Shows
Beyond The SurfaceBonus - Deconstructing Monogamy & Exploring Polyamory with Ann RussoThis podcast episode delves into the intricate topic of deconstructing monogamy, wherein we engage in a profound exploration of diverse relationship structures. Our conversation centres on the societal norms surrounding monogamy, particularly within high-control faith contexts, and the implications these norms have on individual identity and relational dynamics. The episode not only illuminates the challenges faced by individuals questioning traditional relationship models but also highlights the potential for growth and self-discovery that arises from such explorations. Throughout, we advocate for open dialogue and the importance of understanding the values that underpin our relational choices, encouraging listeners to embrace their...2025-05-111h 10
PlurielGayÉmission du 12 mars 2025 avec Samantha Barendson et Christelle TarryQuand elle apprend que Leonard, son ami d'enfance, est dans le coma à l'hôpital, la narratrice lui rend visite quotidiennement et se remémore leur vie, en espérant qu'il se réveille. C'est le sujet du livre de Samantha Barendson, Virgule, qui traite de l'amitié comme force émotionnelle, et aborde aussi des sujets qui intéressent de prés les thématiques de nos émissions : l'homophobie, le mariage pour tous. Samantha était notre invitée aux côtés de Christelle Tarry (comédienne et par ailleurs animatrice de l'émission Femmes en Voix) qui a mis en scène et joué sur les...2025-03-151h 28
What's on Your Bookshelf?97 - Intentional Living - At a Time That Makes a DifferenceHave you ever wondered if true happiness lies not in avoiding challenges but in facing them intentionally and with an open heart? As we wrap up our year-long quest for happiness, Denise Russo and Samantha Powell share the transformative lessons they've gleaned from pivotal books like "The How of Happiness" and "The Happiness Project." This episode dives deep into the shift from chasing success to finding true significance, focusing on daily moments of joy, peace, and meaningful relationships. Samantha also discusses her rewarding experiences in career coaching, emphasizing the real impact of transforming mindsets and boosting self-esteem.Join...2024-12-1928 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?96 - Intentional Living - Partner with Like-Valued PeopleHave you ever wondered how living with anticipation and urgency can transform your life? This week, Denise Russo and Samantha Powell unpack another section of John Maxwell's "Intentional Living." We delve into how forward-thinking and timely action can make a huge difference. With insights from John Wooden’s timeless wisdom, we discuss how to prepare yourself for those golden opportunities when they appear. You'll learn the secrets to proactive, intentional living, ensuring that you're always ready to seize the moment.Imagine starting each day with a mindset geared towards success and balance. We'll explore how positive anticipation ca...2024-12-1832 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?95 - Intentional Living - With People Who Make a DifferenceEver wondered how connecting with diverse minds can transform your life? Join us, Denise Russo and Samantha Powell, as we explore John Maxwell's "Intentional Living" and uncover the magic of building relationships with like-minded individuals while embracing diverse perspectives. We'll share personal stories that highlight how engaging with people who challenge our viewpoints can spur significant growth and enrich our lives. Discover the value of a cohesive team when striving for monumental goals, and how collective trust and collaboration can make our dreams more achievable and meaningful.Next, we dive into the challenges and rewards of forming...2024-12-1730 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?94 - Intentional Living - Doing Something That Makes a DifferenceHave you ever wondered how a simple act of gratitude can transform your relationships? Join Denise Russo and Samantha Powell as they share powerful personal stories and discuss intentional living inspired by John Maxwell's "Intentional Living." Denise unveils the touching experience of writing heartfelt letters to her children, emphasizing how acknowledging the contributions of others brings profound changes. Samantha highlights the concept of "bids for connection," a term coined by the Gottman Institute, and how responding to these bids can deepen our relationships and enrich our lives.Imagine the impact of being fully present in our fast-paced...2024-12-1632 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?84 - The Happiness Project - JuneHave you ever wondered how friendships can profoundly impact your happiness? Join us on "What's on Your Bookshelf" as Denise Russo and Samantha Powell explore the timeless value of friendship, inspired by Chapter 6, "June," from Gretchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project." We'll share heartwarming personal stories, like Denise's joyful reunion with her lifelong friend Sandy, and discuss practical ways to nurture these invaluable relationships. From remembering birthdays to staying in touch, we emphasize the simple yet meaningful actions that fortify our social bonds.We'll also dive into the broader concept of generosity, moving beyond financial contributions to uplifting and...2024-10-1632 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?83 - The Happiness Project - MayEver wonder why your childhood hobbies brought you so much joy, but as adults, we often struggle to find that same happiness? Join Denise Russo and Samantha Powell on this week's episode of "What's on Your Bookshelf" as we unlock the secrets to integrating play and leisure into our busy lives. Inspired by Gretchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project," we reveal actionable steps for mid-career women, particularly millennials, to intentionally carve out time for those activities that truly make us happy.As we discuss the complexities of people management, we also look at how to maintain our well-being...2024-10-0931 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?80 - The Happiness Project - FebruaryHave you ever wondered why the atmosphere of your marriage can set the tone for your entire life? We're Denise Russo and Samantha Powell, and in this heartfelt episode of "What's on Your Bookshelf," we explore February's theme of love from "The Happiness Project." Join us as we discuss the profound influence that marital satisfaction and the dynamics of love have on overall happiness, especially after having children. We dive into key resolutions like quitting nagging, not expecting praise, fighting right, and giving proofs of love to strengthen our relationships.Expressing appreciation and gratitude is more than...2024-09-1838 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?76 - Solve for Happy - Who Made Who?Can contemplating the universe’s design really lead to greater happiness? Join Denise Russo and Samantha Powell as they wrap up their enlightening series on happiness with a thought-provoking exploration of "Solve for Happy: Engineer Your Path to Joy." In this episode, we ponder the grand question of whether the universe is intentionally designed or merely random. Tune in to hear personal anecdotes, such as Denise's poignant story about artist Cody Fry and his evocative song "A Little More," as we discuss the profound impact that different perspectives can have on our quest for joy.Relinquishing control ca...2024-08-2130 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?74 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 13 - L.I.P. Part 1When Mo Gawdat shared his personal story of loss in "Solve for Happy," he opened the door to a conversation many avoid: the sobering reality of death. Our latest episode takes these reflections further, as we navigate the intertwining of life's end with its beginning and how facing this ultimate truth can unexpectedly guide us toward happiness. With Gawdat's insights framing our discussion, we venture into the realms of life's cycles, both natural and personal, and how they mirror the acceptance and peace that can come with life's final chapter.Music and literature often capture life's deepest...2024-08-0721 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?73 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 12 - Love is All You Need Part 2Additional Resources:Order: Solve for HappyThe How of Happiness websiteThe Passion PlannerPassion Planner discount code: RWRD.IO/EFWYE73?CDenise Russo's Websitewww.schoolofthoughts.netDenise Russo's Forbes ArticlesForbes Article LinkSamantha Powell's Website and BlogLead The GameConnect with us on LinkedIn:Denise RussoAndy HughesSamantha PowellSchool of ThoughtsWhere...2024-07-3132 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?63 - Solve for Happy - Chapter 5 - What You KnowHave you ever wondered if what you think you know could actually be hindering your happiness? In our enlightening conversation, we discover the dangers of intellectual arrogance and how an obsession with being right can stifle personal growth and joy. We dive into why embracing a broader spectrum of understanding, particularly in the realm of human kindness, could be your ticket to a more fulfilled life.Imagine transforming your workplace into a hub of positivity simply by altering the way we communicate with each other. This episode is not just talk; we share moving personal experiences and...2024-05-2235 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 min