What Makes You Happy

How much do you need to invest to really enjoy your hobby? Some hobbies cost more than others, and some hobbies have higher costs to entry than others. But to really get the most out of your hobby, how much do you have to spend? Today I am proud to present my Thousand Dollar Theory, which will help you budget for your hobby and save you from sinking your life's savings into a pastime.

The first thing I would suggest is to offer multitudes of healthy options at each meal. I can hear you saying, “Yes, but how do I get them to EAT it?” That’s the thing, as long as you’re consistent, meaning, literally every single meal, even breakfast, offering healthy options, eventually the healthy options will get eaten.

Video games sometimes get a bad rap. People tend to think of them as a lazy hobby, one which begets slothful character. I disagree with that sentiment, and I'd like to tell you why. When I'm done, I'm sure you'll agree that video games are not only skilled pursuits, but active and creative hobbies that can be enjoyed by a wide audience.

Feedback: If you're enjoying the podcast, or have a question, concern, or helpful criticism please drop me a line at [email protected].

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Transcript:

Welcome to What Makes You Happy, the show that explores our hobbies and pastimes and how they delight us. This is episode number #25 and today we’re discussing videogames.

 

It seems today like videogames have always been around, and that they’ve always been a central part of popular culture. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, did you know that in the 80’s, the video game industry crashed, and almost ended forever? It’s true! Back then, videogames were seen and usually marketed as idle pastimes, not a serious hobby the way they are today. It really was kind of a fad, the way we think of pogs, fidget spinners, or hoverboards. And once that fad was over, the whole industry imploded, putting many game companies into bankruptcy. But along came Nintendo and released the now famous NES. This one console breathed new life into the dying industry. It really took the world by storm, and shocked the detractors when it became the best selling console of all time. Part of its success was probably due their ingenious marketing. Prior to the release of the NES, marketing for games and gaming systems was entirely different in tone, focusing more on families spending an evening together. Nintendo supplanted this with high energy ads that enticed young boys with masculine figures and games themed around defeating villainous foes. While this wasn’t entirely novel, it was a slightly new tack for the industry. In fact, I believe it’s likely they took a page out of comic books and the marketing themes they had used since World War 1.

 

Since the reemergence of video games as a powerful media force, some people have criticized the focus video games put on masculine themes of war, and violence. And video games are a powerful media. The industry that was once dead and buried (literally by the way, there are areas of landfill heaped with unsold cartridges) rose from the ashes like a phoenix, and today it is world reknown as a huge economic force. Yearly, the video game industry rakes in more cash than all of the movie and music industries COMBINED. The games being produced today have beautiful graphics, immersive storylines, complex game mechanics, and high skill ceilings. Arenas regularly are filled with fans who come to watch professional gamers in ESports, particularly in countries outside the US.

 

There is one thing I’d like to touch on for a moment that I find interesting - the criticism that I was mentioning before, about the industry putting undo emphasis on war and violence, blaming toxic masculinity generally, ignores the largest economic sector within videogames. Mobile Games. Since the advent of the iPhone, mobile games have taken a strong foothold in video games, and today are more profitable, and more popular than console or PC games. Even the idea that gamers are predominantly male is an outdated idea. The statistics are fairly clear that the tide has turned, and you simply can’t assume that anymore. Today, it seems that gamers represent a pretty good cross section of humanity. Every country, old, young, men, women, everywhere are enjoying video games, and more than ever. Which raises the question. What’s the appeal? To those of you in the audience who are now thinking about skipping this episode altogether, keep listening.

Sometimes it's hard to find a hobby to really sink our teeth into, to become entirely engrossed. In this episode, a take a long form approach to answering a question I found on Reddit, although it's a question that pops up time and time again.

We're all stuck at home during the coronavirus pandemic, and the question we must ask ourselves at this point is: How will we spend our time?

In this short episode, I argue on the merits of using this time to catch up with our favorite hobbies.

New Format: In this episode, I'm trying a slightly different tack with regards to the style of the content, and I'd appreciate feedback on it. Do you like the new style? Typically, I outline what I want to say, sit down and talk about it, hitting each point i want to make. I have several sections, including my facts, quotes, and in the past I've done challenges. This episode is somewhat more free-form. I've thought of it as something of a podcast essay. Let me know what you think either with the Feedback form or by sending an email to [email protected]. Thanks!

Feedback: https://goo.gl/forms/qqH5WMOSKIFBeClA2

 

Transcript:

Welcome to What Makes You Happy, the show that explores our hobbies and pastimes and how they delight us. This is episode number #24 (actually 23 - oops) and today we’re discussing hobbies and quarantine.

 

I’m going to try a slightly different episode today, giving you an entirely new kind of content from this podcast. I’m trying to put more effort into the project, and I value your feedback. If you can, I’d really appreciate any input you have, even if you just want to tell me how much you love the sound of my voice. Send all messages to [email protected].

 

With the state of the global pandemic that is COVID-19, more commonly known as coronavirus, it behooves us to follow the advice of the professionals and practice social distancing, and quarantining where necessary in an effort to flatten the growth curve of the infected population to reduce strain on our hospitals and save lives. But that raises the question: when we’re stuck at home, and many of us are in the position where we must do so without work to keep us occupied, how will we fill our time?

 

It would be so easy to spend the next few weeks reverting back to our college years and subsist on a steady diet of ramen and YouTube, but I am here to be the voice of reason and urge you to try more. There has got to be a hobby, some long lost pastime that you put down long ago and have yet to pick back up. As long as you can practice appropriate social distancing, now is the perfect time to reconnect with a previous interest. For some of you, that’s reading a good book, while for others it’s hiking local trails.

 

I’ll say this once so I don’t have to repeat myself over and over again, but do follow your local laws. If you have to stay indoors, stay indoors. Here in Ohio, Governor Mike DeWine et al have given us a “Stay at Home” order, that is, work from home if you can, all others stay at home anyway. You can go grocery shopping, and you can go for walks, bike rides, or to a park, but that’s about it. If it’s not an emergency, try not to come into contact with other people. I don’t think that’s terrible advice. The point is, follow the law. Great, it’s out of my system now. Onward.

 

I think that people in general are often choosing to see this whole situation as the worst thing that could ever happen to them. And I can see why! Schools are closed, the economy is going to take a major hit, people aren’t getting paychecks. And when people do find the positive in our current situation, it’s an anecdote. A bit of good news to cheer you up. Personally, I try my hardest to see the best in the situation I’m in. Perhaps we should all be trying to see the good in our predicament. For one, we’re spending more time with our children, instead of simply sending them off to a school all day. Sure it’s a break in their routines, but a little extra bonding time with Mom and Dad? I count that as a win. For another, we’re all cooking for ourselves more. In a country where being overweight is considered normal, that’s a huge win!

Nutrition is the topic today, and specifically how it can affect our happiness. Dr. David Gutman joins us today to talk about a Whole Food Plant Based Diet.

Disclaimer: Dr. Gutman is an experienced professional and can give his professional opinion. Dovid Stern, although usually an impartial host, has his own biases, particularly towards the Whole Food Plant Based diet. Please seek medical assistance if you intend to adopt the Whole Food Plant Based diet (you will want to supplement certain vitamins, and some medical conditions will require monitoring by your doctor to prevent overdosing of medication).

Feedback: https://goo.gl/forms/qqH5WMOSKIFBeClA2

Table of Contents:

0:00:00 Intro

0:00:50 This week's guest - Dr. David Gutman, Founder and Physician of Cleveland Nutrition.

0:02:30 Icebreaker - The zombie apocalypse is upon us. Who do you have on your team?

0:04:20 What Makes You Happy?

0:05:15 We're not talking about a vegan diet.

0:06:00 Talk to your doctor if you need specific care and want to try a Whole Food Plant Based diet.

0:06:15 What is the general "correct" diet for human consumption?

0:09:45 Aren't some people better of with more animal products? How do we know that there is one correct diet?

0:12:00 Can our diet really make a substantial difference to our mental health?

0:13:00 The psychology of eating well.

0:17:00 You don't have to choose between pleasure and happiness. You can have both.

0:18:20 How much do genetics affect our health?

0:21:40 The World Health Organization - classifying red meat as a Class 1A carcinogen (along with cigarettes and asbestos)

0:22:20 How much do genetics play a role in obesity?

0:28:30 Fad diets

0:32:00 Calories in/calories out. Is there more to it?

0:33:50 Diabetes

0:35:11 What do you wish people realized about their health?

0:37:00 What to expect upon adopting a Whole Food Plant Based diet.

0:39:05 Lightning Round Questions

0:39:20 -Most common questiion you get about a WFPB diet.

0:41:20 -Single most underrated food?

0:48:45 -One benefit of a WFPB diet that people don't expect.

0:52:20 -One book for further reading.

0:54:50 How to get in touch with Dr. Gutman (www.ClevelandNutrition.com)

0:57:00 Our forthcoming documentary

0:57:40 Happiness Fact (1)

1:01:30 Inspirational Quote (2)

1:02:30 Something I'm curious about - Archery

1:03:30 Closing Thoughts

Sources:

Eating More Fruits and Veggies May Make You Happier, Agata Blaszczak-Boxe, LiveScience.com, July 14, 2016 https://www.livescience.com/55407-eating-more-fruits-veggies-linked-with-life-satisfaction.html

"If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world." ~J.R.R. Tolkien

For more What Makes You Happy?, read our blog, www.ClevelandCreativeOutlet.com/wmyh

What Makes You Happy? is a project by Cleveland Creative Outlet, a video production company. You can learn more and see their work at www.ClevelandCreativeOutlet.com. You can reach out to them on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ClevelandCreativeOutlet

Guest: Dr. David Gutman[www.ClevelandNutrition.com]

Hosted By: Dovid E.Z. Stern [Ph. (216) 526-6641, Em. [email protected], URL www.clevelandcreativeoutlet.com]

Feedback: https://goo.gl/forms/qqH5WMOSKIFBeClA2

[L to R] Dovid EZ Stern and Dr. David Gutman, Founder and Physician of Cleveland Nutrition (www.ClevelandNutrition.com)

Cycling is one of the most exciting and popular sports for people around the globe. While some utilize bicycles simply as an affordable, green mode of transportation, many others flock to the roads as they push the limits in competition, and enjoy the great outdoors. Here to talk to us today about the many varied joys of cycling is Nosson Spielberg.

Feedback: https://goo.gl/forms/qqH5WMOSKIFBeClA2

Table of Contents:

00:00 Intro

00:50 This week's guest - Nosson Spielberg, Cleveland Touring Club

01:10 Getting started in cycling

03:05 Icebreaker - What is your best knock-knock joke?

04:00 What Makes You Happy?

05:00 Spinning Machines

07:15 What is your counterargument to people who worry about cycling being dangerous?

13:45 What is the startup cost for a cycling hobby?

20:00 Saving money by cycling

23:00 Cycling clubs

26:00 What goes into a good route?

33:45 Lightning Round Questions

33:55 - Long grinding rides vs. Gut-busting sprints?

35:40 - Road vs. Mountain biking?

38:45 - Single best piece of kit to buy?

44:40 How to get in touch with Nosson Spielberg

49:50 Happiness Fact (1)

51:35 Inspirational Quote (2)

52:00 Something I'm Curious About: Learning things super fast (like Mike Boyd on YouTube)

53:40 Closing Thoughts

Sources:

https://www.bikecitizens.net/cycling-and-happiness/

“Everytime I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of the human race.” - H.G. Wells

For more What Makes You Happy?, read our blog, www.ClevelandCreativeOutlet.com/wmyh

What Makes You Happy? is a project by Cleveland Creative Outlet, a video production company. You can learn more and see their work at www.ClevelandCreativeOutlet.com. You can reach out to them on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ClevelandCreativeOutlet

Guest: Nosson Spielberg [ClevelandTouringClub.com]

Hosted By: Dovid E.Z. Stern [Ph. (216) 526-6641, Em. [email protected], URL www.clevelandcreativeoutlet.com]

Feedback: https://goo.gl/forms/qqH5WMOSKIFBeClA2

[L to R] Dovid EZ Stern and Nosson Spielberg of the Cleveland Touring Club

Raven Carter is an energy healer and massage therapist. We all know massage, and it's widely known that massage can have massive benefits to your health. But what about energy healing? What is it, and how can it be integrated with massage to heal the whole body, mind, and spirit?

Feedback: https://goo.gl/forms/qqH5WMOSKIFBeClA2

Table of Contents:

00:00 Intro

00:50 This week's guest - Raven Carter, Raven's Ki Alchemy

01:35 Icebreaker - If your best friend had to pick a tattoo for you, what would they pick?

01:50 What Makes You Happy?

02:45 What is Energy Healing? (Reiki)

05:55 How do you explain to someone that what you do isn't New Age hooey?

07:30 How does Energy Healing make people happier?

10:50 Massotherapy

13:05 Where is the intersection between the Energy Healing and massage?

16:41 Dovid gets philosophical (he loses track and finds his way again about 28:30)

22:40 Raven asks, "What piqued your interest in Energy Work?"

25:00 Lightning Round Questions

25:17 -One energy related tip for people at home.

26:17 -Single best success story with a patient.

30:15 -How you respond when someone balks at the idea of massage therapy.

31:45 Plug. How you can get in touch with Raven Carter (contact info below).

32:00 Happiness Fact (1)

32:50 Inspirational Quote (2)

33:50 Something I'm curious about: 3D Printing

34:50 Closing Thoughts

Sources:

Long-term yoga practice can boost happiness levels and reduce fear, anger, and fatigue. (“10 Yoga Poses to Feel Happier Fast.” http://www.prevention.com/fitness/yoga-poses-boost-emotional-health Prevention. October 29, 2012. Accessed: January 24, 2016.

"Tension is who you think you should be, relaxation is who you are." Chinese Proverb

For more What Makes You Happy?, read our blog, www.ClevelandCreativeOutlet.com/wmyh

What Makes You Happy? is a project by Cleveland Creative Outlet, a video production company. You can learn more and see their work at www.ClevelandCreativeOutlet.com. You can reach out to them on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ClevelandCreativeOutlet

Guest: Raven Carter, Raven's Ki Alchemy [URL ravenskialchemy.com]

Hosted By: Dovid E.Z. Stern [Ph. (216) 526-6641, Em. [email protected], URL www.clevelandcreativeoutlet.com]

Feedback: https://goo.gl/forms/qqH5WMOSKIFBeClA2

[L to R] Dovid E. Z. Stern and Raven Carter, who is the owner of Raven's Ki Alchemy

A Cappella is on our minds this week because we're focused on a portion of the Jewish calendar called Sefira, during which Jews try not to listen to live music with instruments. Here to talk about A Cappella is Mordy Weinstein, a member of the popular Jewish A Cappella group, Six13. He joins us today via Skype, please excuse any blips or drops in audio due to connectivity issues (it doesn't happen much).

Feedback: https://goo.gl/forms/qqH5WMOSKIFBeClA2

Table of Contents:

00:00 Intro

00:50 This week's guest - Mordy Weinstein, A Cappella Singer in Six13

01:40 What is Sefira? And how does it affect Jewish A Cappella?

03:43 Icebreaker - Favorite teenage guilty pleasure song you still rock out too?

05:00 What Makes You Happy?

06:45 Why is A Cappella still popular?

11:00 Is A Cappella as a hobby for adults dead?

15:00 What makes an A Cappella arrangement great?

18:45 Why do A Cappella groups do so many covers rather than original music?

20:45 Do you have a pet project you're working on right now?

23:25 Which of the stereotypes about A Cappella singers ring true?

24:30 Finding community in a singing group.

30:45 Lightning Round Questions

30:50 - Worst choreographed dance move in which you partook?

32:00 - Which A Cappella song you wish people would give up on?

32:45 - Is there an A Cappella song that needs a comeback?

37:50 - Beatboxers. Love them or hate them?

Plug: Find Mordy's contact info below to get in touch with him and with Six13.

42:25 Happiness Fact (1)

44:35 Inspirational Quote (2)

46:10 Closing Thoughts

Sources:

It is known that singing releases endorphins in the brain, which is why it feels so good. What is less widely known is that choral singing is even more effective. Choral singers for example, rated higher life satisfaction than the general public, even when they’re personal problems were worse than the general publics’ (https://www.smh.com.au/national/choral-singing-makes-you-happy-survey-20080710-3cyg.html)

“The only thing better than singing is more singing.” -Ella Fitzgerald

For more What Makes You Happy?, read our blog, www.ClevelandCreativeOutlet.com/wmyh

What Makes You Happy? is a project by Cleveland Creative Outlet, a video production company. You can learn more and see their work at www.ClevelandCreativeOutlet.com. You can reach out to them on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ClevelandCreativeOutlet

Guest: Mordy Weinstein [Ph. 1(800) BOOK-613, Em. [email protected], URL www.six13.com]

Hosted By: Dovid E.Z. Stern [Ph. (216) 526-6641, Em. [email protected], URL www.clevelandcreativeoutlet.com]

Feedback: https://goo.gl/forms/qqH5WMOSKIFBeClA2

[L to R] Dovid E. Z. Stern and Mordy Weinstein, who is a member of Six13, a popular Jewish A Cappella group.

Zack Raab is a geocacher. He finds hidden "caches" all over the world. Wherever he goes, he can be assured that someone has hidden a small item for him to find. The world's biggest treasure hunt has begun. What will you find? And where will your ventures take you?

Feedback: https://goo.gl/forms/qqH5WMOSKIFBeClA2

Table of Contents:

00:00 Intro

00:50 This week's guest - Zack Raab, Geocacher

01:40 Icebreaker - What is the craziest dare you ever took?

03:00 What Makes You Happy?

04:25 What is Geocaching?

08:20 Was Geocaching something you sought out, or did someone introduce you?

15:49 What makes a good cache?

23:25 Bonus! Have you ever done Letterboxing?

28:15 Tell us about the different kinds of Caches.

32:45 Lightning Round Questions

33:00 -Hard to find vs. hard to access?

33:35 -Are you the most hardcore cacher you know?

33:55 -One request for the Geocaching development team?

35:05 How to get in touch with Zack Raab.

37:11 Happiness Fact (1)

38:25 Inspirational Quote (2)

39:55 Something I'm curious about: Fantasy Football

40:45 Closing Thoughts

Sources:

The main characteristic that distinguishes the top 10% of the happiest people from everyone else is this: The strength of social relationships. Social support is a greater predictor of happiness than any other factor (Schoch, Richard. The Secrets of Happiness: Three Thousand Years of Searching for the Good Life. New York, NY: Scribner, 2006)

“Be happy with what you have and are, be generous with both, and you won’t have to hunt for happiness.” - William E. Gladstone

For more What Makes You Happy?, read our blog, www.ClevelandCreativeOutlet.com/wmyh

What Makes You Happy? is a project by Cleveland Creative Outlet, a video production company. You can learn more and see their work at www.ClevelandCreativeOutlet.com. You can reach out to them on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ClevelandCreativeOutlet

Learn more about Geocaching at www.Geocaching.com

Guest: Zack Raab [Find him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/zackraab107]

Hosted By: Dovid E.Z. Stern [Ph. (216) 526-6641, Em. [email protected], URL www.clevelandcreativeoutlet.com]

Feedback: https://goo.gl/forms/qqH5WMOSKIFBeClA2

Zack Raab is an avid Geocacher.