Choice Before Chance : A Broaden Mindz Podcast

Vanita Prisha Daryanani
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Biweekly

Choice Before Chance is a Broaden Mindz podcast focused on mindset, growth, and the power of intentional choices. Through conversations and insights, the show encourages listeners to broaden their thinking and take control of their future.

  1. 2d ago

    The Mindset That Can Save Your Life (A Conversation with Dr. Michelle Kehrer)

    Discover what happens when you stop asking "why is this happening to me" and start asking "how is this actually for me." Dr. Michele Kehrer, a business growth coach, entrepreneur, and four-time cancer survivor, shares the mindset shift that carried her through cancer, divorce, and deep personal loss — and how she now helps others make the same shift to grow through life's hardest seasons. Michele built a physical therapy practice in downtown Chicago, helping over 100,000 patients with dizziness and balance disorders, before selling it and moving to Florida to help people find their "why." She opens up about the people who didn't show up for her during her first cancer diagnosis, the "angels" who did, and the mindset work that eventually became her book, Brave Shift: 30 Mindset Changes to Transform Your Life. In this episode, you'll discover: Why a "bad day" is really just a "bad moment" — and why that reframe mattersHow to find your purpose when you feel like you've lost itThe uncomfortable but necessary work of "cleaning house" on relationships that only takeWhy asking for help — and not stopping until you get it — is an act of courage, not weaknessHow small, consistent mindset shifts add up to a completely different lifeIf you've ever felt like adversity is something that just happens to you, Michele's story is proof that you can choose what it means and what it builds in you. This episode is perfect for anyone walking through a hard season, rebuilding after loss, or looking for permission to ask for help. As Michele puts it: it's not about changing everything — it's about changing the one thing that changes everything. Learn more about Michele's work and her book, Brave Shift, at michelekehrer.com. Because the life you want isn't waiting on chance—it's waiting on your next choice. https://michelekehrer.com/

  2. Jul 31

    The Soothing Presence: How to Raise Emotionally Resilient Children (A Conversation with Dr. David Marcus)

    Let's face it - you may have a responsibility in choosing how you raise your kids. In this fascinating episode with Dr. David Marcus, we discover the one skill most parents assume their children already have — and why that assumption is quietly breaking down communication at home. Dr. David Marcus, a clinical psychologist with 40 years of experience working with families under stress, shares why "use your words" fails so often with kids, and what it actually takes to raise a child who can name, tolerate, and work through their emotions. David has worked with children as young as three all the way through custody and parent-alienation cases as an expert witness, and along the way he's learned as much from the children as from their parents. In this conversation, he introduces the idea of a "soothing presence," explains how emotional reactions get silently internalized from parent to child, and walks through why punishment so often fails where real discipline succeeds. In this episode, you'll discover: Why children don't actually have an "emotional language" just because they're smart or verbal — and how to build one with themWhat a "soothing presence" is, and why it's the foundation every child (and adult) needs to work through intense emotionHow parents unconsciously pass their own stress responses on to their children through internalizationThe real difference between punishment and discipline — and why lectures rarely teach the lesson you think they doDavid's four-part definition of resilience, and the simple phrase that helps any child feel truly heardIf you've ever felt like you're talking to a stone wall with your child — or your partner — David's insights on emotional language and validation offer a way through it. This episode is perfect for parents navigating tantrums, teens, or tense family communication, and for anyone who wants to understand why we react to stress the way we do. As David puts it: therapy — and real connection — begins where the words run out. Learn more about Dr. Marcus's work and listen to more of his podcast appearances at parentrx.org. His book, Parent Rx, is coming soon. Because the life you want isn't waiting on chance—it's waiting on your next choice. https://parentrx.org

  3. Jul 29

    From the ER to Everest: How Small Choices Build a Life of Purpose (A Conversation with Dr. Matthew Harmody)

    Discover how one act of radical generosity can become the launchpad for a life without limits. Dr. Matt Harmody, a retired ER physician, living kidney donor, and record-setting mountaineer, shares how a single choice — donating his kidney to a complete stranger — set off a chain of decisions that led him to summit the highest peak in all 50 US states and set a Guinness World Record. After watching his father decline on dialysis and ultimately choose to stop treatment, Matt walked away from a corporate engineering career to attend medical school, with no family in medicine and no health scare of his own to explain it. He reveals how twenty-five years in the emergency department, a chance email from a team of fellow kidney-donor climbers, and a lifetime of small, deliberate choices led him to become a non-directed donor — and then to raise national awareness for living kidney donation from the summit of 50 mountains. In this episode, you'll discover: How Matt turned his father's decline into twenty-five years of service in the emergency departmentThe decision-making process behind becoming a living kidney donor to a complete strangerWhy big life decisions are really built from small, repeated choicesPractical ways to work through fear, risk, and the sunk cost fallacy when facing a hard decisionHow the living kidney donor voucher program works, and why it matters for the over 90,000 people on the waiting listIf you've ever wondered whether one choice could really change the course of your life — or someone else's — Matt's story is proof that it can. His perspective on resilience, service, and turning sacrifice into purpose offers a blueprint for anyone ready to take their own next small step. This episode is perfect for anyone navigating a major life or career pivot, curious about living organ donation, or looking for the push to trade comfort for meaning. Matt's story proves that purpose doesn't end after you give something away — it begins there. Learn more about Matt's mission at mattharmodymd.com, or grab his book,  available on Amazon. Join a community dedicated to living kidney donation awareness and saving lives through generosity. Because the life you want isn't waiting on chance—it's waiting on your next choice. https://mattharmodymd.com/

  4. Jul 22

    Turning Adversity into Triumph: The Courage to Lead : A Conversation with Jenna Udenberg

    Unlock the secret to transforming life's greatest challenges into powerful sources of impact. Jenna Udenberg, a disability advocate, author, and leader, shares how choosing courage, self-reflection, and curiosity can drastically reshape your path—and the world around you.  Diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at age seven, Jenna's journey from adversity to advocacy is a compelling testament to resilience. She reveals how listening to her gut and embracing leadership qualities sustained her through pivotal moments—like winning the prestigious Bush Fellowship and stepping into roles that once seemed impossible. Her story isn’t just about overcoming obstacles; it’s about intentionally stepping into the possibilities that come with each conscious choice.  In this episode, you’ll discover: How Jenna turned her personal health struggles into opportunities for community leadership and broader impact.The power of setting up support systems and trusting your inner voice when facing uncertainty.Practical ways to navigate overwhelm in decision-making—especially when options seem limitless or daunting.Why curiosity is a vital leadership skill, and how asking simple questions can unlock deeper understanding.The importance of recognizing your own value, boundaries, and the art of navigating relationships with authenticity.If you’ve ever felt stuck in a moment of doubt or overwhelm, Jenna’s insights on resilience, leadership, and self-awareness will inspire you to see every challenge as a choice—not a limitation. Her perspective on perseverance—paired with a compassionate approach to self-reflection—creates an empowering blueprint for creating the life and impact you desire. This episode is perfect for anyone seeking to harness their inner strength, build authentic connections, and design a life driven by intentional choices. Whether you’re navigating personal health, leadership, or just looking for inspiration to step outside your comfort zone, Jenna’s story proves that the key to your future lies in the decisions you make today.Learn more about Jenna’s mission at aboveandbeyondwithyou.org or grab her book, Within My Spokes, available on Amazon. Join a community dedicated to accessibility, inclusion, and purposeful change.   Because the life you want isn’t waiting on chance—it’s waiting on your next choice.   https://www.aboveandbeyondwithu.org/

  5. Jul 2

    Beyond Potential: Choosing the Life You're Meant to Live (A Conversation with Kate Kayaian)

    Unlock the secret to transforming your life through the power of choice—with insights from a former professional cellist turned leadership coach. When everything you've built feels like it's just one choice away from shifting, the question is: how do you summon the courage to leap? Kate Kayan, author and speaker, reveals how a pandemic-induced sabbatical made her reassess her identity and embrace a life aligned with her true self—without the fear holding her back. In this inspiring conversation, Kate shares her own journey from performing on world stages to coaching high achievers to rewrite their stories and redefine success on their own terms. Discover how her “Yes-If” mentality unlocks endless possibilities, and learn practical steps to overcoming fear and limiting beliefs that keep many stuck. You'll break down: the importance of stepping away from stories that no longer serve you, how to make empowered decisions in moments of uncertainty, and why our deepest potential is often hidden beneath the stories we tell ourselves.We break down the role of fear in decision-making, the power of small shifts like learning a new language or trying a new hobby at any age, and how to cultivate a mindset that actively seeks opportunity over obstacle. Kate's insights will challenge your perspective on what’s possible—and show you that the life you desire isn’t waiting on chance, it’s waiting on your next choice.Perfect for high achievers, creatives, or anyone feeling the nudge to make a change but unsure where to start. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn setbacks into comebacks—this episode will leave you inspired, equipped, and ready to take that first step. Your most authentic, fulfilled life is just one choice away.Kate Kayan is a renowned leadership coach, author of Beyond Potential, and former concert cellist who now guides with great clarity, confidence, and purpose. Her unique story of leaving behind a thirty-five-year career on stage to lead a fuller, freer life offers invaluable lessons in resilience and self-belief. Remember: the life you want isn't waiting on chance; it’s waiting on your next choice. Tune in now and start rewriting your story today.   https://katekayaian.com/

  6. Jun 10

    Finding Yourself: How Travel Guides the Path to Self-Discovery (A Conversation with Tracy Smith)

    Most women feel stuck in late life's transitions. But Tracy Smith's daring decision to book a one-way ticket to Iceland —a first step towards rediscovering herself—transforms her story from ordinary to extraordinary. Her journey from decades of people-pleasing and feeling out of place to living intentionally offers hope and practical wisdom for anyone ready to rewrite their own story. In this episode, Tracy shares how the power of choice transformed her life after divorce and years of self-doubt. She reveals the behind-the-scenes steps that fueled her daring travels to over 30 countries in just three years, including a spontaneous trip to Iceland that changed everything. Her story is a masterclass in courage, highlighting how small, deliberate decisions can unleash profound personal growth. You'll discover: How to embrace the mindset of "I'll figure it out"—and why it's a powerful tool for navigating uncertaintyThe evolution of making choices with or without your children's input, and why owning your decisions creates stronger bondsThe importance of aligning your inner voice with outward actions—whether in travel, career, or relationshipsPractical frameworks for balancing heart and logic, including using writing and defense strategies to stay safe and intentionalThe emotional significance of redefining your identity beyond family roles, and learning to honor your unique space in the worldWhy does it matter? Because without making intentional choices, many of us remain in limbo—missing opportunities for growth, adventure, and self-fulfillment. Tracy's story demonstrates that no matter your age or circumstances, choosing yourself opens up a world of possibility. Her insights serve as a call to action: your next chapter begins with the choices you make today. Perfect for: midlife women, individuals who have spent most of their lives designing it based on others, solo travelers, and/or anyone feeling stuck or ready for reinvention. This episode is an inspiring reminder that the life you want is waiting not on chance, but on your next conscious decision. Tune in to unlock the courage, clarity, and strategies to live your most authentic life. Find Tracy at https://tracysmithauthor.com - where you can also find all of her socials. Here, you can explore her travel stories, and get inspired to make your own bold choices. Her journey from feeling lost to claiming her space proves that the greatest voyage is the one inward—and that you are capable of navigating it with confidence.

  7. Jun 4

    Choosing A Retirement "By Design", Not By Default (A Conversation with Wendy Leggett)

    In this episode of Choice Before Chance, I sit down with retirement life coach Wendy Leggett to explore what happens when success no longer feels aligned with who you are. After spending 25 years in corporate sales, Wendy found herself at a crossroads. What looked successful on the outside no longer reflected her values on the inside. Rather than settling for a life on autopilot, she made the courageous choice to leave her corporate career and create a more meaningful path—one that now helps others navigate one of life's biggest transitions: retirement. Together, we discuss: • Why retirement is about much more than finances• The difference between living by design and living by default• How identity, purpose, and connection shape our wellbeing• Recognizing the signals that it's time for change• The role of mindset in navigating life's transitions• Why we're never starting from scratch—we're starting from strength• How small, intentional choices can create a more fulfilling future Whether retirement feels decades away or is just around the corner, this conversation offers valuable insights on making conscious choices, aligning with your values, and creating a life that feels meaningful at every stage. Because the life you want isn't waiting on chance—it's waiting on your next choice. Connect with Wendy Leggett:Conflux Retirement Coachinghttps://confluxretirementcoaching.com

  8. May 26

    Why Most People Are Living on Autopilot and How to Break Free (A Conversation with Michael Ostrolenk)

    Most people are unknowingly trapped in auto-pilot, guided by deep-seated programming from in utero to society’s conditioning. But what if you could break free from this mental prison and start making choices that truly serve your highest self? Renowned resilience expert Michael Ostrolenk reveals the hidden mechanisms behind our automatic behaviors—and shows you how to consciously choose a different path, no matter how ingrained your habits are. This episode is a masterclass in unlocking your innate power to respond versus react—and the transformative impact that one intentional decision can have on your life.Explore how our mind’s default programs—shaped over decades—limit our freedom and how recognizing them opens the door to authentic agency. Michael shares profound insights from his own journey, including a pivotal dark night of the soul that led him to pursue a life of deeper meaning, and how intuition acts as your internal compass guiding you toward growth and fulfillment. You'll discover practical tools to listen to your body’s wisdom, from gut feelings to dream messages, and learn how silence and stillness are critical for accessing your trans-rational inner guidance. We break down the science behind gut instincts, the role of the microbiome in cognition and emotion, and how ancient traditions like yoga and meditation cultivate intuitive awareness. Michael discusses the importance of developing a strong ego to navigate the world with confidence while staying connected to your spiritual higher self—a balancing act that many struggle with in today’s noise-saturated culture. You’ll find out how to distinguish between ego-driven impulses and soulful desires, empowering you to make choices rooted in love and authenticity rather than fear or societal expectations. The stakes are high: without awareness of your automatic programming, you risk living a life dictated by unconscious reactions, limiting your potential and happiness. But with each conscious choice, you carve a new path—one that aligns with your deeper purpose. Whether you're feeling stuck in old patterns or craving more meaningful connection and self-awareness, this episode will inspire you to slow down, listen deeply, and act intentionally. Perfect for anyone on a personal growth journey, entrepreneurs, leaders, or anyone interested in mastering resilience and inner peace. This isn’t just theory—Michael provides actionable practices like breath awareness, heart-focused connection, and simple meditation techniques to leverage your internal wisdom every day. Once you realize that your power lies in your choices, not chance, a new world of possibilities opens before you. Are you ready to step into your true agency? Hit play and start transforming your life, one deliberate decision at a time. You can find him here on his website - where all his other socials are also listed for you to follow: https://michaeldostrolenk.com/

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Choice Before Chance is a Broaden Mindz podcast focused on mindset, growth, and the power of intentional choices. Through conversations and insights, the show encourages listeners to broaden their thinking and take control of their future.

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