Logo
    Search

    Podcast Summary

    • Learn, Save, and Grow: Making a Comeback in LifeUnderstand your learning style, communicate effectively, seek affordable solutions, and continuously learn to make a successful comeback in life.

      No matter what stage of life you're in, there's always an opportunity for growth and improvement. Whether it's furthering your education with a reputable institution like Purdue Global, saving money on wireless service with Consumer Cellular, or finding happiness in your work, there are resources and solutions available to help you make a comeback. Arthur Brooks, a renowned intellectual, emphasizes the importance of understanding how we learn best and utilizing that knowledge to our advantage. He encourages us to teach children this skill and to seek out learning methods that cater to our individual strengths. Additionally, don't underestimate the power of effective communication and the value of learning from others. As Ted from Consumer Cellular reminds us, there's no need to overpay for wireless service when there are more affordable options available. And, as we heard from Arthur, the key to truly absorbing information is to learn how to learn quickly and effectively. So whether it's through education, personal finance, or professional development, take the next step and make it count. Your comeback is within reach.

    • Recognizing the Superpowers of Learning DifferencesPeople with dyslexia and ADHD have unique strengths, such as problem-solving and real-time thinking, that can make them successful in various roles. Labeling these conditions as disorders hinders our recognition of their advantages and the potential for a more inclusive education system.

      People with learning differences, such as dyslexia and ADHD, can thrive in unique ways when given the opportunity. The father in the discussion shares his pride in his son's transformation into a successful US Marine, despite his diagnosis. He emphasizes that these conditions, rather than being liabilities, are actually superpowers that enable his son to solve problems in real time and excel in his role. The speaker also highlights the importance of recognizing the strengths of those with different learning styles and creating a more tailored education system. He laments the way we label these conditions as disorders and deficits, instead of recognizing the unique advantages they bring. By embracing the diversity of learning styles and acknowledging the evolutionary benefits, we can create a richer society that values and supports individuals in their unique journeys.

    • Recognizing and embracing our unique qualitiesEffective educators adapt teaching styles to cater to students' learning styles, leading to personal growth and success.

      Understanding ourselves, rather than regretting who we are, is the most important thing. People with chronic low mood or depressive tendencies may face challenges in life, but they also have unique strengths, such as better decision-making skills, creativity, and a better grasp on reality. This concept is particularly relevant for educators, who should recognize that different students learn in various ways. While some learn deductively by following a model and applying it to data, the vast majority learn inductively by observing patterns and experiences. Effective teachers, like the speaker, adapt their teaching styles to cater to their students' learning styles, making the learning process more engaging and effective. In the end, recognizing and embracing our unique qualities and learning styles can lead to personal growth and success.

    • Exploring the connection between happiness and leadershipTo become happier and a better leader, learn about human happiness, practice it, and share it with others. Successful leaders are always learning and seeking new insights, treating every interaction as an opportunity to grow.

      Happiness and leadership are interconnected, and the key to becoming happier and a better leader lies in learning about it, applying it in one's life, and sharing it with others. The mistake many people make is wishing for happiness but not working towards it. To become happier, one must use their brain to learn about human happiness, practice it, and share it with others. Leaders have a unique opportunity to teach and embed core values into their message, making them effective teachers and great leaders. Successful leaders are always learning and seeking new insights, treating every interaction as an opportunity to grow. The stories of the world's most successful businesses show that even the most unlikely circumstances can lead to great achievements. Through the How I Built This podcast, listeners can learn from the founders of these companies, gaining insights into their moments of doubt, failure, and triumph on their paths to success.

    • Revolutionizing Industries with AI: Upgrade to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure for Faster Training and Lower CostsUpgrade to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure for faster AI model training at lower costs, offering advantages like higher bandwidth, consistent pricing, and superior data handling capabilities.

      AI technology is revolutionizing industries, requiring significant speed and processing power. To compete effectively without excessive costs, consider upgrading to the next generation of cloud infrastructure like Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). OCI offers advantages such as higher bandwidth, consistent pricing, and superior data handling capabilities, enabling faster AI model training at lower costs. Additionally, it's essential to continue learning and growing as a leader. One inspiring figure who has taught valuable lessons is the Dalai Lama. To form an unlikely alliance and meet him, former AEI president Arthur Brooks made a list of influential people, including the Dalai Lama. Through determination and persistence, he secured an hour of his time, leading to a profound connection. One lesson from the Dalai Lama that can be applied is understanding the satisfaction problem in the hedonic treadmill. According to Brooks, this concept refers to the human tendency to adapt to new experiences and return to a baseline of happiness. To overcome this, focus on personal growth, cultivating inner strength, and seeking meaning and purpose in life.

    • Focus on managing wants, not getting themPrioritize faith, family, friendships, and meaningful work to increase satisfaction, let go of attachments to external goals, and build effective systems to prioritize daily actions.

      To increase our satisfaction in life, we need to focus less on getting what we want and more on managing our wants. According to the Dalai Lama, our satisfaction is not determined by what we have, but rather by what we have compared to what we want. To improve this equation, we should make a "reverse bucket list" and let go of attachments to certain desires. Instead of focusing on external goals and success, we should prioritize our faith, family, deep friendships, and meaningful work. As James Clear suggests in "Atomic Habits," we should also focus on building effective systems that help us prioritize and be more mindful of our daily actions. By managing our wants and prioritizing our faith, family, friendships, and meaningful work, we can increase our overall satisfaction and happiness.

    • Setting intentions without attachment and focusing on building the right systemsConsider long-term goals, identify actions, focus on building systems, and find enduring enjoyment through finite infinite thinking

      Creating a meaningful and fulfilling life involves setting intentions without attachment and focusing on building the right systems. This approach, known as "intention without attachment," encourages us to consider where we want to be in various areas of our lives in the long term, and then identify the actions we need to take in the present to make progress towards those goals. By focusing on the systems we need to put in place today, rather than being overly attached to specific outcomes, we can find true and enduring enjoyment. This idea is inspired by the concept of "finite infinite thinking," where goals are finite but the systems we build to achieve them are infinite. The motivation for this perspective comes from a personal experience of encountering a famous figure who appeared unhappy despite his accomplishments, leading the speaker to reflect on how to ensure personal happiness and growth.

    • Aging and Happiness: Lessons for a Fulfilling Second Half of LifeThrough personal growth, social connections, and innovation, we can continue to grow and adapt, increasing happiness and overall well-being in the second half of life.

      It's never too late to make positive changes in your life to increase your happiness and overall well-being. The discussion highlights two groups, one that continues to grow happier and another that decreases in happiness as they age. The goal is to be on the upward trajectory, avoiding regret and disappointment. The speaker shares lessons learned from the Dalai Lama and neuroscience research, emphasizing the importance of social connections and finding the right balance in socializing. Additionally, the success stories of entrepreneurs, like Chobani and Drunk Elephant, demonstrate the power of resilience and innovation, even in the face of doubt and failure. Ultimately, the key takeaway is that we all have the capacity to grow and adapt, no matter our age or circumstances. Whether it's through personal development, social connections, or entrepreneurship, the second half of our lives can be the most fulfilling yet.

    • Recognizing and adapting to changes in skills and abilitiesEmbrace aging by developing new skills or focusing on teaching and mentoring to continue making meaningful contributions and find happiness.

      As we age, our skills and natural abilities evolve, and it's essential to recognize and adapt to these changes to find fulfillment and happiness. The example of Charles Darwin illustrates this concept well. In his twenties, Darwin was an innovative and groundbreaking scientist, but as he grew older, he hit a limit in his mathematical understanding, and his innovative capacity slowed. Instead of trying to continue in the same vein, he could have adapted and focused on teaching or mentoring younger scientists. Instead, he felt like a failure and died disappointed. On the other hand, Johann Sebastian Bach, another great artist, adapted to the changing times by passing on his knowledge to the next generation. He recognized the value of his earlier work, even as it became eclipsed by new styles, and continued to teach and write about the high baroque style. In summary, the key takeaway is to embrace the changes that come with aging and adapt by developing new skills or focusing on teaching and mentoring. By doing so, we can continue to make meaningful contributions and find happiness in our later years.

    • Embracing Transitions for Personal GrowthTransitions offer opportunities for growth and new experiences, but can be scary and lonely. Embrace them to find happiness and success in new ways.

      Life's successes and happiness are temporary, and it's essential to embrace transitions and remodel our lives to find new sources of fulfillment. Bach, a renowned composer, exemplified this when he shifted from his prime creative years to focus on teaching and relationships, ultimately finding happiness and success in a new way. Transitions can be scary and lonely, but they also offer opportunities for growth and new experiences, much like fishing during the falling tide. Embracing these transitions and letting go of past successes is crucial for personal growth and long-term happiness.

    • Stay in the game during falling tidesStay focused and persistent, even during adversity, as the best opportunities often arise during challenging times. Continuous learning and conversations with others provide unique perspectives.

      During challenging times, it's essential to keep trying and stay in the game. This was the lesson shared by Arthur Brooks during a fishing trip, where he explained that during a falling tide, when it seems like everything is going out and the best days are past, is actually when the game fish are most active and magic can happen. This analogy can be applied to life, where we may only get one chance to seize opportunities when we're most uncomfortable or have lost the most. Brooks emphasized the importance of staying focused and persistent, even when faced with adversity. Additionally, he highlighted the value of continuous learning and the unique perspectives gained from conversations with others. Overall, the conversation underscored the importance of staying resilient and seizing opportunities during difficult times.

    Recent Episodes from A Bit of Optimism

    More Thinking About Thinking with Brené Brown and Adam Grant: Part Two

    More Thinking About Thinking with Brené Brown and Adam Grant: Part Two

    In Part 2 of our conversation, Brené Brown, Adam Grant, and I continue our journey of out loud self-reflection.

    We discuss identifying our values, the two types of narcissists, explanation-based parenting, and exercising judgment over our own judgment. 

    Listen to Part 1 here or wherever you listen to podcasts.

    This...is A Bit of Optimism.

    For more on Brené and Adam's work, check out:

    brenebrown.com

    adamgrant.net

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    A Bit of Optimism
    enJuly 02, 2024

    Thinking About Thinking with Brené Brown and Adam Grant: Part One

    Thinking About Thinking with Brené Brown and Adam Grant: Part One

    To become more self-aware, sometimes you need a friend. Two friends is even better.

    Brené Brown and Adam Grant swing by the podcast for one of our trademark conversations with no plan. It turns into a deep dive about knowing our selves and how self-reflection is sometimes best done with others. What's a little metacognition between friends?

    This...is A Bit of Optimism.

    For more from Brené and Adam, check out:

    brenebrown.com

    adamgrant.net

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    A Bit of Optimism
    enJune 25, 2024

    The War On The Young with professor Scott Galloway

    The War On The Young with professor Scott Galloway

    Building wealth is an unequal pursuit. Scott Galloway believes no one is getting more screwed financially than young people.

    Scott argues what the U.S. is doing to the economic future of its youth is nothing less than a war on the young. The massive transfer of wealth from young to old is a topic he explores in his new book The Algebra of Wealth

    I was delighted to have Prof G back on the show to share what's been on his mind lately, and enjoyed veering far off topic to discuss love, money, and the nature of true friendship.

    This...is A Bit of Optimism.

    To learn more about Scott and his work, check out:

    his book The Algebra of Wealth

    his podcasts at Prof G Media

    his TED Talk

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    A Bit of Optimism
    enJune 18, 2024

    Moral Courage with Diane Foley, mother of executed journalist James Foley

    Moral Courage with Diane Foley, mother of executed journalist James Foley

    Seven years after ISIS killed her son, Diane Foley met with one of his killers. Somehow, she was able to find the humanity in her son's murderer. 

    ISIS held journalist James Foley hostage for 2 years before publicly executing him in 2014, when they uploaded a YouTube video of James's beheading. After her son's murder, Diane Foley started The Foley Foundation, working to free American hostages held abroad, teach journalist safety, and inspire people to act with moral courage.

    I asked Diane how she found the moral courage to meet ISIS terrorist Alexanda Kotey and see him as a human being. If Diane could find the grace to connect with her son's murderer, the rest of us can find the moral courage to see the good in those with whom we so vehemently disagree.

    This...is A Bit of Optimism.

    To learn more about Diane and her work, check out:

    her book American Mother

    The Foley Foundation

     

     

     

     

     

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    A Bit of Optimism
    enJune 11, 2024

    Humble Confidence with veteran and entrepreneur Blake Hall

    Humble Confidence with veteran and entrepreneur Blake Hall

    Humility stems from confidence. Confident leaders can admit when they're not the smartest person in the room.

    Blake Hall exemplifies the type of leadership we need more of in business. A former Army Ranger, Blake was awarded the Bronze Star for leading his platoon in combat during the Iraq War. Now he's the CEO and co-founder of ID.me, a digital wallet that simplifies online identity verification.

    I sat down with Blake to discuss how his combat experience informed his journey as an entrepreneur and why the smartest leaders lead with humility.

    This...is A Bit of Optimism.

    To learn more about Blake and his work, check out:

    id.me

     

     

     

     

     

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    A Bit of Optimism
    enJune 04, 2024

    The Ultimate Infinite-Minded CEO with Trek Bicycle CEO John Burke

    The Ultimate Infinite-Minded CEO with Trek Bicycle CEO John Burke

    The jump from $250 million to $2 billion in revenue doesn't happen overnight. Over 25 years, John Burke transformed Trek Bikes into a global powerhouse — one mom-and-pop bike store at a time.

    The key to John's success is simple but powerful. Create value for others first, and you too shall be rewarded. 

    John and I discuss why the best way to win isn't to focus on "winning," but to focus on "play," and how the principles of The Infinite Game have guided his leadership. And he tells me why creative leadership is exactly what's missing in American government.

    This...is A Bit of Optimism.

    To learn more about John and his work, check out:

    his book, A Bold Plan For America

    TrekBikes.com

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    A Bit of Optimism
    enMay 28, 2024

    Be Necessary with war journalist Sebastian Junger

    Be Necessary with war journalist Sebastian Junger

    War reporters risk their lives to document conflict. And yet, after a career living on battlefields, Sebastian Junger's closest brush with death was surviving an aneurysm.

    Sebastian's story of his sudden internal hemorrhage and making sense of what he saw while dying is the subject of his new book In My Time of Dying. As someone who usually writes as an outside observer, it's an atypical and personal exploration of death.

    I was privileged to speak with Sebastian about the fragility of life and why being necessary to others is one of our highest needs of all. 

    This...is A Bit of Optimism.

    To learn more about Sebastian and his work, check out:

    sebastianjunger.com

    his book, In My Time of Dying



    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    A Bit of Optimism
    enMay 21, 2024

    Invention is Reinvention with entrepreneur Eric Ryan

    Invention is Reinvention with entrepreneur Eric Ryan

    Starting a company from scratch isn't easy. Doing it multiple times seems downright impossible.

    Eric Ryan is one of those serial entrepreneurs. Most known as the co-founder of Method soaps, he's also the founder of Olly vitamins, Welly first aid kits, Cast jewelry, and he has more ventures planned. 

    I sat down with Eric to ask him about his creative process. What follows is a conversation about serial creativity and why reinvention is the key to repeating creative success.

    This...is A Bit of Optimism.

    To learn more about Eric and his work, check out:

    methodproducts.com

     

     

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    A Bit of Optimism
    enMay 14, 2024

    The Definition of Success with author Neil Strauss

    The Definition of Success with author Neil Strauss

    In 2005, Neil Strauss published The Game, a book about his years living in the pickup artist community. The Game sold millions of copies, stirred up huge controversy, and made Neil a bestselling author. 

    Neil has totally reinvented himself since writing The Game, and I wanted to talk with him about walking away from that identity of success. This led to a much deeper conversation about what success even is. Is meaning tied to outcomes, or is intention enough? 

    Neil and I don't see eye-to-eye on everything in this conversation, but I love talking with him because he challenges my ideas. I hope this episode challenges you as well, to continue questioning what the definition of success should be. 

    This...is A Bit of Optimism.

    To learn more about Neil and his work, check out:

    neilstrauss.com

    The Game: Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Happily Friended with author Rhaina Cohen

    Happily Friended with author Rhaina Cohen

    Society treats marriage like the end goal of human intimacy. Platonic friends can never be as important as romantic partners. 

    What would life look like if we made friendship the goal? Journalist and producer Rhaina Cohen tackles this question in her book The Other Significant Others. She tells the stories of people who made platonic friends the closest people in their lives, doing things together like buying houses, executing a will, and raising children. 

    I wanted to talk with Rhaina because redefining what friendship means in our lives lets us connect in new and deeper ways outside the rigid boundaries of a marriage or relationship. And it might take the pressure off our romantic partners to fulfill every one of our social needs.

    This...is A Bit of Optimism.

    To learn more about Rhaina and her work, check out:

    rhainacohen.com

    her book The Other Significant Others

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Related Episodes

    #157 John Maxwell on How to Jumpstart Your Personal Growth with High Level Leadership | Impact Theory

    #157 John Maxwell on How to Jumpstart Your Personal Growth with High Level Leadership | Impact Theory
    On this episode of Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu, John C. Maxwell explains why everyone has to go through adversity, and shows the best way to learn the most you can from experience. Specifically, he details the precise questions you should ask other leaders, describes the methods he uses to reflect on both hardships and successes, and explains exactly how you should go about having hard conversations with your peers and teammates. This episode is brought to you by: Skillshare: Explore your creativity at skillshare.com/impacttheory for 2 free months of Premium Membership. Better Help: Get 10% off your first month at https://betterhelp.com/impacttheory SHOW NOTES:  Leadership is nothing more or less than influence [2:59] John explains the power and value of connecting [3:39] Everything rises and falls on leadership [5:06] John discusses the extent to which leadership comes from your environment and mentors [6:29] “I changed from a goal mindset to a growth mindset” [9:37] We influence people by intentionally adding value to their lives [10:37] John details strategies for learning leadership skills [14:05] Before you lead people you have to find them [16:34] John claims that character is mostly developed out of adversity [18:34] John describes a U-turn leader [21:40] John advocates that competence and skills come from years of practice [22:42] John explains how he reflects and how he learns from experience [24:10] John explains how he deals with the hard conversations [25:42] What are the keys to developing leaders in your organization? [31:54] John tells a fascinating story about how influence works in groups [37:38] John then tells a great story about how to fail completely as a leader [41:31] John shares the impact he wants to have on the world [43:31]  FOLLOW: WEBSITE: johnmaxwell.com INSTAGRAM: https://bit.ly/30SqXL1 FACEBOOK: https://bit.ly/30SuBEW TWITTER: https://bit.ly/2Gj6mWM    Are You Ready for EXTRA Impact? If you’re ready to find true fulfillment, strengthen your focus, and ignite your true potential, the Impact Theory subscription was created just for you. Want to transform your health, sharpen your mindset, improve your relationship, or conquer the business world? This is your epicenter of greatness.  This is not for the faint of heart. This is for those who dare to learn obsessively, every day, day after day. Subscription Benefits: Unlock the gates to a treasure trove of wisdom from inspiring guests like Andrew Huberman, Mel Robbins, Hal Elrod, Matthew McConaughey, and many, many, more New episodes delivered ad-free Exclusive access to Tom’s AMAs, keynote speeches, and suggestions from his personal reading list You’ll also get access to an 5 additional podcasts with hundreds of archived Impact Theory episodes, meticulously curated into themed playlists covering health, mindset, business, relationships, and more: Legendary Mindset: Mindset & Self-Improvement Money Mindset: Business & Finance Relationship Theory: Relationships Health Theory: Mental & Physical Health Power Ups: Weekly Doses of Short Motivational Quotes  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PCvJaz Subscribe on all other platforms (Google Podcasts, Spotify, Castro, Downcast, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Podcast Addict, Podcast Republic, Podkicker, and more) : https://impacttheorynetwork.supercast.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    #348: A Counterintelligence Expert's Five Rules to Lead and Succeed

    #348: A Counterintelligence Expert's Five Rules to Lead and Succeed

    Trust. It certainly makes life easier when it exists. Instead of having to craft complicated contracts for a business deal, a simple handshake will do. Instead of surveilling your spouse like the NSA, you take them at their word.
    But trust, it seems, is in short supply these days. We’re afraid of trusting people and we have a hard time getting people to trust us. How can you establish trust in even the most toxic environments?
    My guest today thinks he has the answer to that question. His name is Robin Dreeke, and he's spent his career working in a field where trust is hard to get but important to have — doing counterintelligence for the FBI. Robin’s recently published a book sharing how he has been able to gain the trust of people who aren’t very keen on trusting others. It’s called "The Code of Trust."
    Today on the show, Robin shares the five rules of building trust with anyone — no matter how suspicious they are of you. While these rules may seem like they’re an invitation to become a human doormat, Robin explains why that’s not the case, and how they actually make you more influential.
    Whether you’re working with spies, like Robin, or just want to build more trust in your office or relationships, you’re going to find plenty of interesting and actionable advice in this podcast.

    How to Lead and Empower Others

    How to Lead and Empower Others

    No matter who you are or what you do, you are a leader in some way. In today's episode, I will teach you some simple keys to being a better leader.

     


    Want to master your mindset? Every Monday I send out an email with mindset tips for the week, click here to receive that email: http://mondayemail.com/

    Follow me on IG for more inspiration here: https://www.instagram.com/robdialjr/