On this episode, I sit down with Darnell Walker, author of the new book, Never Can Say Goodbye: The Life of a Death Doula and the Art of a Peaceful End, to talk about life, death, and what it really means to be present for both. We explore Darnell's journey as a death doula, what he's learned from walking alongside people at the end of life, and how facing our mortality can actually deepen our appreciation for living fully, operating with authenticity, and showing up for what matters most.

Resources:

We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins

Mike Robbins Website

Mike Robbins Blog

Mike Robbins Podcast

Mike Robbins on LinkedIn

Mike Robbins on Instagram

Mike Robbins on Facebook

Mike Robbins YouTube Channel

Mike Robbins on TikTok

Mike Robbins on X

Mike Robbins on BlueSky

Darnell Walker Website

Never Can Say Goodbye (book), by Darnell Walker

It's an intense time in our country and the world right now, and caring deeply about what's happening can sometimes pull us into self-righteousness without us realizing it. On this episode, I talk about the difference between self-righteousness and healthy conviction, why self-righteousness is so tempting during challenging times (in the world, at work, and in life), and how we can stay grounded in our values without hardening, disconnecting, or losing our humanity.

Resources:

We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins

Mike Robbins Website

Mike Robbins Blog

Mike Robbins Podcast

Mike Robbins on LinkedIn

Mike Robbins on Instagram

Mike Robbins on Facebook

Mike Robbins YouTube Channel

Mike Robbins on TikTok

Mike Robbins on X

Mike Robbins on BlueSky

There's a lot of fear, uncertainty, and heaviness in the world right now, and pretending otherwise doesn't help. On this episode, I talk about the idea of micro-dosing hope, a phrase I first heard from Brené Brown. I explore why small, intentional doses of hope matter, especially in challenging times, why it can be hard to access hope when fear is loud, and how we can practice staying grounded, engaged, and human without burning out or checking out.

Resources:

We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins

Mike Robbins Website

Mike Robbins Blog

Mike Robbins Podcast

Mike Robbins on LinkedIn

Mike Robbins on Instagram

Mike Robbins on Facebook

Mike Robbins YouTube Channel

Mike Robbins on TikTok

Mike Robbins on X

Mike Robbins on BlueSky

We get busy, stressed, and distracted — and in the process we often lose sight of what truly matters. On this episode, I talk about the perspective that comes when life reminds us of its fragility, and how those moments can help us focus more on what's real and less on the noise. I share some personal reflections about recent losses and the tenth anniversary of my sister Lori's passing, and explore how remembering what matters most can bring us more perspective, courage, gratitude, and connection in our daily lives.

Resources:

We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins

Mike Robbins Website

Mike Robbins Blog

Mike Robbins Podcast

Mike Robbins on LinkedIn

Mike Robbins on Instagram

Mike Robbins on Facebook

Mike Robbins YouTube Channel

Mike Robbins on TikTok

Mike Robbins on X

Mike Robbins on BlueSky

Generosity is powerful, but it can get complicated when we quietly keep score about what we've given and what we feel we deserve in return. On this episode, I talk about the freedom and impact that come from giving generously without expectations — in our relationships, leadership, work, and everyday lives. I explore why scorekeeping erodes trust and connection, and share practical ways we can cultivate a mindset of abundance, appreciation, and authentic generosity, both at work and at home.

Resources:

We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins

Mike Robbins Website

Mike Robbins Blog

Mike Robbins Podcast

Mike Robbins on LinkedIn

Mike Robbins on Instagram

Mike Robbins on Facebook

Mike Robbins YouTube Channel

Mike Robbins on TikTok

Mike Robbins on X

Mike Robbins on BlueSky

Josh Linkner Website

Ross Bernstein Website

Kindness is often misunderstood as soft or optional, but in leadership and life it's one of the strongest forces we have. On this episode, I talk about why leading with kindness is not only good for our relationships and well-being, but also a powerful driver of trust, engagement, and performance at work. I share some of the research about how kindness impacts culture and effectiveness, and explore practical ways we can bring more of it into our work, our leadership, and our lives, especially during times of stress, change, and challenge.

Resources:

We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins

Mike Robbins Website

Mike Robbins Blog

Mike Robbins Podcast

Mike Robbins on LinkedIn

Mike Robbins on Instagram

Mike Robbins on Facebook

Mike Robbins YouTube Channel

Mike Robbins on TikTok

Mike Robbins on X

Mike Robbins on BlueSky

Fear is part of being human, but when it drives us, it limits our courage, creativity, and connection. On this episode, I talk about how we can notice and work with fear more effectively using Brené Brown's "above and below the line" framework. I explore what it looks like to lead from awareness rather than reactivity, and how we can move from fear and control toward curiosity and courage in our work, relationships, and life.

Resources:

We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins

Mike Robbins Website

Mike Robbins Blog

Mike Robbins Podcast

Mike Robbins on LinkedIn

Mike Robbins on Instagram

Mike Robbins on Facebook

Mike Robbins YouTube Channel

Mike Robbins on TikTok

Mike Robbins on X

Mike Robbins on BlueSky

Strong Ground (book), by Brene Brown

Dare to Lead podcast episode by Brene Brown

Gratitude is one of the most powerful forces we can tap into—for our mindset, relationships, and work. Yet it's also full of paradox. It can be hard to access authentic gratitude when things are messy, stressful, or hard and it can even become hollow when we use it to cover up discomfort. On this episode, I talk about the power and the paradox of gratitude, especially at this time of year. I share how genuine appreciation can help us stay grounded, connected, and strong, even in the midst of uncertainty or challenge.

Resources:

We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins

Mike Robbins Website

Mike Robbins Blog

Mike Robbins Podcast

Mike Robbins on LinkedIn

Mike Robbins on Instagram

Mike Robbins on Facebook

Mike Robbins YouTube Channel

Mike Robbins on TikTok

Mike Robbins on X

Mike Robbins on BlueSky

Gratitude and Grief Can Coexist (blog post)

This is an episode to honor the late, great John Beam who passed away last week. John was the Athletic Director and former Head Football Coach at Laney College in Oakland, CA. He and I met in 1989 when I arrived at Skyline High School in Oakland where he coached football for 22 years. John and his Laney College Eagles were featured in the series Last Chance U on Netflix in 2020. As an incredibly successful high school and college football coach over more than 40 years, John knew a lot about how to build a winning culture – in football, business, and life. This interview was conducted in August of 2020 and we are re-airing this conversation in honor of John's great life, wisdom, and legacy.

Resources:

We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins

Mike Robbins Website

Mike Robbins Blog

Mike Robbins Podcast

Mike Robbins on LinkedIn

Mike Robbins on Instagram

Mike Robbins on Facebook

Mike Robbins YouTube Channel

Mike Robbins on TikTok

Mike Robbins on X

Mike Robbins on BlueSky

Skyline High School

Laney College

Last Chance U on Netflix

John Beam on Wikipedia

John Beam on X

In challenging times, optimism can seem hard. But honest optimism isn't about ignoring the difficulties or uncertainties; it's about choosing to see what's possible while telling the truth about what's real. On this episode, I talk about the difference between false positivity and genuine hope, and why authentic, grounded optimism is one of the most powerful traits we can bring to leadership, culture, and life right now. I also share specific ways to practice honest optimism in our work and relationships every day.

Resources:

We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins

Mike Robbins Website

Mike Robbins Blog

Mike Robbins Podcast

Mike Robbins on LinkedIn

Mike Robbins on Instagram

Mike Robbins on Facebook

Mike Robbins YouTube Channel

Mike Robbins on TikTok

Mike Robbins on X

Mike Robbins on BlueSky