What can we learn about presence, gratitude, and courage from our dogs? In this heartfelt episode, Joe sits down with Barbara Stone, a leadership coach, author, and TEDx speaker, to discuss her book, So Much to Drool About: Dog-Inspired Wisdom for Living Large.

Barbara shares how her Great Danes taught her to slow down, live with curiosity, and embrace life with full presence. Together, they explore topics like:

• How dogs model authenticity and emotional awareness

• The importance of play and curiosity as adults

• Why gratitude changes how we experience the world

• Leadership lessons from both corporate life and canine companionship

• The power of time, relationships, and learning to "live large"

Barbara also opens up about her journey from corporate executive to coach, the courage it took to deliver her TEDx Talk Perfection Is Overrated, and how she helps others rediscover joy and purpose through self-compassion and curiosity.

If you've ever looked at your dog and thought, "They seem to have it all figured out," this conversation will hit home.

Guest Links:

• Website: barbstone.me

• Book: So Much to Drool About: Dog-Inspired Wisdom for Living Large

• TEDx Talk: Perfection Is Overrated

Episode Highlights:

• (00:03:00) The wisdom behind So Much to Drool About

• (00:06:00) Lessons from Great Danes: presence and confidence

• (00:10:00) The gift of time and slowing down

• (00:17:00) Barbara's journey from corporate to coaching

• (00:20:00) What Great Danes teach about simplicity and choice

• (00:24:00) Curiosity as a superpower in leadership and life

• (00:26:00) Relationships and the metaphor of the "bus of life"

• (00:30:00) How courage led to her TEDx Talk

• (00:39:00) Leadership lessons at home and in the workplace

• (00:40:00) One mindset shift to reconnect and find peace

Connect with Joe:

• Website: nosittingonthesideline.com

• YouTube: @nosittingonthesideline

Tags: fatherhood, leadership, parenting, gratitude, presence, coaching, Great Danes, resilience, emotional intelligence, personal growth, curiosity, TEDx, life lessons, dogs, mindfulness, slowing down, corporate burnout, positive psychology, relationships, time, purpose, awareness, No Sitting on the Sideline