Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2677:

Crystal Karges shares compassionate, evidence-based strategies to help parents navigate picky eating without pressure or power struggles. By fostering a low-stress, joyful mealtime atmosphere and modeling a healthy relationship with food, parents can empower their children to explore new foods while strengthening family connections.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.crystalkarges.com/blog/preventing-the-chicken-nugget-diet-how-to-raise-a-child-that-will-eat-almost-anything

Quotes to ponder:

"Children actually have an amazing, innate ability to eat according to what their bodies are needing, and as parents, we need to give them the opportunity to do so."

"Offer new foods alongside familiar foods and allow them to decide whether or not they want to try it."

"Creating fun traditions at the table, like kid trivia or a dinner theme night, can help bring the joy back to mealtime."

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Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2676:

Dr. Diana Kirschner highlights how introverts can thrive in dating by embracing authenticity, shifting focus outward, and using playful flirting to foster connection. Her advice empowers shy individuals to show up as their real selves, free, engaged, and irresistibly alive, while creating space for mutual ease and attraction.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://lovein90days.com/5-pieces-best-dating-advice-for-introverts/

Quotes to ponder:

"Every person is interesting when they are real."

"Being real means you become grounded in knowing that you are beautifully okay just as you are."

"The key to feel more confident in that moment is to put your attention OUTWARD."

Episode references:

The Velveteen Rabbit: https://www.amazon.com/Velveteen-Rabbit-Original-Margery-Williams/dp/0380002558

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Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2675:

Dr. Diana Kirschner shares empowering dating advice tailored specifically for introverts, helping them embrace their natural strengths in love. With actionable tips on confidence, connection, and authentic communication, she shows how quieter personalities can thrive in the dating world.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://lovein90days.com/5-pieces-best-dating-advice-for-introverts/

Quotes to ponder:

"Introverts actually have a secret edge in dating."

"You don’t have to be the life of the party to find true love."

"Confidence isn’t about being loud; it’s about owning who you are."

References:

Love in 90 Days (book): https://www.amazon.com/Love-90-Days-Attract-Soulmate/dp/1594632979

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Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2674:

David and Constantino Khalaf explore how healthy dependence, rather than complete self-reliance, can foster deeper intimacy and emotional connection in relationships. By shifting from “I’ll do it myself” to “How can we do this together?”, couples can strengthen their bonds through vulnerability, mutual influence, and intentional acts of connection.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.gottman.com/blog/healthy-dependence-healthy-relationships/

Quotes to ponder:

"Depending on others is part of our genetic makeup, our emotional dependence on loved ones remains strong."

"Being depended on helps Constantino feel that he is appreciated and useful in our marriage rather than feeling left out or neglected."

"Even if David can assert his independence, it doesn’t always mean he should."

Episode references:

Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller: https://www.amazon.com/Attached-Science-Adult-Attachment-YouFind/dp/1585429139

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Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2673:

Dr. Lisa Hoplock explores how the misfortunes of same-gender friends, particularly those viewed as romantic rivals, can trigger feelings of schadenfreude. While this reaction may signal subconscious competition in the mating arena, the research reveals that such glee doesn't necessarily change how we view our own or others’ mate value. Listeners are invited to reflect on what these moments of quiet satisfaction might reveal about their own insecurities and social comparisons.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.luvze.com/happiness-at-the-misfortune-of-mate-rivals/

Quotes to ponder:

"It’s common to laugh at someone’s slight misfortune, and we’re more likely to do it when it happens to a same-gender friend than an opposite-gender friend."

"Participants felt greater happiness at the misfortune of same-gender friends than they did for opposite-gender friends."

"Even though women experienced more schadenfreude after imagining that their friend gained 15 pounds, they didn’t rate themselves as having a higher mate value than their friend in this scenario."

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Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2672:

Colin Wright explores the concept of "history stalking," the habit of deeply researching influential figures to understand their decisions, motivations, and growth. By immersing ourselves in the context behind their lives, we gain perspective on our own paths and the long arc of self-improvement.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://exilelifestyle.com/history-stalking/

Quotes to ponder:

"History stalking is a way of studying great and impactful people from the past as if you’re their stalker."

"Knowing someone’s work, their accomplishments, doesn’t provide you with enough context to understand why they did what they did."

"The more you understand about someone’s world, the more sense their choices make."

Episode references:

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson: https://www.amazon.com/Steve-Jobs-Walter-Isaacson/dp/1451648537

Team of Rivals: https://www.amazon.com/Team-Rivals-Political-Abraham-Lincoln/dp/0743270754

Benjamin Franklin: An American Life: https://www.amazon.com/Benjamin-Franklin-American-Walter-Isaacson/dp/074325807X

Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow: https://www.amazon.com/Alexander-Hamilton-Ron-Chernow/dp/0143034758

The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt: https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Theodore-Roosevelt-Modern-Library/dp/0375756787

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Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2671:

Charlie Brown uses a memorable scene from Ted Lasso to offer a simple yet powerful test for deciding who’s worth your time: are they curious, or just judgmental? By highlighting how ego and social media drown out genuine interest in others, she reminds us that curiosity isn’t just polite, it’s transformational.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://medium.com/mind-cafe/if-you-want-to-know-if-someone-is-worth-your-time-use-the-ted-lasso-curiosity-rule-23311d1ddce3

Quotes to ponder:

"Be curious, not judgmental."

"If they were curious they would have asked questions. Questions like, have you played a lot of darts, Ted?"

"You are not worth my time. You are not important enough. You are not as interesting as me. Bull."

Episode references:

Ted Lasso (Apple TV+): https://tv.apple.com/us/show/ted-lasso/umc.cmc.vtoh0mn0xn7t3c643xqonfzy

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Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2670:

Mike Burns explores how minimalism helps parents strip away distractions and focus more intentionally on raising their children. By guarding time, choosing battles wisely, and clarifying core values, minimalism empowers parents to lead with purpose and presence.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.becomingminimalist.com/own-less-parent-better/

Quotes to ponder:

"It is a huge responsibility and we should take it very seriously."

"You can’t do everything. We have to learn to say 'no' to many good things so we can say 'yes' to the things that are more important to us at that time."

"If everything is a big deal, then nothing is a big deal."

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Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2669:

Jen shares practical and stress-free ways to prevent summer learning loss in kids without sacrificing summer fun. From quick flashcard sessions to integrating learning into everyday routines like cooking and creative play, her tips help keep young minds sharp while fostering family connection.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://thistimeofmine.com/beating-the-summer-slide/

Quotes to ponder:

"Beating the summer slide is easy, but it does take regular, conscious effort."

"Reading can be a part of learning time, an afternoon quiet time or even a bedtime routine."

"It doesn’t have to be anything big to be effective."

Episode references:

Summer Reading Program - Scholastic: https://www.scholastic.com/site/summer-reading.html

Summer Reading Program - Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/b/summer-reading/_/N-2o9z

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Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2668:

Eddie Corbano outlines the final steps to end a relationship with clarity, compassion, and integrity. By preparing for tough reactions, staying firm yet kind, and offering closure without false hope, you support both your healing and your partner’s, all while setting the stage for genuine emotional recovery.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://lovesagame.com/how-to-break-up-with-somebody-in-7-steps/

Quotes to ponder:

"Never, ever let there be any doubt that your relationship is over."

"You will feel the urge to ease the pain by saying something he/she wants to hear, but this is wrong for two reasons: you are giving false hope and delaying the healing process, and you are getting off your course."

"Understanding will not come until later in their recovery. Your goal is to give the feeling of an ending and a goodbye."

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