By Gerald J. Leonard
5
3535 ratings
The podcast currently has 78 episodes available.
What if the secret to unlocking your highest productivity was as simple as saying one word? Sounds too easy, right? But what if that magic word—HU—holds the key to focusing your energy, calming your mind, and amplifying your performance?
In this episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard dives deep into the fascinating world where science and spirituality meet, alongside Dr. Nicole and Michael Sebastian, aka the Dream Team. They explore how the practice of Hu—a simple yet powerful vocal exercise—can transform your productivity, reduce stress, and help you lead a more balanced life.
Dr. Nicole and Michael open up about their journey, which began with a literal dream that brought them together as life coaches and spiritual guides. They discuss their groundbreaking book, 1-Step Therapy: Just Say Hu: The Universal Panacea for All That Ails You, offering insights into how this one simple word can create harmony in your life. Whether you’re looking to clear mental clutter, enhance focus, or relieve stress, Hu is the key to unlocking a higher level of well-being and productivity.
By the end of this inspiring conversation, you’ll walk away with practical tools to integrate both science and spirituality into your daily routine. Tune in and discover how Hu can work for you.
What We Discuss
[02:01] Introduction of the Dream Team
[06:49] The importance of dreams
[09:11] Understanding the concept of Hu
[14:01] Personal transformation through practices
[22:08] Quantum physics and personal discovery
[24:08] Client success story
[28:06] Quantum connection
[31:12] Final insights and encouragement
Notable Quotes
[06:49] “Pay attention to your dreams, because your life is going to change. It's going to take a 180-degree turn and go a different direction.” - Michael Sebastian
[12:59] “It took my focus and my game to another level. There's the proof, and it's so quick, so fast, and it's simply a toning vibration that literally takes us to another level.” - Michael Sebastian
[28:18] “When you Hu, suddenly all the stuff starts immediately getting better, and that’s because it’s all connected already. The Hu at a quantum level just does that—it fills in all the gaps and brings the very best version of yourself to the surface.” - Michael Sebastian
Our Guests
Nicole and Michael Sebastian, aka “The Dream Dudes,” are Modern-Day Oracles, Expert Decision Coaches, and authors of Trust Yourself: Master Your Dreams, Master Your Destiny. With expertise in dreams, signs, intuition, fitness, addiction therapy, and sociology, they guide individuals in decoding dreams and signs to navigate life’s challenges and take control of their destiny. Creators of the Trust Yourself System, they teach others how to trust their gut, interpret dreams, and use intuition for success. Featured on A&E, E! Entertainment, Coast to Coast, and more, they offer workshops and private consultations from Hollywood Hills.
Resources
Dr. Nic and Mike (Dream Team) Sebastian
Website - https://www.1steptherapy.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-nic-and-mike-sebastian-4a339924
Divine Guidance Institute- https://www.guidestar.org/profile/27-4666146
Book- 1- Step Therapy Just Say Hu: The Universal Panacea for All That Ails You
Productivity Smarts Podcast
Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com
Gerald J. Leonard
Website - geraldjleonard.com
Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com
Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard
Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
Have you ever reviewed your finances and felt a wave of anxiety? When financial matters are disorganized, the impact can reach every part of life—affecting mood, productivity, and even relationships.
In this episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard speaks with Tina Tehranchian, an award-winning financial advisor at Assante Capital Management, about how financial planning is not merely about wealth accumulation. Rather, it’s a path to creating stability that enhances productivity and overall well-being. Tina emphasizes that financial stress can greatly impair focus and performance, both personally and professionally.
The discussion also touches on those who may be starting over later in life due to circumstances such as divorce or bankruptcy. Tina offers reassurance that it’s possible to rebuild and highlights the importance of openness with financial advisors during these transitions.
Gerald highlights the value of long-standing relationships between clients and advisors, with Tina reflecting on her pride in working with clients for decades. The episode emphasizes that effective financial planning is key to reducing stress and enhancing life satisfaction.
What We Discuss
Notable Quotes
Our Guest
Tina is a distinguished Senior Wealth Advisor at Assante Capital Management with over 30 years of experience. She has received numerous awards, including being the first Canadian and woman to earn the Senior Wealth Advisor of the Year title from the International Association of Top Professionals in 2020. In 2021, she was named Senior Wealth Advisor of the Decade and Empowered Woman of the Year. Recently, Tina was recognized as one of Wealth Professionals Canada’s *Top 50 Leading Women in Wealth* for 2023 and a Five-Star Advisor in Ontario in 2024.
Resources
Tina Tehranchian
Productivity Smarts Podcast
Gerald J. Leonard
Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
Does it ever feel like stress quietly drains your energy and clouds your mind just when you need to focus? Imagine if, instead of feeling overwhelmed, you could access a state of calm that actually fuels productivity. Far from being a mysterious trick, hypnosis is a powerful tool for reducing stress and enhancing mental clarity—helping you think and work at your best.
In this episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Kelly Tallaksen, founder of Hearts in Harmony Hypnosis, to explore her path from paralegal to hypnotist and the profound impact of emotional healing on the mind. Kelly explains how early experiences shape adult behaviors and discusses why tackling emotional stress is key to breaking free from feelings of unworthiness and enhancing productivity. They dive into concepts like pre-birth consciousness, the influence of self-awareness, and the importance of emotional maturity in overcoming personal barriers. By the end, Kelly offers practical steps for using self-awareness and hypnosis to foster growth and reach your potential.
Ready to explore how hypnosis can reshape your mind and boost your productivity? Tune into this episode, and start unlocking the true power of your subconscious today.
What We Discuss
[02:01] Introduction to Kelly Tallaksen
[04:41] The power of hypnosis
[05:53] Analogy of team dynamics
[07:20] Kelly's musical influences
[09:48] Overview of Kelly's book
[15:12] Internal battles
[22:12] The importance of deep inner work
[25:48] Compassion and higher consciousness
[33:40] Techniques for emotional healing
[37:03] Conclusion and resources
Notable Quotes
[02:33] “The stress was not only outside of me; it was really coming from inside of me, from not healing those parts of me that felt unworthy.” -Kelly Tallaksen
[18:53] “If we knew who we really are, we would love ourselves. We are so magnetic, so divine, so beautiful. Our souls are so pure.” -Kelly Tallaksen
[20:28] “Once you have all of these thoughts in your mind, then the emotions are, 'Oh my goodness, no one could ever love me. I'm unlovable, I'm unworthy.'” - Kelly Tallaksen
[25:48] “When we're in that higher consciousness, we don't judge ourselves or others anymore. We have compassion for those that are suffering.” - Kelly Tallaksen
[36:15] “Tell me how you feel, and I'm going to help you process through it. Then bring in your mind to that child's feelings and help them understand the value in them, the spirit in them, the beauty of them.” - Kelly Tallaksen
Our Guest
Kelly Tallaksen is a board-certified hypnotist and the founder of Hearts in Harmony Hypnosis, specializing in transformative healing through hypnosis. With a deep understanding of the mind-body-spirit connection, she guides clients in overcoming limiting beliefs and emotional wounds, empowering them to live fulfilling lives. Kelly utilizes various modalities, including past life regression and the Simpson Protocol, to facilitate profound self-discovery and healing. Recognized for her expertise, she is dedicated to helping individuals harness the power of their minds for personal growth and wellness. For more details, visit Hearts in Harmony Hypnosis.
Resources
Kelly Tallaksen
Website - https://heartsinharmonyhypnosis.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-tallaksen-13b4018/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeartsinHarmonyHypnosis/
Book - The Voiceless Soul: How to Express and Release Deep Fears of Unworthiness
Productivity Smarts Podcast
Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com
Gerald J. Leonard
Website - geraldjleonard.com
Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com
Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard
Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
What if the secret to unlocking your productivity lies not in working harder but in creating meaningful connections? Could something as simple as sharing a meal or taking a moment to chat with a colleague transform your work experience? In our fast-paced lives, these small acts of hospitality can recharge us and lead to significant improvements in our effectiveness.
In this thought-provoking episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard welcomes the insightful Annie McCune to explore how hospitality can supercharge productivity. Annie, author of Practicing Hospitality: The Joy and Grace of Loving Strangers, shares her personal journey of creating a welcoming, inclusive environment and how acts of kindness foster genuine connections that enhance both personal and professional lives.
They dive into helpful strategies that can weave hospitality into daily routines and workspaces, showing how simple gestures can reduce stress and build community. Tune in and learn how embracing kindness leads to success in all areas of life.
What We Discuss
[02:01] Introduction to Annie McCune
[05:38] The impact of community
[07:41] Defining hospitality
[10:49] Balancing hospitality and productivity
[13:32] Hospitality's role in reducing stress
[15:50] Fostering a hospitable workplace
[17:55] Correlation between hospitality and organization
[19:54] Consequences of a non-hospitable environment
[23:39] Connecting with Annie
Notable Quotes
[02:50] “I grew up in a large, loving family, and our homes were family-friendly, not castles. That sense of safety and openness is something I’ve carried with me all my life.” - Annie McCune
[04:39] “Opening our doors to others was never a challenge; it was always a joy. Our four kids got used to making room, and now they do the same with their homes. It’s contagious, and it’s a good thing.” - Annie McCune
[12:43] “Productivity is more about prioritizing what you value most. If we value meaningful relationships and making a difference, it requires loving strangers, which can break up your day and have a great impact.” - Gerald J. Leonard
[22:12] “We were made for connection. The statistics right now from the Surgeon General are, 1 in 2 Americans are suffering physical or mental effects from isolation and loneliness.” - Annie McCune
Our Guest
Annie McCune is an advocate for practicing biblical hospitality, emphasizing the joy and grace of opening one’s heart and home to strangers. Rooted in her upbringing and life experiences, she shares how hospitality fosters deeper connections and a richer life.
Annie McCune grew up in a large, loud, and loving family in Western New York. She graduated from Dartmouth College where she met her husband Lee who went on to attend medical school there. They have 4 children, and 12 grandchildren. They feel privileged to also have numerous internationals of all ages from Honduras, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan call them family. Her favorite assignment after loving God and family is opening her door to those around her.
Annie is the author of Practicing Hospitality: The Joy and Grace of Loving Strangers, where she chronicles her journey and inspires others to embrace kindness and generosity without expecting anything in return. She is also available for speaking engagements and women's retreats.
Annie is a facilitator, teacher, speaker, and organizer of events that have been city-wide, state-wide, and worldwide. She has served on numerous civic and non-profit boards and has a certificate in Executive Leadership from Liberty University. In her free time, she enjoys watching birds in her backyard, long walks and relishing redemptive stories in books and movies. She and Lee currently reside in Atlanta Georgia.
Resources
Annie McCune
Website - https://anniebooks.com/
Book - Practicing Hospitality: The Joy and Grace of Loving Strangers by Annie McCune
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-mccune-0017ab69/
Productivity Smarts Podcast
Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com
Gerald J. Leonard
Website - geraldjleonard.com
Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com
Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard
Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
Did you know that 55 million people worldwide live with undiagnosed dementia?
In this enlightening episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Jeanne Severe, a physician assistant and author of Unlocking the Secrets of a Clear Mind. Jeanne draws from her vast experience in internal medicine and the emergency room to discuss the critical importance of maintaining cognitive health. Together, they dive into practical strategies for achieving mental clarity, covering everything from exercise, meditation, and proper sleep to balanced nutrition. Jeanne also emphasizes the power of vitamins, lifelong learning, and how setting clear intentions can help manage stress. They further explore the value of community support in fostering mental well-being.
Tune in and discover how small, intentional steps can sharpen your focus and boost your productivity.
What We Discuss
[02:01] Introduction to Jeanne Severe
[03:22] Jeanne’s transition from music to medicine
[05:55] Understanding dementia
[06:38] Importance of brain health
[08:12] Mental blocks and peak productivity
[09:19] Signs of early dementia
[14:35] Mental clutter's impact
[17:07] Strategies for a clear mind
[18:15] Preventive measures for brain health
[22:02] Importance of detoxification
[25:25] Intention setting importance
[27:15] Learning and growth mindset
[28:30] Addressing stress in high-pressure environments
Notable Quotes
[04:35] “When patients come to the emergency room with memory loss or dementia, it touches my heart to see what their families are going through. I decided I needed to do something about it.” - Jeanne Severe
[24:06] “Let me do things that would prevent me from getting a disease instead of waiting until the disease happens and then trying to cure it.” - Jeanne Severe
[29:14] “If you are sincere with yourself, something will happen.” - Jeanne Severe
Resources
Jeanne Severe
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanne-severe-08a15a25/
Book - Unlocking the Secrets of a Clear Mind" by Jeanne Severe
Productivity Smarts Podcast
Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com
Gerald J. Leonard
Website - geraldjleonard.com
Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com
Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard
Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
Public speaking is one of the most common fears, and it can seriously hinder productivity and career growth. In this episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Laura Reid—an international keynote speaker, public speaking coach, and stand-up comedian—who shares her inspiring journey of overcoming a stutter and social anxiety to thrive as a speaker.
Laura reveals the power of storytelling over rigid, traditional presentations and highlights why chasing perfection can be a trap. They also dive into the benefits of mentorship and the idea of "stumbling forward," encouraging listeners to embrace imperfection, learn from their mistakes, and ultimately boost their productivity and personal growth.
Ready to take your public speaking skills to the next level? Tune in now and discover how you can turn your fear into a strength!
What We Discuss
[02:01] Introduction to Laura Reid
[04:44] Key moment of change
[12:24] Impact of fear on productivity
[18:14] Optimizing preparation time
[22:03] Engaging presentations
[23:07] Perfectionism in public speaking
[27:01] Importance of coaching
[29:05] Stumbling forward
Notable Quotes
Guest Bio
Laura Reid is a transformative speaker and coach known as "The Speech Slayer." After overcoming a childhood stutter and crippling anxiety, she discovered her passion for storytelling on stage, which helped her reclaim her voice. Laura's mission is to empower others to share their stories confidently and connect authentically, ensuring they never feel like ghosts in their own lives. Through her work, she inspires individuals to embrace vulnerability and find strength in their narratives.
Resources
Laura Reid
Website - https://www.thespeechslayer.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-reid-339456175
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laura_inwonderland/
Book - The Public Speaking Horror Show
Productivity Smarts Podcast
Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com
Gerald J. Leonard
Website - geraldjleonard.com
Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com
Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard
Books
The Obstacle Is the Way
Dare to Suck
Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
Are you ready to redefine what aging means for you? In a world that often views aging as a limitation, what if you could flip the script and see it as a new beginning? In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard chats with James Flaherty, an inspiring 89-year-old author and motivational speaker. They dive into how aging impacts productivity and the mindset that can help us lead fulfilling lives as we grow older. Living in a charming 1940s dairy barn in the Berkshires, Jim truly believes that you’re "only as old as you think you are." His latest book, Loving Longevity, reflects this philosophy.
Jim attributes his success to a strong work ethic and the joy he finds in his craft. He shares a memorable quote from Noël Coward: “Work is more fun than fun,” underscoring the value of daily routines and prioritizing tasks. He recommends creating a nightly to-do list to ease anxiety and make space for creativity.
Throughout their conversation, Jim emphasizes the importance of social connections and staying active. He talks about “blue zones,” where community ties lead to longer lives. To tackle loneliness, he encourages listeners to engage with their communities and nurture relationships. Jim’s insights remind us that embracing aging can open doors to new passions and opportunities, making it a journey worth celebrating.
Tune in now to discover how you can embrace aging and unlock your potential!
What We Discuss
[02:01] Introduction to James Flaherty
[06:13] Daily discipline and routine
[09:04] Music and inspiration
[13:14] The importance of work ethic
[17:58] Gratitude and happiness
[20:56] Mindset over physical condition
[22:39] The importance of education at any age
[24:17] Engaging with life
[35:27] Finding purpose in aging
Notable Quotes
[05:08] “If you want to live a long time, you have to take care of the basic machine. I eat properly, I don't smoke, and I exercise every morning, whether I want to or not.” - James Flaherty
[17:58] “Every day I am grateful, and every day I show gratitude for that. At 89, I do not wake up in pain, and I have never awakened depressed.” - James Flaherty
[19:25] “Every morning of your life, you're going to have to confront your biggest critic, your biggest enemy, the highest wall you have to hurdle—it's that person in your bathroom mirror.” - James Flaherty
[33:40] “The biggest problem of aging is that too many elders are living alone because she has died or he has died, and they're alone. Loneliness is the biggest stress and perhaps the biggest cause of early death.” - James Flaherty
Guest Bio
Jim Flaherty was an international advertising writer/creative director who has published two novels, and two non-fiction books. He was also creator and innkeeper of a five-star country inn/conference center. He is a frequent motivational speaker about aging cheerfully. A strong believer in “you are only as old as you think,” Jim thinks 89 (going on 59) is terrific, and is a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His home is a 1940's art-filled dairy barn in the foothills of the Berkshires.
Resources
James Flaherty
Website - https://jamesbflaherty.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-b-flaherty/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jamesbflahertyauthor/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@jamesbflaherty
James Flaherty Books: Link
Productivity Smarts Podcast
Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com
Gerald J. Leonard
Website - geraldjleonard.com
Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com
Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard
Mentioned Book
The Mindful Body: Thinking Our Way to Chronic Health Hardcover – September 5, 2023 by Ellen J. Langer
Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
Just like a fire can either warm a home or burn it down, stress can fuel our productivity or consume us whole. In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard welcomes the inspiring Snowden McFall, owner of Fired Up Professional Speaking and Coaching, and the author of Stress Express!: 15 Instant Stress Relievers. Together, they delve into a topic that resonates with many: the impact of stress on our productivity. Snowden offers a refreshing viewpoint, encouraging us to see stress not as a hindrance but as a catalyst for getting things done.
Their conversation covers practical self-care practices, strategies for maintaining focus, and the influence of workplace culture on our stress levels. Snowden also shares valuable leadership insights and highlights the importance of open communication.
Packed with actionable tools to enhance your productivity and well-being, this episode invites you to unwind and discover how to transform stress into your greatest ally.
What We Discuss
[02:01] Introduction to Snowden McFall
[03:36] The dartboard exercise
[06:05] The power of music
[09:08] Natural ways to relieve stress
[09:43] How stress dramatically lowers productivity
[11:38] Effective stress relief techniques
[16:04] Chronic stress and decision making
[21:46] Transforming stress mindset
[28:22] Closing remarks and book recommendation
Notable Quotes
[08:46] “I think there are natural and healthy ways to relieve depression, and music is one of those.” - Snowden McFall
[22:21] “If you look at stress as a wake-up call, I think that's really powerful because it usually shows up in health issues. It’s a wake-up call to let you look at your life and see where you are.” - Snowden McFall
[23:55] “You have to give yourself time limits, and even when you're doing exactly what you love, you’ve got to take care of yourself first so that then you can take care of others.” - Snowden McFall
[25:03] “What you focus on magnifies. You want to be crystal clear about what you want in your life and focus on that. When you shift into gratitude, you expand.” - Snowden McFall
Guest Bio
Snowden McFall, professional speaker, author and coach, is a 30 year entrepreneur & owner of Brightwork and Fired Up Professional Speaking and Coaching. A business expert who speaks on motivation, stress management, P, Snowden has authored and co-authored 6books, including Fired Up!, which has now sold over 65,500 copies. Her newest book is Stress Express: 15 Instant Stress Relievers. Snowden received her BA from Vassar College and her Masters of Arts in Teaching from Brown University. As co- founder of the non-profit group “Success for Women Entrepreneurs” in NH, Snowden's volunteer work led to national media attention. The Small Business Administration named her National Women in Business Advocate of the Year which led to a White House ceremony & Congressional luncheon in her honor. Inc. Magazine later chose Snowden as finalist for “New England Entrepreneur of the Year.” Snowden has appeared on 366 radio shows, CNN Financial News, The Home Shopping Networkand Bloomberg Television. Recently featured in Success Magazine, Investors Business Daily and Foxnews.com as an expert on burnout, Snowden has been speaking for 27 years and has addressed several thousand professionals at companies like Pepsico, Fidelity National Financial, Allstate and Johnson and Johnson Vision. She was voted 2021 Small Business Leader of the Year by the ProfessionalWomens Council and is a graduate of Leadership Jacksonville,Fl, Class of 2010. A JBJ Woman of Influence, she received the President’s Volunteer Service Award during President Obama’s administration. Most recently, she named the Top Public Speaking Coach of the Year for 2024. You can find her at www.firedupnow.com
Resources
Snowden McFall
Website - https://firedupnow.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/snowdenmcfall/
Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/snowdenmcfall/
Book - Stress Express!: 15 Instant Stress Relievers
Productivity Smarts Podcast
Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com
Gerald J. Leonard
Website - geraldjleonard.com
Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com
Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard
Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
Have you ever wondered why some incredibly talented people seem to struggle while others, who might not appear as gifted, seem to effortlessly thrive? Is it really just luck, or is there a deeper secret behind their success?
In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Allen Lycka, a renowned productivity expert and life coach. Dr. Lycka, who overcame a misdiagnosis of ALS in 2003, draws from his book, The Secrets to Living A Fantastic Life, which forms the heart of their discussion.
Dr. Lycka introduces his "Golden Pearls of Wisdom," offering practical advice that can lead to significant personal growth and enhanced productivity. He delves into the concept of ikigai—the Japanese principle of finding purpose in what you love, excel at, what the world needs, and what you can be compensated for. Alongside this, he highlights the transformative power of gratitude, revealing that businesses with high gratitude levels are up to 10 times more productive.
From actionable strategies for setting and reviewing daily goals to the role of exercise in battling depression, Dr. Lycka provides valuable insights that can reshape your approach to success.
Tune in now to uncover how Dr. Lycka’s secrets can help you unlock your true potential and live a fantastic life!
What We Discuss
[02:02] Introduction to Dr. Allen Lycka
[06:27] What is Ikigai?
[11:43] Impact of gratitude on productivity
[13:07] Strategies for maintaining productivity during adversity
[19:50] Impactful habits and mindsets one can develop
[20:46] Dealing with distractions
Notable Quotes
[04:27] “I attribute my success to drive. I also call it hunger. It's something that we have deep down in our sides that pushes us to the next level." - Dr. Allen Lycka
[06:00] “To me, drive comes from a why, and sometimes it comes from a why deep in our gut, and it could be innate” - Gerald J. Leonard
[10:10] “When I wake up, I think about all the good things that are going to happen to me today, and I write them down.” - Dr. Allen Lycka
[13:08] “It's not what happens to you, it's what you do with what happens that is so important, that is really what my book is all about.” - Dr. Allen Lycka
Resources
Dr. Allen Lycka
Website - https://drallenlycka.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/allenelycka/
Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/drallenlycka/
Book - The Secrets to Living A Fantastic Life
Productivity Smarts Podcast
Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com
Gerald J. Leonard
Website - geraldjleonard.com
Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com
Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard
Other Mentioned Books:
Chicken Soup for the Soul
The Success Principles
On Death and Dying by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
Did you know that overcoming significant health challenges can reshape your approach to life? In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard engages in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Lisa Zaretsky, founder of Zaretsky Wellness. A leading authority in STEAM education, Dr. Zaretsky is celebrated for her groundbreaking work in hypnotherapy, coaching, and holistic mental and emotional health. Her expertise in neurodiversity has left a profound impact on countless individuals and communities.
Dr. Zaretsky opens up about her personal journey, sharing how significant health challenges, including surgeries and accidents, have shaped her approach to resilience and personal growth. She underscores the transformative power of self-compassion, forgiveness, and gratitude in overcoming adversity. The discussion also delves into neurodiversity, the importance of workplace accommodations, and the role of mindfulness in daily life.
Tune in to gain valuable insights on enhancing productivity and navigating life's challenges with intention and grace.
What We Discuss
[02:01] Introduction to Dr. Lisa Zaretsky
[09:47] Cultivating perseverance
[12:53] Magic seven principles
[16:01] The canoe metaphor
[20:04] Understanding PTSD and isolation
[22:16] Neuroplasticity and change
[23:16] Neurodivergence explained
[34:55] The role of environment in growth
[37:32] The impact of industrialized education
[40:27] Creating sustainable work environments
[42:38] Staying present amidst uncertainty
Notable Quotes
[13:18] "When I lead with love, everything else falls into place." - Dr. Zaretsky
[14:39] "Pain is a construct of the mind, and when you get behind the driver’s seat of your mind, you’re steering it with mindfulness and intentionality." - Dr. Zaretsky
[15:32] "Stay in the present moment mindfully and intentionally, and that’s when actual magic happens." - Dr. Zaretsky
[21:47] "When you change the belief systems with intensity, frequency, and duration, you create new neural pathways in your brain. It's the concept of neuroplasticity, and it allows you to redirect yourself forward in a new way." - Dr. Zaretsky
[18:20] "We don't have to be a victim or succumb to trauma. We can get behind the driver's seat of our minds, integrating what needs to be done, and move forward." - Gerald
[45:42] "Gratitude helps you stay present. The past is just a memory, and the future is a projection. The only thing we truly have is the present moment." - Gerald
Resources
Dr. Lisa Zaretsky
Website - https://www.drlisazaretsky.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlisazaretsky/
Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/drlisazaretsky/
Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/DrLisaZaretsky?_rdc=1&_rdr
Productivity Smarts Podcast
Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com
Gerald J. Leonard
Website - geraldjleonard.com
Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com
Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard
Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
The podcast currently has 78 episodes available.