Maxim EQ

While this episode is far from a high-falutin academic deep dive into Seneca’s maxim, we do unpack the very real—and largely unhelpful—habit of catastrophizing: how a relatively small setback can snowball into a full-blown worst-case scenario, and the impact that pattern can have on our well-being. We also dig into the practical foundations that help us show up more fully in every part of life—thoughtful time management, emotional regulation, and intentional self-care. And finally, we acknowledge the difficulty of following our own advice: why it’s so hard, and what it really takes to bridge the gap between what we know and what we actually practice. It’s a grounded, candid discussion for anyone looking to move through life with a bit more clarity, compassion, and intention.

Thanks for listening,

Mike

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We’ve all heard the advice: tune out the noise. But what if that noise is where the valuable signal lives? In this episode, Sam, Lysa, and I dive into the power of paying attention to what may be tempting to ignore. Perhaps we’re actually being invited to listen more closely and observe with greater discernment—because the more “noise” we welcome in, the more opportunity we create to connect, learn, and grow.

Thanks for listening,
Mike

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This engaging episode of Maxim EQ dives deep into the adage “Comparison is the Theft of Joy” with guest Chris Hancock, an integrative therapist and former musician who blends psychology, spirituality, and lived experience. Together we discuss how our natural tendency to compare—especially in the age of social media—often leads to despair and disconnection. Yet, when approached consciously, comparison can be redirected toward empathy and self-understanding.

We explore how healing comes from identifying the “parts” of ourselves that seek validation, the dangers of unconscious comparison, and the liberating power of self-awareness. The conversation travels from social media and self-image to spiritual integration, parenting, and healing. Expect insights on mindfulness, the psychology of comparison, and what it means to choose love over competition in everyday life.

Thanks for listening,
Mike

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The ancient maxim “Know thyself” is certainly timeless—but what does it really look like in everyday life? In this episode, we're joined by our guest Laurie Blanchard to explore self-awareness not as a philosophical idea, but as a lived practice that evolves over decades and through every chapter of our lives.

Together with Laurie, we dig into the real, sometimes messy journey of personal growth—sharing stories, lessons, and tactics that help us stay grounded, reflective, and authentic. Laurie reminds us that self-awareness isn’t a single moment of clarity—it’s an ongoing process of becoming who we truly are.

We hope you enjoy the conversation.

Thanks for listening,

Mike

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In this episode, Sam and I are joined by musician and certified social worker John Deaderick to delve into a powerful lyric from the R.E.M. song “I Believe”: “Perfect is a fault, and fault lines change.” Using this as our launching point, we dive into the nature of perfection and perfectionism, and explore how embracing flexibility can transform our relationships, creativity, and personal well-being

John shares both personal stories and professional insights, revealing how our notions of “perfect” often change and evolve over time. Along the way, we discuss cognitive flexibility, societal expectations, and mindfulness, weaving together reflection, lived experience, and practical advice you can bring into your daily life.

Sam and I really appreciated the wisdom and vibe that John brought to this conversation, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Thanks for listening,
Mike

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In this episode, Sam and I are joined by Cara Price, a modeling and wellness coach from Kansas City, for a conversation exploring the maxim “Mountain?, or a Series of Molehills?”

Cara brings thoughtful, real-world perspectives on this idea—drawing from both her personal journey and her holistic work with clients. She shares how reframing challenges can make a huge difference in reaching goals, staying balanced, and easing the anxiety that often comes with overcoming big obstacles. 

We hope you take away a couple of ideas and tips that you can apply in your own life.

Thanks for listening,
Mike

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In this episode of Maxim EQ, Sam and I are joined by John Dykstra to explore a simple but powerful idea: Empathy is Mutually Beneficial.

Empathy has become a buzzword in recent years, but we go beyond the surface—unpacking what it really means, why it matters, and how it can impact both your relationships and your own well-being. John offers thoughtful and practical insights drawn from his unique life and work on Alaska’s remote North Slope.

📌 Note: The limited internet bandwidth in the Arctic affected John’s audio a little, but his perspective was too compelling not to share.

We hope this conversation sparks reflection—and maybe even inspires how you approach empathy in your own life.

Thanks for listening,
Mike

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In this episode of Maxim EQ, Sam and I are joined by our longtime friend Aaron Lippert to explore the value of quitting—or as I sometimes prefer to label it, “self-graduating.”

We dig into the language around quitting, how word choice shapes perception, and share personal stories about crossroads in our life experiences around trying to figure out when it’s time to move on. Whether it’s leaving a job, a relationship, or a mindset, this conversation is about taking agency and recognizing growth over guilt when making a change. We hope it sparks some reflection—and maybe even a little inspiration.

Thanks.

Mike

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In this introductory episode of the Maxim EQ podcast, Sam and I share the story behind the show—along with a brief look into our 30 year friendship.

We reflect on how Maxim EQ came to life, why we decided to create it together, and what listeners can expect moving forward. We hope you you’ll enjoy it and tune in to subsequent episodes to listen in on engaging conversations with our guests as we explore original ideas, timeless maxims, and thought-provoking lyrics—served up in monthly episodes designed to spark reflection and growth. 

Thanks.

Mike

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