Did you know quick, courageous decisions can unlock clarity, confidence, and real progress in life and in work, especially when you approach them in creative, improv-inspired ways? In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard reconnects with longtime friend and former coach Gina Trimarco Klauder, a leadership strategist, international bestselling author, improv comedian, and founder of Carolina Improv Company.

Together, they explore how improv-inspired decision-making helps leaders and professionals break free from analysis paralysis and adapt in times of uncertainty. The conversation centers on Gina's latest book, The New Choice Effect: How to Make the Right Decisions Quickly Without Overthinking, which blends improv principles, neuroscience, behavioral psychology, and real-life vulnerability to show how "improvised intelligence" leads to clearer, more confident decisions.

Drawing from decades of experience in leadership development, entrepreneurship, and improvisational theater, Gina explains why waiting for the "perfect" choice often keeps people stuck, and how making any thoughtful choice creates clarity and progress. Gerald and Gina dive into the power of intuition, the impact of environment on creativity and healing, and why creativity is often trained out of us over time. They also unpack practical tools like "Yes, and" thinking and the "New Choice" game for disrupting stuck mental patterns and building adaptive decision habits.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling overwhelmed by decisions, navigating AI disruption or economic uncertainty, or leading through change. Productivity is not about perfect plans. It is about choosing, learning, and choosing again with confidence.

What We Discuss

• [00:00] Introduction to Gina Trimarco Klauder

• [06:49] Motivation behind the book

• [08:18] Improv, neuroscience, and emotional intelligence

• [12:45] Book structure and story hooks

• [13:40] Using improv to navigate professional uncertainty

• [14:49] The "follow your feet" principle

• [15:52] Yes, and validating self and others

• [16:48] Origin of The New Choice Effect

• [17:52] Intuition, facts, and the science of improv

• [18:59] Improv and stroke recovery

• [19:32] Gerald's health journey and environment

• [22:00] Team adaptation for inclusivity

• [23:34] Supportive environments and healing

• [24:55] Self-advocacy and team learning

• [26:11] The cyclical nature of growth

• [26:40] Building adaptive decision habits

• [27:37] Experimentation in leadership and life

• [29:47] Improv training exercise: Problem solved

• [30:16] Science of improv and creativity decline

• [34:15] Cross-industry creativity examples

• [35:14] Einstein, music, and creativity

• [35:30] Practical takeaway: Index card exercise

• [36:16] Improv, learning, and innovation

• [37:25] Know a little about a lot

• [38:25] AI validation and unique thought leadership

• [40:18] The new choice effect as a skill

• [41:15] Overcoming analysis paralysis

• [42:40] GPS analogy and moving forward

• [43:45] Closing remarks

Notable Quotes

• [07:32] "The problem with improv is, sometimes I feel like people don't take it seriously as an emotional intelligence skill."– Gina Trimarco Klauder

• [14:42] "When you spend so much time in the 'what if,' you can't live in the now." – Gina Trimarco Klauder

• [15:37] "If you move, something will happen." – Gina Trimarco Klauder

• [17:29] "You have to keep changing what you say until you don't hear new choice anymore."– Gina Trimarco Klauder

• [20:52] "Our mental, physical, social, and emotional environment can turn genes on or off." – Gerald J. Leonard

• [30:28] "You have to disrupt the brain and try something different that you've never tried." – Gina Trimarco Klauder

• [42:16] "Every decision is a right decision because it leads you to the next one." – Gina DiMarco

• [43:00] "Sometimes the universe doesn't move for us until we move." – Gina Trimarco Klauder

Resources

Gina Trimarco Klauder

• Website: https://ginatrimarco.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginatrimarco/

• Book – The New Choice Effect: How to Make the Right Decisions Quickly Without Overthinking

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

How can understanding neuroscience transform your decision-making and productivity? In this episode of Productivity Smarts, Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Cherian Koshy, author of Neuro Giving: The Science of Donor Decision Making, for a thought-provoking conversation that explores how neuroscience, decision science, and generosity shape productivity, leadership, and burnout prevention.

Cherian shares how decades of work in nonprofit leadership led him to uncover the hidden neurological drivers behind trust, motivation, and decision-making. Together, Gerald and Cherian unpack why humans are not rational beings but rationalizing ones, and how understanding the brain's shortcuts can immediately improve focus, energy management, and meaningful work.

The conversation dives into reframing productivity, aligning work with purpose, avoiding burnout through intentional structure, and designing environments where creativity and collaboration thrive. Cherian explains how urgency and constant stress drain the brain, why rest and downtime are essential for creativity, and how leaders can build trust-based cultures that unlock collective intelligence.

This episode is a powerful reminder that productivity isn't about doing more. It's about working in harmony with how the brain actually functions.

If you're interested in learning more about how to influence and persuade or work with people based on how their brains work and not against it, this episode is a must listen.

What We Discuss

• [00:00] Introduction to Cherian Koshy

• [04:32] Origins of Neurogiving and its research-driven approach

• [05:17] Book success as a USA Today bestseller

• [06:55] Emotions in decision-making and rationalizing afterward

• [08:42] Applying neurogiving concepts to employee time and commitment

• [10:17] How decision science improves productivity

• [10:33] The brain as a low-battery phone: heuristics and energy management

• [12:14] Heuristics and reframing habits

• [14:43] Reframing identity and limiting beliefs

• [15:48] Avoiding burnout through meaning and relief valves

• [19:26] Prioritizing needle-moving tasks with a "vacation tomorrow" hack

• [21:44] Neuroscience of creativity: space, rest, and eliminating distractions

• [26:40] Designing trust-based work environments for focus and collaboration

• [31:11] Donor identity, trust, and parallels to employee engagement

• [33:54] Tools for building team trust and ownership

• [36:41] Value of handwriting and planners for offloading the brain

• [37:20] One key idea: Mindfulness of subconscious shortcuts

• [39:00] Closing remarks

Notable Quotes

• [07:19] "We're not rational beings, we're rationalizing beings." – Cherian Koshy

• [10:38] "The brain is like a cell phone that's always working under 1% battery life." – Cherian Koshy

• [13:10] "Reframing the things that we don't want to do as key concepts." – Cherian Koshy (referencing Owen Fitzpatrick)

• [18:53] "Burnout requires your brain to be able to see the place where it has urgency sees hope or a relief valve." – Cherian Koshy

• [22:53] "Our brains actually need rest and downtime in order to create." – Cherian Koshy

• [27:34] "Create an environment where they create curiosity amongst team members." – Cherian Koshy

• [37:29] "We're less in control of how our brains work than we think we are." – Cherian Koshy

Resources

Cherian Koshy

• Website: https://www.cheriankoshy.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheriankoshy/

• Book – Neuro Giving: The Science of Donor Decision Making

Productivity Smarts Podcast

• Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com

Gerald J. Leonard

• Website - geraldjleonard.com

• Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com

• Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard

Mentioned in the episode:

• Daniel Kahneman (System 1 & System 2 thinking)

• Atomic Habits by James Clear

• Owen Fitzpatrick (Behavioral Scientist)

• Exactly What to Say by Phil Jones

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

neuroscientist, former CMO, and author of Make Me Great, for an engaging conversation that redefines productivity from the inside out. Thomas shares his unconventional journey from artificial intelligence and neuroscience into marketing, leadership, and ethical persuasion, revealing how his early work in neuromarketing delivered results but ultimately felt incomplete without a human-centered approach.

At the heart of the conversation is one powerful insight: when someone is making a decision, their brain is silently asking, "Make me great." Thomas explains how primal, subconscious forces drive our choices long before logic kicks in, and why people rationalize decisions only after they've already been made. He breaks down concepts like silent listening, subconscious frustration, and why talking about features, products, or credentials too early actually pushes people away.

You'll also hear memorable real-world examples showing how simply paying attention, asking better questions, and listening without interruption can instantly change outcomes in business and in everyday life. The discussion expands into purpose, personal "why," and how building tribes around shared values accelerates productivity while reducing wasted effort.

This episode is a powerful reminder that productivity isn't just about systems and structure. It's about empathy, intention, and making others feel seen, heard, and valued.

What We Discuss

• [00:00] Introduction to Dr. Thomas Trautmann

• [06:32] Discovery of neuromarketing and business growth

• [10:23] The power of positioning and system 1 thinking

• [14:19] Silent listening and active engagement

• [16:13] Habits for unforgettable work and the 11-second rule

• [17:06] Understanding the primal brain and decision-making

• [21:10] The importance of "why" in productivity

• [23:16] Personal story: the power of revisiting your why

• [24:40] Client success story using "Make Me Great"

• [26:18] The gift of listening and neurochemistry

• [29:07] Team alignment, purpose, and the tribe concept

• [31:43] Actionable productivity tool: the "you" language

• [32:58] Where to learn more about Dr. Trautmann

• [33:45] Podcast closing and call for reviews

Notable Quotes

• [09:14] "I noticed that neuromarketing was lacking humanity. Even though we are targeting the brain, we are lacking humanity." – Thomas Trautmann

• [09:52] "When you want a decision from someone, that person's brain is shouting at you, 'Make me great.'" – Thomas Trautmann

• [14:44] "Active listening is okay, but silent listening is silence. Listen. Write down. Ask questions to clarify. But get that thing up there in your head to shut up." – Thomas Trautmann

• [17:11] "We make primal decisions that we rationalize afterwards." – Thomas Trautmann

• [32:22] "If you look at my LinkedIn profile, it's all about you, you, you. Try to use the 'you' language. It's a super powerful tool." – Thomas Trautmann

• [27:43] " When I smile, when I do the, you know, the nice smile with the little les here, which is called the Duchenne smile, by the way, I get a shoot of endorphin in my brain." – Thomas Trautmann

• [32:17] "When you start something with someone, use the new language. Try to use 'you, you, you.' It's a super powerful tool. It's the first step to get them to say, 'He cares about me"– Thomas Trautmann

Resources

Dr. Thomas Trautmann

• Website: make-me-great.com

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/thomastrautmann

• Book – Make Me Great

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 heard the saying before: find what you love, get so good at it that no one can ignore you, and you will never truly work a day in your life? But what if that same passion could also fuel your productivity, your purpose, and your impact on the world?

In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Suzanne Smith, founder and CEO of Social Impact Architects, educator, speaker, and changemaker, for a conversation that blends purpose, productivity, and real-life resilience. Suzanne shares how finding your calling can turn work into something that feels effortless, and why helping others might be one of the most powerful productivity boosts available. They unpack her simple but powerful 4T Framework: Time, Talent, Treasure, and Testimony, showing how generosity doesn't drain your energy, it actually multiplies it.

You'll hear how gratitude can literally rewire your brain, why "doom scrolling" is quietly exhausting your focus, and how shifting toward "hope scrolling" can change your emotional and mental state. Suzanne also shares smart strategies for energy management, creating healthy technology boundaries, and building a sustainable rhythm that protects against burnout.

From building calm out of chaos to learning how to reset after tough days, this conversation is packed with wisdom you can use right away. If you have ever felt pulled between doing meaningful work and staying personally fulfilled, this episode will remind you that the two can absolutely fuel each other.

What We Discuss

• [00:00] Introduction to Suzanne Smith

• [06:01] Finding your calling and early influences

• [08:53] Purpose as the engine of performance

• [09:22] The helper's high and scientific research

• [10:43] 4T Framework: Time

• [12:42] 4T Framework: Talent

• [13:17] 4T Framework: Treasure

• [14:13] 4T Framework: Testimony

• [16:23] Gratitude and brain science

• [18:41] Hope scrolling vs doom scrolling

• [21:47] Technology diet and energy management

• [26:05] Diet, health, and productivity

• [32:41] The value of feedback and mentorship

• [42:30] The third place and community

• [45:46] Closing and where to find Suzanne

Notable Quotes

• [06:04] "I am a big believer in finding your calling, and I was lucky to find mine at a very early age."– Suzanne Smith

• [07:05] "I jokingly say to my students, I've never worked a day in my life because this is not a job. This is a calling." – Suzanne Smith

• [11:01] "'Every Friday, I look back on my week and choose five people who were bright spots in my life, and I send them a note of gratitude."– Suzanne Smith

• [10:12] "As they do the brain scans of individuals, when they're actually helping other people, yes, you're helping the other person, but you're also helping yourself." — Suzanne Smith

• [18:56] "My 2026 New Year's resolution... is to really reverse this tide of doom scrolling and actually shift it to hope scrolling." — Suzanne Smith

• [23:48] "I think you're so spot on about getting people more conscious of their technology, but also conscious of all their influences. And it's the people, it's the systems around you, it's your environment." — Suzanne Smith

• [29:19] "We're not competing with other people. We're actually competing with the person we were yesterday. And our only job was just be a better person than we were yesterday." — Suzanne Smith

• [36:12] "To me, it's harder stumbling through life and continuing to stub your toe on the exact same thing versus someone just saying, here's your blind spot." — Suzanne Smith

• [40:47] "Thomas Edison, Einstein, they did not figure out their inventions at the workbench or at the computer. It really is when they went out in nature or they were taking a creative break.." — Suzanne Smith

• [43:27] "I want everybody to feel empowered to make change in their community and not wait for somebody else to be the leader in this space." — Suzanne Smith

Resources

Suzanne Smith

• Website – meetsuzanne.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannesmithtx/

• Newsletter – Social Trend Spotter

• TEDx – Everyone is a Change Maker

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

In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard interviews David Suk Brown, co-author of 'Identical Opposites: Find Your Voice and Speak.' They discuss practical strategies for boosting workplace productivity, overcoming the fear of speaking up, and leveraging the power of authenticity and alliances. David shares insights from his research and professional experience, emphasizing the importance of consistent communication and understanding behavioral models to enhance team dynamics. They also explore the impacts of AI on the workforce and how to maintain relevance amid rapid technological advancements. Tune in as they discuss the challenges and opportunities in today's workplace, the significance of the speak framework, and how these concepts can transform not just productivity but also happiness and fulfillment in your life. What We Discuss

• [00:00] Introducing David Suk Brown and His New Book
• [06:16] Finding Your Voice in the Workplace
• [14:53] The SPEAK Framework for Effective Communication
• [20:37] The Human Element vs. AI
• [21:13] Leveraging Networks and Skills
• [24:09] The Importance of Authenticity and Empathy
• [25:23] Navigating Vulnerability and Consistency
• [32:25] Adapting Voice and Culture Strategies
• [36:27] Connecting with the SPEAK Framework Authors
• [37:55] Podcast Conclusion and Call to Action

Notable Quotes

• [7:00] "Sometimes people can get lost in their position or lost in their responsibilities and not find their individual gifts and talents, and it just made sense for us to make that connection." - David Brown, Sr.

• [7:46] "95% of employees struggle just to be able to speak and share their voice and opinions." - David Brown, Sr.
• [9:57] "Get people to understand that there are values that could come from every member of the team, but you let them shine. You let them speak first. You let them flush out their ideas and thoughts, and then you act in a position where you're curious and you're asking more questions, 'cause you want them to bring everything out that they're thinking." - David Brown, Sr.
• [20:38] "AI, even as much as we're seeing technology advance and progress, it cannot replace certain aspects of the human element." - David Brown, Sr.
• [24:11] " It's not just about how many degrees you have, your depth of experience. It's about bringing who you are, your whole authentic self to that role, to that environment. That's gonna be the defining factor." - David Brown, Sr.

Our Guest

David Suk Brown is a seasoned strategic communication and presentation coach who empowers executives, thought leaders, and business owners to enhance their impact through public speaking and executive coaching. As President of DSB Leadership Group, author, and university communications instructor, he has delivered over 2,500 inspiring messages that equip audiences with tools for lasting success. A Lead Minister and identical twin, David brings unique insight into communication, leadership, and collaboration as co-host of the Twins Talk it Up and Twins Talk Tech Leadership podcasts.

Resources and Links

David Suk Brown

• Website - https://www.dsbleadershipgroup.com/

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsbrownsr/

• Book: Identically Opposite: Find Your Voice and SPEAK - https://www.amazon.com/Identically-Opposite-Find-Voice-SPEAK/dp/B0FSKWKDZQ

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 path to a stable, meaningful, and lucrative career wasn't found in a four year university, but in a hands on craft that's been powering America for more than a century? And what if the biggest productivity hack you're missing is actually mentorship, not better software?

In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Terry Iverson, founder of ChampionNow, lifelong manufacturing leader, and author of Finding America's Greatest Champions and Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing. With his family marking 100 years in manufacturing, Terry brings a refreshing and deeply human perspective on the future of skilled work, productivity, and purpose.

Terry shares how he almost walked away from his family's legacy, the pivotal push that set him on a 45 year manufacturing career, and why he believes the trades are not just viable but essential in the age of AI and global uncertainty. He and Gerald explore the hidden opportunities in modern manufacturing, the return on education that most young adults overlook, and why mindset, curiosity, and integrity matter more than degrees.

From apprenticeship to diversity in the workforce to using ADHD as a superpower, this conversation is packed with practical insights on building a meaningful career, staying productive, and elevating others along the way. It's a timely, inspiring reminder that America still needs makers, mentors, and champions.

What We Discuss

• [00:00] Introduction to Terry Iverson

• [04:30] The importance of manufacturing in the U.S.

• [05:31] Mentoring and coaching in manufacturing

• [18:56] Benefits of mentoring for both mentor and mentee

• [21:37] Underrepresented groups in manufacturing

• [22:45] Terry's personal productivity strategies

• [28:12] Giving back and community impact

• [30:14] Life lessons from sports and coaching

• [31:10] Future productivity habits and organizational practices

• [33:28] The need for lifelong learning and agility

• [34:36] Humility and continuous improvement

• [36:05] How to connect with Terry Iverson and Champion Now

Notable Quotes

• [07:25] "One of the biggest skills my dad taught me was pivoting and seeing the hope in anything that presents itself to you." — Terry Iverson

• [08:05] "Manufacturing is sitting in the shadows waiting for you to realize there are opportunities there." — Terry Iverson

• [10:50] "After 12 years, there's a $250,000 difference between the financial outcome of a two-year technical degree and a four-year degree." — Terry Iverson

• [15:32] "Mentoring and coaching is like being in the HOV lane of life." — Terry Iverson

• [21:33] "People of color are very underrepresented in our industry, and it's not that either the female gender or people of color are making a choice, they just don't know." — Terry Iverson

• [24:19] "I flipped my ADHD inside out and realized it was actually a core competency, not a disability." — Terry Iverson

• [34:49] "I always ask myself every day, what am I missing? We're all missing something no matter how good we are. But every time I've done that, I become more productive and more efficient." — Terry Iverson

Resources

Terry Iverson

• Website – championnow.org

• Email – [email protected]

• Books – Finding America's Greatest Champions, Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing

• YouTube – ChampionNow

• LinkedIn – Terry Iverson

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

In this episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard converses with Chris Livezey, a transformative success story. They delve into the power of the subconscious mind, the importance of setting and achieving goals, and the profound impact of positive thinking and visualization on one's life. Chris shares his journey from a troubled adolescence to personal and professional triumph, emphasizing the significance of mentoring, continuous self-improvement, and faith. Together, they explore practical strategies for overcoming adversity, achieving lasting happiness, and driving societal impact through philanthropy. The episode combines motivational insights with actionable advice, aimed at helping listeners unlock their full potential and live magnificent lives. What We Discuss

• [00:00] Introduction to Chris Livezey
• [04:55] The Power of the Subconscious Mind
• [11:27] Faith, Spirituality, and the 13 Principles of Success
• [22:52] Overcoming Constraints with Visualization
• [23:47] A Life-Changing Confrontation
• [25:08] The Power of Emotional Impact
• [27:39] Setting and Achieving Goals
• [30:28] The Importance of Giving Back
• [32:38] Navigating Challenging Times
• [39:27] Visualization and Mind Programming
• [41:06] Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Our Guest

Chris Livezey is a living testament to the power of personal transformation. Despite significant challenges in his adolescence, he defied the odds and emerged as a remarkable success story. Driven by a determination to prove his doubters wrong, he dove deep into self-improvement, attended expert seminars, devoured books on personal development, and sought mentorship from leading voices in the field. The journey led him to craft his 13 Principles of Success—a powerful framework that has helped countless individuals dramatically improve their lives. His acclaimed book, The Shortcut to Magnificence, is a no-nonsense guide to unlocking one's true potential and choosing to live a magnificent life.

Resources and Links

Chris Livezey

• Website - https://www.chrislivezey.com/

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chrislivezey/?hl=en

• Book: The Shortcut to Magnificence: 13 Principles to Living a More Successful Life - https://www.amazon.com/Shortcut-Magnificence-Principles-Living-Successful-ebook/dp/B0C957NJWK?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1

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 getting fit didn't mean spending hours at the gym but just 21 minutes, twice a week? And what if the real secret to lasting health wasn't about your body at all, but about rewiring your brain?

In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard chats with PJ Glassey, fitness innovator and author of Cracking Your Calorie Code (Version 2). PJ shares how his breakthrough 21-minute workout combines endurance and strength training to create real, lasting results without the bulk or burnout of traditional routines. His method focuses on Complete Muscle Fatigue, helping you get stronger, leaner, and more energized in a fraction of the time.

But as PJ explains, true transformation starts in the mind. He breaks down how our "toddler-like" subconscious runs the show and how we can retrain it using powerful brain tools like visualization, tapping (EFT), and mindful movement. Add in habits like clean eating and intermittent fasting, and you've got a roadmap for better focus, more energy, and deeper well-being.

It's a refreshing, practical take on fitness that proves when your brain and body work together, productivity and life itself just feel easier.

What We Discuss

• [02:01] Meet PJ Glassey

• [04:07] PJ's fitness journey and methodology origins

• [08:58] Development of the 21-minute workout

• [11:38] How the 21-minute method works

• [13:28] Equipment and functional fitness

• [18:01] Accessing PJ's training and app

• [21:22] Mind-body connection and subconscious

• [24:03] Brain type test and personalization

• [25:37] Aligning the conscious, subconscious, and non-conscious

• [27:38] Meditation, visualization, and storytelling

• [31:00] Food, nutrition, and productivity

• [35:51] Fasting and brain health

• [37:35] Top five anti-aging and health habits

• [39:03] Tapping for emotional eating

• [42:13] How tapping works and resources

• [45:08] Closing remarks and where to find PJ

Notable Quotes

• [12:30] "if you're just doing endurance training, the muscle cells want to get smaller, to bring the capillaries closer to the nucleus. So that's why marathon runners look emaciated and power lifters are jacked." — PJ Glassey

• [21:47] "The subconscious is in charge of us and we can't ever stop that. That's the way it is. And the subconscious also operates at about the level of a three-year-old. So our toddler is in charge of us." — PJ Glassey

• [36:03] "For me, intermittent fasting is really more about brain health and mental clarity, and not having to be hungry."— PJ Glassey

• [37:40] "The top five things for anti-aging are the top five things for health: exercise, good nutrition, quality sleep, brain training, and relationships." — PJ Glassey

• [39:45] "Tapping is an amazing way to get rid of emotional eating, to stop the overeating habits, to even stop cravings." — PJ Glassey

• [40:06] "I probably tapped 300 different foods away and then to the point where you just don't want them anymore, which is amazing." — PJ Glassey

Resources

PJ Glassey

• Website – Xgym.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pjglassey

• Brain Type Test – https://braintype.me/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjglassey/?hl=en

• Book – Cracking Your Calorie Code Version 2.0

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 that nagging voice of imposter syndrome isn't really yours, but a belief you picked up in childhood and never questioned?

In this episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Armida Espinoza, educator, speaker, and author of Brave Lolis's Box of Hope, to explore how early self-doubt evolves into imposter syndrome and how neuroplasticity can help us rewrite that story.

Armida opens up about her journey from a shy first grader struggling to learn English to becoming a published children's author who now helps others find their voice. She shares how one classroom moment led to years of limiting beliefs and how awareness, gratitude, and daily mindset shifts helped her reclaim her confidence and purpose.

Together, Gerald and Armida unpack practical ways to reprogram negative thinking, build resilience, and teach both children and adults how to challenge their inner critic. It's an inspiring reminder that it's never too late to rewire your brain, rewrite your story, and step fully into your potential.

What We Discuss

• [00:00] Introduction to Armida Espinoza

• [06:49] Imposter syndrome and limiting beliefs

• [13:36] College, mentorship, and becoming a teacher

• [16:35] Productivity habits and writing process

• [17:15] Neuroplasticity and mindset shifts

• [22:21] Resilience and teaching children

• [24:47] Practical strategies for positive self-talk

• [26:09] Daily habits for neuroplasticity

• [27:50] Awareness tools: bracelet and cancel technique

• [30:13] 30-day plan to shift mindset

• [32:56] Book availability and achievements

• [34:38] Closing remarks and podcast outro

Notable Quotes

• [15:45] "Mentoring and coaching is like being on the HOV lane. You never see somebody on the high occupancy lane by themselves. They're always with someone else." — Gerald J. Leonard

• [23:06] "Children are not born with resilient strategies. We have to teach them those strategies." — Armida Espinoza

• [29:20] "When you have a negative thought, just stop and say, cancel, cancel. And your brain goes, okay. And it raises it." — Gerald J. Leonard

• [33:44] "As a self-published person, first publishing book, I've managed to sell over 9000 books in two years." — Armida Espinoza

Resources

Armida Espinoza

• Website - https://www.armidaespinoza.com/

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ArmidaEspinozaAuthor/

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/armiespinoza/

• Book: Brave Lolis's Box of Hope/LA VALIENTE LOLIS Y SU CAJA DE ESPERANZA

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 85% of your success comes from believing in yourself? In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Lou Pelliccioni, a seasoned coach, businessman, and author of Success Is More Than Winning: 99 Tips to Up Your Game. At 77 years young, Lou shares timeless lessons from six decades in sports, finance, and personal growth, reminding us that true success isn't measured by trophies but by integrity, passion, and perseverance.

Lou takes us through his inspiring journey from high school coach to motivational speaker and financial professional, revealing how he transformed an obsession for coaching into a lifelong mission to help others grow. He explains why success is less about avoiding failure and more about embracing it, and how grit and self-belief are the real foundations of achievement.

Drawing from legendary coach John Wooden, Lou highlights the power of competing against yourself instead of others, a mindset that builds focus, discipline, and resilience. He also shares his daily habits of goal-setting, visualization, seeking mentors, giving back, and staying consistent.

This episode is a thoughtful and uplifting reminder that when you lead with purpose and love what you do, success follows naturally.

What We Discuss

• [00:00] Introduction to Lou Pelliccioni

• [05:30] Early career and coaching journey

• [08:28] Passion, grit, and career transitions

• [10:37] Giving back and family influence

• [13:16] Growth over victory and integrity

• [19:41] The value of mentors and coaching

• [20:42] Timeless productivity habits

• [23:52] Research-backed success strategies

• [27:36] The three enemies: fear, risk, and failure

• [29:05] Reframing failure and learning from losses

• [34:15] Three ways to grow: experience, reading, mentorship

• [36:28] Managing stress and performing under pressure

• [45:57] Three daily practices for productivity

• [48:12] Where to find Lou Pelliccioni

Notable Quotes

• [08:32] "I'm going to be 77 in a couple of months, and I'm still working full time. I just gave my 15th talk in high schools — Lou Pelliccioni

• [09:03] "I followed my passion. I found my spark. The number one reason was grit, which is passion and perseverance." — Lou Pelliccioni

• [15:46] "You have to always strive to compete against yourself, not the competition."

• [27:45] "The three enemies of success are fear, risk, and failure. How you handle those three things are going to dictate your life." — Lou Pelliccioni

• [28:26] "You can have passion and perseverance, and if you don't work hard, you're not going to make it right." — Lou Pelliccioni

• [29:14] "If you don't fail 50%, they don't think you're trying hard enough." — Lou Pelliccioni

• [38:32] "70% of the problems you have in life are caused by stress. That's how important it is. But we don't teach anybody how to handle it." — Lou Pelliccioni

• [39:02] "Eighty-five percent of your success comes from your belief in self over your aptitude, your skills." — Lou Pelliccioni

• [47:44] "Money never leads. Money follows when you love what you do." — Lou Pelliccioni

Resources

Lou Pelliccioni

• Website: https://yesyoucansucceed.org/

• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-pelliccioni-jr-08791888/

• Book: Success Is More Than Winning: 99 Tips to Up Your Game.

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