The Kintsugi Podcast - Stories of Connection

Michael OBrien
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The Kintsugi Podcast - Stories of Connection

The Kintsugi Podcast is about reconnecting with ourselves and each other and seeing our scars as golden symbols of our strength and resilience. In this divided world, there's a way to come back together and see our stories within each of us. Each week, I will share a story of connection from another like-hearted human and a Pause Breathe Reflect meditation to help you connect with yourself and put a beautiful ripple into the world.

  1. The Art of Kintsugi with Miya Smith

    1 DAY AGO

    The Art of Kintsugi with Miya Smith

    In this heartfelt (and oddly on-brand) episode of The Kintsugi Podcast, I sit down with Miya Smith, an incredible Kintsugi artist whose story is as golden as the art itself. Miya takes us on a journey from her roots in Japan to her life in California, sharing how she mastered the intricate art of mending broken pottery with gold. Together, we dive into the beautiful philosophy of Kintsugi; embracing imperfections, celebrating scars, and turning life’s cracks into art. Honestly, it’s like my podcast title finally earned its keep! Tune in for inspiration, laughs, and maybe even a little golden repair for your soul. Key moments of this interview: 3:30 A Charming Tale of How Miya Met Her Husband 7:30 Miya’s Journey to Becoming a Kintsugi Artist 13:30 The History and Origins of Kintsugi 25:30 The Process of Traditional Kintsugi 35:30 Emotional Reactions to Kintsugi 46:12 Modern vs. Traditional Kintsugi 49:00 The Message of Kintsugi for Today’s Society Thank you for tuning in to The Kintsugi Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on your favorite platform. Your support helps us spread more stories of resilience and transformation. Check out and follow Miya Smith on Instagram @miyasilversmith For Modern kintsugi workshop inquiries and kintsugi commissions, please email miyasilversmith@gmail.com For a limited time (until the end of Jan 2025), the special traditional Japanese craft boutique “POJ Studio” from Kyoto, Japan is having a pop up store in Los Angeles (Echo Park neighborhood). Miya is teaching traditional kintsugi classes there, for those who want to learn the authentic mending techniques using real urushi. Check out her classes and art collection: https://pojstudio.com/collections/kintsugi-in-studio-la _____________________________ Join our Pause Breathe Reflect community by downloading our app from the Apple Store or Google Play today. For the first year, you can Name Your Price and discover how to navigate life with more ease and prevent a bad moment from turning into a bad day. You can connect with me by receiving my inspirational text messages throughout the week by texting ‘kintsugi’ to 503-487-5957 and downloading My Better Life Workbook at www.michaelobrienshift.com ( http://www.michaelobrienshift.com ) Social Media & Contact Information : Instagram: Pause Breathe Reflect https://www.instagram.com/pausebreathereflect LinkedIn: Michael O'Brien https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelobrienpelotoncoaching/ Websites: Discover more at www.michaelobrienshift.com (http://www.michaelobrienshift.com) Sponsors : Pause Breathe Reflect Meditation and Gratitude App To discover more about bringing mindfulness into your daily life, download the Pause Breathe Reflect App today!

    53 min
  2. The Power of Collective Resilience with Adam Pearce

    12 NOV

    The Power of Collective Resilience with Adam Pearce

    In this episode, I had the absolute privilege of sitting down with Adam Pearce, last year’s CNN Hero of the Year, to talk about the profound journey he and his family took after his brother Kevin, a rising professional snowboarder, sustained a traumatic brain injury that changed their lives forever. Adam opened up about their powerful experience navigating brain injury, resilience, and building the Love Your Brain foundation, which now supports countless others facing similar challenges. Our conversation dives into the essence of resilience, the strength of community, and the lifelong journey toward healing and acceptance. You’ll be moved by Adam’s story, his insight, and the beautiful mission of Love Your Brain. Key moments of this interview: 1:30 Introduction of Adam Pearce 8:00 The accident that changed everything 15:00 How Kevin learned about acceptance 31:00 Launching Love Your Brain Foundation 37:00 The transformative power of yoga and mindfulness 41:00 How important connection is during recovery 47:00 CNN Hero of the Year Connect with Adam and Love Your Brain via Instagram and Web Thank you for tuning in to The Kintsugi Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on your favorite platform. Your support helps us spread more stories of resilience and transformation. Join our Pause Breathe Reflect community by downloading our app from the Apple Store or Google Play today. For the first year, you can Name Your Price and discover how to navigate life with more ease and prevent a bad moment from turning into a bad day. Social Media & Contact Information : Instagram: Pause Breathe Reflect https://www.instagram.com/pausebreathereflect LinkedIn: Michael O'Brien https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelobrienpelotoncoaching/ Websites: Discover more at www.michaelobrienshift.com (http://www.michaelobrienshift.com) Sponsors: Pause Breathe Reflect Meditation and Gratitude App To discover more about bringing mindfulness into your daily life, download the Pause Breathe Reflect App today!

    1h 4m
  3. Pause Breathe rEfLECTION 2024

    7 NOV

    Pause Breathe rEfLECTION 2024

    In this episode, I sit down the morning after the election, exhausted but compelled to share my raw thoughts with you. As the dust settles, I'm caught between disbelief and a strange, aching hope, a hope that I nearly lost this week as I rushed my dog, aptly named Hope, to a life-saving surgery. Her fight to survive feels like a mirror to this moment in America: painful, uncertain, yet oddly resilient. This isn’t just about politics; it’s about who we are, what we believe in, and how we pick ourselves up. Join me as I grapple with the tension and try to find a way forward. Key moments of this interview: 0:30 My emergency vet visit 3:10 My election disappointment and emotions 8:00 My urgent message for hope 11:20 How we move forward together Thank you for tuning in to The Kintsugi Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on your favorite platform. Your support helps us spread more stories of resilience and transformation. Join our Pause Breathe Reflect community by downloading our app from the Apple Store or Google Play today. For the first year, you can Name Your Price and discover how to navigate life with more ease and prevent a bad moment from turning into a bad day. Social Media & Contact Information : Instagram: Pause Breathe Reflect https://www.instagram.com/pausebreathereflect LinkedIn: Michael O'Brien https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelobrienpelotoncoaching/ Websites: Discover more at www.michaelobrienshift.com (http://www.michaelobrienshift.com) Sponsors: Pause Breathe Reflect Meditation and Gratitude App

    14 min
  4. Discovering Connection in Prison with Portia Louder

    29 OCT

    Discovering Connection in Prison with Portia Louder

    In this episode of the Kintsugi Podcast, I sit down with Portia Louder, whose story of resilience and redemption is both heartbreaking and deeply inspiring. Portia opens up about the choices that led her to a federal prison, far from her family and community and the profound lessons she discovered behind bars. She shares how, through unimaginable loss and struggle, she found healing by connecting with others who had their own stories of pain and transformation. Her journey reminds us all that even in our lowest moments, we can find strength, compassion, and the courage to rebuild. Portia’s story speaks to anyone who’s ever felt broken but believes in the possibility of a second chance. Key moments of this interview: 2:00 Introduction of Portia Louder 7:30 Early childhood struggles 20:00 The real estate scheme that changed my life 27:00 The day I found out I was going to prison 37:00 Finding genuine connection in prison 43:00 Compassion and kindness in prison 54:00 Rediscovering freedom and identity in prison Connect with Portia: Website, Instagram, LinkedIn Thank you for tuning in to The Kintsugi Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on your favorite platform. Your support helps us spread more stories of resilience and transformation. Join our Pause Breathe Reflect community by downloading our app from the Apple Store or Google Play today. For the first year, you can Name Your Price and discover how to navigate life with more ease and prevent a bad moment from turning into a bad day. Social Media & Contact Information : Instagram: Pause Breathe Reflect https://www.instagram.com/pausebreathereflect LinkedIn: Michael O'Brien https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelobrienpelotoncoaching/ Websites: Discover more at www.michaelobrienshift.com (http://www.michaelobrienshift.com) Sponsors: Pause Breathe Reflect Meditation and Gratitude App To discover more about bringing mindfulness into your daily life, download the Pause Breathe Reflect App today!

    1h 1m
  5. The Power of Self Love | Babette Davis

    22 OCT

    The Power of Self Love | Babette Davis

    On this episode of the Kintsugi Podcast, we dive deep into the human journey of transformation, resilience, and self-love. I had the pleasure of sitting down with the inspirational Chef Babette Davis. At 73, Babette is a force of nature—strong, vibrant, and unapologetically authentic. We talked about everything from her past struggles with addiction to her commitment to plant-based living and how it’s reshaped her life. What stood out most was her passion for understanding our connection to the planet and how our choices impact not only our health but the world around us. This is a story of growth, healing, and finding purpose. Tune in and be inspired by Babette's journey. Key moments of this interview: 2:00 Introduction of Chef Babette Davis 5:20 The Importance of Self-Love and Connection 9:00 Living with purpose 14:00 From Crack Addiction to Healing 32:00 Maintaining Health As We Age 35:50 Insights on Food Marketing and Misconceptions 40:00 Connection between diet and inflammation 46:00 Transitioning to Plant-Based Living 52:00 Aging With Grace Thank you for tuning in to The Kintsugi Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on your favorite platform. Your support helps us spread more stories of resilience and transformation. Join our Pause Breathe Reflect community by downloading our app from the Apple Store or Google Play today. For the first year, you can Name Your Price and discover how to navigate life with more ease and prevent a bad moment from turning into a bad day. Social Media & Contact Information : Instagram: Pause Breathe Reflect https://www.instagram.com/pausebreathereflect LinkedIn: Michael O'Brien https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelobrienpelotoncoaching/ Websites: Discover more at www.michaelobrienshift.com (http://www.michaelobrienshift.com) Sponsors : Pause Breathe Reflect Meditation and Gratitude App To discover more about bringing mindfulness into your daily life, download the Pause Breathe Reflect App today!

    1h 12m
  6. He Doesn’t Care About Your Story

    15 OCT

    He Doesn’t Care About Your Story

    This episode wraps up the final segment of my journey biking across America, a ride that took me from the rugged coasts of Oregon to the heart of Washington, D.C. Along the way, I experienced the vast beauty of this country and the profound stories of the people I met. From laughter to tears, from hope to heartbreak, each mile brought a deeper understanding of what it means to be connected. America isn’t perfect, but it’s resilient. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that our ability to heal and grow together is the greatest story we can write. Tune in as we face “the home stretch” and a plea to all my fellow Americans to help make our future better. Key moments of this interview: 2:00 Acknowledging America's Beauty and Blemishes 4:00 The Power of Healing and Coming Together 9:00 My Encounter with President Trump 13:45 Encouragement to Vote for Change Thank you for tuning in to The Kintsugi Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on your favorite platform. Your support helps us spread more stories of resilience and transformation. Join our Pause Breathe Reflect community by downloading our app from the Apple Store or Google Play today. For the first year, you can Name Your Price and discover how to navigate life with more ease and prevent a bad moment from turning into a bad day. You can connect with me by receiving my inspirational text messages throughout the week by texting ‘kintsugi’ to 503-487-5957 and downloading My Better Life Workbook at www.michaelobrienshift.com ( http://www.michaelobrienshift.com ) Social Media & Contact Information : Instagram: Pause Breathe Reflect https://www.instagram.com/pausebreathereflect LinkedIn: Michael O'Brien https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelobrienpelotoncoaching/ Websites: Discover more at www.michaelobrienshift.com (http://www.michaelobrienshift.com) Sponsors : Pause Breathe Reflect Meditation and Gratitude App To discover more about bringing mindfulness into your daily life, download the Pause Breathe Reflect App today!

    17 min
  7. Battling Cancer with Grit and Grace with Karrah Teruya

    8 OCT

    Battling Cancer with Grit and Grace with Karrah Teruya

    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 reflecting on your own life. Take a moment to listen - her strength is palpable. Key moments of this interview: 9:10 How Karrah met her husband 23:30 The moment Karrah found out she had cancer 29:15 Finding clarity in near-death experiences 34:00 Physical aftermath of surviving cancer 3 times 40:30 Grieving the loss of a normal life 47:30 Embracing the complexity of healing 53:45 Navigating expectations of healing and recovering 57:30 Accepting the uncertainty of life post-cancer 1:08:30 Reclaiming femininity through baldness Thank you for tuning in to The Kintsugi Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on your favorite platform. Your support helps us spread more stories of resilience and transformation. Join our Pause Breathe Reflect community by downloading our app from the Apple Store or Google Play today. For the first year, you can Name Your Price and discover how to navigate life with more ease and prevent a bad moment from turning into a bad day. Karrah's Go Fund Me, Instagram, and Blog Social Media & Contact Information : Instagram: Pause Breathe Reflect https://www.instagram.com/pausebreathereflect LinkedIn: Michael O'Brien https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelobrienpelotoncoaching/ Websites: Discover more at www.michaelobrienshift.com (http://www.michaelobrienshift.com) Sponsors: Pause Breathe Reflect Meditation and Gratitude App To discover more about bringing mindfulness into your daily life, download the Pause Breathe Reflect App today!

    1h 18m
  8. The Secret to Happiness with Cassie Holmes

    30 SEPT

    The Secret to Happiness with Cassie Holmes

    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 wondered how to make your days feel richer, this conversation is for you. Key moments of this interview: 2:15 Who is Dr. Cassie Holmes? 10:00 How life events influence happiness 15:30 How much time is ideal for happiness 25:00 Why social connection is required for happiness 33:50 How to be happier at work 46:00 The five whys exercise for personal purpose 1:00:00 Why you need to write your own eulogy Thank you for tuning in to The Kintsugi Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on your favorite platform. Your support helps us spread more stories of resilience and transformation. Ways to Connect with Cassie:  Website: https://www.cassiemholmes.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassiemholmes/ Join our Pause Breathe Reflect community by downloading our app from the Apple Store or Google Play today. For the first year, you can Name Your Price and discover how to navigate life with more ease and prevent a bad moment from turning into a bad day. Do you want to have a happier relationship with your phone? Take my FREE Smartphone Wellness Check and discover how to change your relationship with your phone and find more energy for the things that matter most to you. Begin by clicking Phone.  Social Media & Contact Information : Instagram: Pause Breathe Reflect https://www.instagram.com/pausebreathereflect LinkedIn: Michael O'Brien https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelobrienpelotoncoaching/ Websites: Discover more at www.michaelobrienshift.com (http://www.michaelobrienshift.com) Sponsors: Pause Breathe Reflect Meditation and Gratitude App To discover more about bringing mindfulness into your daily life, download the Pause Breathe Reflect App today!

    1h 7m
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The Kintsugi Podcast is about reconnecting with ourselves and each other and seeing our scars as golden symbols of our strength and resilience. In this divided world, there's a way to come back together and see our stories within each of us. Each week, I will share a story of connection from another like-hearted human and a Pause Breathe Reflect meditation to help you connect with yourself and put a beautiful ripple into the world.

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