It's a Good Life

Brian Buffini
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Jan 20, 2026 • 36min

Cognitive Fitness 101: How to Stay Mentally Sharp with Dr. Tommy Wood

In this episode, Dr. Tommy Woods, a neuroscientist and performance coach, shares the best practices you should follow if you want to achieve optimal brain health. He also details how how these practices are tied into your overall health.  Dr. Wood introduces his 3S Model, “Stimulus, Supply, and Support,” a simple and practical way to think about how the brain adapts, performs, and stays resilient over time. You’ll learn why how you use your brain is the primary driver of brain function, how cardiovascular and metabolic health influence cognition, and why sleep is where the real adaptation happens. You’ll also hear powerful coaching insights on handling stress (including why you can’t think yourself out of stress), practical tools to downshift when you’re under pressure, and the science-backed truth that the adult brain can learn “new tricks”. And you’ll also learn why mistakes (and the grace to forgive yourself and others when they occur) are so necessary for continued growth.  YOU WILL LEARN: How the “Stimulus–Supply–Support” framework make “brain optimization” doable without the overwhelm. You can’t “outthink” yourself out of being stressed, but you can learn effective ways to manage it.  Why mistakes should be reframed as necessary and critical components to growth.  MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:  The Stimulated Mind, by Dr. Tommy Wood Behave, by Robert Sapolsky The Neuroscience of You, by Chantelle Pratt NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:  “The 3S are stimulus, support and supply. In terms of brain function, stimulus is the most important.” — Dr. Tommy Wood  “The most important thing somebody should do for their brain health is the thing that they will actually do and do it consistently.” — Dr. Tommy Wood “You don’t get stronger in the gym — you get stronger when you recover. And the brain is exactly the same.” — Dr. Tommy Wood “One of the best ways to buffer stress and build our stress capacity is exercise.” — Dr. Tommy Wood  “You don’t know all the amazing things that can happen if you just go out into the world and you’re nice to other people.” — Dr. Tommy Wood   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jan 15, 2026 • 8min

Quick Cut: S2E365 The Power of a Made Up Mind

Click here to listen to the full episodeAll successful people have made up their minds to win long before they experience their first victory. In this episode, a rebroadcast of our most popular message ever, Brian discusses the power of a made-up mind and shares inspiring stories from his own life and the lives of people who’ve defied the odds. Brian also examines the two questions to consider when you want to make up your mind to live the life you’ve always dreamed of. YOU WILL LEARN:Five benefits of harnessing the power of a made-up mind.How to turn negative feedback into life lessons.The importance of making a decision, no matter how big or small. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:“Man’s Search for Meaning,” by Viktor Frankl INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:“Inside all books of success and all stories of victories, there are chapters of failure.” – Brian Buffini“Even though you may stop for a while, when your mind is made up you never, ever give up.” – Brian Buffini“If you’re giving up, your mind is not made up.” – Brian Buffini“A human being whose mind is made up is a force of nature in this world.” – Brian Buffini“I have made up my mind. And I have been blessed in my life as a result of it. But I did not do it by myself.” – Brian BuffiniItsagoodlife.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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11 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 36min

S2E364 How to Build Better Habits with Charles Duhigg

In this engaging conversation, Charles Duhigg, a journalist and author renowned for his insights on habits, joins to explore how to make lasting changes as we enter 2026. Charles discusses the power of beginnings and why small wins can turn New Year's resolutions into achievable habits. They delve into the importance of meaningful human communication in an AI-dominated world and outline three types of conversations—practical, emotional, and social. Duhigg shares strategies for building better habits and enhancing personal connections through effective dialogue.
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8 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 11min

Quick Cut: S2E363 Ready, Set, Goal!

Kickstart your year with powerful strategies to achieve your goals! Discover how a Formula 1 formation lap can help you avoid unproductive false starts. Learn why winners aim to start strong in January and find out how small wins can build your confidence. Brian emphasizes the magic of written goals and the importance of having a supportive coach or buddy system. Get ready to plan with clarity using SMART goals and check off your achievements as you go!
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9 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 32min

S2E362 Behind the Curtain: How to Have a Great Year Buffini Style

In this engaging conversation, Anna Buffini, a former top-ranked dressage athlete turned social media manager, interviews her father, Brian Buffini. They explore how to start the year with motivation and the importance of setting written goals over mere resolutions. Anna shares insights on transitioning from elite sport and the peace she found in closing that chapter. Brian emphasizes perseverance through tough times and encourages finding joy in small moments while pursuing big goals, all intertwined with uplifting advice for the new year.
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6 snips
Jan 1, 2026 • 10min

Quick Cut: S2E361 All it Takes is a Goal with Jon Acuff

In this engaging conversation, bestselling author and speaker Jon Acuff discusses how to harness your potential effectively. He shares a unique approach to goal-setting, emphasizing the importance of examining past successes to shape future objectives. Acuff explains the role of desire in fueling action, arguing that it's not just about discipline. He introduces the concept of treating goals like games to maintain motivation, along with the 'goal ladder' framework to ensure sustainable progress. Prepare to rethink your approach to achieving success!
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9 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 48min

S2E360 How to Ask Great Questions - a Conversation with Ken Coleman

Ken Coleman, bestselling author and popular radio host, shares his expertise on the art of questioning. He emphasizes how effective questions unlock deeper insights and strengthen connections. Coleman highlights the importance of curiosity, preparation, and the nuances of body language in communication. With anecdotes from memorable interviews, he illustrates how to engage guests and encourage them to reveal personal truths. Listeners are challenged to come up with one powerful question for their next conversation.
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6 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 10min

Quick Cut: S2E359 The Gift of Giving

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.
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8 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 18min

S2E358 A Christmas Carol

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.
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6 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 11min

Quick Cut: S2E357 How to Get Unstuck - a Conversation with Adam Alter

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!

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