The Simple Life with Gary Collins

Questions asked and answered: 

* Why when being busy saying no to people is important

* An update on what is going on with my house and future plans

* Why being self reliant will save you a lot of headache in life

* Why no one will ever give a shit about your projects, but you

* Why short term pain for long term pain is hard and why most people will not do it

Episode Resources:

* Special Coupon for Purchasing The Simple Life Journal Products: tsljournal10

* The Simple Life Website: https://thesimplelifenow.com 

*Make sure to signup and be a member of The Simple Life Insider's Circle at: https://thesimplelifenow.com/the-simple-life/

Welcome to another episode of "Ask Gary Anything." This is where you, the audience, get to send in your questions about anything, and I will answer them. That is right, you heard it... anything, because that is how I roll! On a fairly regular basis I pick questions sent to me from my ever growing list, and answer them on this podcast.  

Questions asked and answered: 

1. Do you ever plan to live off the grid again?

2. What was the hardest thing you let go of when you started simplifying and did you ever regret selling or giving it away?

3. What do you think of preppers or survivalists since both types typically have to acquire and store a bunch of stuff to ride out the storm they think is coming.  Does the effort and expense of preparing for Armageddon?

Episode Resources:

* Special Coupon for Purchasing The Simple Life Journal Products: tsljournal10

* The Simple Life Website: https://thesimplelifenow.com 

*Make sure to signup and be a member of The Simple Life Insider's Circle at: https://thesimplelifenow.com/the-simple-life/

So what truly makes us hairless apes happy? Is it a brand new, a closet stacked to the roof with shoes, being a bizzillionaire, or having a billion followers on social media? Believe it or not, none of those are even close, but ironically we have been told the above are the road to complete happiness and bliss.

Today, I want to discuss the thing that truly makes humans happy-- being a productive person. That is right; your path to happiness is actually based on building character by doing productive things. Not staring at your cell pone all day, or buying shiny objects you don't need. 

Here is the best part building character and being productive doesn't take a platinum MasterCard or overflowing bank account. All it takes is you getting off your butt and making things happen.

Topics Discussed:

* How we have been duped into being unhappy

* What is happiness and how we can all obtain it

* What did Aristotle mean by “eudaemonia”

* Why I am working my ass off and loving every moment of it

* Understanding what “Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs” really means for achieving happiness

* Why realizing you will never reach perfection is rational but not striving for it is not

* What does work/life balance really mean

* Why finding that Life Purpose thing (the third leg of The Simple Life Three-Legged Stool) is so important.

Episode Resources:

* Special Coupon for Purchasing The Simple Life Journal Products: tsljournal10

* The Simple Life Website: https://thesimplelifenow.com 

*Make sure to signup and be a member of The Simple Life Insider's Circle at: https://thesimplelifenow.com/the-simple-life/

In today's episode, I discuss and show you the keys to living a life of happiness, success, and abundance. I also reveal a special coupon code just for my loyal followers.

I constantly get emails telling me how people are successfully changing their life and are now on The Simple Life train. One of the biggest questions I get from new people finding The Simple Life: is how do they get started. 

Well, that is the subject matter of today's show. I'm amazed at how many people are finding me and are interested in what I do. But not being a celebrity or "False Prophet," just a guy who teaches and leads by example; they tend to have many questions initially. Which is good, I'm a teacher for those who are truly ready to change their life for the better, not just sit around and talk about it, while doing absolutely nothing.

That is why I created The Simple Life Journal - Your 365 Day Action Guide to Success. This isn't just a Journal; this is the most powerful tool I have ever created for changing people's lives. Yes, I don't say this lightly. I 100% believe it.

So with that, if you are new to what I do or have been following me for years, you will definitely get something out of this episode.

Topics Discussed:

* Why I’m no one special if I can do it you can too

* How and why I created The Simple Life Journal - Your 365 Day Action Guide to Success

* What makes my journal different from all the others

* What are the Five Simple Life Principles and The Three-Legged Stool for success

* Why I think The Simple Life Journal is the perfect Christmas gift

* How to get in  touch with me if you need some personal assistance

* I reveal my special coupon just for you

Episode Resources:

* Special Coupon for Purchasing The Simple Life Journal Products: tsljournal10

* The Simple Life Website: https://thesimplelifenow.com 

*Make sure to signup and be a member of The Simple Life Insider's Circle at: https://thesimplelifenow.com/the-simple-life/

Today, Michael and I discuss how to break free from all the negativity we seem to be surrounded by in this world gone mad. 

So, listen to this podcast episode and break free from the BS and learn how to live the life you want, free of drama and assclowns. 

Yes, those idiots will still be around, but find your inner hippie, and find your inner peace!

About My Guest:

Michael is a licensed psychotherapist. Ostrolenk completed his MA in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology at John F. Kennedy University and his BA in government at West Virginia Wesleyan College. He did post-graduate training in somatic psychology at the California Institute for Integral Studies and health psychology through the Health Medicine Forum. Ostrolenk is certified in Spiral Dynamics and Wade Mindsets. He graduated from SEALFIT’s 3 Week Academy and Kokoro Camp 10. 

Topics Discussed:

* A bit about Michael* Are we really swimming in a sea of negativity today* Is negativity contagious * Is it possible for you to change your perception of the world around you* What are the keys to developing and maintaining a positive mindset* How does meditation work in forming a positive attitude* What is neuroplasticity and how can it help shape your mind and outlook

Episode Resources:

* Michael’s website: http://www.michaeldostrolenk.com

* Coupon Code for The Simple Life Journal Products: tsljournal10

* The Simple Life Website:Where ALL Gary’s Products Are Sold  https://thesimplelifenow.com 

*Make sure to signup and be a member of The Simple Life Insider's Circle at: https://thesimplelifenow.com/the-simple-life/

As we fly through the universe of crazy these days, we are ignoring the biggest elephant (figuratively and literally) in the room, causing the most harm in this country: obesity. In America, it will not be a murky virus, economic ruin, or even terrorism that does us in--it appears it will be our inability to put down a fork and knife. Our waistlines are exploding, we are on numerous pharmaceutical drugs, yet we ignore the easiest solution to our weight gain woes: regular exercise and eating healthy. But what does that really mean?

We will dig into the numbers, and I will warn you they are not pretty. To say we are fat as a nation is putting it nicely. The facts tell a very disturbing problem in our society, and it is getting worse at an alarming rate.

Today I bring on my favorite scientist and data analyst to help me go through the numbers--Madame X. Yes, she has to use an alias, well, because people are crazy. 

Topics Discussed:

* What the do the statistics really say about obesity

* What is the “Healthcare Industrial Complex”

* Why there is no money in healthy people

* Why being fat is not beautiful and definitely not healthy

* Why optimal health is the key to not getting Covid, not getting vaccinated 

* Is it possible some of us are genetically skewed to be overweight, or obese

* Can you beat bad genetics and still live a life of optimal health and wellness

* Why it is easy to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle if you just pay attention

* Why health fads are fads for a reason

* Why your poor health negatively impacts everyone around you

Episode Resources:

* Link to Gary’s World Famous Health Book: https://thesimplelifenow.com/product/the-simple-life-guide-to-optimal-health-softcover/

* The Simple Life Website: https://thesimplelifenow.com 

*Make sure to signup and be a member of The Simple Life Insider's Circle at: https://thesimplelifenow.com/the-simple-life/

Show Links:

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/prevalence-incidence/

Divino et al , J Manag Care Spec Pharm_2021 Feb;27(2):210-222.  

Qian at el J Med Econ 2015;18(12):1020___ Prevalence and healthcare costs of obesity related comorbidities: evidence form an electronic medical records system in the United States 

Ravelli GP, Stein ZA, Susser MW. Obesity in young men after famine exposure in utero and early infancy. N Engl J Med 1976; 295: 349–353.

Huang C, Li Z, Wang M, Martorell R. Early life exposure to the 1959-1961 Chinese famine has long-term health consequences. J Nutr 2010; 140: 1874–1878.

In today's episode, I discuss where I think the economy is going, what you can do to weather the storm, and recent moves I have made financially to put myself in the best position possible. 

I'm a realist, and I like to make decisions on what I can see and prove.  But today, we are being told the empty shelves, and skyrocketing consumer good prices are just transitory. Again, I only make decisions on what I can see and prove, which doesn't pass the rational thinking and eyeball test. I know most of these upper-crust bureaucrats haven't entered a grocery store or pumped their own gas in decades. So how would they even know that their fifty pints of boutique ice cream have gone up in price... simple answer, they don't, and don't care. 

So what does the economy look like in the near future for us working class citizens who have to actually work and pay for things with our hard earned money?

Topics Discussed:

* Is the economy doing as well as we are being told

* What is the real state of our economy 

* The fact is we are definitely experiencing inflation and it is not going away anytime soon

* Why pumping money into the economy is not the answer and a disaster in the making

* Why you should not make any large purchases now or in the near future

* Why if you can you should sell all your high value items and sit tight

* Why being flexible and able to move on a dime is incredibly important

* Where you should be putting your money, or more importantly where you shouldn’t be

* The recent moves I have made in order to prepare myself for this financial storm

* Why voting with your feet is critical

*  Why the Three-Legged Stool of The Simple Life is so critical to your financial security

Episode Resources:

* The Simple Life Website: https://thesimplelifenow.com 

*Make sure to signup and be a member of The Simple Life Insider's Circle at: https://thesimplelifenow.com/the-simple-life/

Today, I have an extraordinary, and entertaining guest; Miriam Weaver of The Chicks On The Right and Mock'n Rob show. I have become a big fan of both shows that mix humor, politics, and life all into one. Let's face it, most political commentary today makes you want to run out into the street naked with clown makeup screaming "come and get me." But these two shows keep you informed, yet laughing at the same time. We flat out need more laughter today, so I wanted to introduce my audience to Miriam and what she does. 

About Mariam:

Miriam Weaver (‘Mockarena’, Co-Founder)Mockarena (or “Mock” for short) used to work in Human Resources prior to becoming a full time Chick on the Right, focusing on recruiting and hiring, and avoiding the tasks of firing and employee relations as much as possible without getting fired herself. She’s the product of Polish immigrants, who came to the United States in 1969 legally, and taught her what it means to melt into the great American pot. Mock is a University of Kansas grad, but is a fan of Georgia football thanks to her husband being an alum (and the fact that their colors make for better fashion choices.)

Mock is the proud mom of two (preemie!) boys, the eldest of which has severe cerebral palsy and the ability to melt even the coldest heart with his smile. Her youngest son is setting her up to be the worst mother-in-law ever, because no girl will ever be good enough for him, what with his total brilliance and killer good looks and incredibly charming personality and whatnot.

Mock is infatuated beyond description with pop star Robbie Williams, but her heart belongs completely to her husband, who she insists is so good at understanding women he should teach a master class. She lives with her family in Indiana, and when she’s not cuddling her two dogs, she enjoys Zumba, poring over house plans and interior design pics to get ideas for her future home in Low Country, and dreaming of a world devoid of progressive feminists who wear pussy hats.

The Chicks on the Right website was founded by Amy Jo Clark and Miriam Weaver in 2009. The Chicks’ radio show airs on weekdays between 9am and 11am on Indianapolis’ 93WIBC FM station. The Chicks landed their book deal in October of 2014. Their book, Right for a Reason: Life, Liberty, and a Crapload of Common Sense, hit bookshelves in 2014. They have appeared as guests on national television programs, inlcuding Fox and Friends, Varney & Company and CNN Tonight. They appear on various nationally syndicated radio programs. In 2017, the Chicks were honored as the Best Broadcast Team at the Spectrum Award Winners in the Indianapolis Market. Their weekly podcast, the Mock and Daisy Common Sense Cast, premiered with Radio America in August of 2019, and new episodes are released every Wednesday.  With millions of subscribers and social media followers across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, ChicksOnRight.com receives millions of monthly page views. The site primarily offers journalism that reports and comments on current events. Readers are welcome to comment on these articles.

Topics Discussed:

* How did Miriam get involved in radio that eventually led to being the host of two of the most popular talk shows in ...

Mike Hayes is the former Commanding Officer of SEAL Team TWO, leading a two thousand-person Special Operations Task Force in Southeastern Afghanistan. In addition to a twenty-year career as a SEAL, Mike was a White House Fellow, served two years as Director of Defense Policy and Strategy at the National Security Council, and has worked directly with both Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. 

More About Mike Hayes:

Beyond his military and governmental service, Mike is currently the Chief Digital Transformation Officer at VMware. He joined VMware in October 2020, and leads the company's worldwide business operations and the acceleration of the company's SaaS transition. Previously, he was SVP and Head of Strategic Operations at Cognizant Technology. Mike also served in Chief of Staff and COO roles at Bridgewater Associates, the world's largest and most successful hedge fund. 

Mike holds an M.A. in Public Policy from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government and received his B.A. from Holy Cross College. His military decorations include the Bronze Star for valor in combat in Iraq, a Bronze Star for Afghanistan, and the Defense Superior Service Medal from the White House. Hayes is a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a member of the board of directors of Immuta, a data governance company, and of the National Medal of Honor Museum, and a senior advisor to Inherent Group, an impact investment firm. He lives in Westport, Connecticut with his wife and daughter. 

Topics Discussed:

* What made Mike decide to become a Navy SEAL

* What lesson did he carry from being a Navy SEAL into civilian life

* Why he didn’t want to write Never Enough, but had to

* Why you need to be a good follower and a good leader 

* What does he mean by: achieving excellence in knowledge and capacity

* Why making yourself uncomfortable is the key to success

* How to find your meaning as an individual

* What is the 1162 Foundation and what does it do

Episode Resources:

* Buy Mike’s Book Never Enough Here: https://amzn.to/3zVeeIq

* The Simple Life Website: https://thesimplelifenow.com 

*Make sure to signup and be a member of The Simple Life Insider's Circle at: https://thesimplelifenow.com/the-simple-life/

As we approach two years of living in a Corona Virus world, things just seem to get stranger and stranger. At the risk of getting canceled and bombarded from all angles, I have decided I have had enough, and I'm not alone. Slowly our individual rights are being eroded by a virus that has now become political ammo to do so. 

How did we get here? What does the data actually say? If you ask these simple questions, you are a virus, vaccine, and science denier. If you don't follow what appears to be a completely incompetent government hell-bent on tyranny, you have become the enemy. 

How did asking questions that are rational and well thought out make you an enemy of your own government? If you attempt to ask questions or provide data to the contrary of "the science" you will be instantly de-platformed in many cases on social media and at the very least have that content taken down. Does that sound like what the founding fathers intended when they wrote the 1st Amendment... I don't think so. 

What makes this country great, is that we can express our opinions and have a rational debate. Covid appears to be ending that, and that is a very disturbing place to be.

About Sane Virologist X:

Today, I'm bringing on a microbiologist/virologist, who has some of the most impressive bonafides on the subject of Covid. There is no agenda, no Youtube channel to promote, and no books to sell, just an honest interpretation of the data by a true professional in the field. Unfortunately, do to the climate of cancel culture, and threats to peoples lives in this conversation, I have decided to give this person an alias.

I did all the research and had many conversations with "Sane Virologist X"  so rest assured this is the real deal. 

Topics Discussed:

* What is the Corona Virus and what makes it different from the common flu

* Where did the Covid 19 come from and what makes it different from versions 1-18

* By the data is Covid 19 more deadly than the common flu

* Who is the most affected by Covid 19, according to the data

* Is the CDC manipulating and scrubbing the data on Covid 19

* What makes the vaccines for Covid 19 so different from traditional vaccines

* What are the best ways to combat Covid 19

* Why health is always the key

Episode Resources:

* The Simple Life Website: https://thesimplelifenow.com 

*Make sure to signup and be a member of The Simple Life Insider's Circle at: https://thesimplelifenow.com/the-simple-life/