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In today’s episode, John sits down with the incredible Rona Guymon, Senior Vice President of Annuity Distribution at Nationwide. Leading a team of 240 people responsible for a staggering $18 billion in annual sales, Rona is at the forefront of what it means to build and sustain a high-performance culture.  How do you lead a team to break records four years in a row and keep them motivated when the market gets volatile? Rona pulls back the curtain on her journey, sharing how she built a foundation of trust with her team virtually during the chaos of 2020.  From her initial mandate to transform a "lone wolf" mentality into a cohesive, team-first approach to the daily practices of gratitude that changed everything, this conversation is a masterclass in heartfelt, effective leadership. Rona and John also dive deep into the power of the debrief, the importance of mentorship, and why being a good human is the ultimate center point for any leader. Key Takeaways: - (00:01:10) Gratitude and The Debrief:  Rona shares her key takeaways from John's presentation at her national sales meeting, highlighting the reinforcement of gratitude in leadership and the importance of the team debrief to ensure continuous improvement.  - (00:06:40) Building Trust in a Crisis:  How do you create connection when you can't be in the same room? Rona explains how she intentionally built a foundation of trust with her new team during the pandemic by focusing on them as human beings first through daily texts and personal calls.  - (00:12:30) Pivoting in a Volatile Market:  After four record-breaking years, Rona’s team faced new challenges with market volatility. She discusses the importance of going back to the basics, educating her team, and pivoting with a new plan to navigate the uncertainty.  - (00:13:30) The Three Levels of Mastery:  John introduces a powerful leadership framework he discussed with Bill Belichick: 1. Do your job, 2. Be world-class through continuous improvement, and 3. Teach someone else to take over.  Which level are you on? - (00:23:00) Finding Success in Failure:  Rona tells a powerful story about training for a milestone endurance hike, only to be sidelined by a broken foot.  She shares how she reframed the "failure" to find the real success: learning she could do hard things and that preparation doesn't always guarantee the outcome.  - (00:34:30) Leadership Lessons from a Rock Band:  Rona explains how playing in a rock band translates directly to leadership. It teaches patience and the understanding that every member has a unique and vital role to play in creating a cohesive, successful product.  Key Quotes: “I have to be a good person. I have to assume goodness in others before I could lead, before I can get them to trust me.”  “There's an opportunity in the change.”  Connect with Rona:  LinkedIn

In today’s episode, John welcomes Matthew “Whiz” Buckley, a former Navy F/A-18 fighter pilot, Wall Street entrepreneur, and the visionary founder of the No Fallen Heroes Foundation. A man of diverse talents and profound experiences, Whiz has not only soared the skies as a pilot but has also touched lives as a passionate advocate for mental health, particularly in the veteran community. Through his foundation, Whiz addresses the epidemic of veteran suicides by introducing groundbreaking approaches to healing. Whiz’s journey is one of resilience, transformation, and purpose. From the cockpit of fighter jets to Wall Street boardrooms and now to life-saving missions, he shares his inspiring story and life lessons, blending wisdom from aviation, trading, and deeply personal healing experiences. Key Takeaways: - (00:10:26) The Fighter Pilot Mindset: Whiz explores how the intense focus and risk management skills from naval aviation seamlessly translate to success in life and business. “Control what you can control. Success is built on preparation and resilience.” - (00:32:14) The Power of Red Teaming and Debriefing: Whiz explains how military principles like red teaming and structured debriefs transformed his Wall Street success. “We don’t just celebrate wins or move past failures—we analyze them to learn, grow, and succeed together.” - (00:37:55) Healing the Hidden Wounds: Whiz dives into his groundbreaking work with the No Fallen Heroes Foundation, shedding light on the epidemic of veteran suicides and the life-changing power of psychedelic-assisted therapies. “This isn’t just about saving lives; it’s about restoring purpose and connection.” - (00:49:25) A Divine Encounter: Whiz shares a deeply spiritual experience during his healing journey, one that reconnected him with faith and brought peace to lifelong pain. “God said, ‘Let me take what you’ve been carrying—it’s not yours anymore.’” - (01:00:58) Supporting the Unsung Heroes: The conversation expands to include the families of veterans, emphasizing how trauma ripples through loved ones. Whiz highlights initiatives to support Gold Star families and first responders. “Healing is for everyone touched by service, not just those in the field.” Key Quotes: - “Radical trauma needs radical healing. This is how we save lives.” -“In life and aviation, the brief and the debrief are where success is born.” Connect with Matthew: No Fallen Heroes Foundation Instagram

In this episode, John speaks with Joe Navarro, a former FBI agent and supervisor renowned for his expertise in nonverbal communication and body language. Joe shares valuable insights from his extensive career, shedding light on how nonverbal cues influence leadership, trust, and human behavior. As the author of bestselling books such as What Every Body Is Saying and Dangerous Personalities, Joe offers practical advice on mastering body language and understanding its role in daily interactions.  In this thought-provoking conversation, John and Joe delve into the essential lessons he has learned from years working in the FBI, the mindset needed to uncover the truth, and how these skills translate into daily life—whether it’s building resilience, navigating personal challenges, or leading with integrity. Key Takeaways: - (00:02:05) The Art of Observation: Joe emphasizes the importance of paying attention to details, not just in investigations, but in life. “Every piece of evidence tells a story,” he says, explaining how small details often lead to breakthrough moments in solving crimes. Similarly, in our everyday experiences, it’s about noticing what others might overlook that can make all the difference. - (00:08:15) Navigating High-Pressure Situations: The conversation touches on how Joe handles the pressure of investigating crime scenes where mistakes can have dire consequences. “You learn to keep a cool head and trust your training,” he explains. The ability to stay calm under pressure is not just important in his line of work, but is a valuable skill we can all cultivate, especially in high-stakes situations. - (00:14:20) The Role of Trust and Teamwork: Joe draws a fascinating parallel between forensic teams and high-performance groups like the Blue Angels, emphasizing the need for trust and clear communication. “When we’re in the field, it’s all about trust—trust in your team, trust in the science, and trust in your gut,” he shares. This principle of trust-building is essential in any successful endeavor, whether you’re in an operating room, a boardroom, or a cockpit. - (00:20:30) Learning from Failure: Failure, according to Joe, is a powerful teacher. He recounts a personal story of a case where he initially missed a key piece of evidence. “It was a hard lesson, but it made me a better investigator. You have to own your mistakes to grow.” This idea of taking responsibility, reflecting on errors, and using them as stepping stones to success resonates strongly with anyone seeking self-improvement. - (00:29:45) Resilience and Mental Toughness: Joe shares how working on traumatic cases has shaped his mental toughness. He notes, “Resilience is built by facing the tough moments head-on.” His insights into maintaining emotional balance while working in such a demanding field provide valuable lessons for anyone looking to build inner strength. Key Quotes: “The truth is always there. It’s just waiting for someone to find it.” “You cannot teach trust. It is demonstrative—shown through actions, as subtle as they may be, every single day.”  Connect with Joe Website Twitter

In today’s episode, John is joined by Lair Torrent, a highly respected holistic therapist, speaker, and author whose work has been featured on NPR, Rolling Stone, and The New York Times. As an expert in both relationships and high-performance psychology, Lair brings a unique perspective on how our mindset and emotional habits shape our success—whether at home, at work, or in life. Throughout their conversation, John and Lair discuss essential success principles, ranging from mindfulness and self-awareness to trust-building and authentic leadership, all while drawing inspiration from the powerful lessons learned from the Blue Angels. Key Takeaways - (00:01:47) Mindfulness and Awareness: Lair explains that success isn’t just about practice or repetition; it’s about showing up with the right mindset. By understanding “who in you” shows up to a task, you can shape the outcomes of critical moments. As Lair puts it: “If the wounded child in me shows up, the interview is going to go one way. But if I bring forward the professional, it’ll go another way.” - (00:02:19) The Power of Self-Reflection: Both John and Lair emphasize the importance of understanding the many parts of ourselves. Lair points out: “I am not just a single organism, but many vestiges of myself.” These different parts, whether rooted in childhood experiences or shaped by professional roles, determine how we approach challenges. The goal is to consciously choose the best part of ourselves in each moment. - (00:13:16) Trust and Personal Responsibility: Drawing from the Blue Angels’ culture of debriefs, they discuss how teams can build trust by creating a safe environment where everyone owns their mistakes. John highlights that on the Blue Angels, “We were critical of ourselves because that’s what builds trust—personal responsibility.” By being vulnerable and honest, teams can improve without finger-pointing or defensiveness. - (00:26:02) Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Lair shares a personal story of feeling like an imposter when surrounded by high achievers, only to overcome it by consciously choosing to show up as his most confident and capable self. This story resonates with anyone who has ever felt out of place in a professional setting. Lair’s takeaway: “You need to know which version of yourself has access to the skills you need to succeed.” Key Quotes: “Mindfulness allows us to stop, push pause, and notice what we’re thinking and feeling. It gives us the power to change our habits.”  “When you walk in your authentic self, people notice.” Connect with Lair: Website Instagram

In this episode of The High Performance Zone, John is joined by Paul Crowder, the director behind the IMAX film “The Blue Angels,” and Navy journalist and photographer Alan D. Herrera. They dive into the intense and meticulous process of capturing the Blue Angels on film. Paul shares how his perspective dramatically shifted upon witnessing the team’s discipline and dedication, cementing his belief in the importance of serving a higher purpose. Plus, the conversation covers the challenges and triumphs of filming in high-pressure environments, showcasing the relentless pursuit of excellence and attention to detail that define the Blue Angels. This episode captures the essence of the team’s spirit so join us for an inspiring look at what it takes to achieve greatness both in the skies and in life. Key Takeaways - (00:03:39) The Challenge of Filming. Paul describes the immense challenge of capturing the Blue Angels’ precision and the meticulous planning required. He notes the difficulty of portraying the daily routine of the team and finding unique ways to film their maneuvers. -(00:09:30) Meeting the Team. Paul discusses meeting the Blue Angels team and understanding their backgrounds. He shares the common thread of many team members being inspired by the Blue Angels to join the Navy.  - (00:28:00) Wide-Eyed Moments. Paul recounts moments of awe, such as witnessing the chair flying practice and the level of trust required to capture the team’s maneuvers accurately. He emphasizes the need to get everything right in one take, as there are no second chances. - (00:37:00) Most Impactful Shots. Paul shares his favorite shots, including the helicopter footage and a specific shot of the jets at sunrise. He also mentions the thrill of capturing the sneak pass and the teamwork involved in getting the perfect shot. - (00:45:00) The Glad to Be Here Mindset. Paul describes how the positive attitude and dedication of the Blue Angels inspired him and his crew, pushing them to strive for excellence in their work. Key Quotes: “We had to step up our game every single day. The Blue Angels’ pursuit of excellence pushed us to new heights in filmmaking.” “It’s one thing to see them in the air; it’s an amazing show. But having the opportunity to show the public what goes into how the Blue Angels do what they do and the level of excellence they meet on a day-to-day basis was really just a tremendous privilege.”

In this electrifying episode of the High Performance Zone, Gucci dives into an inspiring conversation with the executive producers of the new IMAX film, “The Blue Angels,” Greg “Boss” Wooldridge and Rob "Sticks" Stone. Greg, a three-time leader of the Blue Angels, and Rob, an acclaimed producer, share their journey of creating this groundbreaking documentary that captures the essence of the Blue Angels like never before. Get ready to soar through the skies and discover the dedication, challenges, and triumphs behind this extraordinary film. Key Takeaways: - (00:01:03) The Journey to Creating “The Blue Angels”. Boss and Rob share the five-year journey of making the film, highlighting the dedication, perseverance, and setbacks they faced. They discuss the importance of showcasing the behind-the-scenes efforts that make the Blue Angels a symbol of excellence. -(00:02:30) Capturing the Blue Angels’ Essence. Rob elaborates on the challenge and privilege of capturing the Blue Angels’ daily excellence on film. He emphasizes the impact of new technology and the importance of showing the human side of these elite aviators. -(00:05:05) Overcoming Challenges and Gaining Trust. Boss and Rob recount the obstacles they encountered, from navigating Navy protocols to securing funding, and how they built trust with the Blue Angels team to film authentic, high-stakes moments. - (00:10:23) Technical Mastery and Cinematic Excellence. Boss discusses the technical aspects of filming with IMAX cameras and the meticulous planning required to capture the Blue Angels’ maneuvers. (00:10:39) Experiencing the Magic of IMAX. The conversation turns to the visceral experience of watching the Blue Angels on the big screen. Boss shares an anecdote about introducing IMAX executive John Turner to the Blue Angels’ awe-inspiring live performance. (00:13:00) The Trust and Professionalism of the Blue Angels. John, Boss, and Rob delve into the trust built between the filmmakers and the Blue Angels, essential for capturing the high-octane footage without compromising safety. (00:31:33) Reflecting on the Journey. The episode wraps up with reflections on the journey and the impact of the film. Boss and Rob express their gratitude for the opportunity to showcase the Blue Angels’ dedication and excellence to a wider audience. Key Quotes: “This project was years in the making and involved a lot of meticulous planning, but the result is a film that truly captures the essence of the Blue Angels.”  It’s one thing to see them in the air; it’s an amazing show. But having the opportunity to show the public what goes into how the Blue Angels do what they do and the level of excellence they meet on a day-to-day basis was really just a tremendous privilege.”  Join the Conversation Tune in to this episode for an inside look at the making of “The Blue Angels” and be inspired by the stories of perseverance, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Don’t miss out on experiencing the magic of the Blue Angels —it’s a journey that will leave you saying, “Glad to be here!” For more inspiring conversations and insights, visit John Gucci Foley’s website and join the High Performance Zone community.

Gucci chats with Giovanni ‘The Lion’ Dienstmann about self-discipline, self-mastery,  and creating a fulfilling life. Giovanni is a self-discipline coach and meditation teacher who champions the virtues of determination, integrity, courage, and optimism. He takes a mindful approach to personal development, and his latest book, Mindful Self-Discipline: Living with Purpose and Achieving Your Goals in a World of Distractions, helps people fulfill their potential and take control of their lives.  In this episode, you’ll hear from Giovanni on; - (00.01:19) The top trait of high performers. Giovanni points out that self-discipline is the trait that all highly successful people have in common. He also refers to the components of awareness and willpower that allow us to identify and live in alignment with our values and aspirations. - (00:12:29) Empowered peace. Giovanni talks about acquiring mental strength and focus through mindfulness and meditation.  - (00:26:27) Wise confidence. For Giovanni, confidence is a virtue, and he encourages people to turn self-doubt into self-belief and think positively about their abilities and potential. -  (00:40:43) Good karma. As a meditation teacher, Giovanni believes in karma, and for him, the best strategy for a happy, regret-free life is to do the right thing and give more than you receive. - (00:43.34) Mantra meditations. Giovanni explains how to do a simple beginner’s meditation and shares a technique to stimulate the Third Eye and access a state of 

In this episode of the High-Performance Zone Podcast, Gucci’s guest is Dre Baldwin, the founder and CEO of Work On Your Game. Dre was born and raised in Philadelphia, played professional basketball in Lithuania, and transitioned into an entrepreneur and motivational coach who applies the mindset, strategy, and systems he learned from playing pro `basketball into his business coaching career. Today, you’ll hear from Dre Baldwin on:  Discipline. For Dre, discipline is what separates success from failure. And as a former professional athlete and an entrepreneur who likes to lead by example, he believes that creating a structure to your day and being willing to show up consistently and do the work will eventually deliver results. Mindset. Dre explains that mindset is the foundation upon which success is built, and he follows the Be Do Have philosophy, which involves acting as if you have already achieved the outcome you’re striving for. He also encourages people to ask themselves the all-important question, ‘ Who do I need to be as a person?’ before they set their goals. Building an effective system. We talk about how to consistently and efficiently employ the same techniques in order to start multiplying your results without multiplying your efforts.  Getting started. Dre recognizes that most people like to stay in their comfort zone and get around to doing things slowly and later rather than fast and now. With this in mind, he stresses the importance of avoiding procrastination and resolving to take swift positive action. Setting standards. Dre advises listeners looking to improve their performance in life to set non-negotiable standards centered around achieving their goals and commit to achieving them. Get in touch with Dre: Text 305.384.6894 for Daily Motivation Website: Work On Your Game University Instagram: @drebaldwin YouTube: Dre Baldwin - Work On Your Game  Connect with John:  Sign up for John’s free weekly IMPACT video series John’s Website  John’s LinkedIn John’s Instagram

Russ Holder is a golf professional, a former caddy for Bernhard Langer, and the founder and CEO of Caddy For A Cure. As the son of a pilot and an ardent fan of the Blue Angels, Russ ran the golf tournament for the Blue Angels Foundation for several years. Recently, he created the Inspiring Warriors Golf program, and his mission is to inspire and assist wounded veterans through golf. In this episode, you’ll hear from Russ Holder on: (00:13:14) The player-caddy relationship. Russ describes the circumstances that led to him becoming Bernhard Langer’s caddy, and he refers to his role as part psychologist, part weatherman, and part nutritionist.  (00:22.50) What golf can teach us about life. Russ explains the significance of the golfer’s pre-shot routine and emphasizes the importance of developing an effective daily routine and sticking to it.  (00:29:57) Creating a winner’s mindset. We discuss how to keep a cool head after playing a bad shot, and Russ shares Tiger Wood’s 10-second rule for addressing anger and frustration before moving on with his game. (00:42:00) Giving back through golf. Russ talks about his reasons for starting Caddy For A Cure, a charity that raises money and awareness for a rare bone marrow disorder called Fanconi Anemia. He also outlines his exciting vision for his Inspiring Warriors Golf program. (00:54:19) Taking action. Russ urges listeners to start acting on their ideas and explains how he was inspired by Zig Ziglar, who used to hand out coins inscribed with the words ‘round tuit’ to encourage people to ‘get around to’ whatever they were putting off.

Shelly Lefkoe is the co-founder of the Lefkoe Institute and a world-renowned expert in teaching people how to eliminate their limiting beliefs. Shelly specializes in setting her clients free from the psychological constraints that prevent them from living happier and more authentic lives. In this episode, she takes John through the unique Lefkoe Belief Process and explains how to disrupt destructive thought patterns and create positive change in your life.  Today, you’ll hear from Shelly on: (00:14:01) Watering all your plants. She reminds high performers to pay attention to all aspects of their lives (including their families, relationships, and hobbies) and avoid focusing solely on their achievements or careers. (00:16:34)  Challenging your beliefs. Shelly explains how we can start challenging the common limiting beliefs that we’re not good enough, we don’t matter, and that mistakes and failures are bad.  (00:25:19) Finding emotional freedom. As someone who has learned to cultivate a healthy sense of self-worth, Shelly describes how our lives can change once we eliminate our limiting beliefs and stop worrying about what others think of us. (00:40:54) Recognizing how parental expectations can impact your adult life. According to Shelly, we need to examine how childhood experiences of not excelling in school or not living up to parental expectations can affect our confidence as adults and stand in the way of our success.  (00:54:59)  Learning to stop attaching meaning to meaningless events. John and Shelly talk about learning to detach our emotions from events that have shaped our beliefs and adversely affected our sense of self.

Dr. Christian Conte is a leading emotional and anger management expert who often works with prisoners, prison officers, and high-performance sports teams. Christian is passionate about helping people gain control over their emotions, and his book Walking Through Anger provides valuable strategies for confronting conflict and staying focused and calm in emotionally charged situations. In this episode, you’ll hear from Christian on: (00:13:09) Sports psychology. He explains why mastering the art of being present is the pathway to achieving peak performance and shares some tips for eliminating mental clutter and focusing on the task at hand. (00:21:45) Visualization. As an experienced prison counselor and educator, Christian describes the powerful visualization technique he uses to deal with chaotic and potentially dangerous situations.  (00:25:02) Zen parenting. We talk about The Four Cs of effective parenting, and Christian reveals how his Thousand Times Rule can help parents be more compassionate, patient, and calm. (00:38:54) Tonglen Breathing Practice. Christian describes the meditation technique he uses to help heal pain and suffering. Plus, he shares his unique Seven Breaths technique. (00:50:12) Yield Theory. We discuss Christian’s Yield Theory which involves meeting people where they’re at and listening to, validating, and exploring their options with compassion and creativity.

Jessica Kriegel is a Workplace Culture Expert, the creator of The Culture Equation, and Chief Scientist of Workplace Culture at Culture Partners. Jessica knows that culture drives results, and through her tried and tested tools and strategies, she empowers leaders to improve employee fulfillment and increase performance and profitability. As a culture change specialist, Jessica is a sought-after keynote speaker and the author of Unfairly Labeled: How Your Workplace Can Benefit from Ditching Generational Stereotypes and Proving the Value of Soft Skills: Measuring Impact and Calculating ROI. In this episode, you’ll hear from Jessica on: (00:09:20) Love-based leadership. According to Jessica, fear is our worst enemy when it comes to creating a healthy workplace culture. Instead, she advises CEOs to lead from the heart and concentrate on building a sense of loyalty and trust that improves performance and productivity. (00:21:06) The Culture Equation. Jessica sets out the basis of her Culture Equation model, where purpose and strategy combine with organizational culture to deliver consistent results. Plus, she points out that a company’s key outcomes must be meaningful, measurable, and memorable so everyone knows what they are and if they’re on course to achieving them. (00:32:53) Scaling culture. She explains how to build a more successful company culture by focusing on results and creating intentional employee experiences through a combination of culture management tools, such as feedback, employee recognition, and storytelling. (00:34:17) Saudi Arabia Vision 2030. We talk about Jessica’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia and the country’s efforts to create greater economic diversity and achieve gender equality for women and girls. (00:41:07) Accountability. Jessica stresses the importance of identifying problems, acknowledging shortcomings, and engaging in ‘above the line’ thinking that concentrates on solving the problem rather than allocating blame.  

Today's Best of Episode features Catherine Hernandez-Blades. Catherine is an award-winning CMO and PR News Hall of Famer who is currently the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at SAIC. With over 25 years of experience in senior marketing and communication roles at Fortune 500 companies, Catherine likes to position herself at the nexus of purpose and profit, and she’s passionate about the social impact that corporations can make in the world. In this episode, you’ll hear from Catherine on: (00:02:52) Her early ambitions. Catherine talks about her childhood dream of becoming a reporter and recalls how, as a young girl growing up in Louisiana, she would wear a little fedora hat with PRESS written on it and ‘interview’ people in her neighborhood with a fake microphone. (00:06:44) The secret to her success. For Catherine, success comes down to caring about your people and giving them the tools they need to thrive. She credits Jon Jones, her former boss at Raytheon, with helping her become a better leader by showing her how to build connections and create a sense of inclusivity and belonging at work. (00:18:20) Social impact. We discuss the role that Catherine played in the creation of My Special Aflac Duck, a social robot designed to facilitate communication and provide comfort to children undergoing cancer treatment. As Aflac’s former Chief ESG and Communications Officer, Catherine explains that consumers always reward companies for doing the right thing, and she adds that, as a result of the program, 15% of Americans were more likely to buy an Aflac policy.   (00:42:42) Accountability. We talk about the similarities between the Blue Angel Debrief and the way that Catherine prefers to provide feedback to her team. Above all, she reminds managers and leaders to be kind, and she encourages employees to embrace the empowering effect of holding themselves accountable.  (00:51:39) Paying it forward. Catherine refers to the work she does with college students and explains why it’s important for women who have climbed the corporate ladder to share their knowledge and experience and give others the tools and coaching they need to succeed.

In today's Best of Episode, we feature Steve Leder. Steve is a husband, father, and the Senior Rabbi of the Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles. He’s also a respected scholar and religious commentator and the author of several bestselling books, including The Extraordinary Nature of Ordinary Things and More Beautiful Than Before; How Suffering Transforms Us. His latest book, The Beauty of What Remains; How Our Greatest Fears Become Our Greatest Gifts, shows us how our fear of death can help us define what’s truly meaningful and bring more gratitude, value, and purpose to our lives. In this episode, you’ll hear from Rabbi Leder on: (00:15:10) The joy of hugs. As enthusiastic huggers, we talk about the power of human touch and its ability to connect and console people in a way that words can’t. Also, Rabbi Leder explains how hugs help us demonstrate trust, express empathy, and affirm each other’s humanity. (00:31:18) Death as a teacher. Despite Rabbi Leder’s long experience of dealing with the dying and their grieving relatives, he admits that only the experience of looking at his own father’s body made him finally realize that he, too, was going to die. As a mourner rather than a rabbi, he reveals how his experience of bereavement changed his life for the better and helped make him a better husband, father, and human being. (00:38:57) The transmigration of the soul. Rabbi Leder shares his stories of witnessing the sense of peace that comes over the dying as the energy of the soul leaves the body and is transformed into an unknown but continuing force. (00:53:01) The indefinable nature of God. We discuss the meaning of God’s ‘ I Will Be Who I Will Be’ statement to Moses, and Rabbi Leder points out that the phrase is deliberately vague since the true nature of divinity and cosmic justice is just too powerful and complex for human beings to understand.  (01:04:38) Gratitude. Rabbi Leder encourages us to count our blessings and keep going until we reach a hundred! In particular, he reminds us to be grateful for even the smallest of things and celebrate all the abundance and beauty in our lives.

In today's Best of Episode, we feature Dr. Gillian Mandich. Dr. Gillian is a happiness researcher, public speaker, and the founder of The International Happiness Institute of Health Science Research. Gillian believes that happiness is a practice, not a destination, and, through her keynote speeches, workshops, and courses, she helps people become healthier and happier by encouraging them to adopt simple habits and practices that have been scientifically proven to increase happiness and produce a greater sense of fulfillment and well-being. In this episode, you’ll hear from Gillian Mandich on: (00:33:33) The meaning of happiness. Gillian defines happiness as the experience of joy, contentment, and positive well-being combined with the sense that your life is good, meaningful, and worthwhile. However, she points out that happiness means different things to different people and stresses the importance of developing an awareness of what makes you happy and making an effort to do more of what you love and less of what you hate. (00:50:07) Overriding the brain’s natural negativity bias. She explains that practicing gratitude is one of the most powerful ways to train your brain to focus on the positive rather than dwell on the negative. She also suggests keeping a gratitude journal and even a gratitude jar to heighten your appreciation of all the good things in your life. (01:06:21) Creating small bursts of joy. According to Gillian’s research, the small moments of joy in our daily lives, rather than the big occasions such as birthdays, graduations, and vacations, bring us the most happiness. So, her tip for living a consistently happy life is to create small bursts of joy throughout the day by doing simple things, like calling a friend or going for a walk.  (01:30:12) Taking control. She talks about the benefits of focusing your attention on the areas of your life over which you have control. Plus, she emphasizes the importance of accepting the fact that bad things happen and understanding that it’s impossible to be happy all the time.   (01:51:10) Learning to see the world through the lens of awe. Gillian describes a recent experience of awe that made her change the way she saw the world. She suggests seeking solace and inspiration in beauty and nature by taking the time to look up at the stars or gaze at a beautiful sunset.