Podcast 102: The Secret of Shelter Island with Alexander Green

Alexander GreenIn these uncertain economic times we could all use a boost of confidence.  In my interview with Alexander Green about his new book entitled “The Secret of Shelter Island” that is exactly what you will receive.  Alex has a great perspective on how to look differently at our current economic meltdown (as the media often refer to it).  He states that we have the opportunity to reassess our entire life and re-prioritize what is important in our lives.  This is our opportunity to look inside and have a spiritual awakening to what really is valuable for us. Is it our bank accounts? Or is it the people and relationships around us that truly enrich our lives and bring us fulfillment and meaning?

Alex’s book is primarily a compilation of essays from his newsletter entitled Spiritual Wealth, a newsletter that he has been writing for a number of years. He says that it is only human to want to better our material conditions, but ironically the relentless quest for more often undermines our quality of life.  The truth is successful lives are built, not bought, and the over consumptive lifestyle ultimately limits our choices.

In my interview with Alex we explore this idea of “not-enoughness,” and what it has done to our culture and how is has depleted our souls. How this ever-persistent pursuit of more has really helped to create the challenging economic times we are experiencing.  In the continual pursuit of greater material success some of us lose important relationships, our health, our perspective, our peace of mind.  Alex says that our happiness is highly dependent on principle-centered living.  The secret to balance. Pursue your financial ambitions, but take time to appreciate your health, friends, family are the world around you.

In this interview we have the opportunity to explore how to shift our perspectives and relationship with money as well truly examine what might have greater significance for us.

I love a quote the Alex uses in the book by J. Brotherton and it says “My riches consist not in the extent of my possessions, but in the fewness of my wants.”  How true this is, and how important to remember as we navigate these interesting economic times.
Alex has written a wonderful book which will help anyone who reads it identify just what truly could be causing their financial challenges, and in so doing provides the reader with the opportunity to learn how to close the gap between their wants and needs.

If you would like to lean more about Alex’s interesting newsletters, columns and other books please visit his website.

Podcast 99: The First 30 Days with Ariane de Bonvoisin

Ariane de BonvoisinWhat a wonderful interview with Ariane de Bonvoisin about her new book “The First 30 Days.”  She and I explore the world of change and how we as human beings cope with the change in our lives. One thing we all know for certain is that change is ever-constant.  Things can change for the better or they can change for the worse. But it is not that things will change, but how we learn to deal with the change in our lives that matters.

Ariane spent an extensive amount of time interviewing world leaders, athletes and average people to learn the characteristics of people who deal with change successfully.  In these uncertain times what we all know that things have changed for all of us.  Ariane helps us find our change muscle and to tap into our changeless core.

She has learned that there are nine (9) principles that will assist us in learning to cope with change.  We explore the (9) nine principles of change in our interview together. I know you will be fascinated by her discoveries after having interviewed over 1,000 people and discovering their commonalities no matter what the change.

Ariane mentioned that people have been conditioned to believe certain things about change. (1) Change is hard and something to be avoided (2) Change makes me feel alone; I am the only one going through this. (3) Change takes time, energy and work. (4) Change is stressful and involves a lot of pain. In “The First 30 Days” you will learn that this might be so, but it is possible to feel differently about change by developing a new mindset about it, even if you are facing an extremely challenging change. You can come out on the other side feeling hopeful, strong, and calm with renewed optimism about life.

I know you are going to love this interview with Ariane as we explore change and how to navigate it.  Remember the old saying what we resist persists, and this is certainly so about change.  If you would like to learn more about Ariane de Bonvoisin and her book, coaching and workshops please visit her website for more information. Enjoy the interview!!!

Podcast 98: Focus on the Good Stuff with Mike Robbins

Mike RobbinsIt was a pleasure having Mike Robbins back with us for another podcast. His book entitled “Focus on the Good Stuff-The Power of Appreciation” is a wonderful book about learning how to appreciate the good within.  As simple of a concept that this might sound , it is something that we all need to be reminded of.  I know that many of us are frequently attempting to be more, do more and have more.  The challenge with this thinking is that is limits our focus on the good stuff as Mike says.  We loose sight of appreciating who and what we are, and we are more focused on how we can be better. This persistent focus on always attempting to be better is a proverbial never ending cycle.  Our ego is really good at telling us that we are not good enough.

In Mike’s book we explore the five (5) principles that help us to shift our focus, and accentuate the good. The first of his principles is “Be Grateful”  Gratitude is something that we don’t give ourselves and other enough of. It is always easy to fall into the “woe is me attitude.”  But we usually can find someone worse off than ourselves.

  • Principle #2,  Choose Positive Thoughts and Feelings.  The simplest way to state this principle is that thoughts become things;choose good ones.”
  • Principle #3, Use Positive Words.  I like what Mike points out here from another author Don Miguel Ruiz.  Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using words to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.
  • Principle #4, Acknowledge Others.  Wow! is this an important one.  Is is so much easier to criticize someone than it is to praise and acknowledge.  Look for the good in others, and then take action by acknowledging them for the good you see in them.
  • Principle #5, Appreciate Yourself.  Self Appreciate is difficult.  It is always easy to judge ourselves, but just like in Principle 4 Acknowledge Others we need to acknowledge and appreciate our own abilities, talents and our inherent good.

Mike’s book Focus on the Good Stuff allows you to shift your focus and to look at yourself and others with new eyes.  It shifts your perspective just enough to begin to see the good, and not to dwell on the negative

I encourage all of my listeners to read his book and visit Mike’s website for more useful information and wisdom from someone who has practices these principles in his everyday life. Mike is an amazing example of these principles in action.

Podcast 96: Training Camp by Jon Gordon

Jon GordonThis is my second interview with Jon, and every time that I have the opportunity to speak with him I come away with this new level of enthusiasm. I know that you too will pick up on Jon infectious way, and as you listen to his message please pay close attention to what Jon is saying in, “Training Camp: What the Best Do Better Than Everyone Else”.

If you are on a path of personal growth and mastery, then Jon’s book is a study of the people that he has encountered during his career as an author/speaker who have excelled in their lives. In our interview we discuss the traits and characteristics that are necessary to excel.

Some of those traits and characteristics are:

  • The Best know what they truly want.
  • The Best want it more.
  • The Best are always striving to get better.
  • The Best do ordinary things better than everyone else.
  • The Best zoom-focus.
  • The Best are mentally stronger.
  • The Best overcome their fear.
  • The Best seize the moment.
  • The Best tap into a power greater than themselves.
  • The Best leave a legacy.
  • The Best make everyone around them better.

Based on his work with professional sports teams, world class organizations, and interviews with top professionals in a wide variety of fields, Jon reveals the deep truths and proven strategies that take the very best to the top. Training Camp reveals that the best performers-in any field-all share the same qualities. Among other traits, the best of the best are able to maintain a big-picture vision while taking focused action, they are mentally strong, they seize the moment, and they inspire excellence in the people around them. But these are not inborn traits; they’re skills and attitudes that can be learned and applied by all.

If you want to be your best, Training Camp offers inspiring real-world wisdom on what it takes to reach true excellence and how you and your team –whether at work, school, or at home–can achieve it. If you would like more information about Jon’s books, workshops and trainings please click here to be linked to his website.

Podcast 95: What’s Your Body Telling You? with Steve Sisgold

Steve SisgoldSteve Sisgold’s new book, “What’s Your Body Telling You?“, is for anyone who needs to get in touch with what their body is telling them about their emotional health. Steve is a body-centered therapist that has been working with clients for many years helping them get in touch with their body intelligence to create better lives.

In our interview together we explore how our body speaks to us, and is providing us with important signals but how frequently we are not in touch with these signals. Steve has found that the happiest, healthiest most successful people are those who integrate IQ (cognitive intelligence) with BQ (body intelligence). These self-confident, smart people are uniquely attuned to their bodies. They trust their instincts, listen to their gut feelings, and make decisions based on their true desires. They project confidence, comfort, and clarity of purpose. Steve calls this unique state, “whole-body consciousness,” and he often sees clients achieve it in only one session.

His book is filled with step-by-step inspiration exercises and mind-body integration tools. His books will show you how to:

  • Hear and connect sharing between your body and mind.
  • Shift into whole body consciousness at will and know exactly what the next right move is.
  • Communicate with greater effectiveness and clarity.
  • Identify, release, and change the subconscious viral beliefs that sabotage your happiness.
  • Heal the traumas and painful emotions that may be stored in your body.

Steve refers to our ability to lie to ourselves as spindoctrination. He says since inception of time man has had the ability to lie to another person, and to deceive them as a means of survival. But that we have developed an even higher-order function: the ability to lie to ourselves. This uniquely human ability allows us to present an honest face when we are being less that truthful. He says that once again, the complex human brain devises a survival strategy that allows us to outwit the one we want to deceive—but at what cost? Personal integrity is lost, self esteem is sacrificed, and the basic trust is tossed out the window. It is this kind of behavior acted out over years of our lives that takes a high tool on our body.

I recommend that anyone who is currently dealing with the stresses and struggles of everyday life to read Steve’s book. His insights are certainly very revealing, and his books provides the reader with the tools to identify and navigate what our body is telling you.

If you would like to learn more about Steve’s free body IQ Test, then click here to be directed to his website for your opportunity to take the test and learn more about your body IQ.

Podcast 94: The Best Kept Secret to Permanent Weight Loss with Dr. Barnet Meltzer

Barnet Meltzer M.D.I recently had the pleasure of meeting both Dr. Meltzer and his son Jordan, and what a wonderful father-son team. I went to their offices located in Del Mar, CA and got to spend a little time getting to know the men behind this great weight loss program.

Much of the weight loss program is centered around what is referred to in the book as the Light Your Fire program. This is a program designed to help you boost your metabolism and keep it there. As is stated in the book, two out of three Americans are either overweight or obese. We are all aware of the epidemic but what are we doing about it?.

Dr. Meltzer’s book, “The Best Kept Secret to Permanent Weight Loss“, provides a foundation designed to provide the reader with the answers and guidance to true weight loss. As is pointed out, metabolism can be measured by your metabolic rate–the rate at which you burn fat and carbohydrates. In fact, it is your metabolic rate that determines whether you are slim or trim or overweight. When you know how to naturally accelerate your metabolism, your body will be geared to aggressively burn excess fat. What Dr. Meltzer helps the reader understand is how to create and construct an accelerated metabolic rate, what he refers to a Metabolic Fire.

Metabolic Fire is a lifestyle alteration, but can be accelerated by three nutritional steps: 1) Power Cleanse 2) Nutritional Detox Plan 3) Maintenance Plan. The Light Your Fire Nutritional Program is designed to effectively match up your metabolic furnace with the best, high-octane nutritional fuel.

Even though the first section of the book is devoted to the physical things one does to increase their metabolism, the second section of the book focuses on the all important emotional factors associated with eating. Dr. Meltzer stated in our interview together that we all have appetites. He says that people frequently eat to just eat, and that we don’t just eat when we are hungry and that much of our challenges associated with being overweight could be eliminated by understanding the difference between appetites and hunger. Emotional stress, financial stress, and work stress usually serve as the driving force behind cravings and addictions. In fact, stress sets into motion a self-abusive cycle: stress leads to poor food choices, and poor food choices lead to weight gain, fatigue and even more stress.

Dr. Meltzer says that he has made some important observations in his forty years of practice. He says that you can self-regulate your eating habits when you stay tuned into your primary feelings. The key to this is emotional self-awareness–that is, knowing how you feel and how to deal with these feelings– this clarity leads to responsive, responsible behavior. The result is wholesome eating habits.

Dr. Meltzer articulates the Top Seven Golden Rules, which are a brilliant way to guide your life. 1) Make the commitment to select smart foods. 2) Know what not to Eat 3) Earn your meals 4) Always take a nutritional timeout before eating. 5) Never eat when you are emotional, stressed or rushed. 6) Only eat when you are hungry 7) Know when enough is enough. I think that if we all followed this advice and kept this list next to us as a reminder, that much of our weight issues would be solved.

I strongly recommend this great book, “The Best Kept Secret to Permanent Weight Loss“, you will not need any other book to help guide you through the physical and emotional issues associated with permanent weight loss.

If you would like to know more about the Meltzer Wellness Clinic located in Del Mar, CA please click here. There are coaching clinics, blogs, communities, and recipes available to at no-cost.