This episode is a deeply personal one, featuring my friend Karrah Teruya, who has faced the unimaginable battle against cancer not just once but three times. Karrah’s story is one of raw courage and resilience, told with a transparency that will move you to your core. We dive into the moments of fear, pain, and uncertainty but also the beauty and clarity that comes when life’s fragility is laid bare. Karrah is a warrior in every sense, and her willingness to share her story will leave you reflec...
Oct 08, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 164
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Cassie Holmes, someone who truly gets what it means to chase happiness and fulfillment. We all want more time, right? But what if more time doesn’t make us happier? Dr. Holmes breaks it down in a real and relatable way, showing us that it’s not about cramming more into our days but about being intentional with the time we already have. We talk about finding joy in the small moments and creating a life that feels meaningful, not just busy. If you’ve ever wonde...
Oct 01, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 163
In this episode, I sat down with one of my own meditation teachers, Sharon Salzberg, to explore the deeper meaning of loving-kindness and how it’s more than just a soft, sentimental idea. It’s about connection, resilience, and creating positive change. We discuss how small margins, like voting or simple acts of kindness, can ripple out into the world and impact those around us. This conversation became personal for me. Her teachings helped me through my recovery, and I know they can help you thr...
Sep 24, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 162
This episode of the Kintsugi Podcast is a heartfelt journey about reinvention—mine, yours, and the world around us. Continuing on with my open awareness segment, as I biked across America, passing through places like West Virginia and Pittsburgh, I met people who embodied the idea that it's never too late to start fresh. Age is just a number, and it's never too late to learn something new or take on a new challenge. I hope this episode inspires you to break through your own limiting beliefs and ...
Sep 17, 2024•11 min•Ep. 161
In this episode of the Kintsugi Podcast, I had the absolute privilege of sitting down with Olympic Gold Medalist Joe Jacobi. We dive deep into the metaphorical and literal rivers of life, exploring how navigating the rocks and rapids isn't something to be feared but embraced. Joe’s insights on resilience, course correction, and the importance of starting with intention left me inspired and ready to tackle life's currents head-on. Whether you're navigating your own challenges or just in need of a...
Sep 10, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 160
In this deeply moving episode of the Kintsugi Podcast, I sit down with J.R. Martinez, a man whose story is etched in resilience and gratitude. If you don’t know who J.R. is, he’s an actor, speaker, author, and Army veteran. As J.R. takes us back to the day his life changed forever, when his Humvee hit a roadside bomb in Iraq, he shares not just the physical scars but the emotional ones, too. These scars tell tales of pain, survival, and transformation. What struck me most was J.R.'s ability to f...
Sep 03, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 159
On this episode of the Kintsugi Podcast, I sit down with Jennifer Thompson, whose public story of survival and advocacy has reached millions. Jennifer’s journey began with a horrific sexual assault that led to the wrongful conviction of an innocent man, a story that garnered national attention. But her story didn’t end there. Jennifer transformed her pain into purpose, becoming a fierce advocate for justice and the co-founder of Healing Justice. In our conversation, Jennifer opens up about the c...
Aug 27, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 158
On this episode of the Kintsugi Podcast, I take you on a deeply personal journey, sharing stories from my bike ride across America, where connection was the heartbeat of every mile. From the warmth of a small-town café in Indiana to the unsettling moments of division in Ohio, these experiences revealed the soul of our country, both its beauty and its pain. I reflect on the power of forgiveness, the necessity of healing, and the simple yet profound ways we can come together. Join me as we explore...
Aug 20, 2024•19 min•Ep. 157
In this deeply moving episode of the Kintsugi Podcast, I sit down with Alison Tetrick, a champion cyclist whose journey has been both inspiring and heart-wrenching. Alison opens up about the devastating crash in 2010 that left her with a traumatic brain injury and the arduous road to recovery that followed. This conversation is raw and filled with emotion, and it showcases Alison's tenacity and spirit. She shares the importance of grace in recovery, how she now advocates for greater equity in th...
Aug 12, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 156
In this powerful episode of The Kintsugi Podcast, I sit down with Jennifer Fox, a woman whose life journey is a profound testament to resilience, courage, and the power of transformation. Jennifer's story is filled with heart-wrenching experiences and triumphant moments of self-discovery and healing. Jennifer shares the intense and painful events of her life, including her mother's battle with addiction and her own struggles with personal loss and health issues. From finding her mother overdosin...
Aug 06, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 155
This week on The Kintsugi Podcast, we dive into a conversation filled with inspiration and adventure with Alisha Fernandez Miranda. Alisha's journey is a testament to the power of reinvention and the courage to pursue one's passions, no matter where you are in life. From being a high-achieving professional to exploring new paths through a series of transformative internships, Alisha's story is about embracing change, facing fears, and finding joy in unexpected places. Alisha, a huge Gilmore Girl...
Jul 30, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 154
This week, we are excited to share a deeply moving and enlightening conversation with Jaclyn Lindsey, co-founder of kindness.org. Jaclyn's journey from personal struggles to becoming a beacon of kindness and compassion is nothing short of inspiring. Her work with kindness.org brings scientific rigor to the concept of kindness, demonstrating its transformative power in various aspects of life, from personal well-being to corporate culture. She is a passionate advocate for kindness and a resilient...
Jul 23, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 153
Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Kintsugi Podcast. This week, we're thrilled to bring you a heartwarming and enlightening conversation with Leia Marasovich, a storyteller, photographer, and advocate for farmers. Leia's work brings the often-overlooked stories of farmers to life, highlighting their struggles, triumphs, and the beautiful essence they bring to our lives. Get ready to be moved and motivated as we delve into the world of regenerative farming, community, and the transformat...
Jul 16, 2024•53 min•Ep. 152
This week (on July 11th), I celebrate the anniversary of My Last Bad Day . In this Open Awareness, I wanted to share ten valuable tips I've learned to help us all become better humans to other humans and all the world's creatures - except those pesky mosquitoes. Sorry, even I have limits. As we celebrate, I'm giving away FREE copies of my 2nd book, My Last Bad Day Shift. It was a best-seller in several categories, and I want to share it with you. It's short and filled with goodness. Click My Las...
Jul 09, 2024•18 min•Ep. 151
This week on The Kintsugi Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Sarah Strohmaier a psychology and mindfulness researcher, to discuss the intricacies of mindfulness practices and the concept of "dose." Sarah delves into her research findings on how varying lengths and frequencies of mindfulness practices impact mental health, shedding light on why shorter practices might sometimes be more beneficial than longer ones. We discuss the importance of personalized mindfulness practices, the role of organization...
Jul 02, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 150
This week on The Kintsugi Podcast, I sit down with Cory Allen, a multifaceted artist, musician, and author of "A Brave New You." Cory shares his journey through the realms of music, writing, and mindfulness, revealing how these practices have shaped his life and work. From battling the pressures of artistic perfection to embracing the subtleties of mindfulness, Cory's insights offer a refreshing perspective on creativity and personal growth. Key Themes: The Creative Journey: Cory’s early experie...
Jun 25, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 149
In this episode of the Kintsugi Podcast, host Michael O'Brien sits down with Stefanie Broes, co-founder of Moonbird, a company that develops products to help people use their breath as a tool for better mental health and well-being. Stefanie shares her personal journey with breathwork, the inspiration behind creating Moonbird, and her vision for making a lasting impact on the world. Key Quotes: "Meditation is not an exercise, but for me, it's some sort of philosophy. It's a way that you behave a...
Jun 18, 2024•55 min•Ep. 148
In this episode of The Kintsugi Podcast, host Michael OBrien shares his journey of resilience while cycling across America, focusing on his experience in Missouri. Michael reflects on the unexpected detours, the scorching heat, and the lessons learned on the Katy Trail. He emphasizes the importance of embracing nature, developing small but consistent habits, and persevering through life's muddy moments. Key Themes and Messages: Embracing Nature: Michael underscores the importance of reconnecting...
Jun 11, 2024•26 min•Ep. 147
If I have a favorite story within Pause Breathe Reflect, it's the Tortoise and the Hare. In this week's Story of Connection on The Kintsugi Podcast we revisit this story with Laura Linn Knight, a mindfulness coach, parenting expert, and author. Laura shares her journey from being an overwhelmed parent to discovering non-reactive parenting, mindfulness techniques, and her take on the classic story with her new book, 'The Boasting Hare Learns to Let Go.' Key Takeaways: Non-Reactive Parenting: Laur...
Jun 04, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 146
In this heartfelt episode of the Kintsugi Podcast, I sit down with Lindsaya VanDusen, a wellness warrior, mom, and advocate for self-love and authenticity. Lindsaya shares her inspiring journey from struggling with self-acceptance to embracing her true self. She discusses her transformative experience with breast implant removal, the challenges of loving her body, and the profound impact of community and self-love practices. Key Quotes from Lindsaya: "I live in a place of such deep empowerment b...
May 28, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 145
Perspective matters and we generally go where our eyes go. This week's Friday Meditation is inspired by my TEDx talk and it's all about what we are paying attention to and where are we looking. Join us as we explore the power of mindset and learn how it can change our relationship with stress, improve our sleep, and infuse mindfulness into our everyday moments. And remember, our invitation extends beyond this episode – our app, Pause, Breathe, Reflect, offers additional practices like the one sh...
May 24, 2024•10 min•Ep. 144
Welcome back to another episode of the Kintsugi Podcast! Today, I sit down with Stephanie Harrison, the visionary behind "New Happy." Stephanie shares her journey from adhering to society's flawed definitions of happiness to developing a new, more fulfilling philosophy. Together, they explore the myths of old happiness and the steps toward embracing a happier, more connected life. Episode Highlights: Community Check-Ins and Realizations Stephanie's Journey: Stephanie discusses how her community ...
May 21, 2024•49 min•Ep. 143
This week my wife and I celebrated 30 years of marriage. So this week's Friday Meditation is above true impeccable love. One of my favorite movie is The Princess Bride and one of my favorite lines from it is, "Have Fun Storming The Castle." To me, it's about pursuing true impeccable love despite the odds. As you head into the weekend, I encourage you to pursue true love. And you can listen to a longer version of this meditation on our Pause Breathe Reflect app. Join us as we explore the power of...
May 17, 2024•11 min•Ep. 142
Welcome to this week's story of connection on the Kintsugi Podcast. Today, Emily Halnon, an author, ultra-runner, and FKT badass, shares her emotional journey of grief and the healing power of running. Conversation Highlights: Emily opens up about why she turned her experiences of loss and grief into a book, emphasizing the vastness of grief and how a long-distance run across Oregon helped her process these emotions. We discuss the depths of "To the Gorge," which, while seemingly about running, ...
May 14, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 141
We can be so harsh with ourselves. Why is that? You are worthy! Full stop! This week’s Pause Breathe Reflect Meditation is a practice to help you appreciate your value and worthiness. You matter, my friend! Join us as we explore the power of mindset and learn how it can change our relationship with stress, improve our sleep, and infuse mindfulness into our everyday moments. And remember, our invitation extends beyond this episode – our app, Pause, Breathe, Reflect, offers additional practices li...
May 10, 2024•9 min•Ep. 140
Join me on a transformative journey across America in this week’s episode of the Kintsugi podcast. From the picturesque landscapes of Astoria, Oregon, to the historical plains of Kansas, I share inspiring stories and insightful reflections on resilience, perspective, and mindfulness. Dive deep into the concept of "Open Awareness" and explore how different perspectives can enrich our lives and relationships. Episode Highlights: Introduction to Open Awareness : I explain the practice of open versu...
May 07, 2024•25 min•Ep. 139
This week’s Pause Breathe Reflect Meditation is all about the 3 As and how they can help you feel what you need to feel and take action that will will put a beautiful ripple into the world. Join us as we explore the power of mindset and learn how it can change our relationship with stress, improve our sleep, and infuse mindfulness into our everyday moments. And remember, our invitation extends beyond this episode – our app, Pause, Breathe, Reflect, offers additional practices like the one shared...
May 03, 2024•9 min•Ep. 138
In this enriching episode of the Kintsugi Podcast, we sit down with renowned author and performance coach Brad Stulberg to explore the perennial dance of change in our lives. Drawing insights from Brad's extensive research and personal experiences, we delve into maintaining balance amidst life's inevitable fluctuations. What You Will Discover How to discern the noise from the signal in a world saturated with information. The importance of embracing mundane daily practices for long-term happiness...
Apr 30, 2024•54 min•Ep. 137
In this inspiring episode of the Kintsugi Podcast, host Michael O'Brien sits down with Carina Hamill and Robby Ringer, the visionary co-founders of Bivo. This couple's journey from idea to execution illustrates their innovative approach to the cycling industry's reliance on plastic water bottles and their commitment to enhancing environmental consciousness and sustainability. Dive into their challenges, insights, and the joy they find in connecting passions with purpose. Key Messages: Challenges...
Apr 23, 2024•52 min•Ep. 136
One of key practices of my recovery was gratitude and I continue it today. This week's Pause Breathe Reflect Meditation is a ripple of gratitude to someone who's made a difference in your life this week. After the practice, reach out and let them know that you appreciate them. Join us as we explore the power of mindset and learn how it can change our relationship with stress, improve our sleep, and infuse mindfulness into our everyday moments. And remember, our invitation extends beyond this epi...
Apr 19, 2024•10 min•Ep. 135
