It's a Good Life

Ken Coleman, the bestselling author and a key radio personality for Dave Ramsey’s Ramsey Solutions, is known for his deep and insightful interviews with hundreds of major personalities including political figures, sports icons and titans of business.  In this podcast episode of It’s a Good Life, host Brian Buffini turns the tables and asks Ken questions about how he became known as one of the country’s top interviewers. Ken shares insights into how to ask questions that don’t just skim over a topic but get to the heart of what matters to the interviewee. He details how you can use these strategies in your own life to strengthen your own communications with others. He also describes how to use practical ways with your ears, eyes, face and body to relay honesty and interest to others that allow them to feel seen and heard.  YOU WILL LEARN:  How to ask questions that will go to the heart of a matter and deliver deeper insights.  Why background research is key before you have an important conversation with them.   How to use your ears, eyes, face, and body to understand others and show your commitment to them.  MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Buffini Coaching LiveNOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE “We need to understand that questions are the keys to unlocking any door we need to walk through.” — Ken Coleman “My goal in every interview is to get someone to say, ‘I’ve never been asked that before’ or ‘I’ve never shared this before.’” — Ken Coleman “Listen with your ears for tone, with your eyes for body language, with your face to mirror engagement, and with your body to show respect.” — Ken Coleman “I'm going to listen with my eyes. And this is probably as important as the ears. I'm watching body language. I'm watching an uncomfortable shift or I'm watching the shoulders drop.” — Ken Coleman “Confidence isn’t pre-loaded — it’s the consequence of a good conversation.” — Ken Coleman itsagoodlife.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The spirit of giving extends beyond the holidays, with insights on finding joy in generosity. Discover the significance of personal gifts and how to offer your time and talent, rather than just material items. Brian explores the deeper meaning behind traditional gifts like gold, frankincense, and myrrh, emphasizing that the essence is in the heart behind the gesture. He shares that true fulfillment comes from the act of giving itself, reminding us that the best gifts often involve our attention and presence.

In this holiday special, the hosts reflect on the true spirit of Christmas, encouraging listeners to prioritize presence over presents. Personal childhood memories evoke nostalgia and wonder, while discussions on holiday stress highlight the importance of rest and connection. Acts of goodwill and community service are celebrated as ways to find joy and perspective. Looking ahead, they emphasize faith, gratitude, and the pursuit of peace, reminding everyone that togetherness enriches both life and business.

Join Adam Alter, a New York Times bestselling author and NYU Stern professor, as he delves into the complexities of feeling stuck. He explains how stuckness is a natural part of progress and discusses the goal gradient hypothesis and perfectionism. Adam emphasizes that plateaus are normal and can signal growth, while also tackling the loneliness that often accompanies feeling stuck. He suggests breaking goals into smaller tasks to navigate those tricky middle phases. Tune in for insights that can spark your next breakthrough!

Join bestselling author Jon Acuff as he explores how to kickstart your year with the powerful '5 Cs' framework: clarity, courage, community, consistency, and coaching. He dives into the value of discomfort for growth and the importance of celebrating achievements before setting new goals. Jon emphasizes that procrastination isn’t a flaw but a coping tool, offering strategies to overcome it. Plus, hear his insights on leadership and embracing mistakes for greater success.

Explore the vital role of sales in free markets as the host highlights why many shy away from the term. Discover the essential desire to serve, emphasizing genuine interest over transactions. Learn the importance of consulting skills, including asking insightful questions and effective listening. Understand the value of long-term trust over quick gains, along with the courage to ask for commitments and referrals. Dive into the transformative mindset that separates great salespeople from the rest.

In a world filled with pessimistic views about the 2026 real estate market, optimism shines through as Brian Buffini predicts a return to a balanced market reminiscent of 2019. He dives into effective strategies for reaching the median home seller, who is typically 64 years old. Family dynamics emerge as a major motivator for selling, while insights on first-time buyers reveal they're older than many expect. With a new program, the Blitz, set to revolutionize lead generation and sales for agents, hope and actionable plans take center stage.

Click here to listen to the full episodeDavid Allen's Getting Things Done® work-life management system is a global productivity movement that helps people bring order to the chaos in their businesses and their lives. In this episode, David tells Brian how the GTD® system enables greater performance, capacity and innovation. YOU WILL LEARN:·     How to engage and be present. ·     How to get in the zone without having a crisis. ·     How to write a superior to-do list.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: “Getting Things Done,” by David AllenInspirational quotes from today’s interview:“How you are engaged with the world is the issue.” — David Allen“Productivity is simply achieving desired results.” — David Allen“Your mind is for having ideas, not holding them.” — David Allen“Your head can handle about four things max before it starts to feel overwhelmed and confused.” — David Allen“Pay attention to what has your attention, start to engage with it appropriately and it opens space.” — David Allen“Completion and creativity: that’s really the essence of what Getting Things Done® is all about.” — David Allenitsagoodlife.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carla Harris, Vice Chairman at Morgan Stanley and bestselling author, shares her journey from Wall Street rookie to a leader who values inclusion and collaboration. She discusses the importance of focusing on CEO-level priorities and the mindset shift from doer to enabler. Carla emphasizes the role of faith and family in her success and reveals her passion for gospel music, which she initially kept private. Her insights on leadership, serving before selling, and acting with conviction offer a roadmap for aspiring leaders.

Join John Israel, the author behind the impactful Mr. Thank You Project, as he shares insights on the transformative power of gratitude. He discusses how expressing appreciation can deepen personal and professional relationships. Learn the essential components of a heartfelt thank-you note, and discover how a giving mindset can enhance business connections. John emphasizes curiosity as a key driver of empathy and appreciation, proving that gratitude is a game-changer for building trust and fostering connections.