The PAWsitive Choices Podcast

When was the last time you felt a deep sense of joy? Perhaps you were hugging a loved one, watching your child play, or walking outside on a beautiful day. While joy can give birth to beauty, meaning, and happiness, joy can also remind us of the uncertainty and fragility of our lives. In this episode we explore how leaning into gratitude helps us embrace both joy and uncertainty. We'll find that when we choose gratitude, we are less likely to take things for granted and more likely to appreci...

Asking for what we need is essential to cultivating healthy relationships. The problem is, we don't always know how to identify our needs and ask for them in ways that are effective. In this episode, we'll explore how you can be clear about your expectations and desires while also being kind and responsive to those around you. You can learn more about asking for what you need in Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman's book, The Love Prescription and watch Brené Brown's The Cal...

Have you ever found yourself imagining the worst case scenario? Have you jumped to conclusions about what someone thinks of your choices before asking them? These common thoughts, known as cognitive distortions, can contribute to the stories we make up about what's happening in our lives. In this episode we'll explore how you can identify unhelpful thoughts and shift to healthier patterns of thinking. We'll also examine the research on Theory of Mind and find ways to support children through ...

In Bob Goff's book, Everybody Always, he says, "We're all rough drafts of the people we're still becoming." This simple, yet profound idea is foundational to way we view ourselves and others. In this episode we review the work of Tina Payne Bryson, Ross Greene, Becky Kennedy, Bob Goff, and Brené Brown to answer the question, "Are people doing the best they can?" We explore the value of having the most generous assumption of others while maintaining healthy boundaries. You can ...

Compassion is vitally important to our relationships, but what should we do when caring for others takes a toll on our wellbeing? In this episode, we'll explore the difference between cognitive and affective empathy and ways you can care for others while maintaining healthy boundaries. You can learn more about empathy in Brené Brown's Atlas of the Heart book and find more information on the function of emotions in Susan David's Emotional Agility website. You can find PAWsitive Choices books a...

The content of this episode is available in video form via The PAWsitive Choices YouTube Channel. Check out our channel to watch the video recording of the podcast and subscribe so you never miss a video! In this episode, we'll explore ways you can become a more compassionate coach for yourself and others when mistakes are made. We'll learn what the science says about self-compassion and discuss practical steps you can take to treat yourself and others with kindness as you navigate setb...

The content of this episode is available in video form via The PAWsitive Choices YouTube Channel. Check out our channel to watch the video recording of the podcast and subscribe so you never miss a video! In this episode, we'll explore ways to build the courage to learn new things. Whether you're starting a new school year, a new job, or a new relationship, change can feel daunting. We'll learn what the science says about ways people learn and discuss practical steps you can take to hel...

The content of this episode is available in video form via The PAWsitive Choices YouTube Channel. Check out our channel to watch the video recording of the podcast and subscribe so you never miss a video! In this episode we explore ADHD, trauma, and ways to love your brain with Dr. Hokehe Eko. Dr. Eko is a board certified pediatrician, the host of Brain Power TV, and the founder of Kits of Hope. You can email her at [email protected]. We are taking a break from podcasting t...

The content of this episode is available in video form via The PAWsitive Choices YouTube Channel. Check out our channel to watch the video recording of the podcast and subscribe so you never miss a video! “What will people think?” When it comes to tasks like taking a test, playing a sporting game, and giving a speech, these four words often get in the way of learning. This common question can also be the driving force behind a perfectionist mindset. In today's episode, we’ll talk about ...

The content of this episode is available in video form via The PAWsitive Choices YouTube Channel. Click here to watch the video on our YouTube Channel and subscribe so you never miss a video! Do you experience anxiety with public speaking? Do you want to help a child who's worried about taking a test or performing well in a sporting event? In this episode we cover ways you can reinterpret both physiological and psychological stress so you can perform under pressure and cultivate calm. S...