How often are you in the middle of a thought and something distracts you? Whether it’s a dog barking, an email ping, a text message, or someone calling your name – learn why it’s so essential to “pause,” to create personal rituals, and to disconnect from life’s noise with Gopi Kallayil.

Gopi’s the Chief Evangelist Brand Marketer at Google, helping them grow customer brands through digital marketing. Understanding the value of disconnecting and being an avid yoga practitioner, Gopi founded -- and still leads -- a weekly yoga practice for Googlers called Yoglers. Gopi’s also a tri-athlete, a global traveler, a Burning Man devotee, and hosts a television channel on cable & YouTube called Change Maker. He’s been a speaker at TEDx, Wisdom 2.0, The Renaissance Weekend, World Happiness Summit, and The World Peace Festival.

Life’s a GIANT, nonstop experience. Learn how to live it with joy, freedom, and peace of mind!

Key Takeaways:

The answer is YES. Have you ever noticed that when you plan something, whether a trip or a date, it never really goes according to plan? Right from the start, Gopi shares FOUR clever secrets to letting life drift you into unfamiliar territories… [01:59] 

The enchanted horn. There’s a device in your pocket that’s the size of a pack of playing cards and it allows you to connect to the world and a wealth of information in seconds – MAGIC! But before it takes over your whole life, listen to this KEY ADVICE on how to utilize, benefit, and tame the wild beast that is outer-technology… [6:19].

The ceremonial way. Long ago our ancestors figured out what made their bodies and minds work at their peak performance such as exercise, meditation, walking in nature, etc. The ONE word you need to remember that will shape your daily practice and encourage you to build your schedule around your well-being is… [15:54].

The life plan. You’re constantly hearing the advice on setting your priorities and focusing on them, but do you know how to identify the TRUE ESSENTIAL parts of your life? The ONLY advice you’ll need for narrowing down what’s most important to you AND keeping complete focus… [20:01].

The friend request. You’ve shared a body with it your entire life and you’ve tried to accept it for what it is, but sometimes trying to mold it into something it’s not. It’s YOU. The SIMPLE advice you need to become your own champion… [25:51].

Tune in and turn the volume up for a dose of inspiration and life lessons. That’s how we Live Lead and Play! 

What lens do you see life through? When you look behind the glass, can you pinpoint your relation to the world? Dara Padwo-Audick, creator, world traveler, storyteller, and most recently, life coach, shares the secrets of following your intuition and connecting with the world to help you define your life’s purpose.

As President of Creative Strategies Media LLC (a media consulting company) and Enlightened Media LLC (a film production company), Dara’s genuine storytelling has taken her around the globe. In 2008, her journey to understand and share the serenity of the Himalayan culture took her to Bhutan where she produced the documentary, Bhutan: A Kingdom of Happiness. As an educator, mentor, and dedicated life-long learner, Dara has embraced her work as an adjunct professor in the School of Communication at American University. At the heart of her pursuits, Dara coaches creative change-makers, helping them discover and explore their unique gifts to fulfillment.

Learn how to evolve through authentic leadership!   

Key Takeaways:

The hide-and-seek of destiny. Did you ever have a childhood dream? You visualized where you wanted to be, who you wanted to become, and always wondered how to get there? The KEY to knowing your purpose and following your intuition is… [3:56].

The worldly lesson. When we embrace another culture, appreciating our differences, it allows us to see different parts of ourselves that we didn’t recognize before. Dara shares the one perspective from her time spent in the Himalayas that will help you rethink your fears and beliefs about danger… [11:40].

The uncharted opportunity. It’s instinctual to have a plan and want everything to go according to it. Be it life, or your day, or a simple thing like your drive to work. The one thing you can do to accept any situation for what it is regardless of your plans and that’ll allow you to be open to other possibilities… [29:06].

The unforeseen truth. Dara’s digital series, She’s Got Grit, highlights female athletes with disabilities and it’s their stories that could change everything you once knew about authentic leadership. Listen in to what these women can teach you to overcome… [36:47].

Tune in and turn the volume up for a dose of inspiration and life lessons. That’s how we Live Lead and Play! 

In the battlefield that’s our daily life, wouldn’t it be nice to pause just for a moment - walk around the catastrophe of to-do’s, analyze them, and maybe shift things around a little before hitting play? Jaime Price, Co-Founder and President of Stop, Breathe, and Think, an emotional wellness app that recommends short, personalized meditations tuned to your emotions, shares how “pausing” your life for just one moment isn’t only liberating, but critical to your wellbeing.

Jaime has also spent the past 16 years as the Co-Founder of Tools for Peace, developing curriculum and teaching mindfulness and meditation to at risk youths. She has studied and practiced meditation under the guidance of a traditionally trained Buddhist teacher since 2000. And as Co-Founder of Stop, Breathe and Think, Jaime’s regularly quoted in publications such as Livestrong.com, Brit + co, Bustle and many, many more.  

Key Takeaways:

The blindfolded leap. There are nights you toss and turn, Monday mornings you sort of dread going into work, and moments where your daydreams mentally carry you off. It’s your inner voice telling you there’s more out there. How do you find what IT is? Try something new-- try this… [03:55].

The compassion ride. There’s magic in empathy, in having a common understanding of your emotions and how you relate to others. It can be the only key needed to find more clarity and define the direction you need to take. Developing this magic’s as easy as one-two-three and it starts here… [9:38].

The unforeseen experience. Meditation has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, improve concentration, increase happiness, and slow aging, but there’s more! Practicing Jaime’s three-step process can also give you these two positive, life-changing qualities… [14:35].

Tune in and turn the volume up for a dose of inspiration and life lessons. That’s how we Live Lead and Play! 

At this very moment, can you hear yourself think? Is the noise from your environment – phone ringing, email pinging, co-workers talking, dogs barking – clouding your mind? Cory Muscara, a mindfulness expert who’s been seen sharing his know-how on the Doctor Oz show, offers advice on grasping our present moments and thriving in a world of chaos.

Cory’s the Founder of the Long Island Center for Mindfulness with extensive professional training in a variety of mindfulness programs such as The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Mindful Schools, and Search Inside Yourself, which is the mindfulness program at Google. In 2012, Cory spent six months in silent meditation living as a Buddhist monk in Burma. Well-educated and highly-certified, Cory currently serves as an assistant instructor for The Master of Applied Positive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania where he also does graduate work.

Discover how stillness can bring you a whole new connection to yourself and to your world. 

Key Takeaways:

Grounded happiness. So many of us are like clouds passing through the sky, swaying towards our desires – a new relationship, a car, or a job – which call our attention, determine our paths, and yet don’t necessarily promise happiness. To gain independent control of your destiny and your happiness, you MUST learn this one lesson… [7:13].

Surviving to thriving. There’ll be inevitable pain in your life stemmed from traumatic and unforeseen life situations -- it’s the unfortunate truth; but how you define that pain and move forward means everything to your well being. The two forms of pain you NEED to understand … [9:56].

Mindfulness on-the-go. Science says meditation can reduce stress, increase concentration, and encourage a healthy lifestyle – but does it really work? Since happiness and well being start IN your body, why not give it a go? Give one of these three forms of meditation a try and live in the NOW for the rest of your life… [13:24].

Scheduling consciousness. You’ve learned the forms of meditations and you’ve realized that it doesn’t matter where or which form you take on, so now you wonder when? Some say morning, others say at night, but the optimal time to be deeply present is… [23:42].

Tune in and turn the volume up for a dose of inspiration and life lessons. That’s how we Live Lead and Play! 

When life’s filled with changes and sudden turns, how do you respond? There’s always that person you know or read/hear about that indisputably reassures you that it’ll all work out; but how are they SO sure? Author and Senior Minister, Edward Viljoen, shares ways that you can find “awe-moments,” in ordinary days, develop an inner knowing, and build a survival kit to navigate through the tragedies and chaos of life.

Edward believes that the completely fulfilled life is comprised of garden-variety acts of kindness, faith, and compassion. His latest book, Ordinary Goodness: The Surprisingly Effortless Path To Create A Life Of Meaning And Beauty serves as a guide to those seeking simple ways to create a life well-lived grounded in deep compassion for ourselves and the world around us. Edward is the Senior Minister at the Center for Spiritual Living in Santa Rosa, California. But, he’s traveled to our “meaningful” part of the universe to offer up some practical tips.   

Learn how to live fulfilled and inspired-- even through the ordinary-- and starting at your next hello!

Key takeaways:

The trail of self-identity.  At first glance, what do people see in you? Is there a trail of evidence you’ve left behind that shows others what you’re all about? The ONE question you need to ask yourself that’ll shape your world… [3:50].

The “good days” prescription. Political turmoil, economic climates, internal struggles -- so much daily negativity can seep into you, making you feel disconnected and lost. The ANTIDOTE that’ll help you build the confidence you need to move forward and get you back on the right track is… [9:21].

The guru method. All too often we live our lives making choices and taking risks on things that have proven results. So what do you do when the future looks skeptical? The wise and experienced call it an “inner knowing” trait and THIS is how you can develop yours… [13:52].

The pause button. The world can be chaotic, telling you that extraordinary things need to be SPECTACULAR to be worthwhile, that things need to be done quickly and need to be the BEST. But how can you find your purpose in such madness? The one GHASTLY exercise you can do that’ll help you re-evaluate your values and self-worth at this very moment… [17:59]. (hint: it’s not standing on a ledge.)

 Tune in and turn the volume up for a dose of inspiration and life lessons. That’s how we Live Lead and Play! 

“I wish I had the courage to live a life true to myself; not the life that others expected of me.”

Wow, that’s a raw, vulnerable statement. It also just happens to be the top regret of the dying. Ask yourself: how often do you feel trapped by other people’s rules? When or where along the line might you have forgotten to look within?

And by “within,” this means living in accordance to your values. Fast forward to the end of your life, and note the things you wish you had done, felt, seen, or experienced. Now work backwards… how can you start to connect to those things today?

Want to know the answer? Luke is about to share a very timely roadmap with you. Consider this path one of the most important you’ll ever walk down – and it’s this week’s meaningful moment.   

Tap into your inner-child and imagine what it’s like to play in a playground. You make new friends, you take turns, you share adventures with those around you. Now, imagine having that experience with your community.  And better yet, being an active member whose work makes a difference and serves a greater purpose than only making an income.

Sound a little unreal?

Michael Farber is the Co-Founder of Breakout, a community-focused media company that shines a light and empowers creators, movement leaders, and rule breakers to make a difference across the country. Breakout is taking America by storm as they’re actively fostering relationships in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Portland, Nashville, Detroit, Baltimore, D.C., Atlanta, and soon Chicago.  The organization hosts service events, daylong neighborhood immersive hangouts, multi-day immersive gatherings, and more.

Be on your way to breaking out of the norm and blending meaning, impact, and prosperity into your life.

Key Takeaways:

The breaking point. You’ve been working the job for years, making the company money, being part of the team, and something doesn’t feel right. You’re struggling to find meaning and purpose in what you’re doing. The ONE thing you need that’ll help you identify possibilities and motivate you to make real change is… [9:50].

Working together, thriving together. You’ve learned how to find your own purpose -- great! But are you still yearning to do work that ultimately bears a social benefit in some way? Good. You’re not alone. The feeling seems to be universal. Listen here to see how you fit in and where to start… [13:48].

Social impact delivered. There are some stories that rock you; that are so compelling they stick in your mind for the rest of your day. Those stories usually involve someone who makes you think differently and who inspires your actions. Ready to be moved and awakened? Start here… [17:01].

The road ahead. By now you’ve found your calling, you’re fitting in with the crowd who’s impacting your community and you wonder – what’s next? The future looks almost as good as the present, but only brighter. Here’s a glimpse… [28:05].

Tune in and turn the volume up for a dose of inspiration and life lessons. That’s how we Live Lead and Play! 

Are you caught up in the “how” of what you’re doing? Are you already jumping ahead to the end result too? Here’s the funny thing about our goal setting habits…

We measure ourselves against a future ideal looking through some rather rosy lenses. Having a vision is great – but, if we’re not careful we end up analyzing, second guessing, and moving toward “what if” thinking.

What if this doesn’t work out?
What if I’m thinking too big?

We leave more room for ambiguity than clarity. There’s a secret formula for self-improvement. Hint: it’s really simple! So, if you want instant progress, then consider this week’s episode your meaningful moment.  

Do you occasionally feel like a creature of habit?

Duke University states at least 45% of our everyday behavior is habitual. So what do you do if you’re ready to change your ways and break through with a little more confidence? Michael Bungay Stanier, author of Do More Great Work, says it’s all about pushing a little harder and digging a little deeper-- all while doing less.

Michael’s the Founder and Senior Partner of Box of Crayons, a company that helps organizations do less and have more impact, such as teaching time-crunched managers at Fortune 100 companies -- like TD Bank, Kraft, Gartner, and VMware -- to coach in 10 minutes or less. In Michael’s latest book, The Coaching Habit, he shares the seven questions to ask that’ll have the highest influence on those closest to you… and yourself.

In a fast-paced world, learn how slowing things down could be your best kept secret to breaking old habits and making room for the new.

Key Takeaways:

The coaching habit. We all have a tendency to see a problem and want to fix it. We’re wired to leap in, give advice, problem solve, and take control if we need to -- but there’s another way to help those around you, while simultaneously helping yourself and it’s… [9:23]. 

The on-the-job experience. There are different levels of doing “the job”. Bad work’s when you spend your day wasting time; good work’s when you do only what your job description entails. But great work is filled with value, meaning, and impact. Try this ONE simple thing to “create the great” and identify the impact you want to make on the world… [16:50].  

The five secret weapons. Have you ever tried quitting something -- smoking, eating a bad diet, cursing, being late, etc. -- and failed? Sure, having a good support system’s crucial, but that’s just part of it. In building new habits, think “baby steps” and bring out the big guns by focusing on these FIVE essential components… [26:26].

The resistance game. Ever feel like you’re almost confident enough to try to do something new and different -- to step out towards the edge of yourself-- and self-doubt takes over? We’ve all been there! Your mind can play powerful games with your confidence. Get ahead of self-sabotage by trying this… [31:55].

Tune in and turn the volume up for a dose of inspiration and life lessons. That’s how we Live Lead and Play! 

“Self-acceptance is the greatest act of altruism that you can commit.”
– Stan Beecham

Altruism is an unselfish concern for or devotion to the welfare of others. It’s the exact opposite or antithesis to our ego, which drags us down an unsavory path. It’s a dirt road “muddied” with self-imposed judgment as well as labeling of the people and situations around us. Ego after all, never provides freedom, nor long-term satisfaction.  

So then consider – what makes a meaningful life? How do we truly find freedom within?

Discover the three keys that lead to a meaningful way. Once you do, you’ll undoubtedly be in for more… meaningful moments.       

Tune in and turn the volume up for a dose of inspiration and life lessons. That’s how we Live Lead and Play!