engagements.

The Stress of Practicing Medicine

Dr. Allen Lycka

Medicine is one of the most stressful professions. Did you experience any stress-related health issues due to the pressures of being a physician?

Dr. Gary Sprouse

Absolutely. Being a physician is inherently stressful, but it really hit home for me during an incident where I was talking to an insurance agent. In the middle of our conversation, I took a call from a nurse about a patient with chest pain. I gave some advice and then continued with the insurance conversation as if it was normal. The agent was shocked, and it made me realize that what I took for granted was actually quite stressful. Beyond patient care, factors like malpractice, board actions, and politics add even more pressure.

Practicing Solo: Added Stress

Dr. Allen Lycka

Were you part of a large group practice, or did you work solo?

Dr. Gary Sprouse

For most of my career, I worked by myself, sometimes with a nurse practitioner. In the last 10 years, I was entirely solo, which added stress due to financial pressures. However, I supplemented my income by doing nursing home work, which had lower overhead but came with its own risks, like increased malpractice suits.

BIO:

Dr. Gary Sprouse is a retired primary care physician who practiced in Maryland for 38 years. He graduated from George Washington University Medical School in the top 10% of his class and is a member of Mensa. He has taken everything he has learned about stress reduction and crafted his first book, Highway to Your Happy Place: A Roadmap to Less Stress. He aims to have everyone living in their Happy Place.

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lessstressdoc/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lessstressdoc/?next=%2F

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-less-stress-doc

Website: www.theLessStressdoc.com

Email: [email protected]

Moving with Confidence: Insights from Devra Jacobs' 29 Moves

Guest: Devra Jacobs

Host: Dr. Allen Lycka

Introduction

Dr. Allen Lycka introduces Devra Jacobs, a seasoned mover with 29 moves under her belt. Despite not serving in the military, Devra has moved across the United States and even to Korea, largely due to her marriage to an army man. She shares her extensive knowledge and valuable lessons on moving, which led her to co-author a book on the subject.

The Journey to Writing a Book

Devra Jacobs, a literary agent by profession, recounts how her book on moving came to be. She was approached by a major publisher after discussing her extensive moving experiences. Recognizing her lack of writing skills, she collaborated with a professional writer to bring the book to life. Devra highlights the importance of recognizing one's strengths and leveraging the expertise of others.

Moving with the Military

Devra shares her experiences of moving while married to a military man, including a challenging move to Korea. She discusses the lack of support from the military at the time and the difficulties of adapting to a new country without proper resources or knowledge. The importance of learning about the culture and language of the destination is emphasized.

Adapting to New Cultures

The conversation shifts to the cultural differences Devra encountered during her moves, both within the United States and abroad. She talks about her experiences with food and customs in the South and how embracing these differences can make moving a more enjoyable experience. Dr. Lycka and Devra agree on the importance of learning key phrases in the local language to facilitate smoother transitions.

Making Moving an Adventure

Devra encourages listeners to view moving as an adventure rather than a burden. She suggests turning the moving process into a vacation by exploring new routes and destinations along the way. Both Dr. Lycka and Devra stress the importance of planning and being open to new experiences.

The Challenges of Moving

Devra and Dr. Lycka discuss the practical aspects of moving, including packing tips and the importance of organization. Devra shares anecdotes from her own moves, highlighting the need for proper planning to avoid common pitfalls, such as overpacking or forgetting essential documents.

Adjusting to a New Home

The discussion continues with tips on settling into a new home. Devra advises doing thorough research before moving to avoid scams and to ensure a smooth transition. She also recommends taking time to familiarize oneself with the new area before starting a new job, including finding essential services and joining local communities.

The Stress of Moving

Dr. Lycka and Devra acknowledge that moving is one of the top stressors in life, alongside death, illness, and divorce. However, they agree that proper preparation and a positive mindset can significantly reduce the stress associated with moving.

Conclusion

Dr. Lycka wraps up the episode by asking Devra how listeners can obtain a copy of her book, A Happy Move. Devra provides details on where the book is available and encourages listeners to visit the associated website and YouTube channel for additional resources.

Book Mentioned:

• A Happy Move by Devra Jacobs

Website:

• A Happy Move

YouTube:

• A Happy Move Book

Thank you for listening!

Author name: Devra Jacobs

Book title: A Happy Move

Phone Numbers:

(928) 310-8459

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://AHappyMove.com

Social Media Links:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AHappyMove/

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/934411/admin/feed/posts/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahappymovebook/

Travel Edition with Gary Revel

Host: Dr. Allen Lycka

Guest: Gary Revel

Podcast Episode: Travel Edition of Live with Dr. Al

Introduction

Dr. Allen Lycka introduces his guest, Gary Revel, a man of many talents and experiences. Born in Florala, Alabama, Gary pursued a career in music after forming a band at age 15. He later served in the US Navy before embarking on creative ventures in Hollywood, New York, Memphis, and Nashville. Gary’s life took an unexpected turn when he became involved in the investigation of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination through the US Government's House Select Committee on Assassinations (HSCA). He also explored connections between the deaths of JFK, RFK, and MLK.

Gary now works on developing music, literary, and film projects through his company, Jongleur Music and Jongleur Music Pictures. His books, To Live or Maybe Not and Don’t Stop Dancing: Stranger Than Fiction, reflect his remarkable journey.

Gary’s Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Gary shares the story of his childhood, mentioning his early fascination with poker at his mother’s bar and his exposure to music through the bar's jukebox. He describes a traumatic experience where his mother accidentally shot a friend in a confrontation, a moment that deeply influenced his life.

Despite his turbulent youth, Gary found solace and passion in music, leading him to form a band at a young age. His career in music later intersected with his involvement in intelligence work during his time in the Navy.

Transition to Hollywood and Music

After his time in the Navy, Gary pursued his passion for music in Hollywood. He speaks about his recording career, including his first experience at Capitol Records. His career took him to several music capitals, including New York City, Memphis, and Nashville. Throughout his years in Hollywood, Gary worked on numerous projects, from soundtracks to singles, while maintaining his independence as an artist.

Investigating the Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.

Gary explains how his involvement in the investigation of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination came about through his work with an attorney in Nashville. He investigated the case alongside the HSCA and found evidence contradicting the official narrative that James Earl Ray was the assassin. Gary shares his direct experience meeting James Earl Ray and how he concluded that Ray was not responsible for MLK’s murder.

Assassination Theories and Investigations

Gary further delves into his investigations of the JFK and RFK assassinations, emphasizing the connections between these high-profile killings. He explains how powerful forces, including the CIA, mafia, and military-industrial complex, played a role in JFK's assassination due to his plans to end the Vietnam War and other policies that threatened their interests.

Gary also discusses the similarities between the cases of JFK, RFK, and MLK, noting that key individuals were set up as “patsies” to take the blame for the killings.

Life Lessons and Living a Fantastic Life

When asked how he continues to live a fantastic life, Gary credits his survival and success to his faith in God. Despite facing multiple attempts on his life and numerous challenges, Gary believes he has been protected and guided by a higher purpose. He encourages listeners to embrace gratitude and trust that their journey will unfold as it should.

Gary emphasizes the importance of being thankful each day and remaining resilient, regardless of life’s struggles.

Social Media:

• http://youtube.com/garyrevel
• https://www.tiktok.com/@jongleurgroup 
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