Whole Again: Mindfulness and Resilience Through Kintsugi Wisdom

The Whole Again Podcast: Mindfulness and Resilience through Kinstugi Wisdom airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday with Pause Breathe Reflect Microdose Meditations, Growth Mindset and Mindfulness Tips, to help us transform our scars into healing and resilience.

And between May and October, I'm sharing a new series I'm calling: A Perfectly Imperfect Union. It's about connecting with every day folks as they reflect on America at 250. Conversations will air every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

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We are living through one of the noisiest, most complex moments in human history, and our devices are at the center of it.

Michael introduces the New Leadership Stack, a framework for navigating today's complexity:

• IQ -- Intelligence
• EQ -- Emotional Intelligence
• DQ -- Digital Intelligence
• AQ -- Attention Intelligence
• CQ -- Conversational Intelligence

And the glue holding it all together? Mindfulness -- the urushi of the Kintsugi metaphor.

When we're stressed, we reach for our phones. That fragments our attention. Fragmented attention leads to fragmented conversations. And fragmented conversations erode trust, the very foundation of progress, connection, and meaningful work.

The good news? Our digital lives are only about 20 years old. We're still learning how to be with our devices, and we can get better.

Imagine reclaiming your focus, your calm, and your conversations without going off the grid.

In this episode, Michael shares three simple, practical tips to strengthen your DQ and take back your attention:

1. Remove or hide your most distracting apps -- create just enough friction so you're not reaching for them out of boredom. Access them on your laptop instead.
2. Create tech-free zones throughout your day -- try staying off your phone for the first 15-20 minutes after waking, or powering down all screens an hour before bed. Even a walk in nature, phone-free, can reconnect you with yourself.
3. Curate who you follow -- choose real people who enhance your energy, spark hope, and support the meaningful life you're building. Follow people putting out a positive ripple effect.

Small wins here lead to bigger wins. And bigger wins? Those are worth celebrating with a trip to the other DQ -- Dairy Queen.

You can now download my Pause Breathe Reflect App with Microdose EQ for FREE on Apple’s App Store or Google Play. Discover how to spend less time on your phone and more time on things that bring you joy. Also, find the support you need to navigate today’s uncertainty with more calm and grace.

Receive a FREE copy of my book: “My Last Bad Day Shift.”

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

The Whole Again Podcast: Mindfulness and Resilience through Kinstugi Wisdom airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday with Pause Breathe Reflect Microdose Meditations, Growth Mindset and Mindfulness Tips, to help us transform our scars into healing and resilience.

And between May and October, I'm sharing a new series I'm calling: A Perfectly Imperfect Union. It's about connecting with every day folks as they reflect on America at 250. Conversations will air every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

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What would happen if Americans spent less time debating each other — and more time truly listening?

As America approaches its 250th birthday, Michael launches A Perfectly Imperfect Union, a heartfelt new series exploring the beauty, wounds, and shared humanity that shape our country. In this powerful conversation with Kintsugi artist Morty Bachar, the discussion moves beyond politics and into something deeper: healing, connection, truth, and the courage to acknowledge both the scars and strengths that define us. Through stories of brokenness transformed into beauty, listeners are invited to reflect on what it really means to repair relationships, communities, and a nation.

You will discover:

• How the Japanese art of kintsugi offers a meaningful framework for healing division and emotional pain
• Why authentic human connection may be the missing ingredient in creating a stronger, more compassionate society
• A hopeful perspective on how everyday people can help shape a more united future through intentional action and conversation

Press play to experience a thoughtful conversation that will challenge you to reflect, reconnect, and consider how you can help create a more perfectly imperfect union.

Discover more about Morty and visit his Lakeside Pottery studio here.

You can now download my Pause Breathe Reflect App with Microdose EQ for FREE on Apple’s App Store or Google Play. Discover how to spend less time on your phone and more time on things that bring you joy. Also, find the support you need to navigate today’s uncertainty with more calm and grace.

Receive a FREE copy of my book: “My Last Bad Day Shift.”

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

The Whole Again Podcast: Mindfulness and Resilience through Kinstugi Wisdom airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday with Pause Breathe Reflect Microdose Meditations, Growth Mindset and Mindfulness Tips, to help us transform our scars into healing and resilience.

And between May and October, I'm sharing a new series I'm calling: A Perfectly Imperfect Union. It's about connecting with every day folks as they reflect on America at 250. Conversations will air every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

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What if the secret to rising higher is learning to root deeper?

In this Monday microdose meditation, Michael guides you through a grounding practice drawn from his Pause, Breathe, Reflect app — built around the simple but powerful mantra, "Rooting to Rise." Using the image of a mighty oak tree, strong at its core and reaching toward the sky, this meditation invites you to release what no longer serves you, align your mind, body, and heart, and tap into the resilience that already lives within you. It's a quiet but meaningful way to start your week on steady ground.

You will discover:

• Why grounding yourself first is the foundation for rising to your next level
• How the "Rooting to Rise" mantra can anchor a wandering mind and restore your focus
• The connection between the mighty oak, the Kintsugi spirit, and your own inner strength
• A simple, repeatable practice you can return to any time you need to feel stable, strong, and centered

Press play to begin your week with intention — and carry that rooted strength with you all the way through.

Discover how to scroll less and live more by taking my Free Smartphone Wellness Audit by clicking phone.

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect sticker by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn. or at [email protected]

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am. 

If you feel you need more mental health support, please contact NAMI. 

With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Mindfulness listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome PTSD, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embraces healing as a process of transformation, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and being overwhelmed to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and holistic approaches to self-care, this podcast empowers listeners to cultivate emotional resilience and live with greater balance and intention.

The Whole Again Podcast: Mindfulness and Resilience through Kinstugi Wisdom airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday with Pause Breathe Reflect Microdose Meditations, Growth Mindset and Mindfulness Tips, to help us transform our scars into healing and resilience.

And between May and October, I'm sharing a new series I'm calling: A Perfectly Imperfect Union. It's about connecting with every day folks as they reflect on America at 250. Conversations will air every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

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What if America’s greatest strength isn’t perfection — but the endless possibility created when diverse people choose to truly connect?

In a world moving faster than ever, where technology often replaces meaningful conversation, this episode invites listeners to slow down and rediscover the power of curiosity, connection, and human possibility. Michael sits down with cyclist and Colorado resident Chris “Woz” Wozniak to explore how diversity, civic engagement, and intentional relationships can help America grow into the country it still has the potential to become.

Through reflections on cycling across landscapes, generational shifts, and the beauty found in contrast, this conversation offers both hope and perspective for anyone feeling disconnected or overwhelmed by modern life.

• Listeners will gain a fresh perspective on how curiosity and intentional connection can strengthen communities and deepen relationships.
• You’ll hear inspiring insights about embracing diversity, possibility, and personal growth instead of becoming stuck in overwhelm or division.
• This episode also serves as a hopeful reminder that meaningful change starts with simple conversations. One connection, one person, and one moment at a time.

Tune in now to reconnect with what unites us, explore how small conversations can create powerful change, and meet Chris Wozniak.

You can now download my Pause Breathe Reflect App with Microdose EQ for FREE on Apple’s App Store or Google Play. Discover how to spend less time on your phone and more time on things that bring you joy. Also, find the support you need to navigate today’s uncertainty with more calm and grace.

Receive a FREE copy of my book: “My Last Bad Day Shift.”

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

The Whole Again Podcast: Mindfulness and Resilience through Kinstugi Wisdom airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday with Pause Breathe Reflect Microdose Meditations, Growth Mindset and Mindfulness Tips, to help us transform our scars into healing and resilience.

And between May and October, I'm sharing a new series I'm calling: A Perfectly Imperfect Union. It's about connecting with every day folks as they reflect on America at 250. Conversations will air every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

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What if the secret to getting through life’s toughest moments was as simple as one powerful phrase: keep pedaling?

When challenges hit, most of us instinctively slow down, lose momentum, and start doubting ourselves. In this episode of Whole Again, Michael shares a deeply personal lesson inspired by mountain biking, resilience, and recovery after his near-death cycling accident. Through stories, reflections, and practical wisdom, he explores how continuing to move forward — even imperfectly — can help us maintain balance, build resilience, and navigate obstacles with greater confidence.

You will discover:

• Why momentum matters most when life feels uncertain or overwhelming
• How “keeping pedaling” can help you move through fear, setbacks, and self-doubt
• A healthier perspective on balancing persistence with rest, recovery, and reflection

Press play to learn how one simple mindset shift can help you stay balanced, resilient, and moving forward — no matter what life puts in your path.

You can now download my Pause Breathe Reflect App with Microdose EQ for FREE on Apple’s App Store or Google Play. Discover how to spend less time on your phone and more time on things that bring you joy. Also, find the support you need to navigate today’s uncertainty with more calm and grace.

Receive a FREE copy of my book: “My Last Bad Day Shift.”

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

The Whole Again Podcast: Mindfulness and Resilience through Kinstugi Wisdom airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday with Pause Breathe Reflect Microdose Meditations, Growth Mindset and Mindfulness Tips, to help us transform our scars into healing and resilience.

And between May and October, I'm sharing a new series I'm calling: A Perfectly Imperfect Union. It's about connecting with every day folks as they reflect on America at 250. Conversations will air every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

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What if America’s next 250 years depend less on politics and more on curiosity, kindness, and the small sacrifices we make for each other every day?

As division, noise, and constant judgment continue to shape modern life, this heartfelt conversation invites listeners to slow down and reconnect with what truly matters.

Michael sits down with entrepreneur, cyclist, and Indiana native Steven Hershberger to reflect on sacrifice, stewardship, empathy, and the enduring optimism woven into the American spirit. Through stories of farmers before sunrise, small-town kindness, and lessons learned at life’s edge, this episode reminds us that healing begins in the everyday moments most people overlook.

• Listeners will gain a refreshing perspective on how curiosity and empathy can help bridge division and strengthen human connection.
• You’ll discover why small acts of kindness and personal sacrifice create meaningful ripple effects in communities and relationships.
• This episode also offers a powerful reminder that resilience, gratitude, and purpose are built through daily choices, not grand gestures.

Tune in now to reconnect with what unites us, explore how small conversations can create powerful change, and meet Steven Hershberger.

To connect and discover more about Steven you can find him on LinkedIn and Legacy Market Farms.

You can now download my Pause Breathe Reflect App with Microdose EQ for FREE on Apple’s App Store or Google Play. Discover how to spend less time on your phone and more time on things that bring you joy. Also, find the support you need to navigate today’s uncertainty with more calm and grace.

Receive a FREE copy of my book: “My Last Bad Day Shift.”

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

The Whole Again Podcast: Mindfulness and Resilience through Kinstugi Wisdom airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday with Pause Breathe Reflect Microdose Meditations, Growth Mindset and Mindfulness Tips, to help us transform our scars into healing and resilience.

And between May and October, I'm sharing a new series I'm calling: A Perfectly Imperfect Union. It's about connecting with every day folks as they reflect on America at 250. Conversations will air every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

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What if the secret to a resilient relationship isn’t control…but giving each other room to evolve?

Relationships change over time — because people change over time. In this heartfelt anniversary reflection, Michael shares three powerful lessons learned over 32 years of marriage that apply not only to relationships, but to living a more mindful and meaningful life. From taking risks and honoring your values to loosening your grip on who people “should” be, this episode offers grounded wisdom for anyone navigating love, growth, and change.

• Learn why putting yourself out there is the first step toward creating meaningful connection and unexpected opportunities.
• Discover how shared values — not just chemistry — help relationships survive life’s toughest seasons.
• Understand why letting go of control and allowing people to evolve can deepen love, resilience, and emotional freedom.

Press play to hear Michael’s mindful reflections on marriage, growth, and the surprising ways resilience is built over time.

You can now download my Pause Breathe Reflect App with Microdose EQ for FREE on Apple’s App Store or Google Play. Discover how to spend less time on your phone and more time on things that bring you joy. Also, find the support you need to navigate today’s uncertainty with more calm and grace.

Receive a FREE copy of my book: “My Last Bad Day Shift.”

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

The Whole Again Podcast: Mindfulness and Resilience through Kinstugi Wisdom airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday with Pause Breathe Reflect Microdose Meditations, Growth Mindset and Mindfulness Tips, to help us transform our scars into healing and resilience.

And between May and October, I'm sharing a new series I'm calling: A Perfectly Imperfect Union. It's about connecting with every day folks as they reflect on America at 250. Conversations will air every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

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What if the key to healing America’s divide isn’t winning arguments — but learning how to truly listen again?

In a time when social media outrage, constant noise, and political division leave many people feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, and exhausted, this conversation offers a grounded and hopeful perspective. As America approaches its 250th birthday, Michael sits down with Pennsylvania native, brand strategist, and equestrian Shayne Mackey to explore what still unites us beneath the chaos. Together, they unpack the power of respect, mentorship, meaningful dialogue, and the courage to connect with people who see the world differently.

• Listeners will discover how genuine conversations can bridge divides and create deeper human connection.
• You’ll hear practical reflections on how stepping away from constant noise and learning to listen with curiosity can strengthen relationships and communities.
• This episode also offers a hopeful reminder that despite our differences, there is still far more that unites us than divides us — and that healing starts with small acts of respect and understanding.

Tune in now to reconnect with what unites us, explore how small conversations can create powerful change, and meet Shayne Mackey.

To connect and discover more about Shayne's work and podcast, you can connect with her on LinkedIn, her website or listen to her podcast, The Brand Atelier.

You can now download my Pause Breathe Reflect App with Microdose EQ for FREE on Apple’s App Store or Google Play. Discover how to spend less time on your phone and more time on things that bring you joy. Also, find the support you need to navigate today’s uncertainty with more calm and grace.

Receive a FREE copy of my book: “My Last Bad Day Shift.”

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

The Whole Again Podcast: Mindfulness and Resilience through Kinstugi Wisdom airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday with Pause Breathe Reflect Microdose Meditations, Growth Mindset and Mindfulness Tips, to help us transform our scars into healing and resilience.

And between May and October, I'm sharing a new series I'm calling: A Perfectly Imperfect Union. It's about connecting with every day folks as they reflect on America at 250. Conversations will air every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

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What if just a few each morning could completely shift how you show up for the rest of your day?

Most of us wake up already carrying stress, distraction, or overwhelm before the day even begins. In this calming microdose meditation, Michael guides listeners through a simple yet powerful morning intention-setting practice designed to help you slow down, reconnect with yourself, and move into your day with greater clarity, softness, and purpose.

• Learn a grounding morning meditation practice that helps calm the nervous system and create a more intentional start to your day
• Discover how setting a simple daily intention can positively shape your mindset, energy, and interactions with others
• Experience a gentle guided visualization that helps you align your actions with the person you want to be today

Press play now to begin your day feeling more centered, intentional, and connected to the energy you want to bring into the world.

You can now download my Pause Breathe Reflect App with Microdose EQ for FREE on Apple’s App Store or Google Play. Discover how to spend less time on your phone and more time on things that bring you joy. Also, find the support you need to navigate today’s uncertainty with more calm and grace.

Receive a FREE copy of my book: “My Last Bad Day Shift.”

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

The Whole Again Podcast: Mindfulness and Resilience through Kinstugi Wisdom airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday with Pause Breathe Reflect Microdose Meditations, Growth Mindset and Mindfulness Tips, to help us transform our scars into healing and resilience.

And between May and October, I'm sharing a new series I'm calling: A Perfectly Imperfect Union. It's about connecting with every day folks as they reflect on America at 250. Conversations will air every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

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What if the real solution to division isn’t louder opinions but deeper understanding?

In a time where polarization, fast reactions, and surface-level conversations dominate, it’s easy to feel disconnected from one another. This episode explores how stepping back, seeking to understand different perspectives, and returning to human connection can help bridge the growing divides we see in our communities and country.

• Discover why understanding—not agreement—is the foundation for real connection and unity
• Learn how pausing, reflecting, and listening can transform the way you engage with others
• Gain a fresh perspective on service, purpose, and how helping others can shift your mindset

Tune in now to reconnect with what unites us, explore how small conversations can create powerful change, and meet Dean Otto.

You can connect with Dean via his website or LinkedIn.

You can now download my Pause Breathe Reflect App with Microdose EQ for FREE on Apple’s App Store or Google Play. Discover how to spend less time on your phone and more time on things that bring you joy. Also, find the support you need to navigate today’s uncertainty with more calm and grace.

Receive a FREE copy of my book: “My Last Bad Day Shift.”

We can also connect on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.