Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Mindfulness and Resilience Through Kintsugi Wisdom

Michael OBrien | Mindfulness & Resilience Coach
  • 5.0 (54)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

What if I told you that healing isn’t about returning to who you were? Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Mindfulness and Resilience Through Kintsugi Wisdom gives you the support you need to heal, develop a personal growth mindset, and embrace who you are becoming. Inspired by the Japanese art of “Golden Repair,” Kintsugi teaches us that even when life breaks us, we can rebuild—stronger, wiser, and more beautiful than before. Listen to discover how to: Overcome self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism by shifting your mindset. Build emotional résilience and manage stress through microdose meditation, mindfulness, breathwork, and gratitude practices. Cultivate self-love, gratitude, and confidence to support your healing and transformation. I’m Michael O’Brien—husband, Girl Dadx2, son, friend, animal lover, and survivor. After a near-death cycling accident—what I call My Last Bad Day—the metaphor of Kintsugi helped me see that I could be whole again. Today, as a Mindfulness & Resilience coach, speaker, and meditation teacher, I offer a steady hand to support you on your healing journey and help you fully step into the person you are becoming. Join me every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for micro-episodes designed to help you embrace the Kintsugi spirit within you and truly feel Whole Again. Start your journey now with Episode 190, a fan-favorite on how Kintsugi can transform your healing process.

  1. 1D AGO

    #335 | A Key to Work Success: Wellbeing at Work with Jennifer Posa

    What if the reason work feels broken isn’t you—but the system you’re working in? Employee engagement is declining, burnout is rising, and AI is reshaping the workplace faster than most leaders can process. In this powerful conversation with industrial-organizational psychologist Jennifer Posa, you’ll explore what’s really missing at work—and why culture matters more than perks when it comes to wellbeing. Discover why wellbeing must be personal and organizational to truly workLearn how leaders can build trust, improve engagement, and create high-performing teamsUnderstand why culture—not apps, perks, or policies—is the real driver of sustainable performance Press play to learn how redefining wellbeing at work can help you—and your team—thrive from the inside out. Connect with Jennifer: https://www.drjenniferposa.com You can also find her on LinkedIn and Substack. You can now download my Pause Breathe Reflect App with Microdose EQ for FREE in Apple’s App Store or Google Play. Discover how spend less time on your phone and more time on things that bring you joy. Also, find the support you need to navigate today’s uncertainty with more calm and grace. Receive a FREE copy of my book: “My Last Bad Day Shift.” Receive my free Microdoses of Inspiration by texting Whole Again to 866-612-4604. Join me on Substack (https://substack.com/@resiliencewithmichaelobrien) for more ways to stay resilient and navigate today’s uncertainty with more grace. We can also connect on LinkedIn. Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am. With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Mindfulness, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome PTSD, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on building resilience, fitness, and stress management, as well as mindfulness practices and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools such as breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress reduction. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embodies healing as a transformative process, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and overwhelm to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and

    59 min

  2. 3D AGO

    #334 | Invite in Calm with a 10 Breaths Micro-Meditation

    When was the last time you paused long enough to count your own breath? In a world that constantly pulls at your attention, it’s easy to feel rushed, reactive, or overwhelmed. This short, guided meditation offers a simple yet powerful reset: counting your breath to gently anchor your mind and calm your nervous system—anytime, anywhere. Experience a grounding technique you can use in moments of stress or uncertaintyLearn how breath counting strengthens focus and reduces mental overwhelmDiscover how “beginning again” builds resilience and self-compassion Invite in calm and reconnect with the steady rhythm that’s always available—your breath. You can now download my Pause Breathe Reflect App with Microdose EQ for FREE in Apple’s App Store or Google Play. Discover how spend less time on your phone and more time on things that bring you joy. Also, find the support you need to navigate today’s uncertainty with more calm and grace. Receive a FREE copy of my book: “My Last Bad Day Shift.” Receive my free Microdoses of Inspiration by texting Whole Again to 866-612-4604. Join me on Substack (https://substack.com/@resiliencewithmichaelobrien) for more ways to stay resilient and navigate today’s uncertainty with more grace. We can also connect on LinkedIn. Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am. With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Mindfulness, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome PTSD, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on building resilience, fitness, and stress management, as well as mindfulness practices and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools such as breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress reduction. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embodies healing as a transformative process, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and overwhelm to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and

    4 min

  3. 6D AGO

    #333 | Will the World End in Fire or ICE or be Saved Through Mindfulness and Resilience?

    Is your mind burning with stress or frozen in numbness? What if the key to peace isn’t in either extreme? Inspired by Robert Frost’s timeless poem Fire and Ice, this episode explores how unchecked desire and emotional withdrawal show up in our daily lives—especially in today’s world of burnout, overwhelm, and division. Instead of swinging between extremes, you'll learn how mindfulness offers a sustainable path through uncertainty. Understand the deeper meaning behind Frost’s fire and ice—and how it relates to your inner worldLearn how modern hustle culture and emotional disengagement mirror the Buddhist “hindrances”Discover the “middle way” that helps you stay steady, engaged, and grounded no matter what life throws at you Press play to explore how choosing a middle path—warm enough to care, cool enough to see clearly—can transform how you live, lead, and love. You can now download my Pause Breathe Reflect App with Microdose EQ for FREE in Apple’s App Store or Google Play. Discover how spend less time on your phone and more time on things that bring you joy. Also, find the support you need to navigate today’s uncertainty with more calm and grace. Receive a FREE copy of my book: “My Last Bad Day Shift.” Receive my free Microdoses of Inspiration by texting Whole Again to 866-612-4604. Join me on Substack (https://substack.com/@resiliencewithmichaelobrien) for more ways to stay resilient and navigate today’s uncertainty with more grace. We can also connect on LinkedIn. Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am. With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Mindfulness, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome PTSD, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on building resilience, fitness, and stress management, as well as mindfulness practices and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools such as breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress reduction. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embodies healing as a transformative process, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and overwhelm to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and

    15 min

  4. FEB 10

    #332 | Bad Bunny, Sam Darnold, and Lindsey Vonn: What They Teach Us

    What do a halftime show, a Super Bowl comeback, and a crash on Olympic slopes have in common? More than you think. Whether or not you're into sports, these three real-life stories reveal powerful truths about love, perseverance, and the courage to make your own choices—even when the world is watching. In a divided and fast-paced world, these moments remind us how shared humanity and personal agency can bring us back to what matters most. Discover why Bad Bunny’s halftime show and U2’s tribute decades earlier both speak the language of loveHear how Sam Darnold’s journey to Super Bowl champion reveals what most leaders miss about resilienceExplore why Lindsey Vonn’s choice to race through injury uncovers deep societal biases—and why honoring agency matters more than ever Press play to reflect on how music, sport, and struggle can remind us of what connects us—and how to keep showing up with courage and compassion. You can now download my Pause Breathe Reflect App with Microdose EQ for FREE in Apple’s App Store or Google Play. Discover how spend less time on your phone and more time on things that bring you joy. Also, find the support you need to navigate today’s uncertainty with more calm and grace. Receive a FREE copy of my book: “My Last Bad Day Shift.” Receive my free Microdoses of Inspiration by texting Whole Again to 866-612-4604. Join me on Substack (https://substack.com/@resiliencewithmichaelobrien) for more ways to stay resilient and navigate today’s uncertainty with more grace. We can also connect on LinkedIn. Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am. With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Mindfulness, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome PTSD, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on building resilience, fitness, and stress management, as well as mindfulness practices and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools such as breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress reduction. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embodies healing as a transformative process, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and overwhelm to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and

    18 min

  5. FEB 9

    #331 | Slow Down & Be Kind: Start Your Week With Mindfulness and a Microdose Meditation

    What if your smallest act of kindness today becomes someone else’s moment of peace? In a world moving too fast, it's easy to believe we don't have time for kindness. But it's often the quietest, simplest gestures that linger longest in people’s hearts. This short meditation invites you to pause, breathe, and remember the power you have to make someone’s day. Ground yourself in a guided practice to start your week with presence and intentionReflect on meaningful moments of kindness—received and givenDiscover how a tiny ripple of compassion can transform your day and someone else’s Press play to reconnect with your breath, your heart, and your ability to ripple kindness—starting right now. You can now download my Pause Breathe Reflect App with Microdose EQ for FREE in Apple’s App Store or Google Play. Discover how spend less time on your phone and more time on things that bring you joy. Also, find the support you need to navigate today’s uncertainty with more calm and grace. Receive a FREE copy of my book: “My Last Bad Day Shift.” Receive my free Microdoses of Inspiration by texting Whole Again to 866-612-4604. Join me on Substack (https://substack.com/@resiliencewithmichaelobrien) for more ways to stay resilient and navigate today’s uncertainty with more grace. We can also connect on LinkedIn. Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am. With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Mindfulness, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome PTSD, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on building resilience, fitness, and stress management, as well as mindfulness practices and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools such as breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress reduction. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embodies healing as a transformative process, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and overwhelm to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and

    5 min

  6. FEB 5

    #330 | How to Make Great Pancakes with Mindfulness and Resilience

    What if your next messy first step wasn’t a failure—but the beginning of something meaningful? In a world obsessed with instant success and perfection, starting anything new—whether it's a habit, relationship, or personal goal—can feel frustrating when it doesn’t go smoothly. This episode of Whole Again invites you to embrace imperfect beginnings as a natural and necessary part of personal growth, especially if you're navigating trauma, transition, or a new chapter in life. Discover how a simple pancake metaphor can help you redefine what it means to “start over.”Learn why imperfection is not only expected but essential when beginning something new.Gain encouragement and permission to be messy, awkward, and wonderfully human as you move forward with purpose. Press play to learn how the “first pancake” mindset can help you move forward with compassion, courage, and curiosity—no matter where you're starting from. You can now download my Pause Breathe Reflect App with Microdose EQ for FREE in Apple’s App Store or Google Play. Discover how spend less time on your phone and more time on things that bring you joy. Also, find the support you need to navigate today’s uncertainty with more calm and grace. Receive a FREE copy of my book: “My Last Bad Day Shift.” Receive my free Microdoses of Inspiration by texting Whole Again to 866-612-4604. Join me on Substack (https://substack.com/@resiliencewithmichaelobrien) for more ways to stay resilient and navigate today’s uncertainty with more grace. We can also connect on LinkedIn. Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am. With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Mindfulness, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome PTSD, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on building resilience, fitness, and stress management, as well as mindfulness practices and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools such as breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress reduction. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embodies healing as a transformative process, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and overwhelm to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and

    9 min

  7. FEB 4

    #329 | From DEI Backlash to Real Change: The Case for Male Allyship Today with Dr. Shawn Andrews

    Why is male allyship one of the most important conversations in workplaces today — and why does it matter more than ever right now? In this special episode of Whole Again, Michael celebrates the launch of The Five Levels of Male Allyship — a new release bestseller co‑authored with Dr. Shawn Andrews. Together, they explore how workplaces can move beyond performative diversity efforts and instead cultivate real belonging through intentional allyship. This book isn’t just theory — it’s a practical framework designed for leaders, teams, and individuals who want to make work work better for everyone. By listening, you’ll discover: Why allyship is critical in today’s changing cultural and political landscapeHow the five levels of male allyship can help individuals and companies create stronger, more inclusive culturesWhat real allyship looks like — and how it benefits not just women and underrepresented people, but men tooHow a culture of belonging unlocks engagement, collaboration, and performance in teams Shawn brings data, science, humor, and deep insight to help listeners navigate inclusion more effectively — and Michael reflects on how this framework fits into the whole again mission of resilience and connection. Take our Personal Allyship Assessment that we referenced. Buy The 5 Levels of Male Allyship Discover more about Dr. Shawn Andrews. You can now download my Pause Breathe Reflect App with Microdose EQ for FREE in Apple’s App Store or Google Play. Discover how spend less time on your phone and more time on things that bring you joy. Also, find the support you need to navigate today’s uncertainty with more calm and grace. Receive a FREE copy of my book: “My Last Bad Day Shift.” Receive my free Microdoses of Inspiration by texting Whole Again to 866-612-4604. Join me on Substack (https://substack.com/@resiliencewithmichaelobrien) for more ways to stay resilient and navigate today’s uncertainty with more grace. We can also connect on LinkedIn. Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am. With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Mindfulness, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome PTSD, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth....

    56 min

  8. FEB 2

    #328 | Stop Arguing with Reality Microdose Meditation

    Ever catch yourself wishing things were different? Whether it's your breath, your body, or the weather, it's easy to resist reality — but that only adds tension. In this mindful Monday moment, Michael guides you through a gentle meditation to embrace the power of acceptance and let go of the need for things to be any different than they are. Learn how to stop arguing with realityShift your mindset from resistance to presenceBuild inner peace by embracing each moment exactly as it is Listen now to start your week with calm acceptance — because this moment is like this. You can now download my Pause Breathe Reflect App with Microdose EQ for FREE in Apple’s App Store or Google Play. Discover how spend less time on your phone and more time on things that bring you joy. Also, find the support you need to navigate today’s uncertainty with more calm and grace. Receive a FREE copy of my book: “My Last Bad Day Shift.” Receive my free Microdoses of Inspiration by texting Whole Again to 866-612-4604. Join me on Substack (https://substack.com/@resiliencewithmichaelobrien) for more ways to stay resilient and navigate today’s uncertainty with more grace. We can also connect on LinkedIn. Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am. With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Mindfulness, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome PTSD, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on building resilience, fitness, and stress management, as well as mindfulness practices and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools such as breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress reduction. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embodies healing as a transformative process, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and overwhelm to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and

    6 min
See All (334)

Trailer

5
out of 5
54 Ratings

About

What if I told you that healing isn’t about returning to who you were? Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Mindfulness and Resilience Through Kintsugi Wisdom gives you the support you need to heal, develop a personal growth mindset, and embrace who you are becoming. Inspired by the Japanese art of “Golden Repair,” Kintsugi teaches us that even when life breaks us, we can rebuild—stronger, wiser, and more beautiful than before. Listen to discover how to: Overcome self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism by shifting your mindset. Build emotional résilience and manage stress through microdose meditation, mindfulness, breathwork, and gratitude practices. Cultivate self-love, gratitude, and confidence to support your healing and transformation. I’m Michael O’Brien—husband, Girl Dadx2, son, friend, animal lover, and survivor. After a near-death cycling accident—what I call My Last Bad Day—the metaphor of Kintsugi helped me see that I could be whole again. Today, as a Mindfulness & Resilience coach, speaker, and meditation teacher, I offer a steady hand to support you on your healing journey and help you fully step into the person you are becoming. Join me every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for micro-episodes designed to help you embrace the Kintsugi spirit within you and truly feel Whole Again. Start your journey now with Episode 190, a fan-favorite on how Kintsugi can transform your healing process.

Information

You Might Also Like