In this episode of Productivity Smarts, Gerald J. Leonard is joined by Dr. Glen Robison, a podiatric surgeon and author of 'Healthy Dad Sick Dad.' Dr. Robison shares his journey from conventional medicine to holistic health practices, discussing the importance of balancing productivity with well-being.

The conversation delves into the benefits of organic food, the impact of emotions on physical health, and the pairing of body organs with the five elements in holistic medicine. Dr. Robison also emphasizes the significance of mitigating external factors like EMFs and encourages listeners to adopt healthier habits to enhance their overall productivity and quality of life.

What We Discuss

• [00:00] Introduction to Dr. Glen Robison
• [06:08] Dr. Robison's Journey to Holistic Health
• [12:18] Balancing Health and Productivity: The Yin and Yang Principle
• [21:01] Personal Stories and Medical Insights
• [24:06] Diet and Emotional Health
• [25:19] Healing Through Epigenetics and Neuroscience
• [31:40] Impact of EMFs and Environmental Factors
• [36:12] Holistic Health Tips and Practices
• [37:49] Final Thoughts and Book Promotion

Notable Quotes

• [12:40] "I've been in practice 26 years and I keep my overhead low. I make sure my new patients have enough time from the start to the finish with me. I don't have a nurse that goes in there and does all the little things. I do everything from start to finish." - Dr. Glen Robison
• [18:35] "You can't put a price on your health." - Dr. Glen Robison
• [22:24] "When I see diabetic patients, they think it's mostly all food, what they eat. That's a fraction of it. What they don't understand is that type two diabetes has a huge component of emotion and so I find within my own practice that those that have been later diagnosed with type two diabetics that had some form of injury to their mental emotional side." - Dr. Glen Robison
• [23:16] "The kidney is worry and fear, the lung is grief and sorrow. So if you can get somebody that's diabetic to stop the worrying, to start loving themselves, to think of, 'okay, I am important. I can do this,' and really take their energy up. Well, lo and behold, their sugar levels start to maintain." - Dr. Glen Robison
• [29:14] "I always sign my books, I-N-J-O-Y. 'cause joy's not found on the outside. We only express it on the outside, but it's always in the inside and it's always there, but we take our whole life trying to find it." - Dr. Glen Robison

Our Guest

Dr. Glen N. Robison, podiatric surgeon turned health visionary and author of Healthy Dad, Sick Dad blends his medical training with holistic practices to help people transform health before chronic disease takes hold. His journey, from surgeon's table to wellness advocate, offers profound lessons in health, purpose, and productivity.

Resources and Links

Dr. Glen Robison

• Website - https://www.drglenrobison.com/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-glen-robison-71333b375
• Book: Healthy Dad Sick Dad: What Good Is Your Wealth If You Don't Have Your Health? - https://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Dad-Sick-Wealth-Health/dp/1544520743

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 your greatest health challenge could become your most powerful teacher?

In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Cindy Wageman, speaker, coach, and bestselling author of Completely Healed: How Understanding the Link Between Trauma, Stress, and Autoimmune Disease Helped Me Get My Life Back.

Cindy opens up about her journey of healing from multiple sclerosis, sharing how faith, mindset, and self-discovery transformed her life. She reveals how years of people-pleasing and unprocessed trauma affected her health, and how learning to listen to her intuition, and to God, became the key to true healing. Together, she and Gerald explore the science of epigenetics, explaining how our thoughts, relationships, and environment can literally switch our genes on or off.

One of Cindy's most powerful insights came when she realized the importance of being honest with her family about her struggles, a revelation that later inspired her work as a life and relationship coach.

This heartfelt episode reminds us that real productivity starts from within, when we nurture our bodies, renew our minds, and live with purpose and balance. Let's dive in!

What We Discuss

• [00:00] Introduction to Cindy Wageman

• [06:41] Addressing trauma and self-discovery

• [10:20] Processing trauma and stress

• [12:03] Daily habits for healing

• [14:57] Realization about stress and joy

• [15:51] Discovery of epigenetics

• [19:28] Recognizing red flags and self-care

• [24:53] Relationships and boundaries

• [27:12] Insight for parents and professionals

• [32:23] Closing remarks

Notable Quotes

• [05:56] "I had to learn through all of the experience that I went through, that I needed to find myself. Pleasers lose themselves." – Cindy Wageman

• [07:24] "I decided that I was going to not listen to anyone else, but start listening to myself and my intuition and the voice inside of me, which I feel was God," – Cindy Wageman

• [08:13] "Our mind and our bodies are very closely connected. Our brains tell our body, our bodies respond." – Cindy Wageman

• [11:11] "I think our bodies can go through the same process when we don't know how to process that trauma and stress." – Gerald J. Leonard

• [13:48] "I learned about the eight laws of health... breathing fresh air, getting the rest that you need, exercise, nutrition, trusting in God, sunshine, and balance in life." – Cindy Wageman

• [25:16] "There are very toxic people. I wanted to help everyone, I wanted to fix everyone, and I found out that I can't." — Cindy Wageman

• [26:11] "There is a term in psychology called Gray Rock — it's really just being a gray rock. Just there, but not being emotionally involved at all." — Cindy Wageman

• [27:21] "I think that one of the things that really has affected me through this journey was when I had multiple sclerosis was my children. I had babies, I had little kids. And I didn't tell them what was going on." – Cindy Wageman

• [23:07] "I only have control over what I can control — my community, my neighbors, my family. I can give them all the love that I can." — Cindy Wageman

• [29:29] "I asked God, why am I crying? And He said, Cindy, this is your story. You need to tell other people about it." – Cindy Wageman

Resources

Cindy Wageman

• Website: cindywageman.com

• Facebook: facebook.com/cindywageman

• Instagram: instagram.com/cindywageman

• Book: Completely Healed: How Understanding the Link Between Trauma, Stress, and Autoimmune Disease Helped Me Get My Life Back

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 biggest thing standing between you and your best self isn't stress, deadlines, or lack of time, but your own internal alignment? In this transformative episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard is joined by speaker and advocate Marcel Vögeli to explore how a deeper understanding of self-liberation can lead to true productivity and freedom.

Marcel shares his powerful journey, from surviving a severe car crash to battling an autoimmune disease and discovering the life-changing teachings in The Key to Self-Liberation by Christiane Beerlandt. Together, Gerald and Marcel dive into how illnesses, symptoms, and challenges are often life's way of nudging us to get back in alignment with our true selves.

You'll also learn why inner work is key to external success, how to embrace your unique path to healing, and how understanding the energetic messages behind stress and symptoms can help you shift toward a more resourceful, abundant life.

If you're ready to stop fighting against yourself and start aligning with your inner truth, this episode will inspire you to transform your life from the inside out.

What We Discuss

• [00:00] Introduction to Marcel Vögeli

• [11:02] How The Key to Self-Liberation changed Marcel's life

• [16:10] Symptoms as signals of the deeper meaning behind our physical challenges

• [22:12] How life tests our decisions and commitment to truth

• [30:45] Positive Thinking vs. Aligned Action

• [36:00] Creating Miracles Through Self-Awareness

• [42:10] Gerald's Healing Journey

• [51:40] How listening to your body and intuition leads to better productivity and happiness

• [57:55] Where to Learn More About Marcel and the Book

Notable Quotes

• [06:12] "Music is a vibration. It connects us to something deeper within ourselves." – Marcel Vögeli

• [12:47] "Symptoms are not just problems to fix. They're life's messages, guiding us back to our truth." – Gerald J. Leonard

• [16:52] "Counterforce isn't your enemy. It's a signpost that says, 'Are you sure you're on the right path?'" – Marcel Vögeli

• [28:15] "True productivity starts when you align your actions with what feels true to you." – Gerald J. Leonard

• [33:02] "When we shift our perspective, miracles happen, whether it's a flat tire or healing from disease." – Marcel Vögeli

• [47:30] "Your body and soul are trying to tell you something. Listen to them, and watch your life change." – Marcel Vögeli

Our Guest

Marcel Vögeli is a speaker, advocate, and living testimony to the transformative power of Christiane Beerlandt's The Key to Self-Liberation. After surviving a severe car accident and years of battling an aggressive autoimmune disease, Marcel discovered the book's profound philosophy: that illness and hardship carry meaningful messages from the body and soul. Today, he shares this life-changing work to help others reclaim inner strength, self-love, and freedom.

Resources

Mentioned

• Book: The Key to Self-Liberation by Christiane Beerlandt

Marcel Vögeli

• LinkedIn - Marcel Vögeli

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 the key to unlocking your biggest goals might come down to simply winning the next hour? In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with bestselling author, entrepreneur, and speaker Danny Lehr to reveal why the first step toward any achievement is not a giant leap but simply winning the next hour. Danny's book Win Your Next Hour distills wisdom from Olympians, elite entrepreneurs, and his own real-life adventures into a clear framework that helps anyone create unstoppable momentum.

Danny shares how his WIN method of Words, Investment, and Noticing progress has guided him through challenges like training for a 73-mile ride around Lake Tahoe on a $150 bike, writing a book while running a company, and saying yes to opportunities that once felt impossible. He opens up about the power of declaring your goals out loud, investing time and energy even when resources are limited, and celebrating small wins to fuel motivation. During the conversation, he illustrates how storytelling, community, and consistent action can turn overwhelming ambitions into achievable milestones.

Whether you are launching a business, chasing a personal dream, or simply trying to get unstuck, this conversation will inspire you to stop overthinking and start taking action one hour at a time.

What We Discuss

• [00:00] Introduction to Danny Lehr

• [06:00] The Tahoe bike ride challenge

• [08:14] Applying the WIN framework

• [17:40] Setting up the smart trainer

• [18:37] The power of sharing your goals

• [19:19] Olympian insights on goal setting

• [21:27] The importance of storytelling

• [26:10] Actionable steps to overcome overwhelm

• [27:24] Developing writing skills

• [32:26] Promoting the book and public speaking

• [34:25] Podcast conclusion and call to action

Notable Quotes

• [05:25] "I don't like to pass up opportunities. I like to live my life and I like to do interesting things." – Danny Lehr

• [08:08] "The more you say yes to different adventures and opportunities, I feel like the more they seem to appear." – Danny Lehr

• [19:54] "If I can't even get myself to say it out loud, how am I really going to believe it?" – Danny Lehr

• [20:06] "If you don't believe that what you're trying to accomplish is possible, you're never going to put in the amount of work and time and effort that it really takes to accomplish that goal." – Danny Lehr

• [27:02] "You don't have to know how to run a $10 million company, you know, if you've never have, like, of course you don't, right? That's okay. You gotta be okay with what you don't know." – Danny Lehr

• [27:14] "What can I do right now? What can I do in the next hour, in the next day, in the next 40, next 48 hours, that'll move me closer to that goal." – Danny Lehr

Resources

Danny Lehr

• Website: https://dannylehr.com/

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

• Book: Win Your Next Hour: How to Get Unstuck and Turn Your Dreams into Reality

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 powerful episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Hall of Fame speaker, podcast host, and author Bill Cates to uncover how your mindset can either rob you of success or unlock lasting wealth.

Bill takes us behind the scenes of his new book, The Hidden Heist, a parable filled with suspense, humor, and unforgettable lessons about money. Together, Gerald and Bill explore why beliefs are the foundation of every decision you make, how to maintain composure and clarity when life gets stressful, and why mastering your inner dialogue is the secret to real productivity.

You'll also learn how compounding interest can change your future, why many people sabotage their own financial potential, and how finding the right financial advisor can protect and grow your wealth.

If you've ever felt like you're doing everything right but still falling short, this episode will challenge you to rethink your approach, rewrite your limiting stories, and start building a life of abundance and purpose.

What We Discuss

• [00:00] Introduction to Bill Cates

• [05:00] Hidden Heist: concept, plot, structure and lessons

• [12:49] Character spotlight: Elden, handling pressure and decision-making

• [14:55] Identifying and replacing unproductive money beliefs in daily life and work

• [22:02] Beliefs as the foundation for problem-solving

• [23:39] Aligning yourself with a trusted financial professional

• [25:54] Bill's financial habits and mindset shifts that boosted his productivity

• [28:09] Where to find The Hidden Heist and connect with Bill Cates

Notable Quotes

• [05:27] "When someone says they sold a business, maybe they made money, maybe they didn't. I experienced both." – Bill Cates

• [13:22] "Composure comes from clarity. Composure comes from clarity of purpose. It comes from mastering your inner dialogue, what you're saying to yourself." – Bill Cates

• [14:03] "Wisdom is knowledge that is kilned in the fire of experience." – Bill Cates

• [15:15] "Every human has stuff around money. I have met wealthy individuals that have fear around money when you don't think they should." – Bill Cates

• [17:17] "Most Americans couldn't handle an 800 car repair bill without selling something or borrowing money. What's wrong with that picture?" – Bill Cates

• [20:06] "Some are, most aren't. So whenever we think about generalizations like rich people are greedy... there's usually these stereotypes and these generalizations." – Bill Cates

• [22:40] "If we believe it's not fixable, then it's not fixable. If we're in a marriage and we believe the marriage isn't fixable, then it's not fixable." – Bill Cates

• [26:11] "Those who understand it earn it, those who don't pay it." – Bill Cates[26:51] "Some of my self worth was tied up in money. And so, you know, I bought a Lexus when I could have bought a Toyota." – Bill Cates

Resources

Bill Cates

• Website - https://referralcoach.com/the-hidden-heist/

• LinkedIn: Bill Cates

• Book: The Hidden Heist

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 enlightening episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Dr. Mohammad Farivar, a board-certified gastroenterologist and author of "Is It IBS or Your Diet?". With more than 55 years of medical experience, Dr. Farivar brings deep insights into the connection between gut health, productivity, and overall well-being.

Many people struggle with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a condition that can drastically impact daily life, work performance, and even mental clarity. Dr. Farivar reveals how diet, stress, and gut health play pivotal roles in both IBS symptoms and productivity and why traditional treatments often miss the mark.

Through real-life patient stories and science-backed strategies, you'll discover how small dietary shifts, the right testing, and an informed approach to gut health can make a world of difference.

Whether you or someone you know is battling digestive health issues, this conversation will equip you with practical steps to regain control and unlock your full potential.

What We Discuss

• [00:00] Introduction to Dr. Mohammad Farivar

• [05:47] Impact of IBS on patients' lives

• [09:12] Motivation to write the book

• [12:19] Proper approach to IBS diagnosis

• [15:12] IBS and productivity loss

• [17:21] Stress and its effects on IBS

• [22:54] Critique of probiotic industry

• [27:16] FODMAP diet explained

• [30:44] Complementary and alternative medicine for IBS

• [32:44] Hydrogen breath test for IBS

• [37:19] Where to find the book and final advice

Notable Quotes

• [05:03] "We are all born with a mission. Even as a child, I knew I wanted to be a doctor." – Dr. Farivar

• [06:39] "In my practice, I was able to find the cause of IBS in more than 90% of cases — most of the time, it was diet-related." – Dr. Farivar

• [15:12] "IBS is the second most common cause of lost productivity after colds and infections." – Dr. Farivar

• [22:59] "Forget probiotics. A spoonful of yogurt gives you more than any pill." – Dr. Farivar

Resources

Dr. Mohammad Farivar

• Website - IsItIBSOrYourDiet.com

• LinkedIn: Mohammad Farivar

• Book: Is It IBS or Your Diet?

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, Gerald J. Leonard speaks with Sandy Joy Weston, M.Ed., author, podcaster, fitness entrepreneur, and unapologetic powerhouse of positivity. Sandy has dedicated her career to helping people connect their mindset and movement to create lasting joy, resilience, and success.

From her early days training stars like Patti LaBelle to working with professional athletes and corporations, Sandy has seen firsthand how simple mindset shifts can unlock both personal and professional breakthroughs. Her book, Train Your Head and Your Body Will Follow, distills decades of wisdom into a practical framework for rewiring habits, resetting focus, and building a joyful foundation for productivity.

During this conversation, Sandy shares how growing up in challenging circumstances shaped her mission to spread joy, why rituals and micro-habits matter more than marathon routines, and how anyone can reset their mind and body in as little as one to three minutes a day.

If you've ever felt like stress, negativity, or "decision fatigue" were holding you back, this episode will give you the tools and the inspiration to take charge of your mornings and your mindset.

What We Discuss

• [00:00] Introduction to Sandy Joy Weston

• [04:30] The story behind training Patti LaBelle and other high-profile clients

• [06:40] Turning obstacles into opportunities through joy and mindset

• [11:52] Sandy's "one-word" morning routine to jumpstart productivity

• [15:49] Why movement and laughter are key to shifting state

• [19:42] Lessons learned from working with professional athletes

• [23:00] Rituals, visualization, and positive self-talk as performance tools

• [25:17] The impact of reading 5,000+ books on health, mindset, and fitness

• [33:12] The value of mentors and "tour guides" in accelerating growth

• [34:44] Managing stress and negativity in a chaotic world

• [40:35] Gratitude, journaling, and power statements as daily anchors

• [46:03] Resources for adults and children, including Sandy's books and journals

• [47:35] Closing reflections and takeaways

Notable Quotes

• [04:40] "I always believed my mission was to spread joy. I didn't know how, but I knew that no matter the vehicle, that was the purpose of my life." – Sandy

• [07:42] "I wasn't impressed with who people were. Whether it was Patti LaBelle or a neighbor down the street, I treated everyone the same. I just wanted to help." – Sandy

• [11:52] "Before I get out of bed, I ask: what word do I want to embody today? If I just do that consistently, everything changes." – Sandy

• [23:00] "There was nothing more important for athletes than how they chose to show up—whether it was one minute, three minutes, or two hours. The ritual mattered." – Sandy

• [35:03] "I want to feel the emotion and then move it off quickly. I always ask myself, does this thought serve me well?" – Sandy

• [40:35] "Every day, I write down five things I'm grateful for and five people I send peace, love, and joy to—even if they get on my nerves." – Sandy

Our Guest

Sandy Joy Weston, M.Ed. is an international speaker, author, podcaster, and entrepreneur dedicated to spreading joy and helping people create simple, science-backed routines to live healthier, happier lives. She is the author of Train Your Head and Your Body Will Follow, Your 30-Day Reset Journal, and Recess to Reset for kids. Sandy's work bridges fitness, psychology, and mindset training, making positivity practical and accessible for all.

Resources

Sandy Joy Weston

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

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sandyjoyweston

• Books: https://www.sandyjoyweston.com/books

• Podcast: https://www.sandyjoyweston.com/podcast

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 does it really mean to be human in a world where machines are learning faster than we are? As AI continues to evolve, are we at risk of losing touch with the very things that make us deeply human?

In this episode of Productivity Smarts, Gerald J. Leonard sits down to delve into these big questions with Jeff Burningham, an entrepreneur, author, and the mind behind The Last Book Written by a Human. Jeff shares his journey from building startups to running for governor, and how those experiences led him to rethink success. He talks about the shift from being a "human doing" to a "human being," and why slowing down, being present, and reconnecting with what really matters is more urgent than ever.

They explore the power of daily reflection, the grounding effect of nature, and a touching story about Jeff's daughter that highlights the emotional cost of chasing success. Jeff also offers his take on AI, describing it as a kind of cosmic mirror that reflects both our strengths and our blind spots and how it might be nudging us toward a more meaningful path, guided by love, wisdom, and connection.

If you're craving more purpose in the midst of rapid change, this conversation is one to tune into.

What We Discuss

• [00:00] Introduction to Jeff Burningham

• [03:31] Vision and the power of seeing around corners

• [06:17] Thriving in disruption and building in downturns

• [08:10] From human doing to human being: redefining productivity

• [10:52] Presence over performance: lessons from fatherhood

• [12:28] Balancing high performance with presence and awareness

• [17:45] Turning failure into transformation after a gubernatorial loss

• [21:56] What your body knows before you do: the cost of overwork

• [25:31] The 4-part framework of Jeff's book: Disruption, Reflection, Transformation, Evolution

• [26:51] How AI is nudging us into a "new game" of authenticity and karma

• [36:27] Jeff's daily spiritual practices for staying grounded and creative

• [39:11] How to connect with Jeff and grab his new book

Notable Quotes

• [06:17] "When people are irrational, you know, there's always opportunity for businesses. I'm speaking specifically within disruption. There's always opportunity." – Jeff Burningham

• [06:43] "In the age of AI, there's a gift, there's a little-known gift. It's called skip thinking. Some of us can kind of skip ahead and almost kind of have a sense." – Jeff Burningham

• [28:55] "I think AI will push us this way to pivot to what I call a new game. A new game where karma is the currency, where authenticity is the real power and motivation." – Jeff Burningham

• [33:57] "AI is just the data that we've fed it. It's all of human data that it has. It looks for patterns. And by the way, it's able to see patterns better than maybe we ever could." – Jeff Burningham

• [36:29] "The most powerful ideas are often the most simple. So therefore the most neglected, the simple basics that I come back to, and I'm not perfect at this, but I try to do these three things every day." – Jeff Burningham

• [38:18] "Get into nature, spend as much time in nature as you absolutely can. That's another one of our universal teachers."– Jeff Burningham

Our Guest

Jeff Burningham is a visionary entrepreneur, early-stage tech investor, and author of The Last Book Written by a Human: Becoming Wise in the Age of AI. Over his diverse career, Jeff has founded and scaled billion-dollar ventures, led institutional real estate funds, and even ran for governor of Utah. His mission now? Helping people and society move from fear to wisdom in the age of intelligent machines.

Resources

Jeff Burningham

• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-burningham-15a01a7b/

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

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

• Book: https://www.jeffburningham.com/book/

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 dives into an engaging conversation with Don Eggspuehler, author of Letters to Mom: Marine Corps – Boot Camp – Flight School – Vietnam. They explore Don's journey from a Marine Corp fighter pilot to a successful software executive and writer. The discussion highlights the transformative power of journaling, storytelling, and resilience in navigating life's challenges. Don shares the profound impact of military discipline on his productivity and personal balance, and offers invaluable advice for leaders striving to maintain equilibrium between high-stake responsibilities and personal well-being. The episode also shines a light on Don's latest book, offering listeners a unique glimpse into the poignant letters he wrote to his mother during his service, which have become a source of inspiration and healing for many.

What We Discuss

• [00:00] Introduction to Don Eggspuehler

• [04:54] The Power of Letter Writing and Storytelling

• [10:57] Balancing Life and Work

• [21:26] Reflections and Final Thoughts

• [29:18] Conclusion and Call to Action

Notable Quotes

• [06:08] " Writing letters is kind of a lost art. Most people don't write letters anymore, and it's so important." – Don Eggspuehler

• [13:10] " As you're going through life, sometimes a lot of stuff happens that we have no control over, but it's not what happens, it's how we deal with what happens now." – Gerald J. Leonard

• [15:09] " Be persistent and don't get too upset over things. Keep things even keel and go with the flow a little bit, 'cause in life you're gonna have a lot of situations that are big surprises, and you really don't have any control over that. It's how you react." – Don Eggspuehler

• [22:41] " We have the freedom and the ability to have experiences with our loved ones that we care about." – Gerald J. Leonard

• [24:57] " Life doesn't always go the way you want it to, no matter what you do. It throws you into some situations that you really weren't seeing coming." – Don Eggspuehler

Our Guest

Don Eggspuehler is a retired Marine Corps officer, author, and former computer software executive. Originally from Iowa Falls, Iowa, he served in Vietnam as a combat pilot flying A-6A jets. After a 23-year marriage to Linda Combs, who passed away from a brain tumor, Don had a successful 30-year career in software sales and consulting. Now retired and married to Lynda Lou Sherman, Don has authored five books, including Letters to Mom: Marine Corps – Boot Camp – Flight School – Vietnam and Life Lessons Learned in Grade School.

Resources

Don Eggspuehler

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-eggspuehler-54b71227b

• Website: https://www.lifelessonsbooks.net/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doneggspuehler/

• Book: https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Mom-Marine-Flight-Vietnam/dp/B0DKXT5KP3

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, Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Alexis Normand, co-founder of Greenly, a leading carbon accounting platform that's helping companies around the world cut their emissions and boost performance at the same time.

Alexis started out in digital health, where he learned how short‑term incentives can drive long‑term results. That insight eventually led him to launch Greenly, which began as a personal carbon tracking app and has since evolved into one of the world's most trusted tools for businesses serious about sustainability.

During the conversation, Alexis shares how starting small, moving fast, and learning from customers turned Greenly into a platform that makes carbon accounting simple, actionable, and even profitable. You'll also hear how AI and automation are making it easier than ever for businesses to cut through decision fatigue, meet compliance standards, and focus on the projects that really move the needle.

If you've ever thought sustainability was just a nice‑to‑have, this episode will change your mind. Get ready to see why climate action is one of the smartest business moves you can make.

What We Discuss

• [02:01] Introduction to Alexis Normand

• [07:10] Lessons from early iterations and pivoting to business solutions

• [11:34] Habits and systems Alexis uses to stay productive

• [15:00] Tackling decision fatigue in carbon reporting

• [20:40] How AI and automation streamline sustainability efforts

• [28:14] Meeting compliance frameworks across regions

• [31:12] Why sustainability is good business strategy

• [33:51] First steps for companies beginning their carbon tracking journey

• [37:15] How global supply chains drive climate accountability

• [38:27] Closing reflections and takeaways

Notable Quotes

• [03:56] "I guess relative to other players, we're now one of the biggest carbon accounting platforms in the world." – Alexis

• [04:36] "You could essentially create short term incentives for people to change their behavior today, although the long term benefits are years away." – Alexis

• [04:51] "The way we need to approach climate change is very much the same. All of the efforts we do today will have real long-term benefits, probably for our kids or our grandkids." – Alexis

• [06:10] "We kind of need to create the need and educate people and we're never going to have 10 million people on this app in the short term to build a business." – Alexis

• [15:19] "Carbon data is complex, right when you look at the process of calculating a carbon based footprint and all of the different acronyms out there, whether it's science based targets, SCRD, CDP, all these things that are related to carbon accounting and sustainability" – Gerald

• [34:17] "You don't have to oppose climate and growth. There are more and more businesses, in fact, I think a majority of businesses today, who will have a stronger growth trajectory if they align themselves with the net zero trajectory." – Alexis

• [37:59] "If you are ambitious about your company, then somewhere down the line you're going to have to be ambitious about climate." – Alexis

Our Guest

Alexis Normand is the co-founder of Greenly, a carbon accounting platform helping companies measure and reduce their emissions with clarity and precision. Drawing on his experience in digital health and innovation, Alexis is passionate about integrating sustainability into everyday business operations and using technology to make climate action accessible for all.

Resources

Alexis Normand

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

• Greenly website: https://greenly.earth/en-us

• Greenly App: https://apps.apple.com/sg/app/

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