Shows
What's on Your Bookshelf?139 The Four Agreements: Own Your Reactions, Find Your FreedomWe explore the second agreement from The Four Agreements and show how not taking things personally creates real freedom. Personal stories, practical tools, and a clear path to separate identity from other people’s words and your own inner critic• Why “not taking it personally” breaks hidden agreements• Words as spells that bind or free• The cost of praise and criticism when you cling to either• Childhood labels shaping adult identity• Reframing feedback as data not destiny• Choice over suffering through clear, kind requests• Building an inner citadel and observing thoughts• Identity as cy...
2025-12-0436 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?136 The Four Agreements: Opening The Door To Personal FreedomWe open a new arc with The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, shifting from a year of habits and happiness into a practice of inner freedom rooted in Toltec wisdom. The smoky mirror story sets our theme: clear the fog, see the light, and rebuild beliefs that actually serve.• framing freedom as the progression after happiness and habits• why Toltec roots and the smoky mirror metaphor matter• decisions that pinch and how projection clouds advice• images of light versus labels and roles• polarization as fog and the role of attention• how emotions sha...
2025-11-1226 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?SP1 Special Edition Agile Brain: Emotions Drive The WheelWe launch a special seven-part series with Dr. JD Pincus exploring the 12 emotional needs that shape decisions, leadership, and fulfillment. Emotions lead, thoughts explain, and leaders thrive when they surface needs and align habits with values.• origin story from punk band to psychologist• scope of the book and why the bibliography matters• emotions as primary drivers over rational intention• CBT and habit loops for rewiring behavior• naming and working with the 12 emotional needs• limits of over-rationalized leadership cultures• fulfillment, Ikigai, and non-striving compared• marketing’s promise versus authentic need satisfaction• preview of n...
2025-10-2332 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?119-The Obstacle Is The Way: Part 2-Episode 5; Turning Trials into Triumph: How Your Obstacles Become OpportunitiesSam and Denise explore how to transform obstacles into opportunities by approaching challenges with strategic patience and focused energy rather than immediate reaction.• Using obstacles against themselves requires stepping back and allowing some problems to "fizzle out" on their own• Non-action can be a powerful form of action when dealing with emotional situations or seemingly immovable obstacles• Channeling frustration into focused energy creates more sustainable results than emotional reactions• The "long game" approach often outperforms immediate gratification in both sports and business settings• Humility is essential when facing obstacles—sometimes admitting the original path isn't w...
2025-05-2833 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?001 - What's On Your Bookshelf (Exclusive Series): Extreme Ownership IntroDiscover the transformative power of military leadership principles in our exclusive new series featuring Denise Russo and special co-host Zach Elliott. This debut episode introduces a fresh perspective on leadership through the lens of military experience, specifically exploring how the disciplined, accountable leadership style of elite military units translates to business success.The conversation centers on the groundbreaking book "Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win" by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. Together, Denise and Zach unpack why military leadership resonates so powerfully in corporate spaces – from the unwavering focus and accountability instilled in mi...
2025-04-0430 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?109 - Extreme Ownership Chapter 5 - Cover and MoveEver wondered why some teams thrive while others struggle? Discover the keys to unlocking team success as Denise Russo and Zach Elliott unpack the military tactic of "Cover and Move" from "Extreme Ownership," transforming it into actionable strategies for the corporate world. Learn from the challenges faced by the Arizona Suns NBA team and their former coach, Frank Vogel, as they struggled to cultivate a cohesive culture. Delve into why intervention from higher leadership is crucial in steering team dynamics and chemistry towards success. Find out how the synergy of effective communication and shared purpose can propel y...
2025-03-1226 minWhat's on Your Bookshelf?108 - Extreme Ownership IntroductionWhat if the secrets to effective corporate leadership could be found in the discipline and ethos of military strategy? Join hosts Denise Russo and Zach Elliott as we promise a transformative journey through leadership principles that bridge the gap between military rigor and corporate success. With insights drawn from the compelling work "Extreme Ownership" by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, this episode guarantees listeners a new perspective on the power of accountability and ownership in fostering trustworthy and resilient teams.Hear firsthand how military-themed literature, spanning the experiences of Navy SEALs and Delta Force operatives, offers lessons...
2025-03-0530 min
It's Personal Stories, A Hospitality PodcastZach Demuth, Head of Strategic Growth & Asset Management, Eight Form Interviewed by Rachel HumphreyZach shares his experiences with imposter syndrome and find out whether he's a risk taker or risk averse. He discusses his strategies for public speaking, how his curiosity drives him, and how he tries to combine his career and personal life in ways that provide him balance. Zach talks about his mentors, his mentoring, and his advice to his younger self.
2024-08-1930 min
Running In CirclesThe Evolution of Oregon's Distance Program and becoming a leader with Elliott CookToday I’m joined by Oregon’s Elliott Cook!
If you’re not familiar with Elliott he’s been making his mark on the NCAA in the past couple years while being the face of Oregon’s distance team.
Throughout the 2024 outdoor season he completed the double at the PAC-12 Conference Championship where he won both the 1500 and 800. Then at NCAA outdoor’s he placed 2nd in the 1500 and qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials. At the trials he placed 8th and secured a personal best of 3:33.84. Safe to say he’s m...
2024-08-1249 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 min
The Michael C. Sherrard PodcastThe Decline of Christianity and the Rise of Godless Religions| Zach ElliottIn this episode, Mike talks with Zach Elliott, president of VUVIVO and the author of Now I See: An Invitation to Life to the Full. They talk about the decline of Christianity and the emergence of new spirituality. Though people are indeed leaving the church, they are not becoming atheists. Mike and Zach discuss why this is happening and the opportunity this presents for the Gospel.
Our conversation covers a range of topics, from the role of storytelling in preaching to the significance of embodying faith in everyday life. We also touch on practical ways to reintegrate...
2024-06-051h 21What'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 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?57 - The How of Happiness - The Five How's of Happiness Pt. 2Have you ever found yourself stuck in a happiness rut, where even your favorite activities start to feel like a chore? Join Denise Russo and Samantha Powell, as we share the results of our deep dive into "The How of Happiness," and discuss the power of self-experimentation in keeping the joy alive in our daily routines. In this episode, we explore how integrating happiness activities thoughtfully can prevent them from growing stale, and I recount tales from my music industry days to illustrate how passions can wane and the importance of rekindling that fire.Relationships are the...
2024-04-1027 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 min