The Art of Charm

In today’s episode, we explore the importance of community spaces and their role in fostering connection and resilience with Aaron Greiner, a pioneering voice in urban design and social infrastructure. As the executive director of CultureHouse, Aaron has transformed underutilized spaces into vibrant “third places” that bring people together, encourage social interaction, and strengthen community ties. With hands-on experience in urban planning and a passion for creating welcoming, inclusive environments, Aaron has been at the forefront of redefining how we view public spaces in urban areas. 

Join us for an insightful conversation with Aaron Greiner as he explores the vital role of “third places” in reconnecting our communities and fostering genuine human interaction in a world increasingly dominated by digital connections. How can we reclaim public spaces as hubs for social connection? What are the hidden health and societal benefits of accessible community spaces? Aaron shares his experience transforming vacant storefronts into vibrant pop-ups, discusses the urgent need for social infrastructure, and reveals why gathering spaces are more crucial than ever for individual and collective resilience. Discover actionable ideas to create your own third place, connect with neighbors, and foster a stronger, more supportive community.

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In today’s episode, we explore the transformative power of psychological flexibility with Dr. Ross White, an award-winning clinical psychologist and a leader in mental resilience and high-performance coaching. Currently a professor of clinical psychology at Queen’s University Belfast and founder of Strive to Thrive, Dr. White specializes in helping individuals and organizations unlock their potential while safeguarding mental well-being. His latest book, The Tree That Bends: How a Flexible Mind Can Help You Thrive, challenges the relentless “no-limits” mindset and presents a balanced approach to personal growth, integrating acceptance, commitment therapy, and mindfulness.

Join us for a compelling conversation with Dr. Ross White as we explore the power of psychological flexibility in achieving true resilience and mental well-being. How can we balance the grit needed for high performance with the adaptability essential for sustainable growth? Dr. White discusses the “get, threat, and reset” modes that guide our energy and performance, revealing how psychological flexibility can protect us from burnout while enhancing success. Discover actionable insights into balancing ambition with rest, redefining mental toughness, and navigating the social pressures that drive relentless striving. This episode offers a new approach to thriving under pressure, helping you to achieve both performance and well-being in your personal and professional life.

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In today's episode, we discuss anxiety and worry with Ben Eckstein, a leading expert in the treatment of anxiety and rumination. As the owner and director of Bull City Anxiety and OCD Treatment Center, Ben specializes in helping individuals break free from cycles of overthinking and distress. He brings a wealth of clinical experience and knowledge as a therapist, speaker, and author of Worrying is Optional: Break the Cycle of Anxiety and Rumination That Keeps You Stuck, where he explores practical strategies for managing anxiety and reclaiming peace of mind. Through his work, Ben aims to empower others to build balanced lives that align with their values, offering actionable insights for anyone struggling with anxiety.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Ben Eckstein as we explore the nature of anxiety, worry, and the mental traps that keep us stuck in cycles of rumination. What drives our constant need to overthink, and how can we shift our relationship with worry to regain control of our lives? Ben shares his expertise on distinguishing between helpful and unhelpful thoughts, the factors that contribute to anxiety, and practical approaches for managing it effectively. Discover actionable strategies to break free from overthinking, cultivate a balanced mindset, and build a life aligned with your values. Learn how to transform worry from a barrier into a tool for growth and resilience in both your personal and professional life.

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In today’s episode, we cover overcoming procrastination and loneliness at work with Adam Grant. Adam is a top-rated professor at the Wharton School, the host of the awesome Worklife podcast, and is the author of “Give and Take”, one of his four New York Times bestselling books.

Procrastination is associated with laziness by many, but the science shows us otherwise - so if procrastinators aren’t lazy then why do we assume they are, what can you do about your procrastination if you want to change it, and why is now the best time to overcome your procrastination habit?  

What to Listen For

If you find yourself procrastinating, it’s not necessarily a problem with your work ethic, but can certainly be a problem with your ability to regulate your emotions. When confronted with a task that makes you feel uncomfortable (angry, uncertainty, frustrated, annoyed, anxious, etc), procrastination can kick in to help you avoid feeling those things. So what can you do to mitigate these responses and overcome your procrastination before it costs you an awesome opportunity? Tune in to find out!

A Word From Our Sponsors

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Resources from this Episode

Adam Grant’s website

Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success by Adam Grant

Core Confidence

Worklife - a podcast hosted by Adam Grant

Check in with AJ and Johnny!

AJ on Instagram

Johnny on Instagram

The Art of Charm on Instagram

The Art of Charm on YouTube

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In today's episode, we discuss the dynamics of relationships, empathy, and conflict resolution with Dr. Warren Farrell, a renowned thought leader in gender studies and communication. As the author of multiple bestselling books, including The Boy Crisis and his latest, Role Mate to Soul Mate: The 7 Secrets to Lifelong Love, Dr. Farrell has spent over 30 years teaching couples the art of effective communication. Named one of the world’s top 100 thought leaders by the Financial Times, he specializes in helping couples build lasting relationships through empathy, appreciation, and conflict-free communication. 

Join us for a compelling conversation with Dr. Warren Farrell as he unpacks the emotional dynamics that define our relationships and the steps we can take to nurture lifelong love. How can we resolve conflicts without escalating defensiveness? What’s the secret to creating a conflict-free zone in your relationship? Dr. Farrell shares his deep expertise on how appreciation, empathy, and his transformative 4-step apology can reshape even the most strained relationships. Discover actionable strategies to enhance communication, build deeper emotional connections, and foster a resilient partnership that can weather any storm. Whether you're looking to improve your romantic relationship or strengthen bonds with those closest to you, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you succeed.

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In today's episode, we review the greatest hits around building resilience and leveraging social skills to get you closer to your goals, drawing on our insightful conversations with Angela Duckworth, Laura Huang, John Livesay, and Steven Hayes.

Life gets rough. It’s important to develop good habits while things are going smoothly so when the seas get rough, you have a strong baseline to fall back on. Grit and resilience are integral to your success in life because they make the tough times easier to push through without feeling like the world is collapsing around you.

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In today's episode, we explore money and investing with Mark Matson. Mark is an American entrepreneur, author, and innovator in the science of investing and financial education. He creates educational experiences, platforms, and tools that make investing research accessible to investors and transform their relationship with money. His new book, “Experiencing the American Dream: How to Invest Your Time, Energy, and Money to Create an Extraordinary Life” is out now. Mark challenges the traditional definition of the American dream and what many of us get wrong when defining it.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Mark Matson as we discuss why money doesn’t equal happiness and how more money leads to more stress, why you need to understand academic investment principles to save yourself from gambling your retirement away, how to overcome the scarcity mindset to build your American dream, and what it takes to find your purpose and live an extraordinary life.

• What 5 facts about investing will change the way you think about money and help prevent you from making huge mistakes?

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In today's episode, we explore the world of accelerated learning and skill mastery with Scott Young, a leading expert on self-directed learning and productivity. As the best-selling author of Ultralearning and Get Better at Anything: 12 Maxims for Mastery, Scott has transformed the way people approach acquiring new skills, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible through deliberate practice and innovative techniques. Known for his ambitious project of learning MIT's 4-year computer science curriculum in just one year without attending any classes, Scott has dedicated his career to understanding how we can learn faster, overcome our fears, and achieve mastery in any field. 

Join us for an insightful conversation with Scott Young as he shares with us the art and science of ultra learning—how we can master new skills at an accelerated pace and break through the barriers that hold us back. What are the most effective ways to learn quickly and efficiently? How can we overcome the fear of failure and the anxiety that often accompanies new challenges? Scott shares his expert insights into the principles of deliberate practice, the importance of feedback, and the myths that often cloud our understanding of talent and ability.

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In today’s episode, we cover emotions and empathy with Karla McLaren, a renowned expert in emotional intelligence and empathy development. As an award-winning author, educator, and social science researcher, Karla dedicated her career to helping individuals and organizations understand and harness the power of emotions. She developed the "Six Essential Aspects of Empathy" model, which breaks down empathy into accessible and actionable steps, making it possible for everyone to enhance their emotional skills. Karla's books, including "The Language of Emotions," "The Power of Emotions at Work," and "Embracing Anxiety," offer transformative insights into revaluing even the most challenging emotions, turning them into pathways for self-awareness, effective communication, and healthier relationships. 

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Karla McLaren as she unpacks the intricate language of emotions and the vital role they play in our daily lives. Ever wondered why certain emotions feel so overpowering or why we struggle to articulate what we're feeling? Karla breaks down the complexities of emotional intelligence and empathy, offering practical tools to expand your emotional vocabulary and improve your communication skills. We explore how emotions are not the enemies of rationality but essential allies in decision-making and relationship-building. Discover how to manage challenging emotions like anger and jealousy, set healthy boundaries, and develop a deeper connection with yourself and others. 

• What easy questions can you ask yourself to figure out if/how someone is trying to convince you to do something or think a certain way?

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In today's episode, we dive into the psychology of influence and brand growth with Leslie Zane, a pioneer in the field of behavioral science and marketing. As the founder and CEO of Triggers Brand Consulting, Leslie has been at the forefront of helping top brands like Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, and Nike accelerate their growth by understanding the subconscious drivers of consumer behavior. With a background that spans behavioral science, marketing, and brand strategy, she is also the author of “The Power of Instinct: The New Rules of Persuasion in Business and Life”, where she reveals how tapping into the instinctive mind can lead to unparalleled success in business and personal branding. 

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Leslie Zane as she reveals the power of the instinctive mind in shaping our decisions and brand preferences. Have you ever wondered why some brands stand out effortlessly while others struggle to make an impact? Leslie uncovers the subconscious drivers that influence our choices and explains how businesses—and individuals—can leverage these insights to gain a competitive edge. Leslie also shares practical tips for crafting a compelling personal brand that resonates on a deeper level. Discover how to tap into the instinctive mind to enhance your influence, master persuasion, and set yourself apart in both your professional and personal life.

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