What's on Your Bookshelf?

Denise Russo and Zach Elliott
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“What’s On Your Bookshelf” is a personal and professional growth podcast exploring the intersections of passion, potential, and purpose - featuring multi-certified coach and leadership development consultant Denise R. Russo alongside Sam Powell, Zach Elliott, Tom Schweizer, Dennis LaRue, and Michelle King.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    126 Un-F-Yourself:Chapter 1-In The Beginning

    We explore how negative self-talk holds us back and dive into practical ways to break free from limiting thought patterns. Neuroscience research shows we have over 50,000 thoughts daily, and the quality of these thoughts profoundly impacts our lives. • Feelings from negative thoughts are exponentially stronger than positive ones • Being stuck on a mental "hamster wheel" prevents forward progress • The key is recognizing that "you are the answer" to your own problems • Negative thoughts often serve as protection mechanisms against potential pain • Changing neural pathways requires conscious effort but gets easier with practice • Focus on "productive thoughts" rather than just positive thinking • Environmental factors significantly influence our ability to maintain helpful thought patterns • Marcus Aurelius' stoic philosophy aligns perfectly with modern psychology on self-talk • The first step is acknowledging that your thoughts are in your way Join us next week as we explore willingness to change and take action toward creating the reality you want to live in. Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify. Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

    32 min

  2. 23 JULY

    125: Un-F-Yourself: Intro-Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Life

    We introduce a book that's new to both of our bookshelves: Gary John Bishop's "Un-F-Yourself: Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Life." Unlike previous episodes where at least one of us had read the book before, we're both diving into this one together, exploring its no-nonsense approach to personal development. • "Un-F-Yourself" offers a wake-up call about how we often block our own progress • The book's main premise: you are the problem standing in your own way • Contrasting with stoic philosophy from "The Obstacle is the Way," this book takes a more direct approach • Sam shares how taking imperfect action with her Substack newsletter led to growth and development • We discuss how many of us have dreams we don't act on, from writing books to other personal goals • The importance of messy action over perfect planning • This book speaks to those feeling resigned or defeated about their circumstances • We'll explore the book chapter by chapter in upcoming episodes If you get value from these episodes, please share them with others and let us know what you're thinking. Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify. Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

    24 min

  3. 2 JULY

    124-The Obstacle Is The Way: Part 3-Final Episode; The Art of Beginning Again

    We explore the final chapter of Ryan Holiday's "The Obstacle is the Way," focusing on how life requires us to continuously begin again and view obstacles as opportunities rather than barriers. • The cycle of obstacles never ends - when we navigate one, another emerges • Mountains behind mountains - life presents continuous challenges requiring perpetual readiness • Obstacles become opportunities when we change our perspective and approach • Success comes from seeing clearly, acting correctly, and enduring what we must • Growth doesn't mean obstacles shrink, but that we develop greater capacity to hold them • What once blocked our path can become the path itself • The three disciplines: perception (see clearly), action (act correctly), will (endure and accept) • Personal stories of transforming job loss into new opportunities through mindset shifts If you're getting value from our episodes, we'd love it if you would share them with others. Send us a note about what's resonated for you and how you've applied these principles to overcome obstacles in your own life. Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify. Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

    32 min

  4. 25 JUNE

    123-The Obstacle Is The Way: Part 3-Episode 3; Finding Strength Through Life's Challenges: Edison, Perseverance, and the Path Forward

    We explore two powerful concepts from Ryan Holiday's "The Obstacle Is The Way" that can transform how we approach life's challenges: loving everything that happens and cultivating perseverance. • Thomas Edison's warehouse fire destroyed $23 million worth of inventions, yet he watched with wonder and returned to work the next day • Shifting from "have to" to "get to" perspective reconnects us with gratitude and excitement • The story of Olivia, who transformed flood devastation into an organization that's collected over 110,000 pairs of shoes for those in need • Persistence is an action (hammering at a problem), while perseverance is a matter of will (staying in the game long-term) • Professional athletes demonstrate perseverance by investing more hours and maintaining focus longer than competitors • Our greatest obstacles are often self-created through doubt, fear, and hesitation • When we live out wisdom actively rather than just collecting it, our lives become richer and more meaningful We'd love to hear from you about ways we could make this experience better! Reach out to us about joining a book club or participating in live events as we continue this journey together. Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify. Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

    34 min

  5. 18 JUNE

    122-The Obstacle Is The Way: Part 3-Episode 2; Anticipating Obstacles: The Hidden Power of Negative Thinking

    We dive into Ryan Holiday's exploration of "Anticipation" and "The Art of Acquiescence" from his bestseller "The Obstacle is the Way," revealing how planning for failure can actually set you up for success. • Exploring the concept of the "pre-mortem" – envisioning potential failures before they happen • Building resilience through anticipating obstacles rather than being blindsided by them • Using the "What if?" exercise to prepare contingency plans for potential challenges • Learning to separate emotion from planning by approaching obstacles with neutrality • Understanding that acceptance doesn't mean surrendering but recognizing what's beyond your control • Viewing life's journey like taking the back roads – expecting disruptions as part of the adventure • Recognizing that resilience comes from focusing energy on what's within your control If you're getting value from these episodes, please share them with others who might benefit! We'd love to hear from you – reach out to us through the contact information in the show notes. Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify. Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

    29 min

  6. 11 JUNE

    121-The Obstacle Is The Way: Part 3-Episode 1; Building Your Inner Citadel: The Discipline of Will in Turbulent Times

    We delve into the final section of Ryan Holiday's "The Obstacle is the Way," exploring how will—the discipline of the heart and soul—creates an inner fortress that no external adversity can break. • Will represents quiet humility, resilience, and flexibility rather than forceful determination • Abraham Lincoln's depression became his strength, teaching him to lead with dignity during America's Civil War • The "inner citadel" concept describes the core part of ourselves that remains untouchable by external circumstances • Building self-confidence and resilience requires facing obstacles rather than avoiding them • Theodore Roosevelt overcame severe asthma through discipline, preparing him for greater challenges • The path of least resistance teaches us nothing—we need struggle to develop true character • Will is about surrendering the desire to control others while maintaining control over our own reactions • Life's hardships will test everyone; the question is whether we've built the inner strength to face them If you're interested in leadership development experiences based on historical figures like Lincoln, reach out to Denise for information about immersive programs she's led for teams. Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify. Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

    32 min

  7. 4 JUNE

    120-The Obstacle Is The Way: Part 2-Episode 6; Seize the Offensive and Prepare for None of it to Work

    Denise and Sam explore the "Action" section of Ryan Holiday's book "The Obstacle is the Way," focusing on how to seize opportunities in crisis and transform obstacles into advantages. • The Japanese art of Kintsugi illuminates how broken pottery repaired with gold becomes more valuable than before • Taking swift action when opportunities arise separates successful people from those who merely dream • Preparation must happen before opportunities present themselves - when the moment comes, it's too late to prepare • Crises provide unique opportunities to implement changes that would be impossible during normal times • Leaders who guide teams through difficult times often inspire greater loyalty than those who only lead during good times • Successful people iterate faster, trying and failing many times while others are still planning • Being prepared for failure is essential—the key is accepting results quickly and moving forward • The will to persevere cannot be affected by outside circumstances, making it our most powerful internal resource Join us next week as we conclude our book discussion by exploring the final section on "Will" and how to maintain perseverance in the face of obstacles. Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify. Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

    33 min

  8. 28 MAY

    119-The Obstacle Is The Way: Part 2-Episode 5; Turning Trials into Triumph: How Your Obstacles Become Opportunities

    Sam and Denise explore how to transform obstacles into opportunities by approaching challenges with strategic patience and focused energy rather than immediate reaction. • Using obstacles against themselves requires stepping back and allowing some problems to "fizzle out" on their own • Non-action can be a powerful form of action when dealing with emotional situations or seemingly immovable obstacles • Channeling frustration into focused energy creates more sustainable results than emotional reactions • The "long game" approach often outperforms immediate gratification in both sports and business settings • Humility is essential when facing obstacles—sometimes admitting the original path isn't working opens new possibilities • Acting versus "acting out" determines whether obstacles derail us or become opportunities for growth • Strategic thinking and intentional actions often prove more effective than constant activity We're continuing our journey through "The Obstacle is the Way" with two final chapters next week focusing on seizing the offensive and preparing for when things don't work out. Subscribe to catch both this show and our exclusive edition series on "Extreme Ownership" hosted by our producer Zach Elliott. Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify. Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

    34 min
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About

“What’s On Your Bookshelf” is a personal and professional growth podcast exploring the intersections of passion, potential, and purpose - featuring multi-certified coach and leadership development consultant Denise R. Russo alongside Sam Powell, Zach Elliott, Tom Schweizer, Dennis LaRue, and Michelle King.

Information

  • Creator
    Denise Russo and Zach Elliott
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    128
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 What's on Your Bookshelf?
  • Show Website
    What's on Your Bookshelf?