The Kintsugi Podcast - Stories of Connection Michael OBrien

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 soul who overcame significant challenges in her life. Her story is a testament to the power of kindness, both received and given. Through her work, Jaclyn aims to rebrand kindness as a powerful tool for social change, backed by scientific evidence.

Key Topics Discussed:

The impact of small acts of kindness in personal and professional settings
The role of kindness in improving workplace culture and productivity
Jaclyn's personal journey from addiction to recovery
The importance of curiosity and humility in practicing kindness
How kindness.org is transforming educational environments with kindness-focused curricula
Timestamped Highlights:

[00:00:03] Jacqueline shares a study on the impact of small acts of kindness in a college setting.
[00:05:30] Jaclyn describes her journey from personal struggles to co-founding kindness.org.
[00:10:18] Defining kindness: Jaclyn's personal and organizational perspectives.
[00:14:05] Her personal story of overcoming addiction and the role of kindness in her recovery.
[00:26:03] The development of kindness.org and its mission to rebrand kindness.
[00:36:45] Research on the importance of kindness in workplace culture.
[00:50:54] The launch and impact of LearnKind, a curriculum designed to teach kindness in schools.
[00:58:47] Michael and Jacqueline discuss the role of kindness in reducing political polarization.
Resources Mentioned:

Pause Breathe Reflect App
kindness.org
Learn Kind
Loving Kindness Meditation Research
Beekman 1802
Thank you for tuning in to the Kintsugi Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please send a ripple of kindness by rating and reviewing our podcast on your favorite platform. Your support helps us spread more stories of resilience and kindness.

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 transformative power of storytelling.



Leia Marasovich is a creative soul who wears many hats—traveler, surfer, yogi, former collegiate swimmer, and above all, a storyteller with a camera. With a rich cultural background from Croatia and Slovenia, Leia's passion for food, farming, and sustainability has led her to document the stories of farmers around the world. Through her work with Farmers Footprint, Leia sheds light on the lives and struggles of those who nourish us, fostering a deeper connection between us and the earth.



Key Topics Discussed:

The emotional impact of photographing farmers
The importance of mental health and well-being for farmers
The concept and practices of regenerative agriculture
Leia's journey from a sustainability student to a professional photographer
The power of storytelling in creating social change

Timestamped Highlights:

[00:00:03] Leia shares a touching story about photographing a farmer and its profound impact.
[00:05:26] Leia describes her journey from a sustainability student to a storyteller.
[00:11:56] Leia's transformative experience in the Amazon with indigenous communities.
[00:17:45] Leia's work with Farmers Footprint and the impact of her storytelling on farmers.
[00:26:03] The emotional reactions of farmers seeing their photographs.
[00:33:18] Leia explains the principles of regenerative agriculture.
[00:40:56] Success stories of farmers transitioning to regenerative practices.
[00:47:43] The importance of having the right community and support.

Resources:

Farmers Footprint
Leia Marasovich's Photography
Pause Breathe Reflect App

Thank you for tuning in to the Kintsugi Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please send a ripple of kindness by rating and reviewing our podcast on your favorite platform.

Follow us on social media at Pause Breathe Reflect and The_Kintsugi_Podcast, and consider supporting the podcast by subscribing to our newsletter, The Ripple Effect, or becoming a Pause Breathe Reflect community member.



Let's continue to tell the important stories of those who nourish us and foster a deeper connection with our food and planet.

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 Last Bad Day to get your copy.

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.

They discuss the importance of personalized mindfulness practices, the role of organizational structures in employee well-being, and the potential adverse effects of mindfulness.

Key Themes

Mindfulness and Organizational Well-being :

Sarah emphasizes that mindfulness should not be a quick fix for organizational structural issues.
Companies often use mindfulness as a band-aid solution without addressing deeper systemic problems like overwork and inadequate compensation.
Dose Response in Mindfulness :

Sarah's research indicates no significant dose-response relationship, suggesting that longer, more intense mindfulness practices are not necessarily more beneficial than shorter, less intense ones.
Shorter mindfulness practices may be more effective for beginners and can help reduce feelings of guilt and overwhelm.
Quality Over Quantity :

Michael and Sarah discuss the importance of the quality of mindfulness practice over the quantity.
They explore how shorter, consistent practices can be more sustainable and beneficial in the long run than sporadic, longer sessions.
Personalization of Mindfulness Practices :

Different individuals may require different mindfulness practices to suit their unique needs and circumstances.
Finding a mindfulness practice that aligns with one's personal lifestyle and mental health goals is crucial.
Potential Adverse Effects of Mindfulness :

Michael and Sarah touch upon the possible adverse effects of mindfulness when practiced without proper guidance.
They stress the importance of qualified instructors and tailored mindfulness programs to ensure safe and effective practice.

Memorable Quotes by Sarah 

"Mindfulness is not a one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one person may not work for another."
"Putting the responsibility solely on individuals to manage their stress through mindfulness without addressing structural issues in organizations is unfair and ineffective."
" The quality of the mindfulness practice matters more than the duration. Shorter, consistent practices can be incredibly powerful."

Resources Mentioned

Pause, Breathe, Reflect: Michael's mindfulness app is designed for busy individuals with shorter, more manageable mindfulness practices.
Books :

"Atomic Habits " by James Clear: Discusses the importance of small, consistent steps in habit formation.
"Thanks a Thousand " by A.J. Jacobs: A book about gratitude and the many people involved in creating a simple cup of coffee.

Connect with Sarah Strohmairer

Twitter : @SarahStrohmaier
LinkedIn : Sarah Strohmaier
Website: sarahpsychology.com

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 experiences with music and the pressure of artistic perfection.
The vulnerability of sharing creative work and the psychological impact of external feedback.
Transitioning from a musician to a writer and the internal narrative shifts required.

Mindfulness and Meditation:

Cory’s 25-year journey with meditation and its influence on his central nervous system.
Practical approaches to mindfulness and integrating it into everyday life.
The current state of mindfulness and meditation in mainstream culture and corporate environments.

Writing and Personal Growth:

The process of finding and refining one's voice through consistent practice.
The role of social media in shaping Cory's writing career and the impact of viral content.
Cory's strategic approach to analyzing audience engagement and adapting his writing style.

Personal Stories and Connections:

Cory’s humorous and insightful encounter with Waylon Jennings.
Meeting his wife and the influence of anti-authoritarian perspectives on his life.
Key Quotes:

"The second you share your work with anyone, it becomes vulnerable, and you see new areas for editing and refining."
"Mindfulness is not just about mental health; it's about creating space and being thoughtful in how we live."
"Do less, but do it deeply. Focus on what truly nourishes you and cultivate awareness around it."
"The real bravery is listening to that inner voice and following it through, despite external pressures."
Resources Mentioned:

Cory Allen’s book A Brave New You is available at Powell's, Book People in Austin, and other Indie bookstores. You can also find it at that huge one you already know about. 
Cory Allen’s Instagram: @heyCoryAllen
Michael O’Brien’s app: Pause, Breathe, Reflect
Podcast: Do Less, But Do It Deeply by Cory Allen

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 and through which you approach the world." 
"I believe that these physical tools where you literally don't have to think or follow or do anything anymore, you just hold on and you breathe with it, can be very useful as well." 
"If we all have that awareness and would portray that philosophy, the world would be a better place and we would all behave much nicer towards each other." 

Key Takeaways:

Breathwork is a powerful tool for regulating the nervous system and promoting mental well-being, especially for those who struggle with anxiety, panic attacks, or hyperventilation.
Physical tools like Moonbird can complement apps and courses, providing a tangible way to focus on breath and reconnect with the body.
Incorporating mindfulness and breathwork into daily life can lead to positive changes in behavior, interactions, and overall well-being.
Creating something that has a lasting impact beyond one's lifespan is a meaningful goal and a measure of success.
In this engaging conversation, Michael and Stefanie explore the importance of human connection, the role of coaching and guidance in mindfulness practices, and the potential for collaboration among like-minded individuals and organizations. They also share personal stories of growth, resilience, and finding purpose in the face of challenges.

Whether you're new to breathwork or a seasoned practitioner, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for using the power of breath to create positive change in your life and the world around you.

To learn more about Stefanie Broes and Moonbird, visit https://www.moonbird.life or Instagram