Notes for the Children
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Notes for the Children episodes

  • Accountability

    In this episode of Notes for the Children, Pat Priestner dives deep into the concept of accountability, a principle he credits as a cornerstone of his success. Drawing on nearly five decades of experience, Pat discusses the critical role of personal responsibility in achieving outstanding results, both individually and as part of a team.

    Pat introduces listeners to the mantra that has guided Pat's career and the powerful idea that understanding and embracing our role in the outcomes of our efforts is critical to rising to the top of any field. Reflecting on moments of his career when failing to own his number led to setbacks, Pat illustrates how adopting an accountability mindset can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and success. 

    Join us in this empowering episode as Pat unpacks the importance of being a good friend to yourself through accountability, demonstrating how taking full responsibility for our actions and attitudes paves the way for a fulfilling and successful life. 

    11 min
  • First Five Minutes

    In this episode of Notes for the Children, Pat Priestner shares invaluable insights into the critical importance of the first five minutes of any interaction, especially in the context of sales. Drawing from decades of experience in the automotive industry, Pat underscores how these initial moments can make or break a deal or a relationship. 

    Listeners will discover practical strategies and tips for winning over customers and making positive connections right from the start. Pat delves into techniques such as walking meditation, the significance of active listening, the trust-building power of eye contact and the often-underestimated value of a genuine smile. 

    Beyond sales tips, this episode explores the "I Like You" process—a simple yet profoundly effective approach Pat adopted early in his career. 

    Join us in this enlightening episode as Pat guides us through mastering the art of making an excellent first impression, demonstrating how a few minutes of mindfulness and positivity can lead to lasting connections and success. 

    12 min
  • Compassion

    In this introspective episode of Notes for the Children, Pat Priestner delves into the profound lesson of self-compassion, sharing insights from a journey marked by personal struggles and growth. 

    Pat opens up about the critical realization that loving oneself is foundational to loving others, and the inability to treat oneself kindly makes it challenging to extend genuine kindness and compassion to those around us. Exploring the barriers to self-compassion many of us face, including the harsh inner critic that often drowns out our ability to appreciate our worth, Pat shares hard lessons learned along the way. 

    Pat offers practical strategies for cultivating self-compassion and challenges the misconception that self-compassion is selfish, arguing instead that it enables us to be more present, supportive, and loving towards others.

    Join us in this heartfelt episode as Pat guides us through the essential practice of being a good friend to oneself, demonstrating how self-compassion can lead to a life of greater happiness, resilience, and connection. 

    12 min
  • Anger

    In this Notes for the Children episode, Pat Priestner embarks on a candid exploration of anger, its impacts and the pathways to managing this intense emotion. Drawing upon personal experiences and insights from Michael Singer's "The Untethered Soul," Pat reflects on anger as a natural but often destructive response to perceived threats, and its physiological effects like flushed faces and heightened blood pressure. 

    Pat shares his journey from being frequently overwhelmed by anger to understanding and taming it while delving into practical strategies for dealing with anger, including the enlightening perspective offered by Buddhism. He guides listeners through techniques like conscious breathing and mindfulness, which can transform the energy of anger into something more positive and manageable.

    Join us in this empowering episode as Pat takes us down a path of self-discovery, teaching us how to navigate the storm of anger and emerge with greater calm, understanding and compassion.

    18 min
  • Roommates from Hell

    In this powerful episode of Notes for the Children, Pat Priestner explores the concept of the critical voice inside us that constantly undermines our confidence and self-worth. 

    Pat shares his personal experiences and insights into how he learned to silence this inner critic and transform his relationship with himself. 

    Drawing from his own life, Pat illustrates how our internal battles with self-esteem and confidence affect those around us, especially our children. 

    Encouraging listeners to be as compassionate and forgiving with themselves as they would be with their loved ones, Pat provides practical advice on starting each day with kindness and hope, regardless of the challenges ahead. 

    Join us in this transformative episode as Pat Priestner guides us through the process of taming our 'inner roommate,' laying down the heavy burden of self-criticism, and embarking on a path of self-love and self-compassion. This is more than just a lesson in mindfulness; it's a call to change how we treat ourselves for a healthier, happier life. 

    18 min
  • Emotions

    In this insightful Notes for the Children episode, host Pat Priestner delves into the intricate relationship between thoughts, emotions, and our overall well-being. He opens up about his own struggles with uncontrolled emotions and the profound realizations that led him to a path of self-awareness and mindfulness.

    Pat explores the concept that negative thoughts inevitably lead to negative emotions, impacting our mental state and physical health. By sharing his journey of introspection and understanding the root causes of emotions like anger, jealousy, and frustration, Pat illustrates how he learned to steer his life back on track.

    Sharing personal anecdotes, including missed opportunities and family dynamics, Pat offers some practical advice on life's unexpected turns and how our emotional state can cloud or clarify our ability to seize opportunities. 

    Join us in this powerful episode as Pat Priestner guides us through the complexities of our emotions and teaches how mastering mindfulness can lead to a more fulfilled, controlled, and happy life. 

    15 min
  • Watering the Seeds

    In this enlightening episode of Notes for the Children, our host, Pat Priestner, invites listeners on a journey through the art of mindfulness and the power of nurturing positive thoughts.

    Drawing from the metaphor of a gardener tending to their garden, Pat explores how we can cultivate our emotional landscape by carefully choosing which 'seeds' – thoughts and emotions – to water and nurture.

    By practicing mindfulness, we become more aware of these seeds and gain the wisdom to water the wholesome ones.  Sharing personal insights on how our upbringing influences how we tend to our emotional garden, Pat shines a light on how, with mindfulness, we can reshape these influences into positive forces.

    This episode is not just a lesson in mindfulness; it's an invitation to build a strong foundation for ourselves and our loved ones, ensuring that when the winds of life change, we are grounded in happiness and resilience.

    Join us in this compelling episode as we learn to be excellent gardeners of our emotions, making mindful choices that lead to a more joyful and fulfilling life. 

    10 min
  • Introduction: Running Against the Wind

    In this thought-provoking episode of Notes for the Children, join our host Pat Priestner as he delves into the profound and personal interpretations of Bob Seger's iconic song, "Running Against the Wind." 

    For Pat, this track isn't just a piece of music; it's a reflection of his life's journey, echoing the changes in meaning and significance over the years. Through an intimate narrative  

     Today, Pat sees "Running Against the Wind" as a metaphor for confronting and overcoming the destructive impulses that often hold us back from achieving true peace and happiness. Through an intimate narrative, starting with his challenging childhood, Pat shares how learning from his mistakes and committing to daily self-improvement have reshaped his life. 

     As Pat explores these themes, he encourages you to find your own personal anthem in life's struggle against the metaphorical wind. Join us for an episode that promises not only a deeper appreciation of a classic tune but also invaluable insights into living a more fulfilled and self-aware life. 

     Let's learn, grow, and find our own meanings in "Running Against the Wind." 

    58 min

About Notes for the Children

From the publisher's feed

Pat Priestner’s life is a testament to the power of making small changes in life in order to heal, inspire and connect. From the lows of heavy drinking, severe anxiety and complete lack of…