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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Judson Brewer—renowned neuroscientist, psychiatrist, and bestselling author—to explore the science behind mindfulness and its transformative power in overcoming anxiety and addiction. Dr. Brewer shares insights from his groundbreaking research, demonstrating how understanding the brain’s mechanisms can help us break free from unhelpful habits and cultivate lasting well-being.

We discuss practical tools anyone can use to manage stress, the role of the prefrontal cortex in habit formation, and how meditation can literally change your brain. Dr. Brewer’s approachable style and evidence-based strategies offer hope and actionable steps for anyone struggling with anxiety or looking to make positive changes in their life. 

Please pass this episode on to anyone who you feel will benefit from listening. 

Connect with Dr. Judson Brewer:

• Website
• Substack Newsletter
• TED Talks:  - “A Simple Way to Break a Bad Habit" and "You are Already Awesome: Just Get Out of Your Own Way!"
• Dr. Judson Brewer's Books
• Twitter/X
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube

As well, find out more information on Judson and the podcasts and interviews he's done here.

Special Credit to: 

Anderson Cooper Audio Clip From 60 Minutes (2015)

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In this meaningful episode, Andy Vasily sits down with his longtime friend and mentor, Coach Harry Lumley, for an inspiring and deeply personal conversation about life, leadership, and the true meaning of coaching. With over 60 years of experience, Harry shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a legendary coach who has impacted generations of athletes and students. 

Together, Andy and Harry explore the importance of building authentic relationships, the transformative power of positive feedback, and the enduring legacy of caring for others.

Listeners will hear stories of resilience, hope, and the ripple effect of investing in people. Harry’s wisdom goes far beyond the X’s and O’s of sport—he offers practical advice for coaches, teachers, parents, and anyone striving to make a difference. This episode is a testament to the power of empathy, the importance of belonging, and the belief that one caring adult can change a life forever.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The foundation of Harry’s coaching philosophy: relationships and trust
• Overcoming adversity and finding purpose through service
• The impact of positive feedback and deep listening
• Creating a sense of belonging and mattering for every athlete
• Lessons on legacy, hope, and living with intention

Notable Quotes:

• “When kids know you care about them, you can accomplish so much.”
• “The real victories are found in the lives changed.”
• “All it takes is one adult to invest a little bit of time in a young person for that person to know that they matter.”

Connect with Harry Lumley:

Facebook

Please share this episode with anyone who you feel will benefit from listening. Thank you!

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In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Andy Vasily sits down with Max Fox, a gifted singer and performer whose journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. From humble beginnings in Blackpool, UK, Max shares his story of overcoming adversity, finding purpose, and using his talents to inspire others.

Key Themes & Highlights:

• Finding Purpose Through Adversity: Max opens up about his early life, growing up in a challenging environment, and the struggles he faced with bullying and mental health. His candid reflections on overcoming a suicide attempt and finding meaning later in life are both raw and inspiring.
• The Power of Mentorship: Max credits his music teachers—Neil Oldham, Sarah Bagart, and Margaret Adderetti—for providing a safe haven and nurturing his passion for the arts. Their belief in him helped shape his path and instilled the courage to pursue his dreams.
• Lessons in Resilience: Drawing on quotes from Oprah Winfrey, Robin Sharma, and Dr. Gabor Mate, the conversation explores how hardship can lead to wisdom, compassion, and self-forgiveness. Max’s story is a reminder that our greatest strengths often emerge from our deepest struggles.
• Embracing Failure as Growth: Max recounts his experience producing a large-scale show that initially failed but ultimately became a national success. His willingness to learn from setbacks and turn FAIL (First Attempts In Learning) into triumphs is a powerful lesson for anyone facing obstacles.
• Britain’s Got Talent & Seizing Opportunity: In a remarkable twist of fate, Max describes how he seized the moment to perform on Britain’s Got Talent, turning a spontaneous decision into a life-changing opportunity. His story underscores the importance of self-belief and taking chances, even when the odds seem daunting.
• Giving Back & Building Community: Now leading a successful touring show, Max emphasizes the value of mutual support, empathy, and helping others shine. His journey is a celebration of community, collaboration, and the impact we can have when we lift each other up.

Takeaways for Listeners:

• Self-belief is the foundation of growth and success.
• Adversity can be a catalyst for discovering purpose and strength.
• Mentors and supportive communities are vital on the journey to fulfillment.
• Failure is not the end, but a stepping stone to greater achievements.
• Opportunities often arise in unexpected ways—be ready to seize them.

Connect with Max Fox:

Follow Max’s journey and find out about upcoming shows on Facebook and Instagram by searching “Max Fox” or “The Cirque Show.”

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that, no matter where you start or what you face, you have the power to create meaning, inspire others, and fulfill your potential. Thank you for listening, and may Max’s story encourage you to take bold steps toward your own dreams.

Special Credit to Britain's Got Talent for the use of Max's audition on my non-profit Run Your Life podcast. Please watch their show as it is sure to always inspire!

To see Max's audition on Britain's Got Talent 2025, please check it out and tune in any time to see other inspiring performances. 

Please check out Max's work and follow him on social media for more!

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In this insightful conversation, Conrad Hughes, Director General at the International School of Geneva, shares his 30-year journey in education across three continents. Beginning with his roots in South Africa and schooling, Conrad discusses his educational philosophy centered on "seeing" people—recognizing their inherent gifts and helping transform those gifts into talents 

Educational Journey and Philosophy

Conrad reflects on his challenging experiences in an all-boys Catholic school during apartheid and his transformative high school years where literature and art became his passion. He credits his father's gift of books for fostering his lifelong love of knowledge.

Leadership and Feedback

Drawing on John Hattie and Helen Temporal's model, Conrad emphasizes the importance of contextual understanding in feedback and planning for growth. He highlights how his coaching experience with Ericsson taught him the value of self-awareness and perspective-taking in leadership.

AI in Education

Conrad discusses his school's thoughtful approach to AI integration, developed in collaboration with UNESCO. Rather than seeing technology as an end goal, he demonstrates how AI can enhance thinking when used intentionally—from generating exam questions to extending brainstorming activities.

Reimagining Assessment

Conrad introduces his alternative assessment model, the "learner passport," which recognizes students' interdisciplinary skills and personal growth beyond traditional high-stakes testing. This system acknowledges competencies in various areas, including extracurricular activities and entrepreneurial work.

Creating Psychological Safety

Throughout the conversation, Conrad emphasizes the importance of creating environments where students feel safe, supported, and free to develop their unique potential—a philosophy that extends to his leadership approach with colleagues as well.

Conrad's book on assessment is available on the Brill website, and he welcomes connections through LinkedIn for those interested in continuing the conversation about educational innovation.

Connect with Conrad: 

LinkedIn  

Website

You can also get free access to Conrad's latest book here.

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In this powerful conversation, David Klan, President and CEO of Mazda Canada, shares profound insights into leadership, organizational culture, and personal growth. With 33 years at Mazda, Klan exemplifies a people-centered approach that has transformed the company's success and workplace environment.

Key Themes:

People-Centered Leadership

Klan's leadership philosophy centers on relationships and creating conditions for people to flourish. He emphasizes that success isn't about top-down management, but about building trust, fostering open communication, and enabling employees to reach their full potential. The organization's "chain of excellence" prioritizes leadership strength, employee experience, and customer experience - in that order.

Radical Candor and Continuous Growth

Mazda Canada has cultivated a culture of radical candor, where:

• Monthly one-on-one meetings are mandatory
• Every employee creates a personal development plan
• Work plans are transparent across the organization
• Feedback is actively sought and acted upon

Mentorship and Purpose

Klan is passionate about mentoring, both within Mazda and through organizations like the Pinball Clemons Foundation. He believes in helping marginalized youth and sees mentorship as a mutually inspiring process that benefits both mentor and mentee.

Transition and Future Vision

As he prepares to retire, Klan's next chapter focuses on:

• Spending time with family
• Maintaining health and wellness
• Continuing professional involvement through board positions
• Ongoing mentorship

Memorable Quotes:

• "Culture is king"
• "We will only succeed and grow with and through our retail partners"
• "If you love what you do, and you're the same person at home and at work, you're blessed"
• "The problem with the world is that we belong to one another"

Key Takeaways for Listeners:

• Prioritize relationships over transactional interactions
• Create psychological safety for open communication
• Develop a growth mindset
• Seek to understand and unleash others' potential
• Align personal and professional values

Personal Impact

Klan's journey demonstrates that true leadership is about serving others, creating meaningful connections, and continuously learning. His approach at Mazda Canada has resulted in unprecedented success, with the company outpacing competitors and maintaining exceptional employee retention.

Conclusion
David Klan's story is a masterclass in compassionate, purpose-driven leadership. By focusing on people, fostering trust, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to growth, he has not just led a company, but transformed lives and created a lasting legacy.

Connect with David Klan

LinkedIn

Resources and Research Discussed: 

Dr. Michael Gervais

Dr. Amy Edmonson

Dr. Richard Ryan and Dr. Edward Dici (Self-Determination Theory)

Dr. Martin Seligman (Positive Psychology)

Simon Sinek (Start With Why)

Kim Scott (Radical Candor)

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Today we're revisiting a powerful conversation that I had with Daniel Carcillo—two-time Stanley Cup champion, NHL veteran, and one of hockey's most compelling voices on mental health and resilience.

This episode remains profoundly relevant as Daniel's journey from the heights of professional hockey to the depths of addiction and back to purposeful healing continues to resonate with anyone facing their own battles. His raw honesty about concussion-related trauma, opioid addiction, and the transformative power of vulnerability offers timeless insights that feel even more urgent in today's mental health landscape.

What makes this conversation especially meaningful is Daniel's evolution from enforcer to healer—showing us that our greatest struggles can become our most powerful tools for helping others. His work with emerging brain health therapies and his commitment to authentic living provide hope and practical wisdom that transcends sports.

If you missed this episode the first time, or if life has brought new challenges since you last heard it, Daniel's story of redemption and purpose will meet you exactly where you are. This is more than a hockey story—it's a roadmap for turning pain into purpose and finding strength in our most vulnerable moments.

As well, if you are interested in receiving a free mental health journal sponsored by the Resilience Agenda based in Switzerland and Australia, please share this episode on social media and tag me. As well, please head over to spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts and do a review of my show. And please share this episode with anyone who you feel will benefit from tuning in. And with that, let’s jump into my conversation with the inspiring Daniel Carcillo. 

This conversation with Daniel was a special one that I hope you find value in. Please share it with anyone who you feel will benefit from listening. Hope you enjoy it!!

Connect With Daniel Carcillo
Website
'X' Formerly Twitter
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook

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In this powerful conversation, Andy Vasily sits down with Quang X. Pham, CEO of Katrina Therapeutics, to explore an extraordinary life journey spanning from Vietnam War refugee to Marine Corps pilot to biotech entrepreneur. Quang shares deeply personal stories about service, sacrifice, and the transformative power of embracing one's mission in life.

Quang X. Pham is the CEO of Katrina Therapeutics, where he's developing safer blood thinner medications. A former Marine Corps helicopter pilot who served during the Gulf War, Quang escaped Vietnam with his family in 1975 and has dedicated his life to serving his adopted country through military service and healthcare innovation. He's also a recent author and maintains an 11 handicap at Sawgrass Country Club.

Key Topics Discussed

Family Legacy and Service (4:41)

• Quang's family's dramatic escape from Vietnam in 1975 - marking 50 years in America
• The three pillars of his life: serving his new country, honoring family legacy, and contributing to healthcare
• How gratitude shaped his decision to join the Marine Corps despite skepticism from others

Military Service and Leadership Lessons (28:04 - 42:44)

• Gulf War Experiences: High-stakes decision-making as a helicopter pilot in Kuwait City
• Navigating through smoke and enemy territory while evacuating wounded Marines
• The critical importance of psychological safety in team environments
• How military experience translates to entrepreneurial leadership

Entrepreneurship and Mission-Driven Leadership (47:33 - 55:31)

• The role of tact in effective communication and fundraising
• Understanding investor expectations and adapting pitch strategies
• Balancing urgency in startups vs. consensus-building in larger organizations
• Why patient needs must drive pharmaceutical development, regardless of economic challenges

Personal Philosophy and Mentorship (59:56)

• Learning from mentors both personal and distant (John Wooden, General Colin Powell)
• The importance of continuous self-reflection and growth
• "Love what you do until you can do what you love" - navigating career transitions
• How success encompasses resilience and character, not just financial achievement

Timestamps

• 4:41 - Opening and background discussion
• 28:04 - Decision to join the Marine Corps and embracing destiny
• 39:22 - Gulf War piloting experience and high-stress decision-making
• 42:44 - Leadership insights and psychological safety
• 47:33 - Entrepreneurship, tact, and resilience
• 55:31 - Core values and mission-driven approach
• 59:56 - Mentorship and personal growth philosophy

Connect with Quang X. Pham

• Company: Katrina Therapeutics
• LinkedIn
• Quan's books including Underdog Nation: Zero in on Effort and Results for Success
• Website

Episode Themes

• Immigrant experience and the American Dream
• Military service as character formation
• Translating military leadership to business success
• Mission-driven entrepreneurship in healthcare
• The power of mentorship and continuous learning
• Resilience through life transitions

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In a world where anxiety, isolation, and overwhelm have become the norm rather than the exception, Sharon Salzberg's wisdom offers a lifeline back to inner peace and authentic connection. As we navigate unprecedented global challenges—from social division and economic uncertainty to the lingering effects of a global pandemic—the timeless practices Sharon has championed for over four decades provide practical tools for not just surviving, but thriving.

This powerful conversation with meditation pioneer and bestselling author Sharon Salzberg was originally released in April 2024, but couldn't be more relevant to our current moment. While recorded previously, the insights shared here address the very struggles so many of us face today: how to find stability when everything feels uncertain, how to maintain compassion in polarized times, and how to stay true to our values when the world seems to be pulling us in countless directions.

What You'll Discover in This Episode

The Power of Trusting Your Own Experience Sharon opens up about her personal journey of trauma and healing, sharing how meditation became her anchor through life's most challenging storms. In our current climate of information overload and external pressure, her message about trusting your own deepest experience is revolutionary. You'll learn practical ways to distinguish between the noise of the world and the wisdom of your inner voice.

Loving-Kindness as a Revolutionary Act Drawing from her groundbreaking 1995 book "Loving Kindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness," Sharon demonstrates how practicing compassion—especially toward ourselves—isn't just feel-good spirituality, it's a practical strategy for resilience. In today's culture of harsh self-criticism and comparison, these ancient practices offer a pathway to genuine happiness and sustainable success.

Breaking Free from Modern Isolation Perhaps most timely is our discussion of her book "Real Life: The Journey from Isolation to Openness and Freedom." As loneliness rates soar and many people struggle with authentic connection, Sharon provides a roadmap for moving from isolation to genuine openness. You'll discover why vulnerability is actually a superpower and how mindfulness can transform your relationships.

Why Listen Now?

This isn't just another meditation discussion—it's a masterclass in applied wisdom for modern living. Whether you're dealing with work stress, relationship challenges, or simply trying to find your footing in uncertain times, Sharon's gentle yet profound insights offer practical strategies you can implement immediately.

Her four decades of experience teaching meditation have given her unique insights into the human condition, and her ability to make ancient wisdom accessible to modern audiences is unparalleled. In just one conversation, you'll gain tools that can shift how you respond to stress, relate to others, and navigate life's inevitable challenges.

As we continue to grapple with division, uncertainty, and the pace of modern life, Sharon Salzberg's message reminds us that the peace and clarity we seek isn't somewhere out there—it's available to us right now, in this moment, through practices that have sustained humans for thousands of years.

Connect with Sharon:
Website
Insight Meditation Society
Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn

As well, you can find all Sharon's books here

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In this episode, we explore the multifaceted nature of courage and its transformative power in our lives. Through powerful stories and important insights, we examine how courage manifests not just in grand gestures, but in the everyday choices that ultimately shape who we become.

The episode begins by challenging listeners to consider the fears that often hold us back—fear of uncertainty, judgment, failure, and even our own potential. These fears can keep us silent and immobilized, preventing us from finding our authentic voice and creating meaningful change.

Through four real stories, the episode illustrates different dimensions of courage:

Speaking Truth to Power: Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.'s decades-long battle against the medical establishment in the 1800s demonstrates the courage to stand by one's convictions, even when facing ridicule and rejection. His persistence in advocating for hand washing and sterilization eventually saved countless mothers. 

Facing Adversity: A candid conversation with a firefighter reveals the courage required to confront mental health challenges in a profession that often discourages emotional vulnerability. His story illustrates how acknowledging personal struggles and seeking help during difficult times can be one of the most courageous acts.

Reimagining Possibilities: Andrea Proske's extraordinary journey from hotel manager at age 27 to Olympic gold medalist in rowing at 35 exemplifies the courage to reimagine what's possible for our lives, regardless of our starting point. 

Everyday Courage: We're reminded that courage often happens in quiet moments when no one is watching—when we choose self-compassion over self-criticism, set boundaries that honor our wellbeing, or take the first small step toward meaningful change.

Courage isn't the absence of fear—it's taking meaningful action despite that fear. It happens in those pivotal moments when we choose alignment with our deepest values over comfort, prioritize truth over acceptance, and dare to reimagine what's possible.

Episode Credits:

Music from the 10000 Maniacs and the brilliant Natalie Merchant can be found here

Natalie Merchat's Website

Musical backdrop from fireman story from popular TV series White Lotus and it can here 

Oliver Wendall Holmes Sr. info can be found here

You can find out information about the writer Jack Kerouac here and all his books

Olympic gold medal commentary for 2020 Tokyo Olympics here

You can also connect with the inspiring Andrea Proske and find her website here.

LinkedIn  Instagram Twitter 'X' 

Connect with Andy Vasily

LinkedIn   Twitter

Disclaimer for this Podcast- A note from the heart: This podcast was created with one mission—to illuminate paths toward better mental, emotional, and social well-being. Every episode is crafted not for profit, but to inspire positive change in listeners' lives and in our shared world. From the start, it has always been meant to serve people in ways that educates and informs.

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Today’s episode is a special re-released conversation that I had with New York Times bestselling author and longtime Esquire writer, Cal Fussman a while back on my podcast. It was an excellent conversation as Cal shared many life lessons he has learned through more than 3 decades as a journalist having interviewed some of the most legendary people on the planet from Muhammad Ali to Serena Williams, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mikhail Gorbechev and Tom Hanks, Cal has interviewed hundreds on influential humans from a variety of fields and professions. 

According to Cal:

"Questions have guided my life ever since I was seven years old and sent a letter with a question to the President of the United States, and got a reply. Over the years, questions have taken me around the world and into interviews with hundreds of the most talented, compelling and powerful people on earth."

I’ll keep my original introduction as it was to give you more insight to who Cal Fussman is and valuable lessons he will share in this re-released episode. 

Be sure to check out Cal’s work at calfussman.com and subscribe to his wonderful podcast on Apple podcasts, Stitcher or Google podcasts or tune into his podcast website at calfussman.com/podcast.

Connect With Cal:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/calfussman
Website: https://www.calfussman.com/
Big Questions Podcast

Cal's Keynote talk can be found here