Run Your Life Show With Andy Vasily

Send us a textToday’s episode is a special re-released conversation that I had with New York Times bestselling author and longtime Esquire writer, Cal Fussman a while back on my podcast. It was an excellent conversation as Cal shared many life lessons he has learned through more than 3 decades as a journalist having interviewed some of the most legendary people on the planet from Muhammad Ali to Serena Williams, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mikhail Gorbechev and Tom Hanks, Cal has interviewed hundreds on influential humans from a variety of fields and professions. According to Cal:"Questions have guided my life ever since I was seven years old and sent a letter with a question to the President of the United States, and got a reply. Over the years, questions have taken me around the world and into interviews with hundreds of the most talented, compelling and powerful people on earth."I’ll keep my original introduction as it was to give you more insight to who Cal Fussman is and valuable lessons he will share in this re-released episode. Be sure to check out Cal’s work at calfussman.com and subscribe to his wonderful podcast on Apple podcasts, Stitcher or Google podcasts or tune into his podcast website at calfussman.com/podcast.Connect With Cal:Twitter: https://twitter.com/calfussmanWebsite: https://www.calfussman.com/Big Questions PodcastCal's Keynote talk can be found here

Send us a textIn this brief episode, we explore the profound wisdom contained in the simple phrase: "Wherever you go, there you are." Made famous by Jon Kabat-Zinn's influential book on mindfulness, this statement reminds us that our choices and actions create the path we travel, for better or worse. No matter what, we find ourselves exactly where we are meant to be; in the present moment. Life's journey isn't easy. We often encounter uncertainty, face challenging circumstances, and battle internal fears about our ability to handle what comes our way. The responsibilities we carry for our loved ones can weigh heavily, causing us to struggle with making the right choices and doing what's best.When challenges mount in my own life, I find myself returning to a grounding thought from Mother Teresa: "If everyone would only sweep their own doorstep, the whole world would be clean."Key Takeaways:Change must begin with us"Sweeping our doorstep" means mental decluttering—silencing unnecessary thoughts that cloud judgmentDeep internal work and reflection are required to sit with our thoughts and assess whether they help or hinder our purposeOnly through this process can we make clearer choices and take more meaningful actionReflection Question: How are you sweeping your own doorstep in life today? What are you willing to better commit yourself to in order to make the impact on others you desire?This episode is dedicated to all of you doing your best to make the difference you desire in the world.Music Credit: Best Thing That Ever Happened (Transformers Movie)Find the song here on Apple MusicThanks for listening.

Send us a textIn this special re-release, we revisit my conversation with New York Times bestselling author Daniel Pink from a couple of years ago. After recently listening to this episode during one of my runs, I was reminded by how relevant his insights remain for both my personal and professional life—wisdom worth sharing again with my listeners.Daniel Pink, former speechwriter for Vice President Al Gore, has authored numerous influential works including "To Sell Is Human," "Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us," "A Whole New Mind," "Free Agent Nation," and his most recent book "The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward."Key InsightsDuring our conversation, Daniel shares invaluable life lessons that have resonated with audiences worldwide. As he powerfully states:"You cannot plan out careers in meticulous detail. You have to do things for the right reason, do things for their intrinsic value and be opportunistic and open to next steps. We need to focus on persistence over talent and the importance of leaving an imprint."We dive deep into the principles from "The Power of Regret," exploring how this universal human emotion can be transformed into a powerful tool for growth. Daniel offers practical strategies for harnessing regret as a catalyst for positive change rather than a source of paralysis.Education InsightsAn important segment of our discussion centers on Daniel's experience with the International Baccalaureate (IB) education system through his three children. As someone with over 25 years in the IB system myself, his observations about its transformative impact greatlly resonated with me.Why ListenWhether you're hearing this conversation for the first time or revisiting it, Daniel Pink's timeless wisdom offers valuable perspective on motivation, regret, career development, and education. I encourage you to explore "The Power of Regret" and his other works to further benefit from his insights.It was truly an honor to speak with Daniel, and I'm delighted to share this important conversation with you once again.Connect With Daniel Pink: WebsiteDaniel Pink's BooksTwitter 'X'LinkedIn

Send us a textToday's discussion is with a very special person- Father Greg Boyle, an American Jesuit priest and the founder of Homeboy Industries, which is the largest gang rehabilitation and reentry program in the world.In Father Greg's own words, he says it has been the privilege of his life, for more than 30 years, to have been taught everything of value by gang members and that he stands in awe of what many of the disadvantaged, powerless, voiceless, and marginalized have had to carry in their lives.Father Greg founded Homeboy Industries nearly 40 years ago at the Dolores Mission Parish in Boyle Heights in East Los Angeles. His work has received the highest recognition - in 2014, former President Obama named Father Greg as a Champion of Change, and President Joe Biden recently awarded him the Congressional Medal of Freedom, a testament to the profound impact he has had on so many people's lives.Homeboy Industries is built upon two foundational principles that are directly responsible for infusing such a deep sense of love, hope, compassion, and kinship throughout the organization:Everyone is unshakeably good, there are no exceptions.We all belong to each other, and there are no exceptions.Father Greg believes that no bullet can pierce these truths, and that when gang members know this truth, they begin to inhabit it and develop the compassion and tenderness needed to transform not only their own lives, but the lives of all members of Homeboy Industries.In our conversation today, Greg shares life lessons he has learned through his work, but also how this work has changed his life for the better and given him the purpose and hope needed to continue his efforts every day.We also dive into his most recent book, "Cherished Belonging: The Healing Power of Love in Divided Times." I hope as many listeners as possible get their hands on a copy of this book.Connect with Homeboy Industries: WebsiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInContact Homeboy Industries here.Father Greg's 2012 Ted TalkLinks to Father Greg's other books: Tattoos on the HeartThe Whole Language: The Power of Extravagant TendernessBarking to the Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship

Send us a textIn today's episode, I sit down with the amazing Jill Wheatley, an elite ultra athlete and mountaineer. Having climbed 7 of the highest peaks in the world including K2, the second highest mountain in the world at 28000 feet, Jill has made it her life mission to keep pushing the goal posts in her life. Her aim is clear — to pursue excellence within herself, while also inspiring countless other people along the way. Jill was almost killed in a tragic accident back in 2014 which caused a traumatic brain injury. This accident forced her to not have to learn to walk again, it also left her with permanent vision loss. What she has been able to accomplish with only 30% of her vision speaks volumes for the resilience and courage she has built since her accident. The lessons she shares in today’s conversation are profound. From learning how to navigate deep grief and despair to being able to grapple with fear of uncertainty to developing the self-compassion needed to be nurturing with herself in her darkest hours —you'll see for yourself that Jill is full of insight and wisdom. She is a fantastic role model for anyone pursuing tough things in their life.As you get ready to listen, I hope you can take a pause to think about the great things you’ve been able to accomplish in your own life. What roles did resilience, self-compassion, drive and purpose play in getting you to where you want to be? As you listen to Jill’s journey, I hope you connect with many of the lessons she shares. For those still struggling to find deeper hope and purpose, listen closely and learn from her. The tools and strategies she shares will be immediately applicable in your life. Regardless of who you are or where you are listening to this podcast from, I hope you find awesome takeaway value from this discussion between Jill Wheatley and myself. Please connect with Jill after listening and follow her work, it’ll be well worth your time and effort. As well, please share this episode with anyone who you feel will benefit from tuning it. Connect With JillLinkedInTwitter 'X'FacebookWebsiteInstagramYouTube

Send us a textToday’s episode is a unique one for me as I am doing a joint recording with Alex Gray, the host of the International Classroom podcast. Alex and I decided to join forces for this conversation as we are both very passionate about education, learning and creating the conditions for all stakeholders to thrive in schools. Regardless of who you are are or what you do, we hope you find practical takeaway value in this discussion as we touch upon several themes that are very relevant to anyone who cares about the education of young people, whether you’re a parent, coach, school leader or teacher. In our chat today, we dive into what it means to lead with impact and to inspire those around you to strive for true excellence by creating the conditions where honest, open conversations are not only encouraged but also deeply engrained within the culture of organisations and even the family unit. Alex is a class act, a fantastic educator and deeply knowledgeable about teaching, learning and leading. It was great to do this joint podcast with him and I hope that wherever you’re listening from, you walk away feeling more inspired to be a better parent, coach, leader or teacher. Thanks for listening and with that let’s now jump into this joint podcast between Alex Gray and myself. Connect with AlexLinkedInYouTube

Send us a textBefore getting into today's podcast with the inspiring Amadou Ba, I want to ask all of you, wherever you are listening, to think about your own life and some of the important things you feel you have been able to accomplish.Maybe that was graduating from high school or university or maybe it was being accepted into a post-graduate masters or PhD program or perhaps it might have been getting your first career-changing job or even being promoted within your organization.Whatever it was, I want you to reflect on the people who believed in you and supported you along this path. Who were these people?When you think about these people, what was it they specifically did that gave you the confidence and belief in yourself to know and understand that you were absolutely on the right path?Today's episode will be the 270th episode I've released on my Run Your Life podcast and the conversation you are about to hear is all about the power of human connection. We are really going to focus on the role that important mentors, educators and coaches have played in our lives in helping us to understand what is possible in our lives.This podcast episode is with the amazing Amadou Ba, former 6ft 10 center who played 4 seasons with the University of Michigan Wolverines Basketball team from 2002-2006.Amadou's story epitomizes what it means to embrace a truly resilient mindset and that when opportunities open up to us in life, we need to honor the talents and strengths we have by working as hard as possible. Doing so not only helps us to  access the best of ourselves, but also pushes us to fulfill the potential we have to make a difference in our lives.What you will hear in this episode is Amadou's deep gratitude and appreciation for the people who believed in him and supported him along his journey to ultimately help him to go on to be a success student-athlete who graduated with a degree from the University of Michigan. As you listen to this episode, I hope you walk away reflecting on all of the people who gave you the support you needed to be successful in your life and that you always remember how important it is to keep giving back in your own ways to continue to make the difference in the world you desire.Although our accomplishments are important, the world is so much more of a better place when we give back to others.In closing, I want to thank my two friends Leticia Carino and Andy Duffield for being a part of this podcast and for sharing their own insight. Their contribution was much appreciated and made this conversation even more meaningful, so thank you Leticia and Andy.So with that, let's now jump into my conversation with the inspiring Amadou Ba.Connect With AmadouLinkedInFacebookAs well, you can connect with Leticia Carino and Andy Duffield as well below: Leticia CarioLinkedInTwitter 'X"Andy DuffieldLinkedIn

Derek Sivers, an entrepreneur and author known for founding CD Baby, shares his insights on embracing diverse perspectives in life. He discusses his latest books, exploring 27 conflicting philosophies that encourage personal reflection. Sivers emphasizes the transformative power of learning and the importance of questioning beliefs. He also recounts a near-fatal accident in Cambodia, illustrating how random events shape our interpretations of life. With a belief that life is a blank canvas, he inspires listeners to seek their own paths and redefine meaning through experience.

Send us a textOn the show today is the brilliant Nina Sossamon-Pogue, a multifaceted leader who has excelled across diverse fields - from gymnastics to broadcasting, corporate leadership, and authorship. .In our conversation, we delve deeply into the true essence of resilience through Nina's extraordinary life experiences. Nina has a special gift to blend personal story, scientific research, and stoic philosophy. She presents a fresh perspective on what it means to be truly resilient. Rather than offering simple platitudes, Nina provides actionable strategies for embracing change and overcoming adversity, drawn from her own journey of transformation.Her story begins in the world of elite gymnastics, where she trained and competed alongside Olympic gold medalists Mary Lou Retton and Bart Connor. Despite being widely projected to make the 1984 Olympic team, Nina faced her first major setback when she failed to qualify. Rather than letting this define her, she channeled her passion for the sport into earning a full scholarship to Louisiana State University. However, fate had other plans, and a severe knee injury brought her gymnastics career to an abrupt end.What followed demonstrates the very essence of resilience that Nina now teaches. She successfully pivoted to broadcast journalism, where her dedication and talent led to her winning an Emmy Award. Building on this success, she then transitioned into corporate leadership and became a best-selling author, each step of her journey informing her unique perspective on resilience.Throughout the episode, Nina weaves together several core themes that challenge conventional wisdom about resilience. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity in both success and struggle, integrating personal experiences with research-based insights. Her approach balances stoic principles with emotional intelligence, offering practical tools for maintaining course in high-stress environments. What makes her message particularly compelling is how she presents complex ideas about resilience in ways that are both accessible and actionable. I hope you enjoy this episode. Thanks for listening. Connect With NinaWebsiteLinkedinInstagramFacebookYouTubeYou can find Nina's books below: This Is Not the EndBut I Want Both

Send us a textIn this episode, Andy Vasily interviews Dr. Gordon Flett, a distinguished psychologist from York University and author of "The Psychology of Mattering." The conversation explores the concept of mattering—feeling valued and significant in others' lives—and how it differs from self-esteem. Dr. Flett draws from his 30 years of research to explain how mattering plays a crucial role in preventing depression, suicide, and antisocial behaviors.Drawing from both personal experiences and academic research, Dr. Flett discusses how parents, teachers, and leaders can create environments where people feel genuinely valued. He emphasizes the strong correlation between mattering and hope, explaining how feeling significant helps combat hopelessness. The episode offers valuable insights for parents, educators, coaches, and leaders on fostering a sense of mattering in their respective settings.We conclude with practical resources on mattering, which listeners can access through the show notes, along with Dr. Flett's contact information for those interested in learning more about his work.Dr. Flett's Bio:Gordon L. Flett, PhD, is a professor in the Department of Psychology at York University in Toronto, Canada, where he has held a Canada Research Chair in Personality & Health. He is also the former Associate Dean of Research and former Director of the LaMarsh Centre for Child and Youth Research in the Faculty of Health at York University. Currently, Dr. Flett is an Associate Editor of the APA journal Canadian Psychology.Dr. Flett is recognized globally for his seminal contributions to research and theory on the role of perfectionism in mental and physical health. This work includes the 2022 APA book on perfectionism in childhood and adolescents. Dr. Flett is also known for his leading role and many journal articles and knowledge mobilization activities on the nature and correlates of mattering. His 2018 book on the psychology of mattering is the first complete book of the mattering construct. Dr. Flett is also a member of the APA and Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science, which has cited him as one of the top 25 most productive authors in psychology.Connect with Dr. Flett: Email: gflett@yorku.ca Twitter "X"Free Access Articles Written by Dr. FlettAging and Feeling Valued Versus Expendable During the COVID-19 Pandemic and BeyondAn Introduction, Review, and Conceptual Analysis of Mattering as an Essential Construct and an Essential Way of LifeThe Anti-Mattering Scale: Development, Psychometric Properties and Associations With Well-Being and Distress Measures in Adolescents and Emerging AdultsIn-Person Versus Online Learning in Relation to Students’ Perceptions of Mattering During COVID-19Faculty Perceptions of Mattering in Teaching and Learning: A Qualitative Examination of the Views, Values, and Teaching Practices of Award-Winning ProfessorsAddtional Articles Written About Dr. Flett's Work: Do You ‘Matter’ to Others? The Answer Could Predict Your Mental HealthWhy We Need to Feel Like We Matter