“Acting is symbiotic with human life, culture, and how we interact with others.” - Darrell Stern Darrell joins me today to discuss thriving through loss and transforming challenges into opportunities to thrive. He explains how he first got into musical theater and describes how the art helped him get out of his shell. He describes using acting techniques to manifest and discusses the relationship between acting and authenticity. Darrell also elaborates on uses for acting beyond TV and theater, highlights why it is an integral part of the human experience, and reveals why marketing is a form of acting. This week on The Mindset Zone: Thriving through loss How Darrell first got into musical theater The relationship between acting and authenticity Acting in different modalities in different situations Darrell’s thoughts on the “fake it ‘til you make it” adage Connecting through loss How acting helps us connect internally and externally How connecting with the inner self allows people to connect with an audience The actor’s craft and the importance of articulation Transforming challenges into strengths and assets The duality of social life and social networking for business Guest: Darrell Stern is a master storyteller and CEO of Stern Inbound Marketing Agency, the world’s leading video-driven content marketing agency. Darrell has over 30 years of experience in digital marketing and is renowned worldwide as a “Digital Marketing Jedi.” By offering marketing methodologies and techniques at the Stern Marketing Academy, he helps others elevate their businesses. Darrell holds a Bachelor’s in Theater Arts from Drew University and a Master’s in Communication Arts from Montclair State University. Connect with Darrell Stern: Stern Marketing Stern Marketing Academy Stern Marketing on LinkedIn Stern Marketing Academy on Facebook Darrell Stern on LinkedIn Darrell Stern on Instagram Darrell Stern on Twitter Expand What’s Possible

“It’s a miracle that we are here—that we are curious beings who want to learn and expand possibilities for ourselves, for the ones around us, for the world, and for the universe.” - Ana Melikian When you were a child, did you get a chance to write a message on a piece of paper, put it into a bottle, and throw it into the ocean or a big river? Now, imagine doing that again, but this time, instead of throwing it into an expansive body of water, you throw it up to space, where future generations of space-faring humans—or even other intelligent life forms—can read your message. If you had that chance to send a message that would outlast you to a future generation you’d never meet, what would you write? In this episode, I discuss LifeShip’s mission to launch DNA to the moon. I share the message I would write to the universe, given the chance. I also highlight why exploring the vast universe inside our being is as important and valuable as exploring the universe beyond Earth. This week on The Mindset Zone: LifeShip’s mission to launch DNA to the moon Why send our DNA to the moon? The message I’d want to send out to the universe Resources Mentioned: MagicMind.co | Discount Code: MINDZONE20 LifeShip Ben Haldeman Expand What’s Possible

“If you can see the space between stimulus and response, you start having the power to choose your response. This is the core of self-leadership and your self-development” - Ana Melikian What is the difference between a stressor and a stress response? The answer—that the stressor is what triggers the stress response—may be simple and obvious, but it isn’t something apparent to us when we’re in a stressful situation ourselves. Sometimes, we even deal with the stressor but forgo dealing with the stress response and get stuck in a never-ending stress cycle. Understanding the difference between a stressor and a stress response and widening the space between the two can help unlock better possibilities for us—and improve our well-being. In this episode, I highlight the difference between stressors and stress responses and dissect an excerpt from the book, Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle. I outline everyday examples of stress triggers and describe our tendency to carry our stress response beyond the situation. I also explain how physical activity can help us complete our stress response without getting stuck in the stress cycle and underscore how practicing the Pause principle allows us to see and widen the space between stressor and stress response. This week on The Mindset Zone: An excerpt from Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle The difference between stress and stressors Everyday stressors and our tendency to carry our stress response throughout an entire day What creates the cycle of chronic stress in our lives Completing our stress response without getting stuck in the stress cycle Reflections on burnout The evolutionary history behind stress response Seeing the space between stressor and stress response The PIE method and practicing the art of the Pause Resources Mentioned: Magic Mind at magicmind.co/mindzone | Coupon code: MINDZONE20 Book: Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski Ph.D. and Amelia Nagoski DMA Book: Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle (Audible) by Emily Nagoski Ph.D. and Amelia Nagoski DMA Expand What’s Possible

“We can certainly learn how to be more efficient, how to be high-performance, how to make a bigger positive impact, and still have the energy to enjoy the fruits of our labor—and that is really important.” - Ana Melikian Have you checked in with yourself to see if you’re exhausted at work? Have you asked yourself recently what burnout is? I’ve noticed that whenever I tell people I’ve been focusing on burnout—especially in the context of making a positive impact in the world while avoiding burnout—the immediate response I almost always get is “Oh, that’s important work,” or “We need that.” I am yet to find a person who asks me, “What is burnout?” I assume that most people have an intuitive feeling of what burnout is—which makes it more important to define. When we understand it and its nuances better, we can help people avoid its extremes. In this episode, I share my reflections about burnout. I define burnout and outline its three dimensions according to the World Health Organization. I describe typical burnout profiles. I also discuss what we can learn from the “frog in a pot” myth, share my personal experience with burnout, and underscore how it’s possible to do good work and positively impact the world while preventing stress and burnout. This week on The Mindset Zone: What is burnout? Current research on burnout Seeing burnout through a systemic perspective Energy depletion and exhaustion Increased mental disconnect from one’s job and feelings of cynicism at work Reducing professional efficacy Measuring burnout and your burnout profile How being deeply connected to our work can lead to overexertion and overwork The burnout profile I personally have fallen into Gradual stress and why we tend to burn out without realizing it My experience with burnout and cancer The impact of chronic stress on our health and well-being Burnout red flags to watch out for My mission to help us engage with our impact while avoiding burnout Resources Mentioned: Book: The Burnout Challenge: Managing People’s Relationships with Their Jobs by Christina Maslach Expand What’s Possible

“We need to up our game, think differently, and expand our horizons. Elevating our consciousness and becoming better humans, loving more, taking care of our environment—that’s what represents the best you.” - Bernardo Moya Bernardo joins me today to discuss his journey toward self-development. He explains how wanting to improve his communication and sales skills led him to the world of personal development. He describes what drove him to eventually seek personal development beyond its applications to sales and entrepreneurship. Bernardo also shares the books that have had the most significant impact on him and his journey and highlights how we can continue improving ourselves in an increasingly fast-paced, technologically advanced world. This week on The Mindset Zone: How Bernardo realized the importance of personal development Exploring personal development beyond its application in sales and business How reading Change Your Life in Seven Days by Paul McKenna impacted Bernardo The secrets of personal development success How Bernardo dealt with failure before he practiced self-development The ethos behind the Best You Expo NLP and the power of words and gratitude The multimedia format of the Best You brand Staying the course with self-development amid an accelerated world Guest: Bernardo Moya is a mentor, coach, speaker, and entrepreneur. He is the founder of The Best You, a multimedia platform including the Best You EXPO, The Best You Magazine, The Best You TV, The Best You Online, and more. The Best You is an enterprise dedicated to providing people with the skills, tools, knowledge, and wisdom necessary to improve their lives and achieve their dreams. Bernardo is also the best-selling author of The Question and Man Evolving. In addition to his work with The Best You, Bernardo is also a licensed NLP Trainer and serves as the CEO of NLP Life Ltd. Connect with Bernardo Moya: The Best You The Best You Expo Bernardo Moya Website Book: The Question: Find Your True Purpose Book: A Man Evolving: Confessions about monogamy, passion and broken hearts. The Best You on LinkedIn The Best You on Instagram The Best You on Facebook The Best You on Twitter Bernardo Moya on LinkedIn Bernardo Moya on Instagram Bernardo Moya on Facebook Bernardo Moya on Twitter Bernardo Moya on YouTube Resources Mentioned: Book: Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert Kiyosaki Book: Change Your Life in Seven Days by Paul McKenna Book: The Ultimate Coach by Amy Hardison and Alan Thompson Book: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl Book: The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Dr. Edith Eva Eger Expand What’s Possible

“Learning to tap into human potential by working smarter and not harder allowed me to achieve my goals without waking up tired every day. I could enjoy life and my family—travel and exercise more.” - Ana Melikian In this episode, I join Jenny Lynne at the Death of a Workaholic podcast to discuss unlocking human potential by working smarter—not harder. We explore my journey with dyslexia and how my relationship with work was shaped when I was around nine years old. We discuss the pivotal moment that woke me up to the necessity of shifting my relationship with work. We also highlight how having clarity of priorities makes it easier to say “yes” and “no” and underscore the power of taking pauses. This episode was rebroadcast here at the Mindset Zone with explicit consent from Jenny Lynne Erickson, the host of The Death of a Workaholic podcast. This week on The Mindset Zone: Working hard at nine years old How having dyslexia led me to develop a work ethic I’m proud of How my relationship with work showed up in my career later in life My diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer How I learned to work smarter and not harder Making peace with saying “no” Human compassion and how people supported me while I sought treatment for cancer Slipping back into old habits and looking at human potential from a different perspective The Eisenhower Matrix and how I started working smarter The importance and power of taking pauses What micropauses are and how they help us reevaluate everything in our lives Tricks to integrating micropauses in our daily lives My definition of success Our Favorite Quotes: “Sometimes, it can be hard to recognize the deposits you’ve made over the years of working hard and that you can ask for something in return.” - Jenny Lynne Erickson “The thing about situations like a cancer diagnosis or a divorce is that, suddenly, priorities become very clear, and what we say ‘yes’ and ‘no’ to becomes easier because of that clarity.” - Ana Melikian “ ‘Between stimulus and response is the space where we have the power to choose our response, and in our response lies our growth and freedom.’ But for us to see that space, we have to learn how to press the pause button.” - Ana Melikian Resources Mentioned: Original Episode: Death of a Workaholic Podcast Episode 06 - Work Smarter, Not Harder - Ana Melikian Book: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey Book: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl The interviewer: Jenny Lynne Erickson is an entrepreneur, business advisor, writer, and the host of the Death of a Workaholic podcast. A keynote speaker on work-life integration, hustle culture, and leadership, Jenny Lynne is on a mission to guide entrepreneurs and leaders beyond workaholism and toward reorganizing their businesses. Jenny Lynne also serves as the Idea Activator behind ACThoughtful Consulting LLC, an organization that changes the odds for micro-businesses and helps them start and sustain their impact. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Management and Communications from Concordia University, St. Paul. Connect with Jenny Lynne Erickson: Jenny Lynne Erickson Website ACThoughtful Podcast: Death of a Workaholic Jenny Lynne Erickson on LinkedIn Jenny Lynne Erickson on Facebook Jenny Lynne Erickson on Twitter Email: Jenny@JennyLynneErickson.com Expand What’s Possible

“It takes a team, a village, a nation to move this needle of building more housing and getting individuals out of homeless shelters into stable housing.” - Jenna Juniper Jenna joins me today to discuss the personal experiences that led her to work in—and advocate for—affordable housing. She describes how having access to housing enabled her to turn her life around. She explains how the pandemic has affected the cost of living and what it will take to expand affordable housing. She also highlights how volunteers, advocates, and housing workers can better help vulnerable people by taking care of their own well-being and underscores how moments of pause and reprieve can help vulnerable people unlock their potential. This week on The Mindset Zone: Jenna’s story, mission to end homelessness, and passion for expanding affordable housing The role of inner work in unlocking human potential Humans as connecting and collaborative beings Evolving the conversations around homelessness and affordable housing Why basic needs like housing are critical to doing inner work and unlocking human potential Ana’s PIE method and why moments of pause are critical to vulnerable people Why helpers, volunteers, and advocates need to also take care of themselves as they help others Guest: Jenna Juniper is a national speaker and housing consultant. She is the President and CEO of the Housing Consultants of America, an organization of affordable housing consultants, auditors, and trainers. Over her 16-year career, Jenna has successfully partnered developers with nonprofits, implementing and sustaining critical and supportive services on low-income properties across the nation. Before her role as President and CEO at the Housing Consultants of America, Jenna worked as the Director of Compliance & Hearing Officer at Gorman & Company. She graduated from DeVry University with a Bachelor’s in Computer & Information Systems and holds over a dozen affordable housing designations, including the HOME Compliance Specialist designation issued by the National Center for Housing Management. Connect with Jenna Juniper: Housing Consultants of America Housing Consultants of America, LLC on LinkedIn Housing Consultants of America, LLC on Instagram Housing Consultants of America, LLC on Facebook Jenna Juniper on LinkedIn Jenna Juniper on Instagram Jenna Juniper on Facebook Expand What’s Possible

“Wine, when aged, is way more expensive. We value antiques because they represent a different age and tell a different story. Why don’t we apply the same thing to people?” - Phyllis Ayman Phyllis joins me today to discuss how we can shift the conversation around aging. She describes life and aging as the stages of a play and outlines limiting beliefs related to aging and ageism. She explains why it’s the responsibility of older people to embrace strategies that allow them to age gracefully and vibrantly and how intellectual stimulation and social connection help avoid cognitive decline. Phyllis also highlights the importance of bridging the connection between younger and older generations and underscores the value of lived experience. This week on The Mindset Zone: Phyllis’ mindset about aging How colleges around the country are building bridges between older and younger people The “Sandwich” generation What ignited Phyllis’ advocacy work on aging and elder care Why older people don’t receive the care they deserve The importance of sleep in cognitive health How taking care of our bodies in a holistic way can prevent cognitive decline The role of mindset in changing the culture and conversations around aging Guest: Phyllis Ayman is an ambassador for Conscious Aging Life Management. She is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of several books, including Overdue: Quality Care for Our Elder Citizens, which became a #1 New Release on Amazon. Phyllis is also a speech and language pathologist with over 40 years of experience working with families in long-term care. Phyllis holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Disorders from Emerson College and a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. In addition to her work, Phyllis serves as a committee member of the UN NGO Committee on Aging and is a board member of the Massachusetts Advocates for Nursing Home Reform. Connect with Phyllis Ayman: Phyllis Ayman Associates Podcast: Seniors STRAIGHT Talk Book: Overdue: Quality Care for Our Elder Citizens Phyllis Ayman on LinkedIn Phyllis Ayman on Instagram Phyllis Ayman on Facebook Phyllis Ayman on Twitter Phyllis Ayman on YouTube Email: Phyllis@PhyllisAymanAssociates.com Related Content: The Sandwich Generation, Aging, and Community with Shain Khoja Expand What’s Possible

“If you have no idea who you are, then you haven’t been the best you. Work hard and make up for the time and become the best you.” - David Richman David joins me today to discuss transformation, trauma, cancer, and emotions. He describes the wake-up call that made him take ownership of his life’s transformation and what it means to be “response-able.” He explains how putting himself first helped him transform himself physically and why it took him longer to rewire his brain than to transform his body. He explores mindsets and overcoming years of trauma and bad habits. David also elaborates on why people have difficulties conversing about the emotional side of trauma and offers advice on having difficult conversations about trauma. This week on The Mindset Zone: David’s transformation from being an overweight smoker to Ironman ultramarathoner What inspired David to write Winning in the Middle of the Pack How long it took for David to physically transform himself Why we need to transform psychologically as well as physically His sister’s battle with brain cancer Why it’s difficult for us to talk about the emotional side of trauma How trauma can be isolating for the people experiencing it Ana’s journey with inflammatory breast cancer What we can learn from children about courage Guest: David Richman is an endurance athlete, financial services professional, and public speaker. By taking lessons he learned from business and sports, David conceptualized the “middle of the pack” principle and other ideas on getting more out of ourselves than we ever imagined. He is the author of several books, including Cycle of Lives: 15 People's Stories, 5,000 Miles, and a Journey Through the Emotional Chaos of Cancer and Winning in the Middle of the Pack: Realizing True Success in Business and in Life. Connect with David Richman: David Richman Website Raymond James Book: Cycle of Lives: 15 People's Stories, 5,000 Miles, and a Journey Through the Emotional Chaos of Cancer Book: Winning in the Middle of the Pack: Realizing True Success in Business and in Life David Richman on LinkedIn David Richman on Instagram David Richman on Facebook David Richman on Twitter Resources Mentioned: Book: Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone by Brené Brown Expand What’s Possible

“We have to start from the inside out because that’s where we have the power and control over our own lives. We have to drive our own bus. That’s where it begins.” - Tammy Gooler Loeb Tammy joins me today to discuss how to create career and life transitions and take charge of the uncertainty that comes with it. She explains why there’s so much dissatisfaction in today’s workplaces and why we need to shift our mindsets around professional development and career progression. She describes the complexity of career satisfaction and why creating a fulfilling life can’t be done with quick fixes. Tammy also highlights why it’s never too late to make shifts in your career and underscores why identifying one’s core values is essential to making life or professional transitions. This week on The Mindset Zone: Common uncertainties people experience when making transitions in their lives or careers The “reactionary” phase people encounter when they want to change their careers The complexity of career fulfillment and satisfaction Making lasting changes in life and embracing the experimentation mindset Ana’s “PIE” method and the three types of pauses Why professional transitions and changes are never linear The importance of self-reflection and seeking the help of career professionals How fear can prevent us from making changes in our lives and careers Why it’s never too late to make shifts in your career Learning to be gentle with ourselves and preventing the inner critic from taking over Guest: Tammy Gooler Loeb is a career and executive coach who has been helping her clients clarify their goals, develop personalized plans, and achieve fulfilling results since 1991. Tammy held various roles in mental health services, higher education, fundraising, and public policy before establishing her coaching practice—Tammy Gooler Loeb Coaching & Consulting. These roles include serving as the Master Coach for the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley for over nine years and working as an executive and leadership coach for the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. A public speaker and facilitator, Tammy also serves as a core guide and executive coach at Chief, a private member network for women executives. She hosts the podcast, Work from the Inside Out, and is the author of Work from the Inside Out: Break Through Nine Common Obstacles and Design a Career That Fulfills You. Connect with Tammy Gooler Loeb: Tammy Gooler Loeb Website Book: Work from the Inside Out: Break Through Nine Common Obstacles and Design a Career That Fulfills You Podcast: Work from the Inside Out Tammy Gooler Loeb on LinkedIn Tammy Gooler Loeb on Instagram Tammy Gooler Loeb on Facebook Resources Mentioned: Book: The Gift: 14 Lessons to Save Your Life by Dr. Edith Eva Eger Book: The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Dr. Edith Eva Eger Related Content: Human Potential. Unlocked. Tammy Gooler Loeb interviews Ana Melikian Expand What’s Possible