Shows
What's on Your Bookshelf?105 - Five Bold Choices: Rise above Your Circumstances and Redefine Your Life - Chapter 4: ConfidenceHave you ever wondered if your perception of confidence is truly aligned with reality? Join us as we unravel the intricacies of confidence, perspective, and humility in this engaging episode of "What's on Your Bookshelf." We draw inspiration from "The Five Bold Choices" by Jay Coughlin and Larry Julian, focusing on the fourth bold choice: redefining confidence. Through a tapestry of personal stories and memorable anecdotes, including a charming video of a confident little girl, we explore how our views on confidence evolve from childhood into adulthood.Our discussion takes a deep dive into the subjective nature...2025-02-1230 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?100 - Celebrating 100th Episode - A Journey Through Books with What's on Your BookshelfRemember the moment when a single book changed your perspective on life? Join us as we celebrate a milestone in our podcasting journey with our 100th episode of "What's on Your Bookshelf." Featuring a heartfelt conversation with our producer, Scott Miller, we revisit the origins of our podcast, starting with "Let's Be Real" in 2019 and evolving into a vibrant platform for book lovers. Scott shares the brainstorming sessions that sparked this literary adventure, emphasizing the transformative power of books in enriching lives. We express our gratitude to our listeners and hint at exciting special editions planned for this year.2025-01-0843 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?99 - What's on Your Bookshelf 2025 KickoffEver wondered how a small conversation about books turned into an engaging podcast series? Denise Russo and Sam Powell take you through their inspiring journey from a casual chat around Denise's bookshelf to creating "What's on Your Bookshelf," a podcast that explores themes woven through literature and life. As we kick off 2025, we reminisce about our evolution, including the delightful story of Denise’s son, Vincent, who secretly listened to past episodes, borrowing books to fuel his own growth. We're excited at the prospect of having Vincent join us in future discussions, bringing fresh insights to our literary explorations.2025-01-0125 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?92 - Intentional Living - Why Good Intentions Aren’t EnoughWhat if a simple shift in your daily choices could lead to a life of lasting significance? Join Denise Russo and Sam Powell as they unpack John Maxwell's "Intentional Living," a game-changing book that wraps up our 2024 reading list. Drawing from our recent retreat, "Your Signature Story," we explore how conscious awareness of one's passions, potential, and purpose can ignite profound life changes. We outline Maxwell's four-step formula for making a difference and emphasize the importance of taking intentional actions to shape your future. We redefine significance, inspired by a grandmother's sage advice—"just do what your han...2024-12-1230 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?91 - The Happiness Project - AfterwardUnlock the secrets to a happier, more intentional life as we wrap up our journey through Gretchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project." Get ready to discover the transformative power of personalized resolutions and practical tips from Rubin's afterword, all while learning how to craft your own happiness project. We'll showcase how concepts from "Atomic Habits" complement Rubin's insights, offering you a flexible framework to kickstart your path to joy and fulfillment.Ever wonder how having a coach or accountability partner can amplify your personal growth? We'll share our experiences with reading and teaching Rubin's book and highlight the...2024-12-1127 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?88 - The Happiness Project - OctoberCan embracing mindfulness truly impact our daily lives and transform our perspectives? Join us on "What's on Your Bookshelf" as we engage in an insightful conversation about mindfulness, inspired by Gretchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project." This episode features reflections from Denise Rousseau and Sam Powell, who contemplate the significance of being present, particularly during the reflective autumn season. Denise shares a heartfelt story of celebrating her father's 80th birthday, reminding us of the importance of creating and cherishing meaningful moments. Meanwhile, Sam offers his own experiences of navigating new life phases with purpose and attention.Shift your mindset...2024-11-1334 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?87 - The Happiness Project - SeptemberEver struggled to find time for your true passions amidst the chaos of daily life? This episode of "What's on Your Bookshelf" promises to enlighten and inspire you as Denise Russo and Samantha Powell explore the transformative power of pursuing your passions. Drawing inspiration from Chapter Nine of Gretchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project," they dive deep into how dedicating time to activities we love can bring immense joy and fulfillment. Denise shares why September is her favorite month for personal development, emphasizing how Rubin’s methods of recognizing and integrating passions into everyday life have resonated deeply with her.2024-11-0631 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?82 - The Happiness Project - AprilPicture this: you're juggling work, chores, and trying to be the perfect parent, and it feels like you're drowning in responsibilities. Denise Russo and Samantha Powell bring some much-needed lightness to this scenario as they dive into "Lighten Up" from Gretchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project." With honest reflections and personal stories, they explore reducing self-imposed pressures and embracing a more joyful approach to parenthood. Sam shares her battle with the quest for perfect parenting, while Denise contemplates her mother's legacy of unconditional love.Ever wondered how to turn your child's constant whining into moments of joy and...2024-10-0230 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?81 - The Happiness Project - MarchAre you ready to unlock the secrets of true happiness at work? Discover the transformative power of aligning your career with your Ikigai as we delve into Gretchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project." You're invited to explore Rubin's insightful March resolutions: from launching a blog and savoring the fun of failure to asking for help and working smart. Learn how happiness at work can boost your performance, improve relationships, and foster cooperation. Our personal stories and experiences underscore the critical role of enthusiasm and passion in achieving both mastery and joy in your professional journey.Ever wondered how...2024-09-2528 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?72 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 12 - Love is All You Need Part 1Have you ever experienced a love so deep and pure that it seemed to defy all conditions and expectations? Together with Denise Russo and Sam Powell, they take a journey inspired by Mo Gawat's "Solve for Happy," diving into the world of unconditional love and its power to transform our lives. They'll share insights into how this boundless affection can be the bedrock of personal growth, leadership, and even the way we tackle life's nuisances like pesky raccoons.In this latest episode, they don't just talk about love—we live it through examples that challenge the status qu...2024-07-2426 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?71 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 11 - The Pendulum SwingEver felt like your life needed a garage sale for the soul? Join Denise and Sam, as they embark on a quest for clarity in their latest podcast episode, inspired by Mo Gawdat's "Solve for Happy." They share intimate experiences about stripping back the layers of complexity in our lives, and how that opens up space for joy and productivity to flourish. Imagine your surroundings and your to-do list refreshed, simplified, and serving your quest for happiness. They shed light on practical approaches to living in the moment and the profound impact of embracing simplicity as a cornerstone for...2024-07-1732 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?70 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 10 - Right Here, Right NowEver wondered why happiness can often feel like an elusive puzzle? Join Denise Russo and Sam Powell, as they unpack the teachings from "Solve for Happy" by Mo Gawdat, and take you through a journey that redefines your understanding of contentment. Amidst life's challenges and the inevitability of events such as death, we discover together how shifting our mindset and aligning our expectations with reality can lead to a transformative approach towards happiness. In this heartfelt conversation, we bring the beauty of living in the moment to light with wisdom from "The How of Happiness." Sharing personal...2024-07-1032 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?69 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 9 - Is It True? Part 3Discover the secret to a happier life as Mo Gawdat unveils the intriguing role our memories play in shaping our joy. This week, Samantha and Denise plunge into the powerful teachings from "Solve for Happy," discussing how our past experiences are more than mere events; they're colored by our emotions and thoughts, influencing our present happiness. They navigate the complexities of how individuals can recall the same moment differently and the profound impact this understanding has on our ability to process the past and nurture contentment.This episode takes a hard look at the labels we assign...2024-07-0329 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?68 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 9 - Is It True? Part 2Have you ever lost something small, like a favorite pen, and felt your day was ruined? We've all been there, and today, Denise Russo and Sam Powell are here to explore how these reactions connect to happiness, or the lack thereof. Through the lens of Mo Gawdat's "Solve for Happy," we tackle the seven blind spots that can turn molehills into mountains and prevent us from seeing the joy in our everyday lives. It's about identifying those negative filters our brains set up for survival, but which now do more harm than good, and learning how to sift the...2024-06-2631 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?67 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 9 - Is It True? Part 1Discover the unseen obstacles to your happiness as we discuss Mo Gawdat's transformative book, "Solve for Happy." Hosts, Sam Powell and Denise Russo, guide you through the exploration of seven perception blind spots—filters, assumptions, predictions, memories, labels, emotions, and exaggeration. These are the unsuspecting culprits behind the distorted lens through which we often view our world. We also share personal reflections on the profound impact of recognizing and navigating through these mental barriers, offering practical advice on how to expand your awareness for a clearer and happier life.Feel like negativity sometimes has a stronghold on yo...2024-06-1930 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?66 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 8 - Might as Well JumpConquer the elusive specter of fear with Denise Russo and Sam Powell, as they offer you a roadmap to happiness inspired by Mo Gawdat's profound insights. Prepare to challenge the fears that lurk in the shadows of uncertainty, whether they're keeping you tethered to a dead-end job or causing you to shy away from new experiences. Our latest podcast episode strips away the disguise fear wears, revealing its many faces—be it the terror of public speaking or the superstition that happiness is but a harbinger of doom.As we candidly share our own brushes with anxiety—from...2024-06-1230 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?65 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 7 - Houston, We Have A ProblemHave you ever tried to solve a jigsaw puzzle with pieces that just won't fit? That's the conundrum we tackle with Mo Gawdat, the insightful author of "Solve for Happy," as Denise and Sam dissect the tantalizing notion that we can wrestle life's unpredictability into submission. Together, they embark on a profound journey, examining the treacherous waters of grief, the anchor of joy in the present, and the strategies for weathering life's most unexpected storms. Mo's enlightening perspective and poignant personal anecdotes guide us through the realization that while we can't control every wave, we can learn to sail...2024-06-0533 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?64 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 6 - Does Anybody Know What Time It Is?Ever pondered why some moments slip away like sand through your fingers while others seem to stretch into eternity? Join Denise Russo and Samantha Powell, as they connect the dots between our skewed perception of time and our quest for happiness, inspired by Mo Gawdat's insights from "Solve for Happy." Denise and Sam cover the six grand illusions that trip us up on our journey to joy, with a special focus on time's elusive nature. Prepare to be enlightened on how our engagement in beloved activities bends our sense of time—and how this knowledge could be the compass gu...2024-05-2935 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?62 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 4 - Who Are You?Join happiness explorers Sam Powell and Denise Russo as they embark on an enlightening expedition, guided by Mo Godat's wisdom from "Solve for Happy." Together, they dissect the 'grand illusions' that often veil our true selves and how our thoughts, ego, and physical form can deceive us. Discover with them how assessments like DISC can strip away these layers, revealing the core of our being. Navigate the intricate relationship between spirituality and science, and contemplate whether our essence is truly bound by our physicality or if something more profound lies within.Venture through a landscape where life's...2024-05-1530 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?61 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 3 - That Little Voice in Your HeadDiscover the keys to unlocking true happiness Denise and co-host Samantha Powell, delve into Mo Gawdat's enlightening perspective from "Solve for Happy." Our minds are intricate labyrinths, and it's easy to confuse the tools of our thoughts for the essence of who we are. In a candid chat, Denise and Sam explore this distinctive notion, offering you a fresh outlook on the transient nature of emotions and the illusionary veil that thoughts often cast over our reality. This episode guides you through the maze, detaching from the internal chatter and approaching life with a newfound sense of neutrality that...2024-05-0827 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?60 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 2 - 6-7-5Have you ever felt like happiness is a puzzle you just can't solve? Join Denise Russo and co-host, Sam Powell, as they journey through Mo Gawdat's enlightening book "Solve for Happy," dissecting the roots of our emotional states from confusion to joy. In our latest episode, we compare thoughts to seeds—each one capable of growing into a strong, resilient tree or a pestilent weed. Sharing from the heart, Sam and I intertwine personal stories of weathering life’s storms, underscoring the importance of a mindset that stands firm in the face of adversity, fostering growth and, ultimately, happiness....2024-05-0125 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?59 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 1 - Setting Up The EquationCan happiness truly be solved like a mathematical equation? That's the tantalizing promise of our latest discussion on "What's On Your Bookshelf," where Denise Russo and Sam Powell dissect the happiness equation from "Solve for Happy." We challenge the myths that cloud our understanding of joy, suggesting that contentment isn't just a fortunate coincidence but our natural state of being. As we share tales from our own lives and those of the famous, we uncover that success may follow happiness, not the other way around. Join us as we swap stories and insights on how shedding old habits and e...2024-04-2430 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?58 - Solve for Happy - IntroductionEmbark on a transformative journey with Denise Russo and Sam Powell, as they unravel the secrets of living a joy-filled life in our latest podcast episode discussing Mo Gawdat's "Solve for Happy." They're merging heart and science to dissect Gawdat's engineering approach to happiness, sharing how this method is revolutionizing our own lives. Gawdat, with his dual lens as a grieving father and a sharp-minded Google executive, crafts a poignant narrative that challenges traditional views of success and invites a redefinition of contentment that's both personal and universal.This episode isn't just about theorizing; it's about real-life...2024-04-1724 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?56 - The How of Happiness - The Five How's of Happiness Pt. 1Have you ever considered that the secret to lasting happiness might be hiding in plain sight, awaiting your discovery? That's exactly what Denise Russo and Samantha Powell help you uncover in our latest podcast episode. We bid farewell to our enlightening series on Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky's "The How of Happiness," where we've unraveled the intricacies of joy and how to maintain it. By exploring the happiness pie chart, you'll learn about the 40% of happiness within your control and how to weave the five "hows" into the fabric of your identity. We also delve into the potential life-altering impact of...2024-04-0319 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?53 - The How of Happiness - Living in the PresentAs Denise and Sam meander through the tapestry of life's simple pleasures, we invite you to step into a space where each moment is a treasure waiting to be cherished. Our latest podcast conversation is a heart-to-heart on the art of savoring—the subtle, yet profound practice of being fully present. Through intimate stories, like my own tryst with tranquility by the sea, we delve into how these mindful moments can paint our lives with joy and fulfillment. Savoring isn't just a fleeting indulgence; it's about capturing the essence of now, reminiscing warmly on yesterdays, and fostering a sense of...2024-03-1322 min