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 2624:

Luis Congdon explores what it means to be a highly sensitive person (HSP), highlighting key traits like emotional absorption, sensory sensitivity, and overstimulation. With practical strategies for self-care and insight into how sensitivity can be a strength rather than a weakness, this reflection helps listeners better understand themselves or the sensitive people in their lives.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://highlysensitiverefuge.com/signs-highly-sensitive-how-to-keep-it-from-holding-you-back/

Quotes to ponder:

"I used to feel guilty about asking my friends to turn off their fluorescent lights. Now I know that it’s essential that I make this small request to feel good in my skin."

"Crying more often than the average person is a perfectly natural result of feeling everything more intensely."

"The most essential thing for an HSP is to honor your needs whenever they arise."

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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 2623:

Amanda Kruse shares 25 years of lessons learned managing money within her marriage, emphasizing how consistent communication, shared financial goals, and evolving strategies built long-term trust and success. Her story highlights the power of transparency and teamwork over perfection, offering practical tools couples can adapt to align their values with their spending.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://womenwhomoney.com/how-we-manage-our-finances-couple/

Quotes to ponder:

"Combining finances seemed like the best option for us. So after getting married, we viewed it as 'our' money, and that's how it's been ever since."

"Even when we both earn money, we pretend like we only have one income."

"Through it all, we discussed money with honesty and transparency. And after many conversations about our future, we set shared financial goals."

Episode references:

Equifax Credit Reports: https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/

Tiller Money: https://www.tillerhq.com

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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 2622:

Jay and Heather Harrington make a compelling case for prioritizing outdoor experiences with kids, emphasizing how nature and novelty foster deeper happiness and family connection than material things ever could. Backed by research, their perspective shows how simple planning and shared creativity can transform family life and strengthen emotional well-being.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.lifeandwhim.com/first-moments-blog/2018/outside-kids-new-experiences

Quotes to ponder:

"You can really like your material stuff. You can even think that part of your identity is connected to those things, but nonetheless they remain separate from you."

"Memories born out of experiences form emotional 'anchors' that give kids comfort during tough times, they promote brain development, and they help forge close bonds between family members."

"Creating something doesn’t require a table saw, ladder, and carpentry skills, it just means working with your kids on something simple outside that your kids care about and, consequently, will care for."

Episode references:

The Science of Giving Experiences, Not Things - Cindy Chan: https://www.rotman.utoronto.ca/FacultyAndResearch/Faculty/FacultyBios/Chan

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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 2621:

Crystal Karges compassionately unpacks how pregnancy and postpartum can reactivate eating disorder behaviors, even after recovery. By shedding light on physical, emotional, and social triggers often left unspoken, she reminds women that needing extra support during this time is not weakness, but a vital part of healing.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.crystalkarges.com/blog/why-pregnancy-and-postpartum-can-trigger-eating-disorder-relapse

Quotes to ponder:

"Awareness helps you understand that you aren’t alone, nor are you failing in your recovery."

"Pregnancy and birth are transformative: physical, emotionally, and mentally, though the physical changes are what may feel most apparent."

"Even with all the triggers you might be experiencing, it is possible to have a healthy pregnancy and baby while remaining in eating disorder recovery."

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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 2620:

Mr. Money Mustache challenges the culture of extravagant spending on weddings by spotlighting the financial consequences of prioritizing appearances over substance. He offers a refreshing, rational perspective on how celebrating love can be joyful, meaningful, and debt-free - ultimately freeing couples to focus on what truly matters.

Read along with the original article(s) here: http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2011/08/17/royal-wedding-shloyal-fledding/

Quotes to ponder:

"A wedding is just a party, and a party does not have to cost tens of thousands of dollars."

"Life gets much better when you stop trying to impress others and just live according to your own values."

"You can have a rich life, or you can have a rich-looking life. Pick one."

Episode references:

Your Money or Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Money-Life-Transforming-Relationship/dp/0143115766

The Millionaire Next Door: https://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Next-Door-Thomas-Stanley/dp/1589795474

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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 2619:

Elana Miller shares powerful strategies for setting healthy boundaries by emphasizing that actions, not words, teach others how to treat us. She explains how being direct, saying “no” without guilt, and allowing others to experience natural consequences can protect our well-being and foster emotional growth.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://zenpsychiatry.com/setting-limits/

Quotes to ponder:

"They don’t hear what you say, they hear what you do!"

"Get used to the sound of 'no' coming out of your mouth, because if you want to stay sane, you’re going to be saying it a lot."

"You may feel you’re helping, but trust me, you’re not doing that person any favors."

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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 2618:

Elana Miller shares how her mindfulness experiment of saying "yes" to everything revealed the hidden cost of constant agreement. She explains why setting boundaries is essential for protecting your time, energy, and personal values, and how learning to say "no" can actually strengthen your relationships and mental well-being.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://zenpsychiatry.com/setting-limits/

Quotes to ponder:

"People don’t hear what you say, they hear what you do."

"Even just a few days of trying this 'say yes' experiment made me realize that saying yes all the time may work for Buddhist monks in Burma, but it doesn’t really work for the rest of us."

"It actually can help improve your relationships because you won’t be resentful of people for 'making' you do things you don’t want to do."

Episode references:

The 4-Hour Workweek: https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Workweek-Escape-Live-Anywhere/dp/0307465357

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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 2617:

Dr. Allison Niebes-Davis reveals how a single word can instantly undermine even the sincerest apology, offering a better approach to taking ownership and preserving trust in relationships. She also highlights how overcommitting drains our finite time and energy, urging us to set boundaries and prioritize what truly matters. These insights empower listeners to foster healthier connections and live with greater intention.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drallisonanswers.com/relationships/saying-im-sorry-the-word-to-avoid/ & https://drallisonanswers.com/relationships/the-wake-up-call-to-help-you-stop-overcommitting/

Quotes to ponder:

"I’m sorry I lost my temper, but"

"The word 'but' negates what you said prior to it."

"Every time you say 'yes' to something, you’re saying 'no' to something else."

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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 2616:

Andy Hill shares how he and his wife transformed their financial lives by using a simple five-step budgeting method, helping them eliminate debt, grow their net worth by $800,000, and live mortgage-free. Hill emphasizes the importance of identifying a motivating "why," aligning with your partner, choosing the right budgeting tool, creating a fun routine around finances, and celebrating milestones to maintain momentum toward financial freedom.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/budget-your-way-to-financial-freedom-in-5-steps-2

Quotes to ponder:

"Without this ‘why’, I don’t think I would have ever changed my path."

"In order for you to succeed with the budgeting process and stick to it, your partner needs to be on the same page."

"It can be very motivating to put a reward out there for yourself when you achieve your personal finance dreams."

Episode references:

EveryDollar: https://www.everydollar.com

You Need a Budget (YNAB): https://www.ynab.com

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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 2615:

Orna and Matthew Walters offer vital insights on navigating the complexities of dating while separated, emphasizing emotional readiness, personal accountability, and legal precautions. Their guidance helps you avoid common pitfalls and ensures you approach new relationships with greater self-awareness and clarity.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.loveonpurpose.com/what-you-must-know-dating-while-separated/

Quotes to ponder:

"You won’t be ready to date if you haven’t gone through the stages of healing your heart after a breakup."

"Take an inventory of the choices you made and the actions you took (include the actions you didn’t take) that lead to the separation."

"Dating can be a wonderful way to gain insights into your strategies for love and to practice new communication skills."

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