Very Best of Living

Taylor Hartman
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Dr. Taylor Hartman, relationship expert and Psychologist, discusses key insights that he has made over his professional career on what makes successful relationships. His work The Color Code now called the People Code is a powerful agent for positive healthy relationships both personal and professional. 

  1. DEC 8

    Holiday Gifts That Actually Matter

    December can feel like a paradox: generosity and sparkle on one side, old wounds and family friction on the other. We dive into that tension and offer a different path—one built on inner gifts, honest encouragement, and boundaries that protect your peace. Instead of chasing perfect presents, we share a simple practice: write down three names and decide what meaningful gift you can offer each person, then clarify why it matters. Maybe it’s affirmation without comparison. Maybe it’s a truth they can use, delivered with kindness. Maybe it’s time, presence, or a prayer that opens a door when they feel shut out. Along the way, we unpack the power of positivity in relationships and how to pivot from “What if it goes wrong?” to “How do we make this happen?” You’ll hear stories of meeting people where they are, validating worth, and choosing directness over judgment. We explore forgiveness that frees you without reopening wounds—hold others accountable first, then let go internally. That balance keeps your heart light while your boundaries stay strong. And when someone tries to push your buttons, we offer tools to avoid being “owned”: proactive warmth, a three-breath pause, and listening for content rather than tone. We also talk about building emotional muscle through small choices—carrying your own baggage, not everyone else’s. If you tend to defend, please, or shut down, you’ll learn how to spot the pattern and choose a better move. Most of all, we invite you to stop overanalyzing relatives and simply be present. When you bring your true gift—clarity, calm, humor, celebration—you make space for memories that last longer than any purchase. If this conversation resonated, tap follow, share it with a friend who needs a calmer Christmas, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. Who are your three people this season, and what will you give them? Take the Personality and Character Profiles at TaylorHartman.com. Send questions and comments to Taylor@TaylorHartman.com Or Cathy@TaylorHartman.com with “Podcast” in the subject line.

    30 min

  2. OCT 6

    Six Practices That Quiet Selfishness and Spark Growth

    What would it look like to present your life and feel proud of how you grew? We dive into progression as a way of living—how small, brave choices stack into character—and map six practices that pull us out of ourselves and back into meaning: sacrifice, bravery, education and critical thinking, curiosity, gratitude, and faith. Along the way, we get honest about aging and purpose at 99, the joy and work of grandparenting, and why some lunch tables become complaint clubs while others stay alive with ideas. We start with sacrifice as the antidote to a “make it about me” culture, using parenting and service as training grounds for purpose. Then we break down bravery through the “buffalo vs. cow” storm metaphor—face it and shorten it, or flee and get worn out. Real stories show how hard conversations earn respect and reset relationships, and why motive matters more than optics. From there, we wrestle with classrooms where attention is collapsing, the danger of treating feelings as facts, and how boundaries can protect without turning into walls. Curiosity returns joy to learning and relationships, expanding your world beyond your own head. Gratitude shows up as a reliable marker of mental health—quiet, practical, and contagious. Finally, we talk faith: for some it’s native, for others it’s chosen; either way, service is a powerful on‑ramp to a larger, steadier life. If you’ve felt stuck, isolated, or bored, these six practices offer a grounded path forward—no hacks, just habits that hold up in storms. If this conversation sparked something, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a buffalo nudge, and leave a quick review—what’s one practice you’ll lean into this week? Take the Personality and Character Profiles at TaylorHartman.com. Send questions and comments to Taylor@TaylorHartman.com Or Cathy@TaylorHartman.com with “Podcast” in the subject line.

    43 min

  3. SEP 1

    Coaching Creates Change When You're Ready to Face Yourself

    Dr. Taylor Hartman and Cat Larson dive deep into the transformative power of coaching and how it unlocks emotional intelligence for meaningful personal growth. They explore how the Color Code personality system provides unparalleled clarity about who we truly are, quickly cutting through layers of self-deception that might otherwise take months to unravel in traditional therapy. The conversation reveals how each color personality brings unique gifts essential for emotional intelligence: Reds naturally excel at motivation, Whites demonstrate exceptional self-control, Blues possess innate empathy, and Yellows offer outstanding people skills. Understanding these distinct strengths allows us to learn from personalities different from our own, developing areas where we might naturally struggle. What makes this discussion particularly compelling is their honest exploration of why some people experience profound transformation while others remain stuck. Those who embrace growth with statements like "I'm good with who I am, but I want to become more" progress rapidly, while those who resist self-examination often remain trapped in patterns of blame and resentment. Through powerful real-life examples, they demonstrate how unresolved trauma can cause us to adopt behaviors contrary to our true nature—like a naturally peaceful White personality taking on negative Red characteristics as protection—preventing authentic healing and growth. Taylor and Cat also address contemporary mental health challenges, distinguishing between those using psychological labels as excuses versus those genuinely working to overcome difficulties. They emphasize that effective coaching provides both compassionate support and necessary accountability, helping clients take ownership of their lives regardless of past experiences. Ready to discover your true self and unlock your full potential? Join us on this journey of self-discovery and transformation. The Color Code might just be the tool that changes everything for you, as it has for countless others seeking authentic growth and healing. Take the Personality and Character Profiles at TaylorHartman.com. Send questions and comments to Taylor@TaylorHartman.com Or Cathy@TaylorHartman.com with “Podcast” in the subject line.

    29 min

  4. AUG 4

    What Will Your Children Remember About You?

    What legacy will you leave your children? This thought-provoking question frames our heartfelt conversation about the profound impact of parenting on future generations. We begin with a touching story of a man in his seventies longing for one more conversation with his mother who had been his "rock" – a powerful reminder that family connections shape us in ways that echo throughout our lives. From this emotional starting point, Dr. Taylor Hartman shares his expertise on how parents can create meaningful legacies by first mastering the art of loving their children effectively. The Color Code personality system becomes our guide as we explore how children of different personality types need to be loved differently. Red children fear failure and need validation for their accomplishments. Blues seek security and reassurance they won't be abandoned. Whites require space and connection on their terms. Yellows thrive when engaged in the present moment. By understanding these differences, parents can move beyond their natural tendencies to connect with their children on a deeper level. We delve into what makes expectations healthy versus harmful, how married couples blend different family cultures, and why intentionality matters when building your family legacy. Whether your family values emphasize travel, education, service, or spiritual development, the key is making conscious choices about what you hope to instill in the next generation. Perhaps most touching is our discussion about reconciliation and the eternal nature of family bonds. No matter your children's age or what conflicts may arise, there's always opportunity to repair relationships and reconnect. Ready to deepen your parenting journey? Join our upcoming workshops designed to help you navigate these complex issues with greater self-awareness and understanding. Contact us at taylor@taylorhartman.com or follow our Instagram for details on virtual and in-person events coming this fall. Take the Personality and Character Profiles at TaylorHartman.com. Send questions and comments to Taylor@TaylorHartman.com Or Cathy@TaylorHartman.com with “Podcast” in the subject line.

    23 min

  5. JUL 7

    The Courage to Choose Truth Over Being Liked

    Are your daily actions aligned with who you say you are? That's the challenging question at the heart of this thought-provoking exploration with Dr. Taylor Hartman and Cat Larson. They dive deep into the concept of creating a moral backstop—a clear definition of who you are that acts as a foundation when life throws challenges your way. The conversation takes a powerful turn when Dr. Hartman shares his personal journey of choosing truth over being liked in his thirties, a decision that fundamentally altered his life path. This choice between authenticity and popularity represents a crossroads many of us face, often without recognizing its profound significance. As the discussion unfolds, we see how these seemingly simple choices form the bedrock of our mental health and relationship quality. What sets this episode apart is its unflinching look at congruence—the alignment between our stated values and our daily choices. Through compelling examples, including a young woman who claims to value travel yet works at a job with no vacation days, we witness how incongruent living creates frustration and unfulfilled potential. Dr. Hartman challenges us to examine our true motives, going beyond surface behaviors to understand the root causes that drive our actions. This deep self-examination isn't easy, but as the conversation reveals, it becomes more natural with practice and yields profound rewards in authenticity and personal growth. Ready to create a foundation that allows you to live with greater purpose and authenticity? Listen now to discover how defining yourself can transform your relationships and mental health. Share your thoughts about your own journey toward congruent living in the comments below! Take the Personality and Character Profiles at TaylorHartman.com. Send questions and comments to Taylor@TaylorHartman.com Or Cathy@TaylorHartman.com with “Podcast” in the subject line.

    29 min

  6. JUN 2

    Choose Your Hard

    What if the question isn't whether to choose an easy or difficult path, but rather which difficult path will lead to your greatest growth? Dr. Taylor Hartman tackles this profound question in a thought-provoking exploration of life's inevitable challenges and how we navigate them. Drawing inspiration from M. Scott Peck's "The Road Less Traveled" and its opening statement that "life is difficult," Dr. Hartman introduces a powerful framework through the refrain "Choose your hard." Marriage is hard. Divorce is hard. Choose your heart. Education is hard. Being uneducated is hard. Choose your hard. These paired statements reveal the truth that difficulty is inevitable, but the right kind of difficulty leads to growth, strength, and ultimately, joy. The conversation with colleague Cat Larson delves into why we often remain unaware of our dysfunctional patterns until they cause breakdowns in our lives. They discuss how modern therapy sometimes enables victimhood rather than building resilience, and how developing a clear moral definition helps establish boundaries that protect our wellbeing. Using the Color Code personality framework, Dr. Hartman explains how different personality types need to blend logic and emotion for balanced growth—teaching logical types to embrace feelings and emotional types to incorporate rational thinking. Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Hartman emphasizes that growth is sequential. The challenges we face in each life stage prepare us for greater responsibilities ahead. Those who avoid necessary difficulties find themselves unprepared when life inevitably presents bigger challenges. By choosing the "right hard" at each stage, we develop the strength to live fully and authentically. Ready to transform how you view life's difficulties? Listen now to discover how choosing the right challenges can lead to your most fulfilling life. Leave us a comment about which "hard choice" has led to your greatest growth! Take the Personality and Character Profiles at TaylorHartman.com. Send questions and comments to Taylor@TaylorHartman.com Or Cathy@TaylorHartman.com with “Podcast” in the subject line.

    34 min

  7. MAY 5

    Breaking Free From Your Past to Live Fully Now

    Ever wondered why some people achieve extraordinary success while others get lost in distractions? Dr. Taylor Hartman and Cat Larson unlock powerful insights about personal commitment and focus that could transform your approach to life's priorities. Drawing from an unexpected source—Elon Musk's ex-wife—they reveal how knowing what truly matters and quickly saying "no" to everything else creates the foundation for meaningful achievement. This clarity of purpose isn't just for tech billionaires; it's a principle that helped Dr. Hartman develop the Color Code personality system and can help you stay on track with your most important life goals. The conversation deepens as they explore character development across different personality types. Rather than merely understanding other personalities intellectually, truly "charactered" individuals actively incorporate strengths from all colors into their behaviors and perspectives. This multidimensional understanding gives what Dr. Hartman calls "second, third, and fourth sight"—a richer, more empathetic way of navigating relationships and personal growth. Perhaps most profound is their discussion about releasing the past. Whether you're holding onto trauma or past achievements, defining yourself by yesterday limits your growth today. Using an illuminating example from tennis champion Roger Federer, they demonstrate how letting go after each point—whether victory or defeat—allowed him to win 80% of matches despite winning only 54% of points. This same principle applies to anyone seeking freedom from limiting beliefs or experiences. Ready to clarify what truly matters in your life and develop the character needed to stay committed to your path? Listen now, and discover how understanding your core values can help you say "no" to distractions and "yes" to what truly fulfills you. Take the Personality and Character Profiles at TaylorHartman.com. Send questions and comments to Taylor@TaylorHartman.com Or Cathy@TaylorHartman.com with “Podcast” in the subject line.

    25 min

  8. APR 7

    True mental health requires accountability, not excuses.

    Dr. Taylor Hartman and Cat Larson explore the critical connection between mental health and personal accountability, challenging the notion that circumstances rather than choices determine our wellbeing. They discuss how society's increasing focus on comfort and validation has created a generation struggling with resilience and personal responsibility. • Busy people accomplish more while those with abundant time often struggle with motivation • Taking ownership of your life is the foundation of good mental health • Making excuses and shifting blame indicates deeper psychological issues • People seeking mental health often surround themselves with others who don't hold them accountable • Clean motives—aiming for mutual benefit in all interactions—are essential for wellbeing • Looking outward and helping others is more healing than endless self-examination • Comfort-seeking behaviors and excessive protection from parents can create fragility • Building resilience requires facing challenges rather than avoiding them • Common sense is the greatest gift in mental health but is often overlooked Fight for the right to be here and recognize that life's challenges are opportunities for growth, not proof that something is wrong. Take the Personality and Character Profiles at TaylorHartman.com. Send questions and comments to Taylor@TaylorHartman.com Or Cathy@TaylorHartman.com with “Podcast” in the subject line.

    25 min
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5
out of 5
82 Ratings

About

Dr. Taylor Hartman, relationship expert and Psychologist, discusses key insights that he has made over his professional career on what makes successful relationships. His work The Color Code now called the People Code is a powerful agent for positive healthy relationships both personal and professional. 

Information

  • Creator
    Taylor Hartman
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    146
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Very Best of Living
  • Show Website
    Very Best of Living

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