The Daily Helping

Today we welcome Dr. Kirk J. Schneider to the show. He is a towering figure in the field of psychology, specializing in existential humanistic and existential integrative psychology. Not only is he an adjunct faculty member at some of the most prestigious institutions like Saybrook University and Teachers College, Columbia University, but he also co-founded and currently presides over the award-winning Existential Humanistic Institute. His new book, "Life-Enhancing Anxiety: Key to a Sane World,” promises to be a game-changer and is now available everywhere.

Dr. Kirk J. Schneider's journey into the world of psychology began at a young age. When he was just two and a half years old, he lost his seven-year-old brother, a tragedy that threw him into a whirlpool of emotions and led him to early psychoanalytic therapy. Far from being a crutch, this therapy experience transitioned him from a state of paralyzing fear to one of boundless curiosity and wonder. Influenced by his father, a humanistic educator, and captivated by classic shows like "Outer Limits" and "The Twilight Zone," Kirk developed a multi-dimensional worldview that eventually led him to dig deep into existential humanistic psychology.

Some might question what they think to be a contradiction in the title of Kirk’s new book: How can anxiety be life-enhancing? Well, it turns out that there is something called 'Eustress,' which Dr. Schneider describes as a positive form of anxiety that can be energizing and life-affirming. If you're struggling with the weight of existence, he recommends setting aside undistracted time for practices like diaphragmatic breathing and mindfulness. And if that seems too overwhelming, it might be a sign to consider therapy for a deeper dive.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

“My latest life enhancing anxiety is this YouTube channel that I'm developing called Corps of Depth Healers. It's an attempt to gather resources for people, especially for people who have some training, some serious ability to go out there in the world and translate these principles of depth-oriented practice that we've been talking about, helping people cultivate presence, namely, but to translate those principles to addressing social crisis in the world.”

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Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Google Podcasts to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Learn more at kirkjschneider.com

• Read: "Life-Enhancing Anxiety: Key to a Sane World” 

• Connect with Dr. Kirk J. Schneider on LinkedIn

• YouTube Channel: Corps of Depth Healers

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Our guest today is not your typical meditation teacher; he's a bridge between the worlds of hard science and deep spirituality. Meet Dr. Richard Dixey, a senior faculty member at Dharma College in Berkeley, California. With advanced degrees in biophysics and the history of philosophy science, Dr. Dixey formerly directed a bioelectronic research unit in London and served as the CEO of his own biotech company. Now, he dedicates his life to teaching meditation and runs the Light of Buddha Dharma Foundation in India. He’s the author of "Three Minutes a Day, a 14-week course to learn meditation and transform your life."

Dr. Dixey is on a mission to blend the lines between science and spirituality. His unique background allows him to question the limitations of scientific materialism, citing historical perspectives from the Greeks and key figures like Galileo.

For those struggling to find time for meditation, Dr. Dixey has a practical solution. His book "Three Minutes a Day" offers a condensed yet effective approach to meditation, perfect for today's fast-paced lifestyle. He underscores that the ultimate guide in meditation is one's experience, not just third-party scientific validation. The program provides 14 different exercises that gradually build up your focus and self-awareness, aiming to move you from a state of brittle, adverted attention to engaged attention. Dr. Dixey outlines the concept of "six gates" through which we experience the world—our five senses plus the mind—and how we can channel our focus through them one at a time.

Dr. Dixey seeks to democratize meditation, breaking down barriers that might deter people from practicing it. His "three-minute" format serves as both an introduction and a foundation, hoping to lead practitioners to longer sessions eventually. He insists that achieving a balance between technological advancements and personal growth is not just a desire but a pressing need, for the sake of both individual well-being and collective wisdom.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

“Meditation is a path to genuine freedom. You can be as rich as you like. You can have as many cars and boats and watches and girlfriends and all the rest of it as you like. But if you are just reactive, you are not free. In fact, a beggar on a street corner might be freer than you. And freedom is what we all want. We want that feeling of, man, I am in control of my life. That's what meditation can offer.”

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Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Google Podcasts to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Learn more at richarddixey.com

• Read: Three Minutes a Day

• dharma-college.com

Produced by NOVA Media

A highly esteemed functional business coach, Todd Saylor is the powerhouse behind the internationally renowned brand "Wired Differently" and the inspirational Tiki Hut Business Retreat. Not just an entrepreneur, but a serial one, Todd boasts the successful inception and management of 14 prosperous businesses. His expertise and innovative approach have landed him coveted spots on esteemed platforms such as CBS, Yahoo Finance, Business Insider, and MarketWatch.

Beyond his business acumen, Todd is an accomplished author with a compelling series, “Wired Differently”. He is also diving into the world of film with his upcoming movie, "The Tiger in Us", a heart-wrenching homage to his father's enduring legacy.

The "Wired Differently" series begins with Todd's first book, "Wired Differently." This explores what fuels certain individuals with an unwavering drive, setting them apart from the masses. The narrative is deeply interwoven with the relentless spirit of his father. The second book in the series, "Wired Differently: DriftAgain," delves deep into the fabric of those who stand out. The third book, "Wired Again: Your Will Be Done," ventures into the philosophical realm, navigating the intricate dance between free will and divine destiny. In this book, Todd illuminates the three pivotal phases of being "Wired Differently." The Creation Stage delves into the neural intricacies we’re born with. The Learning Stage harnesses the subconscious for personal growth. Lastly, the Actualization Phase channels positive affirmations while staving off the perilous "ANTS" (Automatic Negative Thoughts).

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Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Google Podcasts to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Learn more at toddsaylor.com

• Read “Wired Differently: Your Will Be Done”

• Watch the trailer at TheTigerInUs.com

• Connect with Todd on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA Media

Jim Sheils is not just your average entrepreneur; alongside his wife Jamie, this dynamic duo has embarked on a mission to help busy professionals find deeper, richer connections with their families. Rewind to episode 206, and you'll remember their heartfelt insights. But today, they're back to delve even deeper.

Being successful real estate investors, Jim and Jamie weren't unfamiliar with the demands of a busy life. Yet, it's their Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "The Family Board Meeting," and their commitment to the "18 Summers" entrepreneur family organization, that showcases their unique expertise.

What drove them to pen "The Family Board Meeting"? It's the realization that while professionals are often armed with resources for business success, the toolkit for familial success is often sparse. Enter rhythms. Not habits, mind you, but rhythms—a term that resonates with intentionality and harmony. These rhythms aren’t just fluff; they’re the heartbeat of lasting familial bonds.

One such rhythm is the "Date Night with a Question." A time carved out weekly for couples to escape the mundane and rediscover each other. Then there's the titular "Family Board Meeting Strategy," a transformative routine ensuring individual bonding time with each child. Imagine a world where parents dedicate a half-day every quarter to understanding their child's evolving world, from princess parties to fishing trips. Jim's own tales shed light on the undeniable impact of such dedicated time. And let's not forget the "Family Adventure," where memories are forged in the crucible of fun and collaboration.

However, starting with these rhythms isn't about overhauling your life overnight. It's about introducing simplicity, starting perhaps with just two or three rhythms. Commit to these pockets of time, and you'll witness harmony weaving its way into your home.

Above all, it's the profound conversations, the open-ended questions on date nights, that pull couples away from the brink of ambivalence and towards the warm embrace of understanding. In a world constantly pulling us in a myriad of directions, Jim and Jamie's message is clear: Your family deserves intentional time. And with rhythms, that's possible.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

“Remember: There is no perfect family. If you're aiming for perfection, you're probably setting yourself up for the impossible. You're putting a lot of pressure on your spouse and your kids. It's not about perfection, it's about bridging our imperfection.”

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Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Google Podcasts to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• 206. Maximizing the 18 Summers Before Your Kids Grow Up with Jim & Jamie Sheils

• 18summers.com

• Instagram: @18summerstribe

• Read: “The Family Board Meeting”

Produced by NOVA Media

From the ruthless arena of mixed martial arts to mission homes aiding the homeless, Tom Murphy, former contender from Spike TV’s Ultimate Fighter Season 2, has seen it all. His wrestling days in upstate New York, subsequent MMA training in Montreal, and the platform of TV stardom paved his path to "Sweethearts and Heroes," where he's been addressing youth about leadership, goal-setting, and motivation.

But Murphy isn't alone in this mission. Alongside him is Rick Yarosh, a retired US Army Sergeant, whose life changed dramatically in combat when he lost limbs and suffered burns over 60% of his body. From sports and outdoor activities as a child to the devastating injuries in 2004, Rick’s story is a testament to resilience and reevaluating life's purpose. Embracing public speaking, he zeroes in on hope and its transformative power.

Both found a shared purpose in "Sweethearts and Heroes," reaching over 2 million students, highlighting the often overlooked historical connotation of "bully" as "sweetheart." They illuminate the role of "16th-century bullies," or the sweethearts, pivotal in pushing through tough times. Their approach? Teach empathy as a muscle, which, when flexed, builds a more compassionate world. With actionable drills and a mission to empower student-led intervention, they target the silent witnesses of bullying and instill belief in better tomorrows.

Their upcoming project, the "Hope Classroom," launching end of the month, is set to be a trove of resources designed for students, educators, and parents alike. Their message? "Hold On, Possibilities Exist."

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

Rick: “You all have the opportunity, the possibility, to change and save lives and you may not believe that. You can tell me that you won't give hope to other people. I will buy that, you cannot tell me that you can't give hope to other people. You just have to recognize what you're capable of and then when you recognize what you're capable of and you give that hope to other people you receive the reward that it comes from giving that hope to others. That feeling that you get that is contagious and you'll want to keep giving it over and over and over again.”

Tom: “Nothing changes in this world unless we actually make a sacrifice, and I think everyone's calling is different. I think the biggest piece of advice I could give would be to listen more. I don't think we do enough of that. I think it takes a tremendous amount of courage to stand up and act and to help people that are different than you and me. You have to be extremely brave. When I think of the word brave, I think about courageous endurance. I think it takes a lot of practice to become brave and to sit and listen to people. That's a really, really hard thing to do. But I do know if you look at the science of empathy, that's how it begins. It's a three-step process and perspective taking, listening to people, and putting yourself in their shoes is the beginning of the growth of empathy in humans. And the only reason we are where we are today is because of empathy. It's allowed us to get along and to share resources and to cooperate. And our world needs it more and more.”

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Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Google Podcasts to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Sweethearts and Heroes: Outreach program. Dive deeper at sweetheartsandheroes.com and find them on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

• The Hope Series: Introducing the "Hope Classroom," this series offers resources for students, educators, and parents alike. Launching end of the month. Stay tuned!

Produced by NOVA Media

In this very special episode of The Daily Helping, we sit down with Billy Bean, the former major league baseball outfielder who played six exciting seasons with the Detroit Tigers, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the San Diego Padres. Now serving as Vice President and Special Assistant to the Commissioner of Major League Baseball, Billy's roles extend beyond the field as an advisor on LGBTQ and mental health and wellness issues. His memoir, "Going the Other Way," encapsulates his journey as a gay man in professional baseball.

Billy's story begins in Southern California, where he was raised in a strict Catholic household and discovered his talent for sports at a young age. His rise to major league baseball was meteoric, but it was not without personal struggles. Coming to terms with his sexual orientation and the fear of public exposure weighed heavily on Billy, leading to challenges in his personal life and on the field. The loss of his partner, Sam, to HIV, and the fear of facing rejection from his father further affected his performance.

Starting a new chapter, Billy moved to Miami after the '95 season, where he found companionship in his Jack Russell Terrier, Paco. The ensuing years were a period of personal discovery and growth, as Billy learned to embrace diversity and support his community. Coming out as gay brought its own set of challenges, but with the acceptance and love of his family, he found peace.

Billy also shares his journey back to baseball, but in a new and pivotal role overseeing all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) efforts for the sport. His perspective on self-confidence, self-esteem, and trust, combined with his genuine love and inclusivity, has allowed him to make a significant impact on the game.

Billy Bean’s story is not only a tale of a remarkable career but also a deep exploration of personal transformation, acceptance, and the significance of his journey in his current role in baseball.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

“We’re living in a time of it’s very, very difficult to feel self-confident and have self-esteem. And, you know, if you are a person that has purpose, loves what they do, is kind to others, you’re going to find your voice and you’re gonna be happy. It just takes a minute.”

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Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Google Podcasts to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Learn more at BillyBean.com

• Read: “Going the Other Way”

• Follow Billy on Twitter: @billybeanball

Produced by NOVA Media

In this episode of The Daily Helping, we're honored to welcome Ariel Garten, co-founder of Muse, a leading player in the field of consumer neurotechnology and meditation. With her remarkable background blending neuroscience, psychotherapy, and art, Ariel has found a unique way to bridge the gap between technology and mindfulness.

As well as providing an innovative aid to meditation, Ariel delves into the nuanced difference between a meditative state and a flow state. She describes meditation as observing one's mind and body to learn about our physiology and thoughts and then shifting them. A flow state, on the other hand, is marked by high creativity, engagement, and a sense of passionate oneness with the task at hand.

The work of Muse doesn't stop at meditation and sleep. They're currently working on a project for women experiencing menopause and have conducted various studies with Mayo Clinic, demonstrating positive impacts across numerous applications. The company is also expanding to address specific user issues like pain and sleep difficulties.

Ariel's vision for her work's legacy is a world where individuals have the power to escape the "prisons of their own minds." She encourages listeners to harness the power of meditation and change the conversation in their heads, leading to reduced stress levels and improved quality of life.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

“You are a capable, powerful human being, and nothing that your mind is telling you should take you away from that. By engaging a simple practice like meditation, you can learn to shift your relationship with your thoughts and be the person that you really are and feel the person that you really are and accomplish all that you actually can.”

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Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Google Podcasts to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Exclusive Savings for The Daily Helping Family!
  Get 20% off + 1 year premium app access at 
  choosemuse.com/drrichard
• Follow Muse on Instagram: @choosemuse
• Follow Muse on Twitter: @ChooseMuse

Produced by NOVA Media

Our special guest today is Clara Capano, a prominent international speaker, best-selling author, and the Chief Harmony Officer of Capano Speaking and Training. Clara is a multi-faceted personality and juggles multiple roles with enthusiasm, including being the host of the Working Woman's Channel and Living Real TV.

Clara’s latest book, "The Mother of All Success Manuals: How to Control Your Days, Lose the Guilt, and Find Harmony between Work and Life,” was designed with working moms in mind. The book is a mirror reflecting Clara's personal journey of achieving the delicate balance between motherhood and professional life.

At the age of 37, Clara experienced a professional burnout that served as the catalyst for the creation of the strategies discussed in her book. A pivotal moment in Clara's life was when her young son accused her of not being attentive to him. This incident sparked a moment of introspection and realization, causing her to reevaluate her life choices.

The cornerstone of Clara's work is her Clarity Success Method. This unique model follows a mnemonic based on her name, each letter signifying a vital business strategy to enhance productivity while maintaining work-life harmony:

• C - Clarity of their vision

• L - Leveraging time

• A - Action on the vital few things

• R - Rest and reflection

• A - Articulating value

• T - Tracking and measuring

• Y - Celebrate the wins regularly

Clara firmly believes that self-care is not selfish, but a necessity to deliver value to others. She stresses the need to find joy in everyday life and dedicate at least 15 minutes each day to it. Clara's joyful moments range from practicing gratitude, having a morning cup of coffee, sneaking a midday nap, to scrolling through TikTok.

Clara emphasizes that we can't – and shouldn't – try to do it all. She urges everyone to simplify, delegate purposefully, and focus on staying in their zone of genius.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

“Get clear on defining what you want your life to look like. Get clear on what does success mean to you. Own it. Your why is your why. Use that vision to drive you, to allow you to stay connected, and to be that rocket fuel inside your soul that lights you up every day.”

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Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Google Podcasts to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Learn more at claracapano.com

• Read: The Mother of All Success Manuals

• Follow Clara on Instagram: @claracapano

• Connect with Clara on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA Media

Our guest for today's episode is Mark J. Silverman, a successful tech industry figure, bestselling author, coach, and speaker who has transformed $90 million ideas into tech startup triumphs. He also hosts an insightful podcast, Mastering Overwhelm: How to Thrive in Business, Relationships and Life.

In 1989, Mark's life was anything but successful. Homeless and grappling with issues related to drugs, alcohol, and sex, he found himself living in his truck. After being lent a lifeline by his brother — on condition of attending AA and NA, enrolling in community college, and hitting the gym — Mark made the brave choice to leave his old life behind.

Mark's internal transformation led him from homelessness to becoming a college graduate, discovering a talent for sales, and earning a millionaire status. Despite external success, however, his internal self-image remained at odds, colored by unaddressed trauma. Amid panic attacks, health issues, and a failing marriage, Mark found himself fearing death in a one-bedroom apartment. It was then he made the firm decision to leave a legacy for his children.

Motivated by this goal, Mark set out to run the Marine Corps Marathon, make a million dollars for his ex-wife and children, and donate $60,000 to charity. He leaned heavily on meditation, journaling, and reading numerous self-help and spiritual books, one of which — "Relax Into Wealth" by Alan Cohen — became a guiding light in his journey towards realizing his self-worth.

Despite being diagnosed with severe ADD, Mark found a way to thrive. Drawing from his struggles, he wrote a best-selling book, "Only Tens 2.0", offering a fresh perspective on confronting overwhelming to-do lists and transforming lives. It became an unexpected hit, striking a chord with others facing similar struggles.

A key part of Mark's strategy is understanding that we are not victims. We have choices. This perspective shift allowed him to view tasks differently, identifying the rewards sought, or the consequences avoided. He introduced the concept of '10s', tasks that are absolutely essential, further streamlining productivity.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

“The most important thing that I want anybody to know is that they're loved, they’re lovable, they are good just the way they are. And that the constant hamster wheel of trying to be enough is just not... it's not real. It's not worth it. I'm 60 years old, right? So I talk to a lot of 30 and 40 year olds. And in hindsight, the cliche of what's really important, your relationships, your health, your well-being, and enjoying life. Like I have two adult sons. You're alive. Please enjoy. Please.”

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Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Google Podcasts to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Learn more at markjsilverman.com
• Get a FREE copy of “Only 10s 2.0”
• Listen to The Rising Leader Podcast
• Connect with Mark on LinkedIn

Produced by Nova Media

In this episode of The Daily Helping, we welcome the extraordinary Asante Cleveland, a former NFL tight end known for his tenure with the 49ers, Patriots, and Chargers. Asante now steps into the spotlight for a different reason: to share his deeply personal journey, as chronicled in his recent book, "Walking Through the Dark."

Despite Asante's triumphant sports career, he had to navigate a challenging upbringing to get there—an upbringing marred by an abusive household. He details his father's intervention, a former NFL player himself, and the life-changing assistance of his friend’s mother. In this powerful recounting, Asante discusses his shift from a volatile home to a stable environment under his father's guidance, where his passion for sports truly blossomed.

From soccer to basketball to football—his ultimate path—Asante’s athletic career began to take shape somewhat unexpectedly when he received an offer to play football in high school. His story continued at the University of Miami, setting the stage for his future NFL career.

The undercurrent of this conversation is resilience. Throughout his story, Asante unpacks the deeply ingrained effects of his childhood abuse, a trauma that remained present even as he made significant strides on the football field.

The release of "Walking Through the Dark" during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns resonated with those facing their own adversity and hardship, particularly those in abusive situations. Asante's intention with the book is clear: to inspire those in similar situations, illuminate the power of resilience, and encourage forgiveness.

Through introspection and self-discovery, Asante found his true calling: aiding athletes, particularly during their transition periods. Leveraging his own experiences and his platform, he seeks to promote mental health and personal understanding within the athletic community. He plans to write more books focusing on mental health challenges that athletes face during transitions, to continue aiding young athletes, and to use his unique voice to advocate for resilience and recovery from trauma. Asante's journey highlights the therapeutic power of sharing our stories and confronting the past.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

“Do your best. That is the most important thing that I've learned. When I was a kid playing basketball, this kid kicked my butt up and down the court. It was bizarre to me because I was a good soccer player and this was my first time playing basketball. So I figured since I'm good at soccer, of course I'm good at basketball too. And I was humbled. On the ride home, as I'm pouting in the car, my dad stops at this high school that has these outdoor basketball courts near our house. He stops the car and says, ‘Asante, I'm gonna walk down to that far baseline. And when I turn around, if you're not standing at the free throw line, I'm just gonna walk back to the car and we'll never talk about it again. But if you wanna be great, you will meet me at the free throw line.’ So he gets out and just walks. I eventually follow him. But once we finally meet, he gives me a big hug and says, ‘That kid wasn't better than you, but he has put in more work than you have.’ So whatever you wanna be great at, it takes work. It's not just gonna happen. You have to be committed and dedicated to it.”

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Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Google Podcasts to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Learn more at asantecleveland.com
• Read: Working Through the Dark
• Follow Guest Name on Instagram: @asantecleveland

Produced by Nova Media