Shows
Happy & Free PodcastRacing for Your LifeI wrote recently about how I was able to help my son - who races go-karts - overcome a physical and mental slump. He dug deep and went on to win a championship. This whole episode got us thinking about some parallels between what was happening out on the track and what takes place in life. That's the focus of this episode of Happy & Free with Val and Dan. What do you have to learn from karts zooming around a road course? Listen up.2017-05-0324 minHappy & Free PodcastRunning Away With LifeWe recently took in the Boston Marathon. It’s an amazing thing to watch elite runners slice through miles like a knife in hot butter without breaking a sweat. However, the majority of the runners seemed to be grinding out every single step. As we watched, there was some much that mirrored everyday life. On this episode of our podcast Happy & Free with Val and Dan, learn how running can improve your life without strapping on tennis shoes.2017-04-2535 minHappy & Free PodcastThis B & B is More Than A Place to StayA Bed & Breakfast still conjures up warm feelings of the past, long before chain hotels, when people checked in for more than a room. They wanted something that felt a bit like home and local tales and treats from the innkeeper. Tucked in big cities and scattered across the countryside, B&B's still beckon travelers from near and far. We met one innkeeper in the suburbs of Boston who makes the beds, pours the tea, and serves up a healthy dose of conversation. You'll hear her stories on this edition of Happy & Free with Val an...2017-04-1017 minHappy & Free PodcastIs Your Glass Half Empty or Half Full?Your mind is a powerful thing. You can imagine great things and make them happen. You can also worry about things and end up going down a dark hole. What if you were to spend more time focusing on the positive? How would it revolutionize your life? That is what we're talking about on this edition of our podcast, Happy & Free with Val and Dan. There is so much to distract us, but if we learn to focus in the right direction and zoom in on the positive, it could make a big difference.2017-04-0314 minHappy & Free PodcastPlant Life and YouPlants are great for the environment. They produce oxygen and can even purify the air in your home. Beyond those benefits, there are plenty of similarities between plants and your life. On this episode of Happy & Free with Val and Dan, learn how to treat your life like a plant and see how it grows in spectacular ways. 2017-03-2719 minHappy & Free PodcastWhat Are You Doing for Your Future?We plan for our financial future by putting aside money in a 401k or an IRA. Maybe it's a pension or equity in your big house that you plan to one day cash out. But have you taken a moment to plan for your overall future? That's what we're talking about on this edition of our podcast, Happy & Free with Val and Dan. We'll walk you through a checklist on what you should examine as you make your plans for the future – from your passions and needs to your legacy. You don't want to miss it...2017-03-2016 minHappy & Free PodcastLiar, LiarSome people excuse a little white lie; others boldly tell untruths. In some cases, it's about brushing off a nuisance, but others take to lying as a way to deceive, to polish an image, or to move ahead in careers. On this episode of Happy & Free with Val and Dan, we'll tackle the old art of lying. Did you know that 60% of us can't go 10 minutes without telling a lie? Listen, learn, and stop lying.2017-03-1417 minHappy & Free PodcastWhat a Pair of Expensive Shoes Can Teach Us About RelationshipsFalling in love is easy. Living in love is much more difficult. We all make quick and emotional decisions, and then wake up in a relationship that doesn’t quite fit. It’s like a pair of really nice shoes that are a half size off. In this episode of Happy & Free with Val and Dan, follow an interesting story about a shopping spree at a bargain store, an expensive pair of shoes, and lessons that may help to strengthen your relationship or make sure you go into your next one with eyes wide open.2017-03-0627 minHappy & Free PodcastStart Planning Now for Your Tax Refund This is the time of year when we start getting all those tax related forms, so we can begin getting our papers in order. April is still a ways off, but it's never too early to start planning for what to do when the check arrives in the mail. The sooner you file, the sooner you'll get paid. But before you mentally spend your check, listen to this episode of Happy & Free with Val and Dan as we unpack some tips that could help you use your refund to put your financial house in...2017-02-2724 minHappy & Free PodcastTime for a Breathing BreakWe all breathe without thinking about it, but there’s a special kind of breathing that can help you deal with some of life’s everyday problems. For example: stress. You can let it tear you apart from the inside out or you can take some deep breaths with a little rhythm and feel the remarkable difference. Listen to this episode of our podcast Happy & Free with Val and Dan, and breathe along with us as we test some methods that instantly made us feel a little better.2017-02-2019 minHappy & Free PodcastHow to Survive in a Topsy Turvy WorldEverywhere we turn, someone is talking about what they don’t like. Politics and government are at the top of the list. The shift in Washington has led to a lot of uncertainty and some people have taken to the streets in an effort to be heard. We don’t typically dip our toes into political waters, but on this edition of Happy & Free with Val and Dan, we wade out just a bit to find some answers and dish out some advice.2017-02-1316 minHappy & Free PodcastThe Power Behind a Power NapIt works for young kids. Why shouldn’t it do the same for adults? We’re talking about taking a power nap. Kids don’t like sitting still and aren’t fond of being forced to take a nap in the middle of the day. But there are benefits. In some countries, naps are built into the day. Why should we be on board too? On this edition of our podcast, we’re talking about the power of a power nap. Tips from experts say it may reduce stress and lower the risk of heart d...2017-02-0619 minHappy & Free PodcastOvercoming the Monday BluesIt’s the one day of the week that always seems to get a bad rap. Monday! While everyone seems to celebrate Friday and the beginning of a nice weekend, the other end of getting back to work and the real world is often met with a grunt. Why are Mondays so much of a downer? That’s what we’ll kick around on this episode of our podcast Happy & Free with Val and Dan. Maybe our discussion will help pick you up on your next Monday morning.2017-01-3022 minHappy & Free PodcastHow to Just Say No When Relatives Ask for MoneyAt one time or another, someone in your family will ask for a loan. It may be just a few dollars or a lot more. Giving loans to family members or close friends can be tricky. First of all, it can lead to odd moments when the loan isn’t repaid in a timely manner or at all. While some may put their foot down, others make a habit of it. How can you learn to say no? That’s what we’re talking about on this episode of Happy & Free with Val and Da...2017-01-2323 minHappy & Free PodcastWhy We Should Care About Past PresidentsThe presidential inauguration takes place this week and Washington will be all abuzz as President Donald Trump officially takes over 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. We thought it would be a good time to go down memory lane to see how past presidents have inspired with courage and proved that no matter where you come from anything is possible. In this episode of our podcast, we interview Jim Lumley. He’s a pilot who has a healthy obsession with presidential history and believes every child should be given the opportunity to fall in love with history too.2017-01-1718 minHappy & Free PodcastDon't Look Back: Bury Your PastWe did a podcast last year about the benefits of looking in the rearview mirror. You can learn from mistakes and make course corrections. But in this episode, we're looking at burying the past. Forgetting about those things that didn't go right in 2016. Maybe it was a bad relationship, a job, or a move. You can keep stressing about those mistakes or you can focus on the road ahead. Which will it be for you? Listen to our podcast and hear what one woman is doing to turn past mistakes into ashes.2017-01-0922 minHappy & Free PodcastThe Resolutions TestDid you do it yet? Are you thinking about it? Have you given up trying? What we're talking about is making and of course keeping New Year’s resolutions. They typically have something to do with fitness, relationships, or work, but people set all kinds of goals. Some succeed, but often others come up short, Just because it may not have worked out in the past doesn't mean you should stop trying. On our podcast this week, hear how we've done on our resolutions, why we like making them, and what our goals are for thi...2017-01-0227 minHappy & Free PodcastTalk Food Not PoliticsIt’s the end of a year that saw friends and families divided over politics. There used to be a civil discussion, but 2016 was different. People hit the “unfriend” button and brothers and sisters stopped talking to each other. The holidays is the magnet that draws all of these differences into one room. How can the noise of the past be muted? One way is with food around the dinner table. On this podcast, Amanda Varnell, owner of Dish T’Pass Cooking School, Catering Company and Café, takes us into the kitchen of conversat...2016-12-2721 minHappy & Free PodcastWhat Are You Thankful For?How can you put the real spirit of Thanksgiving back into the holiday? Take a moment to jot down some things that you are thankful for. It doesn’t have to be long. It’s a good exercise around this time of year as the calendar forces us all to focus on Thanksgiving. It does get a bit commercial, and turkeys have a hard time with it, but in all seriousness, being in the spirit of this holiday every day of the year can have a positive impact on your life. Listen to our podcast and...2016-11-2120 minHappy & Free PodcastSaving For RetirementPreparing for retirement is scary – but it doesn’t have to be. Here is saving for retirement made simple. When you think about saving for retirement, what comes to mind? Is it a piggy bank? A 401k? A great pension plan? It can all seem so confusing and, frankly, not as interesting if you are a young person just getting started in your career. But that is exactly when you should be paying close attention. Check out our podcast this week as we try to take some of the confusion out of saving for retirement. You c...2016-11-1423 min
Happy & Free PodcastRaising TeenagersEach stage of raising a child can present its own set of challenges, but the dreaded teen years can be especially difficult. There are so many changes going on inside and so many pressures on the outside. On our podcast, this week we'll help parents navigate these trying waters and have some fun along the way.2016-11-0718 minHappy & Free PodcastWhy You Should Care About Children: Universal Children’s Day CampaignThere is a lot of evil in the world, and children often see the worst of it. Is it possible to push back against the trials our children face in just a single day? It may sound like a tired phrase: “kids are our future.” But it’s true, and in too many places in this country and around the world, they aren’t being treated with the respect they deserve. Some are being discarded and abused. Others are raised in poverty with very little chance of getting a good education. There are small signs of hope...2016-10-3123 minHappy & Free PodcastGrabbing the Keys to SuccessHere are a few personalized and unconventional tips for success. There are plenty of books, online resources, and seminars that offer up a buffet of keys to success. Some promise an overnight rocket ride to the top, while others offer shortcuts to make the climb easier. There are no perfect answers because we are all bit different, but on this week’s podcast, we explore a few steps that have worked for us and others. It never hurts to dream big.2016-10-2419 minHappy & Free PodcastA Look in the Mirror: What Drives Your Partner CrazyCouples don’t always get along – but are you doing something small that’s ruining your relationship? Find out what it is, and what you can do about it. There are little things that can grind away at relationships. It could just end up being an accepted annoyance, or it could fester and grow into something significant. What is it that you do that drives your significant other crazy? Are you aware of its impact? Do you care? Let’s assume that you answered ‘YES’ to the last question; the next step is figuring...2016-10-1723 minHappy & Free PodcastBetter Late Than Never is Not BetterAre you one of those people who shows up late to everything? If so, why? Does it have to do with power, risk, or organization? Whatever bucket you fall into, you’ve got to listen to this week’s podcast. It’s admission time as we bare our souls to make a point. We also come up with some solutions that will not only help you, but help get us back in line. Better late than never is NOT better.2016-10-1124 minHappy & Free PodcastWhat Can Hollywood Teach Us About Love?The recent breakup of Hollywood super couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie stirred up talk yet AGAIN about celebrities and commitment. Why do we care? What puts many of these high profile unions at risk? And are there any good examples of lasting love in Hollywood? On our podcast this week, we’re joined by our Heart Beings Hollywood contributor Deborah Zara Kobylt to talk about relationships, commitment, and what all couples should know before taking the plunge.2016-10-0616 minHappy & Free Podcast‘Stop Acting Fat’Can you lose fat without diet or exercise, but just by changing your actions? That statement may not sound politically correct, but it’s the way one entrepreneur has drawn attention to a problem he has been fighting – obesity. “Stop Acting Fat” is the name of his organization and it screams from the front of his T-shirt. Obesity is a major health problem despite countless diets, a sea of fitness centers, and a general health craze sweeping the US. So what is this campaign offering that others aren’t? Check out...2016-09-2624 minHappy & Free PodcastLooking in Life’s Rearview Mirror: How to Smooth Your Present JourneyThings from the past should stay in the past, right? But how can inviting your past into your future help your life and actions now? We hear so much about forgetting the past. “Put the past behind you” a coach once said after a tough loss. We like – or frankly need – to forget pain, loss, and disappointment. However, there are times when looking back can help us move forward. It has a way of motivating or clarifying things. Listen to our podcast this week, and then look in the rearview mirror.2016-09-2017 minHappy & Free PodcastHow to Train Yourself to be PositiveBeing positive is hard; but here’s a roadmap that makes it second nature. It isn’t easy to be a constant state of happiness, but some amazing things can happen if you spend more time working on being positive than looking at what is going wrong. Positivity in the workplace has proven to be a key factor in a successful employee. And guess what? Positivity has been linked to longevity. That should be enough to get you to click and listen to our podcast this week. We aren’t making any promises, but yo...2016-09-1218 minHappy & Free PodcastThe Secret of Unplugging From LifeYou want a break from life, but do you even know how? Here is the secret for truly taking a breather. Summer is now in the rearview mirror, but if you were like us, you had the chance to escape for a vacation or took time off for a staycation. Either way, jumping off the daily treadmill of life has countless benefit. Take that a step further: what if you were able to completely unplug? What if you could leave your phone and emails behind? Well, one of us did that this summer...2016-09-0527 minHappy & Free PodcastWhat Hollywood Should Do About HIV and Gun ViolenceShould movies go in a different direction, and should celebrities help fight diseases and the stigma surrounding them? Charlie Sheen told the world that he is HIV positive. Now he wants other stars who are also infected to step forward. His goal is to get rid of the stigma around the disease. On our podcast this week, we talk about the facts behind his big push, plus turn our attention to another issue in Hollywood: violence on the big screen. With all the bad stuff happening across the country and around the world, is it t...2016-08-2919 minHappy & Free PodcastThe Happy Benefits of Becoming a Concert GoerWhat’s the last concert you attended? Do you attend musical events frequently? Well listen up; dancing around at a concert will not just lead to sweat and perhaps ringing ears, but it could make you much happier in life. What about the performers? And what are we to make of this positive information? We’ll answer all of those question in podcast this week. “The findings revealed that engaging with music by dancing or attending musical events was associated with higher Subjective Wellbeing (SWB) than for those who did not engage with music...2016-08-2312 minHappy & Free PodcastTiny House-ing Your LifeTV supposedly isn’t good for you – but there’s a lot to be learned from the Tiny House concept that can change your daily living. How many of you can’t get enough of those Tiny House shows on cable television and online? It’s all the rage. Couples and families are shedding the spacious comforts of a large house and choosing to live in much smaller square footage. We’re talking 200 to 300 square feet! As people get caught up in the designs, this simpler way of life is stirring debate about our needs vs...2016-08-1621 minHappy & Free PodcastBolling Family - I Am Ready, We Are Ready2016-08-1001 minHappy & Free PodcastBolling Family Song - I Am Ready, We Are Ready!2016-08-1000 minHappy & Free PodcastHitting the Reset Button in Your RelationshipWhether it’s a painful break or just a bump in the road, sometimes you need to hit reset on a relationship. How can you do it successfully, and healthily? Isn’t the honeymoon period such a sweet time in a relationship? You date, you fall in love, and everything is so special. Flowers arrive at unexpected moments. Weekends are filled with candlelight dinners. However, both time and changes in life often throw a wrench in every love story. What happens when you are forced to hit the rese...2016-08-0827 minHappy & Free PodcastFighting Fear: Keeping World Tragedies from Shaking YouAre you ready to fight back against the fear that world events bring? It seems no place is safe. Violent acts are happening all around the world, and in this ever connected society, we find out about it with great detail immediately. This is all fueling a lot of fear. Are you one of those people afraid of what could happen next in your neighborhood or on your next trip overseas? Listen to our podcast this week as we offer up some ways to overcome your biggest fea...2016-08-0221 minHappy & Free PodcastHow T-Shirts Are Turning Kids into PhilanthropistsWe give to the children of the world to make their lives better – but these children are giving back. It turns out everyone in the world is not selfish. People with very little income and those with billions in the bank are donating their time and money to make sure that great causes are funded. Philanthropy is a big word that is often linked to the wealthy or to something that grown-ups do. But, in fact, kids are big givers too. It has moved well beyond the lemon...2016-07-2525 minHappy & Free PodcastMake the World Your GymWho says you need a gym to get in shape or make yourself feel better? With these techniques, the world is your exercise machine. This is the season where the things that are covered up in winter are exposed in the summer sun. No sweaters or long sleeve shirts to help you fib that you’re still on that exercise routine. Some people can’t afford gym memberships or, if they can, have a difficult time just showing up. We want to give you a helping hand. On our podcast this week...2016-07-1816 minHappy & Free PodcastGet Rid of HatredHate is a powerful word. We throw it around when talking about a movie that bombed or a restaurant that served up an unpleasant meal. But look around the world or right down the street and the more troubling meaning of hate is taking lives and destroying communities. It almost seems as if people and groups are seeking out reasons to hate or nurturing long held beliefs that divide us. On this podcast we’ll dig deep to the heart of hatred and talk about what we can do to get rid of it...2016-07-1223 minHappy & Free PodcastFighting Childhood Cancer: One Boy’s Battle Helps OthersA child being diagnosed with cancer does not inspire hope – not for themselves, and not for others. But this family is flipping the script, and turning a tragic situation into a tool for hope. No parent ever wants to hear the diagnosis that their child has cancer. It was shocking for the Garcia family. At first they shut down, but it wasn’t long before they decided to not only fight for themselves, but for kids and parents all around the world. The result? The Richi Foundation. On this...2016-07-0429 minHappy & Free PodcastHow We Overcame our Most Embarrassing Moments EverYou know which ones we’re talking about… Hearing “most embarrassing moments ever” probably conjures up a few horrible memories for you, but what if there was a way to forget about them? What if there was a way to make them a good memory? There’s no way to adequately describe the feeling of sticking your foot in your mouth or making a big, embarrassing blunder. It has happened to all of us. When it does, the immediate reaction is to crawl into a very deep hole and never see daylight again. These moments can be hum...2016-06-2718 minHappy & Free PodcastWhat Does It Mean to Give Refuge?What no doubt comes immediately to mind is the flood of refugees coming from countries like Syria. That is certainly part of issue, but seeking and giving refuge can happen all around us. On our podcast this week, we sit down with Heart Beings friend Joshua Freedman, CEO and co-founder of 6 Seconds – The Emotional Intelligence Network. What is EQ? We’ll educate you on harnessing your emotions, and with World Refugee Day this week, we’ll also focus on how people around the world and right next door are...2016-06-2317 minHappy & Free PodcastThe Benefits of Raising Children as a JanitorA low-wage job doesn’t mean a low-level future, especially not for your children. This man has proven that it’s not the paycheck that makes the difference. Fred Vautour never attended college; neither did his wife. He has worked for years as a janitor. But all five of his children now have degrees from elite Boston College. They got in, succeeded, and graduated one after the other. That education is worth about $700,000 and Vautour paid for it all. Well, sort of. As we celebrate Father’s day on our podcast, hear the story...2016-06-1319 minHappy & Free PodcastWhat is Zen?Do you know what “zen” really is? “Zen” is making a revival, and in the modern age, it’s taking on more dimensions than its hippie origins. The urban dictionary describes Zen as a: “total state of focus that incorporates a total togetherness of body and mind.” It goes on to say that: “Zen is a way of being. It also is a state of mind. Zen involves dropping illusion and seeing things without distortion created by your own thoughts.” What can zen do for you? In this podcast, we’ll help you feel a little “zenny” (a wor...2016-06-0620 minHappy & Free PodcastGood News Stories: Just What the Doctor Ordered?Every day we are bombarded with a hefty dose of negative news. Plane crashes, terrorist attacks, and murders rule the headlines. Consuming so much negative news is not good for your health. In fact, some studies prove that there’s great power in positive, uplifting stories. Don’t agree? Listen to our podcast as we break it all down and give you plenty of reasons to spend more time on Heart Beings- erm, we mean, watching or reading things that will either make you feel good or result in personal growth.2016-05-3115 minHappy & Free PodcastTurn Disrespect Into Respect At WorkWhat is R-E-S-P-E-C-T? It is spelled out, belted out, by the great Aretha Franklin in that old but still fresh hit. We throw that word around a lot, but often times don’t treat each other with much respect especially in the workplace. On our podcast, we put respect in the spotlight. What can you do as a boss or a co-worker to show respect on the job? We’ll give you some tips to answer the question: “What is respect?" And as a bonus, give you a reason to add an old tune to...2016-05-2320 minHappy & Free PodcastWhat Does It Take To Live a Longer, Healthier Life? Just Five Simple ThingsWho needs complicated guidebooks when you could change your life for the better with five steps? Learn how today. If you’ve been making excuses or struggling to figure out the best way to live longer and healthier, then search no more. This podcast could change your life for good. It’s as simple as The Big Five. Dr. Sanjiv Chopra, our friend and partner, realized that a complicated formula often scared people away from making progress, so he has broken it down to Five Simple Things You Can Do to Live a Long...2016-05-1624 minHappy & Free PodcastWhen You Feel Like Giving UpHow many times have you felt like throwing in the towel? It may be a difficult relationship or a job – one that was once great, but has quickly gone south. Whatever the challenge, it’s human nature to give up. What if you were to take a step back, put together a checklist, and think before you jump? That’s what we’ll help you do in this week’s podcast. We’ll share our experiences of regrets and what helped to motivate us to plow on. We’re not saying this is easy...2016-05-0919 minHappy & Free PodcastShocking Cancer Diagnosis Reveals Man of CourageNobody wants to hear a doctor say the C-word. Cancer. Evenhighly curable forms of the disease can instill fear ina patient. There's so much uncertainty and so manyquestions. People handle adversity in so many different ways. What would beyour reaction? On this podcast, we interview a man who faced the medical giantswith courage. His response will help you deal with adversity oreven a scary diagnosis. Listen, be inspired, and share this podcast.2016-05-0224 minHappy & Free PodcastMarathon = LifeNot everybody can run a marathon. After all, it takes grit and
months of training to survive 26.2 miles.
But at the very least, we should all try to be like a marathon
runner; setting a high goal and accomplishing it.
That's what we're talking about on our podcast this week.
One of us has been in a couple of marathons so this advice comes
from a place of experience.
They’re useful tips that you can start trying right now; and who
knows, you ju...2016-04-2531 minHappy & Free PodcastIs Something Good on your Bucket List?Did you know where the bucket list term came from? Well, that’s just a little pinch of what you’ll take home after listening to our podcast this week. However, the real focus is something much more important.
Most of us have a bucket list. It has all those wonderful places we want to visit and great things we want to do.
But as you scroll down your list, do you see something there that you would like to do for others? In other words: is doing good on your bucket list?
We h...2016-04-2019 minHappy & Free PodcastAmerica’s Relationship Expert: Why Finding the Right One is “Less About Luck and More About Skill”The matchmaking business has becoming a billion dollar industry. It seems everyone is looking for love, but for some, it can be frustratingly elusive.
Dr. Wendy Walsh has been helping couples and offering up advice as “America’s relationship expert.” She joins us on the podcast as we try to unravel the secret behind finding and keeping a great relationship.
Also, hear what turns off women and attracts men early in relationships.
WHO IS DR. WENDY WALSH?
Host of The Dr. Wendy Walsh Show on iHe...2016-04-1318 minHappy & Free PodcastHow One Meal Can Change a NeighborhoodOne meal, a bit of courage, and a few knocks on the door are all it takes; this simple action is revolutionizing communities.
Look around your neighborhood, and figure, how many people you know by name? With our 21st century lives, a lot of us dash in and out with only a second for a quick wave.
There can be a richness to a vibrant community. It’s not just something that old timers did. People who get to know each other and spent time together can celebrate great moments and lean...2016-04-0718 minHappy & Free PodcastAre You Too Moody? Why This Is More Than Just About YouWhen you rolled out of bed this morning, what was the temperature of your mood? Were you excited to get your day started or worried about work? Were you cranky and ready to snap at your kids or calm and welcoming of the days challenges?
Your mood and your mind matter.
We recently posted an article by one of our contributing authors and this got people talking about the contagious nature of your mood.
On this week’s podcast, we go a little deeper by exploring ways in whi...2016-03-2916 minHappy & Free PodcastUpswing’s Secret to Keep Kids in and Enjoying CollegeLearning is hard, and the college experience can be even harder. But it doesn’t have to be. You can be on the Upswing and both get your degree and enjoy the experience.
Getting into college is only half the problem. Making the grade and staying enrolled after the second year seems to be a monumental challenge for many millennials.
There’s just so much going on and, often, not enough of a support structure to keep students focused and able to do the coursework.
That’s where Upswing is filling the gap.
Wh...2016-03-2129 minHappy & Free PodcastWhat Every Man and Woman Should Know About Prostate CancerIt’s an uncomfortable topic to talk about, especially for men, but there’s more to prostate cancer than you think – and women should know about it too. With a little education and forethought, you could be saving your life or the life of your loved one. It doesn’t come out of nowhere. Experts say prostate cancer builds over decades, then strikes men in their 40s, 50s, or older. It’s a highly curable disease, but often men tend to drag their feet until their wives or girlfriends nudge them to go and get checked ou...2016-03-1438 minHappy & Free PodcastAmputees Conquer Mt. KilimanjaroThe next time someone tells you “no, you can’t do that, it’s impossible,” think about the people we feature in this week’s podcast. It should challenge us all to push our boundaries, shatter hurdles, and shame our doubters.
It’s difficult enough for anyone to climb a tall mountain; now consider scaling Mt. Kilimanjaro without some of your limbs. That’s exactly what The Cloud Walkers did.
It wasn’t easy, but with the help of a woman who lost a leg to a drunk driver, they conquered the mountaintop.
Their story will in...2016-03-0827 minHappy & Free PodcastThriving Coffee: Growing Coffee and Connections AlikeYou’ve probably read recent stories about the benefits of drinking coffee. It’s touted by experts as helping to prevent liver disease and diabetes.
That’s good news for a coffee company that is doing more than just producing your morning pick-me-up. THRIVE Farmers has a new model that gives growers overseas a chance to have a stable and profitable business. The result?
Changing families and communities.
On our podcast this week, we interview the founder of Thrive from his farm in Costa Rica, Central America.
WHO THEY ARE - IN THEIR...2016-03-0329 minHappy & Free PodcastThe Food RescuerLovin' Spoonfuls - Why We Do It:
Alleviate hunger
The face of hunger in America has changed. Food insecurity affects a rising number of families in communities across the nation. Here, one in five Bostonians are classified as food insecure, and the number of residents participating in federal meal assistance programs is at an all-time high. At the same time, the influx of cheap, processed food items over the past four decades has contributed to the alarming spike in obesity rates and diet-related health risks, especially among low-income populations. Traditional models of hunger relief rely...2016-02-2319 minHappy & Free PodcastHealthy Dishes and Your Grocery Make-overWhat’s on your grocery list? Some shoppers give very little care to what they put into their bodies. The test is often: if it tastes good, then it ends up in the cart and on the table.
But Dr. Gerald Cooke can give your list a make-over. On this week’s podcast, he follows up on Sleeping Your Way to a Healthier Life, beginning with a rainbow and ending with your sweet tooth. Have we peaked your interest?
Follow Dr. Cooke’s advice and it could lead to healthy dishes and a healthier life.
W...2016-02-1506 minHappy & Free PodcastSleeping Your Way to a Healthier LifeWhen you get sick or experience troubling symptoms, getting to the doctor is often at the top of your to-do list. You want to feel better and receive a peace of mind. But long before you get to that point, Dr. Gerald Cooke is offering treatment of a different kind; his prescription is lifestyle medicine.
WHO IS HE?
Dr. Gerald Cooke sees maintenance of good health as a collaboration between the doctor and patient, and that the two are not mutually exclusive. Since graduating from Emory University School of Medicine in 1996, Dr. Cooke has focused...2016-02-0908 minHappy & Free PodcastHappy & Free Podcast: Divine Intervention -- The Beauty of Second ChancesHow many times have you heard someone say “everyone deserves a second chance?” It can become a flip response, until something happens to you and it’s what you need to get back on your feet. The story of Divine - "The 4th Letter" (http://the4thletter.com) didn’t start out with a need for anything; after all, it was a comfortable middle-class upbringing in the suburbs. But then life took a very sharp U-turn and the young boy watched as life crumbled around him.
His mom became an addict, and he started selling drugs to support t...2016-02-0349 minHappy & Free PodcastHappy & Free Podcast: “Drunking”How much are you willing to reveal about your true self? It’s easier for some than others. There’s of course the risk of rejection, or maybe fear of an embarrassing exchange. Some chose to hide behind alcohol. They see binge drinking as more than just a youthful ritual; it’s a mask.
On this podcast, we invent a new word: Drunking. People who drink with the sole purpose of getting drunk.
Hear the story of one young man who masked his true self with “just one more” drink, and hear solutions that could be helpful i...2016-01-2519 minHappy & Free PodcastThe Secret of Living to 100We think it’s pretty safe to say that most people want to live longer. Maybe even living to 100. Quality of life is important, but being around to watch your kids grow up or being able to see your grandchildren and great grandchildren build their own lives would satisfy many.
We aren’t there yet; in fact we’re not even close. But check out our podcast this week to hear how some of our relatives have made it to – or close to – 100. You might even learn something to help you live a longer, healthier life.
“More an...2016-01-1915 minHappy & Free PodcastCoach Erik Will Pump You Up from the Inside OutHow’s your workout routine going so far? We’re not just referring to getting your body in shape, but also your mind and spirit.
There’s an amazing trainer who can help you do both. His name is Erik Hajer. He’s a thought leader and disrupter in the fitness and wellness space, as well as a motivational speaker, an entrepreneur, and the author of Live Fit and Be Well – a personal transformation workbook.
You can find him at his website (CoachErik.com) or listen to him right here on our podcast.
Are you re...2016-01-1118 minHappy & Free PodcastMaking and Keeping New Year's ResolutionsOkay, so it's early in the new year and the “new car smell” of New Year's resolutions is still in the air. That is, if you even made them this year!
Once again, we have a clean slate to start building some good habits; but making resolutions stick is easier said than done.
In this podcast, we’ll give you some facts, tips, and share what’s on our respective lists in 2016.
Hit play, click share, and let us know – what are YOUR resolutions this year?2016-01-0421 minHappy & Free Podcast5 Tips for a Better Life in 2016 with Dr. Sanjiv Chopra
Do you want to live a more optimistic, generous, purposeful life? Well, stop what you’re doing and listen to our podcast this week.
We’re excited to welcome thought leader and renowned doctor Sanjiv Chopra as our new Heart Beings expert partner. Dr. Chopra walks us through five steps to a better life in the new year.
Sanjiv Chopra, M.D. is a best-selling author and sought-after motivational speaker throughout the United States and abroad.
Dr. Chopra is professor of medicine and former faculty dean for Continuing Medical Education at Harvard...2015-12-2815 minHappy & Free PodcastThe Year in Our Rearview MirrorThere are so many great people doing incredible things, and this year we introduced you to some of them on our podcast.
They inspired young girls to consider high tech, dreamed of outer space and got there, tapped into the power of music, and silenced doubters on a journey from fixing airplanes to Wall Street.
How do you plan to change the world?
Listen to our podcast as we rewind a year of inspiration. And share it with your family and friends.2015-12-2121 minHappy & Free PodcastDon’t Stress the HolidayDo you have your holiday list and are you checking it twice? There’s so much to do and so many parties to attend, not to mention all of the packing for trips to visit relatives.
As the lights twinkle and as the carols play around the clock, the mad holiday rush is hitting its peak.
Tis' the season for reflection, for giving and for receiving, yet it can also be a time of big stress.
It doesn’t have to be that way.
Listen to our podcast this week and it jus...2015-12-1411 minHappy & Free PodcastDaring to Do: The Result of an Unusual Holiday EscapeIt’s not every holiday that the hostess decides to skip out on her guests in order to invest in herself. But that’s exactly what happened recently.
Some may call what I did selfish, but maybe that’s not such a bad thing after all, especially when you consider the benefits of this unusual decision.
Listen to this podcast to hear what happened next.2015-12-0820 minHappy & Free PodcastOutworking Your Way to the TopEdrizio De La Cruz made a habit of proving his detractors wrong. An immigrant from the Dominican Republic, he held down full-time jobs while going to a community college, got into an Ivy League university, then took off from a career as an aircraft mechanic to a big job on Wall Street.
On this podcast, hear the interview that may inspire you to dream big, especially when you hear what he's up to now.2015-11-3023 minHappy & Free PodcastBe Careful What You ThinkThere are tens of thousands of thoughts that travel through our minds each day. Sometimes they are positive, other times they are dark.
What we think can make a big difference in how we act and how people around us feel.
Too many negative thoughts . . . you get the picture. Or do you?
On this podcast, see what happens when you start treating your thoughts like a portfolio manager. There are parallels, and all you have to do is listen closely.
Click on our podcast and share it with a friend.
H...2015-11-2313 minHappy & Free PodcastA Different Kind of Boys’ ClubWomen and significant others can attest to the fact that some men have a difficult time talking about their feelings. It could stem from the example set by their fathers or a natural inclination to appear tough and in control.
What if there was a place that men could go and share, cry, talk about their faith and family, and open up about their deepest challenges?
Well, there is.
In this podcast, go inside the weekly meeting that feeds the souls and minds of a group of professional men.
Happy & Free...2015-11-2016 minHappy & Free PodcastMother’s Approval Cements Passion for Making ImpactNeetal Parekh was practicing law, but her heart was in a different place. She was frustrated with the slow pace of progress in ongoing initiatives and the lack of enthusiasm. She wanted to make an impact and lead others to do the same. As Parekh was weighing her next steps, her mother, who was battling cancer, gave her the gift that would cement her passion for making an impact.
On this podcast, get to know the founder of Inno8social. It’s a company that offers tools and resources to help people achieve their impact potential. It all st...2015-11-0916 minHappy & Free PodcastWho Is Dr. Fuddle? Find the Magic in MusicWe are fairly sure that in the not-too-distant future the world will instantly recognize the name Dr. Fuddle.
It was all hatched in the mind of musicologist and classical pianist Warren Woodruff who wrote a small play that led to a successful book, Dr. Fuddle and the Gold Baton, that is now a screenplay.
There’s a big Hollywood deal and lots of exciting possibilities, but at the heart of this story is a group of young kids on a perilous adventure and an exploration of the magic of music.
On this podcast, we...2015-11-0219 minHappy & Free PodcastDealing with DepressionWe all move through our daily lives trying to put a smile on our faces, trying to display confidence and success. But some are masking turmoil deep inside. We’re not just talking about financial or relationship issues—we’re referring to depression. It can be dark and paralyzing. For a family member, knowing how to deal with this and understand depression can be difficult.
On this podcast, we’ll share a lesson learned during a walk on the beach. It might help you or someone you know.
Happy & Free with Val and Dan is a weekly po...2015-10-2607 minHappy & Free PodcastThe Power of a Father’s WordsRaising young boys to become respected and honest men doesn’t happen by remote control. It requires a lot of hard work. It comes down to good parenting. That’s why a father-son relationship is so vital. The elder can lead with advice and by example.
We ran across one such dad in Atlanta who is trying to avoid some of the challenges of his own childhood.
On this week’s podcast, we introduce you to Aaron Faulkner. His strategy is pretty simple: give his son daily affirmations to help him overcome doubt, fear, and negative...2015-10-1914 minHappy & Free PodcastGo on a Date with YourselfWhen was the last time that you went out on a date? I don’t mean with someone else. I mean alone. Right about now you’re probably scratching your head, but there’s a point here.
In this noisy world with its ringing cellphones and crowded schedules, some people are finding that going out with yourself, if only for a few moments, can do wonders.
Check out our podcast this week and hear what inspired Val Mosley to take her alone time to the beach and how it recharged her life.
Happy & Free w...2015-10-1211 minHappy & Free PodcastGirls Can Do ThatThings have changed since the days when girls were encouraged to stay home, teach, or become nurses. The sky's the limit, but what about careers in math and science? Some would argue it's still mostly a boys’ world. Now, one doctor is using her pen along with a scalpel to help close the gap. In this week's podcast, blast off into space with Harvard-educated surgeon Dr. Oneeka Williams. She's the creator and author of the Dr. Dee Dee Dynamo book series, and wait until you hear what she's up to.
Hap...2015-10-0521 minHappy & Free PodcastDealing with DeceptionIt was mostly a perfect life. Her husband had a big job with plenty of tag-along international travel. Her kids were growing up well and entering wonderful careers. And a brand-new house had just been furnished.
That’s when the other shoe dropped.
Jackie unexpectedly turned around as she was walking out of her husband’s office and what she saw shattered her wonderful suburban life forever.
On this week’s podcast, we confront the pain of deception and learn about the power of recovery in our interview with a woman who is now help...2015-09-2831 minHappy & Free PodcastLosing My Religion—What to Do?I hope we don’t date ourselves by humming that classic R.E.M. song, “Losing My Religion.” It was a major hit by the alternative rock band in the early ’90s that was less about faith and more about romance. But what happens when the title of that song becomes literal in your own family?
On this week’s podcast, we share a deeply personal real-time experience and the search for answers.
This is a podcast you don’t want to miss.
Happy & Free with Val and Dan is a weekly podcast that helps li...2015-09-2213 minHappy & Free PodcastHank Williams Builds Platform for Different VoicesThis Hank Williams may not be a singer-songwriter, but he has a platform, a microphone, and a star-studded lineup that’s helping to put underrepresented innovators in the spotlight.
On this week’s podcast is our interview with Hank Williams, the Founder and CEO of Platform, a nonprofit organization that’s like TED Talks with a focus on African Americans, Latinos, and women. (For more on Platform, visit their website at www.platform.org.
2015-09-1422 minHappy & Free PodcastStop Complaining“I just hate my job.” “Why do they always serve the same food?” “This weather is just awful!” That’s just a sample of what we’ve heard recently from people who make it a habit of complaining. It doesn’t matter how great things are, they seem to find a way to work in a complaint.
Complainers don’t see the glass as half full, they are fixated with the glass as half empty.
In this week’s podcast, we’ll attempt to help you focus on the bright side of life. Listen and hear why one of us slipped u...2015-09-0718 minHappy & Free PodcastThe Art of MindfulnessWhat is mindfulness and why should you care? What if we told you that most of us spend 50% of our waking hours either worrying about what might happen in the future or about something that happened in the past? That’s the reality. But what gets left out in this equation is the present.
Spending more time focused on the now could help to move your life in a better direction.
On this week’s podcast, we’ll help you refocus with the art of mindfulness.
Happy & Free with Val and Dan is a...2015-08-3115 minHappy & Free PodcastLittle Things, Big ImpactCommercials and billboards will often make you think that you need a flashy new car or an expensive gadget to make your day. But, if you take the time to look around, you might be surprised to find little moments that add great value to your life and leave lasting memories.
On this week’s podcast, we’ll attempt to put a smile on your face with tales of rainbows and emails from old friends.
2015-08-2422 minHappy & Free PodcastLearn How to Negotiate Your Way into a Better LifeThere’s no easy formula for getting ahead in your career. It can be a function of your experience, where you went to school, or your personality. But there’s evidence that shows moms, mentors, and learning to negotiate can be big differences when it comes to women advancing in the workplace and in life.
Negotiating at work can sometimes be intimidating. You don't want to ask for too much or not enough. But learning some important skills could help you advance and get a bigger paycheck.
What if you took the same approach in your...2015-08-1709 minHappy & Free PodcastWomen in the Workplace | Finding A Role Model Who Looks Like YouThere’s no easy formula for getting ahead in your career. It can be a function of your experience, where you went to school, or your personality. But there’s evidence that shows moms, mentors, and learning to negotiate can be the big difference when it comes to women advancing in the workplace and in life.
Not all role models are created equal. Some may be sensitive to your background or wowed by your skills, but there's good evidence that shows a role model who looks like you could be the perfect mentorship to help you advance in yo...2015-08-1016 minHappy & Free Podcast3 Tips for Giving Your Daughter a Leg Up at Work and LifeThere's no easy formula for getting ahead in your career. It can be a function of your experience, where you went to school, or your personality. But there's evidence that shows moms, mentors, and learning to negotiate can be the big difference when it comes to women advancing in the workplace and in life. On this week's podcast, we begin a three-part series with Harvard Business School professor Kathleen McGinn. She walks us through revealing research that we hope will benefit women working outside the home and trying to climb the corporate ladder.
2015-08-0311 minHappy & Free PodcastKick Worry Out of Your MindHow much time do you spend worrying? If you took a few moments to do the math you might be shocked at what you learn. We worry about relationships, jobs, money—the list goes on and on. You don’t need a medical expert to tell you that too much worrying could be bad for your health.
On this week’s podcast, we’ll give you some simple tips to help kick worry out of your mind.
Find out why spending some dedicated time alone worrying can be a good prescription. We know that advice sounds co...2015-07-2810 minHappy & Free PodcastMaking Sense of What Trump Supporters Said to UsRepublican presidential hopeful Donald Trump continues to step on his tongue even as his supporters applaud every word.
Our recent posting on how Trump can repair his bad reputation drew some strong criticism on our Facebook page. "Get a grip on reality, you bunch of boneheads," read one comment. Don't worry—we can take the heat. In this week’s podcast we try to make sense of what supporters love about Donald Trump.
Happy & Free with Val and Dan is a weekly podcast that helps listeners tackle some of life’s challenges and aims to inspire w...2015-07-2010 minHappy & Free PodcastDoes It Matter If You Say Thank You?When was the last time you said thank you? We don’t mean when someone held the door open or when your waiter did a great job, although both of those examples are good. We’re talking about a meaningful action of appreciation.
It’s only two short words, but the impact can be long-lasting and could give you the edge after a job interview, for instance.
On our podcast this week, we’ll show you how to say thank you. So, grab a pen and a piece of paper and get ready to write.
Say ...2015-07-1416 minHappy & Free PodcastOvercoming the Fear of Public SpeakingAt some point in life most of us will have to stand up in front of a group and speak. It might start early in school, church or later as part of a job presentation. Some people can launch into a flawless performance that leaves the audience hanging on every word. Others barely survive with a knot in their throats and beads of sweat running down their forehead.
Where do you fit in?
This week Val Mosley and Dan Lothian offer some simple tips that could help ease the anxiety and "Fear of Public Speaking." I...2015-07-0618 minHappy & Free PodcastWhen Your Parents Become Your KidsThe other day around the dinner table my father-in-law brought up a new reality that he described with a chuckle. “I feel like I’m the kid and you’re the adult,” he said as we talked about his need for a better diet.
You’re either in this group or one day you will be. Aging parents face new challenges and big decisions and must often rely on their children to make sense of it all.
This week in our podcast, “Parenting Your Parents,” we confront some of the challenges families face and discuss ways to help make...2015-06-2912 minHappy & Free PodcastCreating HappinessWhat does it take to create happiness? It isn't about possessions or money. In fact, some of the happiest people around the world don't have big bank accounts.
With so many pressures in life—in the workplace or while caring for your children in the home—we wanted to spend a little time smiling, singing, and sharing what we've learned about creating happiness.
Why is this important? Because happiness is contagious, and it could make you healthier.
Happy & Free with Val and Dan is a weekly podcast that helps listeners tackle some of life’...2015-06-2213 minHappy & Free PodcastGo Daddy! What Makes a Good Father?It’s that time of year when fathers end up in the spotlight. They might get breakfast in bed, another colorful tie, or phone calls reminding them how special they are.
Fathers are supposed to play an important role in shaping the lives of their children, but sometimes their fast-paced life or other pressures get in the way of doing what’s expected.
What makes a good father?
Val Mosley and Dan Lothian offer tips that get men thinking about one of the most important jobs they’ll ever have.
2015-06-1513 minHappy & Free PodcastThe Anytime, Anywhere Fitness Workouts that Won’t Cost You a DimeWe are all trying to get into “swimsuit shape” so that we can go to the beach or pool with confidence this summer.
That’s easier said than done, especially if you skipped a few days or a few weeks of your workout routines. What if you could take a much simpler, less daunting approach that doesn’t require regular visits to the gym?
They aren’t exercise gurus, but in this week’s podcast, Val Mosley and Dan Lothian give you tips on how to stay in shape whether you’re at work, in the car, or in...2015-06-0818 minHappy & Free PodcastForgive and ForgetHow many of you are still hanging on to an old grudge or a slight by a former friend? We see those raised hands.
It could have started out as something small but with time it grew into a mountain. It’s so difficult to let go, to forgive and forget. That is the focus of our podcast this week.
We’ve struggled with some of those issues so this discussion is helpful for us, and we hope it will challenge you as well.
It all begins with getting rid of pride and resen...2015-06-0214 minHappy & Free PodcastDying for a CauseWar is never pretty, and sometimes those who are deployed never return home alive. The pain of such loss is great, but the sacrifice for freedom is what we honor.
It’s not just the service member who is impacted. His or her family bears a huge burden, often separated for long periods of time only to get that heart-wrenching knock on the door. Some return home alive but are never the same again.
Is there a cause that you would die for? What is your tolerance for sacrifice?
In this week’s podca...2015-05-2712 minHappy & Free PodcastLet Your Light ShineIt goes without saying that a full moon on a clear night is bound to get a lot of oohs and ahhs. It’s beautiful, bright, and majestic. In offbeat corners of the world or on a country road without street lights, the moon can also be your guide.
That’s the inspiration for this week’s podcast as Val and Dan encourage us all to be a little like the full moon and endeavor to shine our light, inspire others, and practice what we preach. If none of that gets your attention, then how about our hosts...2015-05-1912 min