Unlocking Happiness with Amy Dix

David Nordel, retired USAF Command Chief Master Sergeant, registered nurse, and emergency manager, served as a medic in areas of operation, including but not limited to the “surge.” In efforts to stem casualties, Nordel developed the Maximum Fabulous organizational attitude that led to a 99.5% survival rate. Amy Dix talks with Best-Selling Author of Giving Back! Life and Leadership From The Farm To The Combat Zone and Beyond. As a proponent of the sentiment, “knowledge is power, but only when shared,” David Nordel speaks an infinite wisdom on setting the right attitude into action. As a farm raised youth turned to military medic, building a positive attitude is David’s forte. Book: Giving Back! Life and Leadership From The Farm To The Combat Zone and Beyond Website: Onemanoneplanmt.com

Vision plus action is what changes the world. One without the other . Paola Knecht talks with Amy Dix about the success mindset starting with confidence and getting past what we offer as external reasons for others success. Its not about the money we start with, or natural talent; its a decision we have to make for ourselves. Success isn’t handed out, it’s up for grabs. Website: my-mindpower.com Book: The Success Mindset: Take Back The Leadership Of Your Mind

How symbolic is it to have a vocalist speaking as an advocate for owning your voice? Mariama shares her story of touring with the Lion King to the ‘what’s next’ we’re often asked in life. Her lessons in theatre apply so perfectly to life outside of touring, from the power of community to the benefit of breathing. Amy and Mariama talk about the importance of communication because “once you open your mouth, you share who you are with the world.” Website: mariamawhyte.com

We have lost ourselves in a chase for something tangible, and we’ve forgotten that it’s a feeling we’re all after: love, connection, safety, and acceptance. We fear rejection. How do we chase the feeling and get off the hamster wheel of perpetual disappointment? Website: alwaysonpurpose.com/ Book: Living on Purpose

Kind companies get more business. When you’re living a more thoughtful life, you’re going to be more fulfilled, happier, and more profitable. But more importantly, you’re making a difference. Amy Dix and Jill Lublin take a peak inside Jill’s newest book, The Profit of Kindness, as a jump start to practicing kindness to benefit everyone surrounding you in business. Books: The Profit of Kindness Guerilla Publicity Websites: jilllublin.com publicitycrashcourse.com/freegift

Musical Director of Hamilton (the globally sensational musical), author of children’s book, Captain Perfection, and just a human being, perfectionism might be rearing its head. At age 43, Julian suffered a heart attack. Cause? Workaholism and perfectionism. As a young boy, Julian’s piano teacher was his mom, and playing the right note often felt like the only way to gain parental love. When we strive for perfection as a kid, we set up the rest of our lives for some unnecessary pressure. Julian and Amy talk about Perfect Equilibrium, a balancing act to find the simple bliss of life. Website: julianreeve.com Book: Captain Perfection & the Secret of Self Compassion: A self-help book for the young perfectionist

What do you say to a kid being bullied at school by their teachers? Many times, adults are teaching bullying to children. They role model the behavior and preach not to be a bully. Dr. Jennifer Fraser discusses bullying and the dynamic lessons neuroscience has on personal development and cultural change. Fraser talks with Amy Dix about the advantages we have today in identifying brain damage using brains-scans like we’ve used X-rays to identify broken bones. We have the power to identify and heal. We ignore the physical scars on the brain, leave science behind, and underestimate how much we know. Book: The Bullied Brain, Teaching Bullies: Zero Tolerance in the Court or in the Classroom Website: bulliedbrain.com

Born with a unique heart defect, Julianne Williams doctor asked her to take it easier for the rest of her life. Surgery at five years old removed a few restrictions, but a typical childhood playtime was still off the table. Advised not to have children, she parented two. Her husband’s bipolar disorder led her to be a single mother. Julianne leads with HOPE; heal, opportunity, purpose, and execution. She shares her struggle and climb with Amy Dix. Book: Head Above Water: A Journey of Emerging Hope Podcast: Brave Enough: Renew, Recreate, Recover

Financial Mindset starts as early as childhood. We learn tendencies and emotional responses to our financial welfare, which can affect how we perceive happiness. Dawna Campbell, The Mind Whisperer and financial savant, joins Amy Dix in connecting happiness and financial well-being. Are the two heavily correlated? Book: Financially Fit: Living The Secrets To An Abundant And Prosperous Life Website: dawnacampbell.com

Deborah Hawkins asks that you think about gratitude beyond an appreciation for what has happened to you. First, spend some time understanding what it is that you genuinely love. Big things and small things, all included, these thought formations are the foundation of a life you’ll appreciate building. Amy Dix talks with Deborah Hawkins about gratitude after experiencing a traumatic childhood. Books: The Best of No Small Thing Practice Gratitude: Transform Your Life Website: nosmallthing.net

Pain is inevitable; suffering is an option. Dorothy O'Dell shares a sequence of calamitous events that devours the hope of many. Watching her parents' health struggle consume their lives as Dorothy wallflowers at childhood dances due to bullies, her decision to overcome suffering was thanks to a group of supportive companions. Dorothy and Amy emphasize the power and importance of a strong support group that will take your call at any hour of the night.

Were we brainwashed to believe we should all live a magazine-style life? Should we look a certain way, walk, talk, and act with unique…sexual appeal? Do we need to perpetuate the angst of being single versus married? Macy spreads a little love….some GetSuperLoved.com ideas about approaching love and relationships with the adage that you don’t have to be like anyone. GetSuperloved.com

After a spinal tap at age four and brain surgery at age thirteen, Bishoy Tadros is here to share his legacy as a soon-to-be father. Survival is not the word chosen to share as his wisdom, but instead sharing what his parents taught him about the “three P’s.” Patience. Perspective. Purpose. Amy Dix talks with the author of Break Barriers, Bishoy Tadros, about what it takes to keep running the race, both literally and figuratively. Website: BishoyTadros.com Book: Break Barriers: How Setbacks Can Dare You Rather Than Define You

When we share our challenges, we permit others to share theirs. This opening up allows the conversation to move, the challenges to resolve, and the relationships to grow. Rhada Ruparell talks with Amy Dix about her time writing Brave Now while recovering from COVID-19 and how her life changed when facing uncertainty. Book: Brave Now: Rise Through Struggle and Unlock Your Greatest Self Website: bravenowbook.com

Can an automated text message save a life? At least, can it change a life? If change for the better starts with a simple reminder, why not start today? Johnny Crowder talks with Amy Dix about mental health struggles from adolescent to adult. Change starts with a decision, and the decision can be counseling, exercise, or finding a happy little daily reminder in your text messages. Websites: copenotes.com

Let’s ditch some of the counseling cliche talk and take action. Start by doing something for yourself. If you can schedule an appointment, you can schedule some time for yourself. Faust Ruggiero talks with Amy Dix about some easy actions we can take to make confrontations easier or slow down life’s pace to be happy. In pursuit of happiness, check out the internet’s happiest podcast! Book: The Fix Yourself Handbook: Using the Process Way of Life to Transform Your Life into a Happy, Healthy Journey Website: https://faustruggiero.com/

Is perspective a path to a happier life? Krista shares the struggle of raising four kids on her own, or at least without their father. She encourages the maternal push, a driving force that was inspired through her spiritual connection. Today, she talks through those challenges. In pursuit of happiness, check out the internet’s happiest podcast! Book: Woman! Push Powerfully

Don’t be the corporation that’s going to die on the vine. Sarah Olin talks with Amy Dix about how companies can adapt to benefit everyone within. From understanding special health to leading the basic needs for proper maternity leave, Sarah Olin helps corporations work with parents for integrated success. In pursuit of happiness, check out the internet’s happiest podcast! Website: lumoleadership.com

Cancer survivor, competitive cyclist, and pickleball athlete David Meine goes to town on leaky gut, eating sugar and the magic of poop. How does this relate to being happy? It’s approaching happiness from the literal message of being happy from the inside out. In pursuit of happiness, check out the internet’s happiest podcast! Website: https://eatingtolive.com/ Book: Eating To Live: Unlocking The Leaky Gut Code

“Iowa Nice” doesn’t mean you have to hide your voice. Beth shares an intimate conversation with her husband from left field. What do you do when everything flips 180 degrees? Sometimes, the things that are out of your control are the impetus to building your voice. In pursuit of happiness, check out the internet’s happiest podcast! Website: bethmontpas.com

Is there a right or wrong, or is it the integrity of intent and quality of action? Author, Joni Roberts, talks with Amy Dix about redefining compassion, making relationships more meaningful, and truly understanding the language of emotion. In pursuit of happiness, check out the internet’s happiest podcast! Website: evolution.university/home Book: Celebrations, Appreciations & Frustrations: A simple, yet powerful practice for bringing MORE connection and authenticity to our relationships

Has society finally accepted anxiety? The conversation about anxiety continues to grow; accepting and understanding it starts with a conversation. More often than not, we are in positions where we are required to hide our anxiety, but does this not perpetuate the problem? Amy Dix talks with author Wendy Tamis Robbins about living with anxiety that started very early. Wendy discusses visualizations, or meditations, that keep the anxiety at bay, as well as explaining exposure therapy. In pursuit of happiness, check out the internet’s happiest podcast! Book: The Box: An Invitation to Freedom from Anxiety Website: https://wendytamisrobbins.com/

Thanks to social media - celebrities, and royalty have made it acceptable to talk about mental health, but has it become trendy, or has social media worsened our mental health? Who is ok to talk about mental health struggles with, and when is not? Greg and Amy discuss the attenuation of judgment. “Who am I to judge,” might be the best phrase you repeat to yourself to boost your mental health. In pursuit of happiness, check out the internet’s happiest podcast! Website: manhattanpsychologist.com/ Website: techealthiest.com

Finding happiness is sometimes a product of reverse engineering rather than making a concerted effort to fix depression. Hindsight helps us highlight some of our decisions influenced by uncontrollable outside sources, such as our parents. Super Joe and Super Amy discuss Joe’s approach to building on dreams and focussing on the positive. While the past remains in the back of the mind, the focus is on the goals. In pursuit of happiness, check out the internet’s happiest podcast! Website: superjoepardo.com Books: Joe Pardo’s 31 Life-Changing Concepts

Sometimes we need to stop adulting and just play. Mike Branon says that there is more to life than building that balance sheet, but let’s just start with a pause. From dinking to Buddhism, Mike shares some playful, relaxing, and entertaining ways to enjoy everything a little more. In pursuit of happiness, check out the internet’s happiest podcast! Website: mikebranon.com Book: Pickle Ball and The Art of Living

There are habits of inequality, and that’s where change starts. From the time we’re very young, boys are taught to be brave, and girls are taught to be perfect. What if we’re all just taught the same things? Laurie Levin talks with Amy Dix about some unconscious inequalities that persist every day in many countries worldwide. In pursuit of happiness, check out the internet’s happiest podcast! Website: CallMeAWomanBook.com LaurieLevin.online Book: Call Me A Woman, On Her Way To Equality and Peace

Discussing mental health with others normalizes anxiety to a manageable place. Carrie Thompson shares her growth after discovering the root of her anxiety. In pursuit of happiness, check out the internet’s happiest podcast! Book: Anxiety Diary of An Ordinary Girl Website: alwaysgrowingwithgratitude.com

What do you say to someone fighting cancer? Donna Deegan, a three-time cancer survivor, shares the story of pacing herself through the fight. She says that making a change is about making a decision, but it’s ok to let yourself feel what you feel. Now, Donna heads a mission and a marathon to provide financial support and assistance to those living with breast cancer. In pursuit of happiness, check out the internet’s happiest podcast! Website: breastcancermarathon.com thedonnafoundation.com

What do a hostage negotiator, book author, hospital administrator, and high-school basketball coach all have in mind? Terry Tucker. With an amputated leg, Terry didn’t stop doing. His simple message is, “keep fighting,” and the reemergence of cancer multiple times is only part of the fight. In pursuit of happiness, check out the internet’s happiest podcast! Book: Sustainable Excellence: Ten Principles to Leading Your Uncommon and Extraordinary Life Website: motivationalcheck.com

‘High-functioning’ isn’t a means for perpetuating your addiction. Corey talks about how sports kept him off drugs in high school to pursue his dreams, but opioids closed the book as a pro athlete. With a ten-year addiction hidden from everyone in his life, how do you turn it all around? In pursuit of happiness, check out the internet’s happiest podcast! IG @coreyharringtonanew Book: Broken Man to Iron Man

Lost in social-media highlights? FOMO? People Pleasing? Nina Obier discusses some ways to jump-start your clarity, like basic journaling prompts. You’re with yourself the most - enjoy it! A little procrastination can lead to feeling overwhelmed, which perpetuates one’s ability to get motivated. Get started today in the easiest of ways. In pursuit of happiness, check out the internet’s happiest podcast! Website: ninaobier.com Books: Listen. Learn. Love. Lead My Daily Clarity

The corporate strategy of the hustle and pushing the rocks uphill is exhausting and unfulfilling. What happens to us when we stop holding back on great ideas in fear of judgment? Michelle McGlade worked in corporate, busted out of corporate (with a similar corporate mindset and strategy), and then voilà, let’s try something different! Michelle shares the epiphany moment that led to more than just escaping the mundane in today's story. In pursuit of happiness, check out the internet’s happiest podcast! Website: michellemcglade.com unhideyourmagicquiz.com Book: Unstoppable: Strategies to Launch and Grow Your Holistic Practice

Why do we ignore our minds? Your mind is the arbiter of your existence. Everything that happens to us is processed through our minds. John McGrail speaks with Amy Dix about hypnotherapy and preparing your mind for change, which human beings are hardwired to resist. If it’s as simple as living your life to have fun, why not convince yourself that? In pursuit of happiness, check out the internet’s happiest podcast! Book: The Synthesis Effects Websites: hypnotherapylosangeles.com drjohnmcgrail.com Youtube Dr. John McGrail

Dreams evolve; roll with it. Connie talks with Amy Dix about fulfilling your dreams by understanding how they change as we grow. In pursuing your dreams, help someone else - it’s the little things we do for ourselves and others that change the world. In pursuit of happiness, check out the internet’s happiest podcast! Books: Dream On: The Alarm Clock of Your Life Hasn’t Gone Off Yet Wounded No More: An Individual Plan To Heal Church Wounds

Entrepreneurs aren’t risk-takers; they’re optimists. This aversion to risk-taking is often what stunts business growth. Warren talks with Amy about focussing on a business’s positive impact to drive a business forward. In pursuit of happiness, check out the internet’s happiest podcast! Podcast: businesses that matter spotlight Website: WarrenCoughlin.com

Being healthy doesn’t have to be an exhausting chore. Simple tasks can make a more significant impact on our health than most of us believe. Henry talks with Amy Dix about simple ways to improve physical health, like cutting out cold cuts or simply going outside. In pursuit of happiness, check out the internet’s happiest podcast! allhealthtv.com

“If you focus on your body at the gym, you’re likely going to come out of that funk.” Laura Khoudari went from hating the gym to gaming the gym for mental clarity. Here’s a story of how a herniated disc led to understanding the science behind exercising for mental health. In pursuit of happiness, check out the internet’s happiest podcast! Website: laurakhoudari.com Book: Lifting Heavy Things

A detox doesn’t stop on the physical side; meditation can go a long way. Rochel talks about her personal exploration and relief after practicing Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medicine that predates all medical practices except primitive herbal medicine. In pursuit of happiness, check out the internet’s happiest podcast! Podcast: Blissful Living Website: blissfulliving4u.com Book: The Wellness Universe Guide

What’s the thought connected to the emotion? Ora Nadrich talks with Amy Dix about understanding the simplest form of authenticity and meditation. It isn’t about always being in a great mood but having the tools to identify the feeling and communicate it. “Mindfulness is the informal practice of meditation,” Ora Nadrich. Website: OraNadrich.com Book: Live True: A Mindfulness Guide To Authenticity

Tonya Todd shares some of her activities you can use to improve your relationships and, yes, intimacy! It's easy to fall into a pattern, but sometimes it's fun to shake things up. "Love is an exercise; you have to work at it," Tonya says. Not only does Tonya share some activities that work great, but she also shares how some can end in a laugh. Website: mstonyatodd.com The 52 Love Podcast on Youtube

Excuses are easy to find, and struggles are real, but what we do with them is how we define growth. Rodney Burris talks with Amy Dix about breaking free from social expectations. Embrace the healing. Website: RodneyCBurris.com Book: Get Off The Cycle And Run

Carla Bass, known affectionately as The Major with the Silver Pen, teaches word sculpting. She says, “the author who best leverages the readers’ time and available space wins.” Bass shares techniques to improve your writing for resumes, grants, scholarships, performance reviews, contract bids, and fiction. Website: writetoinfluence.net Books: Write To Influence

Many of us are guilty of finding joy in the next big raise, the bigger house, the external identifiers. Larry and Amy discuss how joy starts internally. With a painful childhood, Larry shares his story of forgiveness and releasing judgment. Website: abookonfear.com Book: A Book On Fear, Feeling Safe In A Challenging World

Rene Murata chats with Amy Dix about her experience as a woman in a male-dominated industry. A lot of women might fear their visibility in the workplace as not to compete. However, the answer doesn’t have to be assertiveness without compassion. Being a leader involves both, assertiveness and compassion, without disregarding authority and kindness. renemurata.com

It’s ok to talk about sex. In fact, Anabelle Bugatti even encourages it. Discussing what goes on in the bedroom starts outside of the bedroom and having safety in your relationship. Anabelle and Amy discuss ways to approach the conversation about the birds and the bees without feeling awkward or antiquated. Website: drbelle.com Books: Using Relentless Empathy in the Therapeutic Relationship

What are the benefits of being introverted? Often discussed are the challenges of introversion. Steve talks with Amy Dix about understanding who you are and being comfortable in your skin. In pursuit of happiness, check out the internet’s happiest podcast! beyondintroversion.com In Search Of Courage

“Cult kids understand cult kids because of what they do to you in the developmental stages.” Lisa Kohn tells Amy Dix about her life as moonie, how her mom was too busy with religion to parent, why dad was called Danny, and learning to love yourself first. Lisa shares stories of brainwashing, abandonment, and drugs where you’d least expect them but reminds listeners and readers; anyone who feels damaged beyond repair still has hope. Website: lisakohnwrites.com Books: To The Moon and Back: A Childhood Under The Influence The Power of Thoughtful Leadership: 101 Minutes to Being the Leader You Want To Be

Peter Ruppert poses the question, “what if we approached life with the same fearless wonderment as an eight-year-old boy?” Peter discusses how sometimes taking a little risk is an excellent move for chasing extraordinary. We live with our fears and create limits. Peter and Amy discuss some tools to break down those boundaries. Book: Limitless: Nine Steps to Launch Your One Extraordinary Life Website: peteruppert.com

Moving forward with freedom, Candy Leigh successfully maneuvered her way through being robbed twice, laid off twice, and going through this while recovering from back surgery. Candy speaks candidly with Amy Dix about perspective and finding a new balance with work, passion, and the monetary aspects. Candy also shares the ‘why’ we don’t need to hide all of our shame and how the stories we share can often help others. Books: Finding Life In Between: A Journal From Me, To You Website: findinglifeinbetween.com

What do you do when a doctor tells you that you have six months left to live? Dr. Allen Lycka lives to tell the story. After being inaccurately diagnosed with ALS, Dr. Lycka felt a growing need to share some wisdom about spending all of your days with enthusiasm. What do we have the most control over? -Our attitudes. Enthusiasm is NOT a Monday thing, he says. Books: The Secrets to Living A Fantastic Life: Two Survivors Reveal the 13 Golden Pearls They’ve Discovered Websites: drallenlycka.com secretsbook.now.site/home

Have you ever said, “I wish I had your drive?” Brian Bergford offers a nudge for everyone to obtain that drive. But all good things come with disclaimers and safety warnings. Amy and Brian talk about the responsible approach to having drive without burning oneself out. Website: bergfordperformance.com

Marriage struggles are real, and repairing them as they arise is a skill we all aim to sharpen, but Marc Johnston wants to approach marriage with some problem preventative measures. Marc discusses marriage awareness and understanding the common ruts of marriage, but how to mitigate these issues before they’ve arrived. Amy Dix asks Marc about case studies dealing with affairs, love languages, and why marriages fail. Website: highthrivecoaching.com

Understanding that forgiveness is a gift of “self-love” is the first step. Judi Miller talks with Amy Dix about re-scripting some of those repetitive, daily, negative thoughts. Our intrinsic human design is fear and negativity, arguable to keep us safe, but it doesn’t have to take over our lives. We can shift our reality with self-liberation. Book: Perfect: A Path to Love, Forgiveness and Transformation Website: judimiller.net In pursuit of happiness, check out the internet’s happiest podcast!

Don’t feel robotic, be authentic. Michael Seaver reminds us why the Tin-Man needed oil to feel a little more human. From your career to your social media account, there’s a reason that authenticity is a hot topic. How far from our true selves are we when we aren’t honest with ourselves about our jobs or with others about life? Book: I Know: A Practical Guide for Awakening To What’s Within and Finding Work Website: michaelsseaver.com

Eat with your family, enjoy the time, and be conscientious of what you put in your body. As a firefighter, Jake Shumate has seen the inside of many homes, only to learn that people’s habits tend to add challenges and potential health risks. Jake shares some simple health solutions about changing your grocery shopping habits and what supplements are a great start. Jake and Amy talk about the real power of food; people coming together. Food is such a basic happiness provider. Website: joybusjourney.com

“It’s not about the miles; it’s about the smiles,” a mantra that Eddy Rodriguez has carried with him for miles, both literally and figuratively. What can you learn from a 2,000-mile walk? Eddy shares his lessons from sobriety and what can happen on a 277-day hike up the east coast. Amy Dix asks Eddy about his “emergency laughter” and how we can all adopt that in some less than exhilarating life circumstances? Book: A Walk From Florida to New York Website: thesmileandwaveproject.com

Sentenced to a boys camp at age 12 for shooting his step-father, David Armstrong chose to change his path. Many of us have asked ourselves, “why me,” when we should be asking, “what next?” David Armstrong shares his compelling story about growing up in “the hood” of Los Angeles, acting out violently, and then turning his life around. Now, a veteran, author, and motivational speaker, David talks with Amy Dix about what to put in life’s toolbag. Book: Why Me, My Fight For Life… Websites: Whyme.world upna.net

From understanding your dreams to talking with ghosts, June Ahern answers some of the most provocative questions about being a psychic. June shares life lessons from her experience as a psychic, an untapped resource for many skeptics. While some may find it challenging to believe everything they hear, June has a way of describing peace in which we can all take away a few lessons. Amy Dix asks June Ahern for an on-air, abbreviated psychic reading. Book: How to Talk With Spirits:: Séances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts Website: juneahern.com

“When we make one powerful decision, we are showing the universe that we mean business.” Allyson Roberts talks with Amy Dix about the vicissitudes of life, being pregnant and locked out of her home by her fiancé; then again by her mother. Inspired by the actions of a compassionate professor and the wisdom of Napoleon Hill, Allyson shares her story that ends in countless smiles. Allyson is a cognitive-behavioral expert and life coach, spending her days helping to transform the lives around her. behindthepowerevent.com allysonroberts.com

We all need to ask ourselves better questions. Amy Dix asks Rachel Heslin, how do we change our narrative, what can we do to change our neuro-linguistic programming? As the daughter of a psychologist, Rachel was raised knowing that her life could be one part ‘experiment’ for her father, but with an utterly candid approach. It’s not just about the questions we are asking ourselves, but the priority in which we answer them. Books: Navigating Life Rituals of Release Website: thefullnessofyourpower.com

With a growing number of people opting out of having children, how we age has changed the scope of retirement life. The prevalence of solo-agers means that community life and building a social network have newfound importance. Dr. Sara Zeff Geber talks with Amy Dix about ways to build your community, avoiding loneliness and isolation, and staying mentally healthy as a solo-ager. Book: Essential Retirement Planning For Solo Agers Website: sarazeffgeber.com

Matthew Gagne’s neck was broken in ten places while riding passenger in a car. Instead of living a less than “normal life,” he developed Flock Goods and the Five Finger Framework; physical fitness, mental health, nutrition, recovery, and lifestyle. Amy Dix talks with Matthew Gagne about what it was like coming back from such a traumatic accident, how Matthew avoided using prescription pain killers, and what he is doing to help others share in his journey to fully experience life. flockgoods.com

Happier people achieve more goals, says Sandy Weaver, author of Happy Vet, Happy Pet. Is there a happiness gene, and what can one do if they don't have the same natural advantage? Amy talks with Sandy about three of her rules for treating your vet, wisdom that can be used throughout one's life. One of Sandy's final pieces of advice is, "you can't think negative thoughts about yourself when you're singing a song." Amy Dix talks with Sandy Weaver, pet owner, lover, vet advocate, and judge for championship dogs. Website: centerforworkplacehappiness.com Book: Happy Vet, Happy Pet

While some cliches might be overdone, “know thyself” can’t be stressed enough. Jamie Lerner shares with Amy Dix her wisdom on feelings, owning them, and knowing they are for you and by you. It’s the simple things that we ignore, like accepting that if we would like change that we need to do it for ourselves. Website: jamie-lerner.com Book: The Ever Loving Essence of You

David Essel describes the connection between unresolved resentment, honesty, and intimacy. Genuine intimacy in an intimate relationship isn’t what most people believe it to be. David Essel talks with Amy about getting past fears of dealing with intimacy, being honest, and resolving issues. Website: TalkDavid.com

As a child, Dmitry Badiarov learned to take apart violins, enhance them, and then put them back together. Today, this action plays into dealing with turning depression into happiness, particularly in the life of a musician or performer. Amy Dix talks with Dmitry Badiarov, violin designer, mentor, and professional speaker, about the emotional challenges of being a musician, feeling the applause, and maintaining a positive attitude. Music is a language without words, but it has an emotion, and emotions lead to actions. Websites: authenticinstrumentmakersacademy.com badiarovviolins.com/

Happiness is a choice. Maura Sweeney talks with Amy Dix about the balanced dualism of happiness. If either side of the emotion can be a choice, why not choose happiness? Some of the challenges within the option of living a positive life are threaded into the fabric of our society, with media and the natural competition within. With people, we can assume a positive intention and look for the things that unite us and uplift us. Websites: maura4u.com Books: The Art of Happiness by Maura Sweeney

Follow your Inner “Ding,” Benson says, as someone who left New York at a whim to go teach in the middle east. What was supposed to be a one-year contract teaching English lasted thirteen years before returning home. Benson talks with Amy Dix about how her Inner “Ding” didn’t always seem to work out, but looking back, it led her to peace and an understanding that sometimes happiness means making sacrifices. Website: jenniferbensonauthor.com Books: Feel The Fear…And Do It Anyway

“What’s the word I want someone to use to describe me at the end of my career?” Rocky Romanella didn’t invent the introspection wheel but shares his application process with Amy Dix. While many of Romanella’s lessons pertain to employee/employer relations, the wisdom can be carried throughout one’s life. Rocky’s book, Tighten Up The Lug Nuts, is filled with indelible stories for leadership and lessons in values. Websites: tightenthelugnuts.com Books: Tighten The Lug Nuts

A bit of a city girl, Kelsey Trausch traded in her fuchsia boots and busy soundscape for a farm life and front door menagerie. While 100% sustainability wasn't the end-all for Kelsey, her desire to ditch the hairdryer, as Kelsey jokes, and do it herself gave her a strong sense of peace. The result was Peace On Po, an all-natural body-goods shop inspired by nature with an urban backdrop. Amy Dix begs the question, "what's the point of a quesadilla maker?" in this convivial conversation about needing less and fulfilling one's yearning for a life filled with creativity. Websites: peaceonpo.com

“The distraction is the practice; that’s the beauty of it,” Plosker apprises the methods of mindfulness. Amy Dix talks with author J. A. Plosker about how we all practice mindfulness and how we can further take advantage of those moments. Plosker asks, “what would happen if everyone thought before they spoke?” The simplest methods are often the most effective. Stop. Breathe. Assess. Website: japlosker.com Books: An Audible Silence, The Nobody Bible

Sabrina Osso shares her childhood trauma story that inspired OSSO SAFE, a program developed to help everyone feel safe at home, school, and the workplace. Osso’s passion for dance started as a personal healing process and has shifted into a tool for her programs. Amy Dix talks with Sabrina Osso about the Osso Safe program in schools, workplaces, and even real estate. Osso’s profound yet straightforward conclusion is that safety equals happiness. Website: ossosafe.com

Ben Winter started with a flow-chart and ended up with a book on managing one’s expectations. “That’s the problem with living in the moment; you might forget what you just said,” Ben jokes with Amy about practicing the art of focusing on the present. Amy Dix interviews Ben Winter, author of What To Expect When Having Expectations. Ben says, “the only reason anyone gets upset is that an expectation hasn’t been met.” Books: What To Expect When Having Expectations: Using the Anger of Unmet Expectations to Find Peace Websites: havingexpectations.com successimprov.com

Today we are Unlocking Happiness with Jodi Freeman. Jodi Freeman is a Nebraska native who has learned a lot about positivity and life change over the past several years. By focusing on the energy around her, and what she allows into her life, she has experienced life altering growth. Jodi is the founder and Executive Director of DreamCatchers, a program that allows youth to focus on an emotional connection with horses to help them understand themselves and others. Learn More: http://dreamcatchersride.org

Lizzie Stewart, a professional chef, Midwest girl, and often referred to as "the funny girl", realized her soul was going to be sucked dry if she didn't make a change. So, she made a choice to go on a quest of positive self-talk and becoming her own best friend!  Listen in as we talk about matching your dreams with your current state, choosing your actions, and getting past perceptions. We discuss how the "life of the party" may still be hurting inside, what avocados and vaginas have in common, and why I have so much self-doubt when I dance!

Amy Dix talks with Ann Peck, an accomplished writer & speaker. Her vulnerability and authentic voice always has a way of connecting with people! Her quest for self-love and growth does not have a last chapter as she continues (as we all should) to learn and put in the effort to be the best version of who she can be! We talk about sex, shame, and Ann meeting her birth mom for the first time at age 54.  You’ll love how open Ann is during this show! Find Ann Peck here: Website: www.annpeck.com Book: https://amzn.to/3sr23j4 Social: @IAmAnnPeck More about Ann:  Ann Peck’s resilience proves anything is possible, no matter what hand life deals you. Clawing her way out of multiple adversities and debilitating anxiety, Ann Peck is a women’s empowerment advocate and writer on life, health, and happiness. An award-winning and #1 best-selling non-fiction author, this land-locked ocean-lover lives on the shores of a lake near Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her articles and essays have appeared in Entrepreneur Magazine, Business Insider, Medium, Greenwich Time, Stamford Advocate, Norwalk Hour, Connecticut Post, Thrive Global, LinkedIn, HuffPost, The Good Men Project, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, and more including multiple corporate newsletters and blogs. Ann’s first book, Smiling on the Outside: Secrets, Sex, Shame and the Search for Self-Love garnered her an invitation for a book signing and speaking engagement at Barnes & Noble Union Square in New York City for the book’s release, as well as a review from Publisher’s Weekly. She has received six national and international book awards, including a gold medal from The Living Now Awards in addition to a writing grant from the Good Samaritan Foundation. Her short film, Journey out of Abuse, was selected for inclusion in Stories of Survival and the internationally best-selling Silence Speaks.