Getting Unstuck – Cultivating Curiosity Jeff Ikler

Guest Bradley Wright is a professor of sociology at the University of Connecticut and the director of the Life Purpose Lab (lifepurpose.lab.uconn.edu). He teaches courses on well-being and research methodology. He is the co-author of The Purpose Journal: Discover Your Destiny and Leave a Legacy.
His teaching and mentoring have received departmental and university awards. Bradley grew up in California and lives in Connecticut with his wife. They have two sons and a small, fluffy dog. His hobbies include cycling, hiking, and photography.
Summary In this episode, Bradley tackles the question of finding purpose and meaning in life. He acknowledges the challenges, including a lack of clear systems and the fear of uncertainty that holds many back. Bradley proposes a "purpose portfolio" –– engaging in multiple meaningful activities across various aspects of life –– to maximize overall fulfillment.
His work at the Life Purpose Lab emphasizes "possibility management," a framework designed to help people intentionally explore and navigate different life paths. Journaling is a key tool, prompting exploration of purpose itself and offering practical steps for discovery.
The conversation emphasizes taking action over waiting for inspiration to strike. Small, incremental steps can lead to significant change. Bradley highlights the transformative power of purpose, not just for personal happiness but for creating a positive impact on the world. His training program suggests living purposefully can positively affect the lives of others, with a potential reach that can range from a few individuals to hundreds.
Social Media https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleywrightphd/
 
Referenced “Serendipity is not Serendipitous”
Life Purpose Lab

Summary This episode explores the importance of storytelling in business communication and life. Inspired by his late wife Jane's spirit, Jarie Bolander delves into the importance of narratives that inspire action. The discussion weaves in Jarie’s experience supporting organizations in crafting impactful stories, highlighting a common challenge faced by businesses and non-profits alike.
The episode takes a poignant turn as Jarie recounts his marriage to Jane, their life together, and the profound impact of her leukemia diagnosis. Their relationship transformed from spouse to caregiver and patient, demanding immense resilience and commitment. Jarie reflects on the significance of their vows in the face of such hardship while acknowledging the initial struggle to ask for help and prioritize self-care amidst overwhelming circumstances.
Through Jane's illness and eventual passing, Jarie grapples with grief and the preciousness of life. He shares his own challenges in seeking support. The conversation explores the healing power of therapy alongside the enduring comfort of unconditional love and support from loved ones.
Social Media Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook
Referenced Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder
Stuart: A Life Backwards
Diane Wyzga - the origin story

Summary
I’ve been podcasting for more than five years and have more than 300 hundred episodes on topics that include space exploration, cooking, history, education, movie scores, the importance of objects in movies, inn-keeping, serendipity, beavers, bagels, nature, and fly fishing—to name a few! And I’ve been privileged to meet some incredible, giving, wise people.
But like most podcasters—all?—I’ve been unable to secure interviews with everyone I wanted to see on the other side of the mic. Why? The reasons vary, ranging from “Sorry, I’m just too busy” to silence—no response at all. This is an episode about some of them—the ones whose photo will never fill an empty square on my podcast website—and why I wanted to talk to them in the first place.

Guest As a former teacher turned speaker and happiness coach, Kim Strobel helps schools, businesses, and organizations prioritize their happiness and well-being so they can overcome their fears, discover their joy, activate their limitless potential, and boldly pursue their dreams. She is the author of Teach Happy. Summary This episode focuses on Kim’s journey with panic disorder, highlighting the power of cognitive behavioral therapy and helping others overcome anxiety. Kim emphasizes happiness as a direction rather than a destination, urging the implementation of happiness habits for well-being. Of particular note, Kim explained that up to 40% of our happiness is within our control, so looking at the world through a lens of positivity and possibility is essential. Lastly, Kim advocates for radical wellness through boundary-setting and rewiring brains for happiness, encouraging investment in building healthy relationships and regulating social media usage for personal growth and fulfillment.
Social Media / Referenced www.StrobelEducation.com
www.KimStrobel.com
Break the Habit of Being Yourself by Joe Dispenza
The Tools: 5 Tools to Help You Find Courage, Creativity, and Willpower--and Inspire You to Live Life in Forward Motion by Phil Stultz

Guest Ben Goldfarb is an environmental journalist whose work has appeared in National Geographic, the Atlantic, Smithsonian Magazine, and many other publications. He is the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award. He lives in Colorado with his wife, Elise, and his dog, Kit — which is, of course, what you call a baby beaver.
Summary This discussion highlights the beaver’s role as a keystone species, an organism crucial to maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Beavers create ponds and wetlands, benefiting numerous species and providing vital services like water purification, flood control, and wildfire mitigation.
Historically, unregulated trapping nearly decimated beaver populations in North America, causing dramatic ecological decline. In Yellowstone National Park, for instance, the absence of wolves led to elk overgrazing, destroying beaver habitat. Beaver reintroduction efforts in the 1980s significantly improved the ecosystem.
The conversation emphasizes the importance of coexisting with beavers and wolves. Non-lethal solutions like "beaver deceivers" can mitigate property damage, while the ecological benefits (fish habitat, flood control) far outweigh minor inconveniences. The future of beaver management lies in learning to share our environment, not removing these valuable ecosystem engineers.
Social Media / Referenced Website: https://www.bengoldfarb.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben.a.goldfarb/
X: https://twitter.com/ben_a_goldfarb
Books:
Crossings https://www.amazon.com/dp/1324005890
Eager
https://www.amazon.com/Eager-Surprising-Secret-Beavers-Matter/dp/160358739X

Guest Katie Mullen is the founder of MMS Consulting, which specializes in sales training and consulting and has helped Fortune 500 companies from all over the country increase sales, improve performance, and create more customer trust.  MMS Consulting was founded on a several-year research project on the topic of how customers want to be treated.  Hundreds of customers were interviewed on pet peeves, likes, dislikes, etc, and the answers were aggregated into data points that are now used during the training and consulting offered by MMS Consulting. 
  Before founding MMS, Katie Mullen spent fifteen years selling into diverse industries, including medical devices, online media, fundraising, and event planning.  Katie hosts the “Golden Rule of Selling” podcast and is the author of The Sales Tightrope: A Research-Based Guide to Not Annoying Customers and Still Being a Top Performer.
Summary Focusing on qualities essential for success in sales, such as curiosity and adaptability, Katie emphasizes the importance of building rapport and understanding customers individually. Her approach combines scientific research with personalized presentations tailored to each client, prioritizing long-term relationships over short-term gains. By employing discovery questions and addressing root issues, she ensures a mutually beneficial fit, fostering trust and loyalty for future opportunities.
Social Media / Referenced kmullen@mms-consulting.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiefmullen/
https://www.tiktok.com/@katiemullen_goldenrule