The Positive Persistence Podcast with Ian Bowen

Ian Bowen
  • 5.0 (16)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to "Positive Persistence, with Ian Bowen," the podcast that will ignite your spirit and fuel your journey to greatness! I'm Ian Bowen, and I'm here to tell you stories of ordinary people who've conquered extraordinary challenges. If you're ready to unleash your potential and leave an indelible mark on the world, you're in the right place. Each week, we'll dive deep into tales of triumph that will inspire you to overcome your obstacles and reach new heights. But this isn't just a podcast – it's a movement. By joining our "Positive Persistence" family, you're taking the first step towards activating your highest potential and living the life you truly deserve. After each episode, don't keep this inspiration to yourself! Share the show with friends who need that extra push. Hit that subscribe button so you never miss a moment of motivation. Want more? Head over to thepositivepersistence.com and sign up for my weekly newsletter. You'll get access to my free RINSE playbook – your guide to crushing obstacles in life, business, and relationships. The conversation doesn't stop here. Follow me on Instagram @ianrbowen for more content and daily doses of motivation. Remember, your journey to greatness starts with a single step. Let "Positive Persistence" be that step. Together, we'll help you step into the next best version of yourself. Now, let's dive into today's incredible story of resilience over adversity!

  1. Running Through Pain with Dr. Tiffany Bozovich

    2D AGO

    Running Through Pain with Dr. Tiffany Bozovich

    In this episode, you’ll discover: 1. The mental journey from "you'll never run again" to crossing a marathon finish line and what shifted internally to make that possible. 2. Why pain isn't the enemy but rather your body's messenger trying to get your attention about something that needs addressing. 3. How Dr. Tiffany's science-based approach to chiropractic care combines manipulation, rehab, and physical therapy for whole-body healing. 4. The critical role vulnerability plays in healing and why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness, when recovering from injury. 5. How to reframe the cultural default message about pain from "you're broken, slow down" to "your body is communicating what needs attention." 6. Why the body has an amazing capacity to heal itself when you provide the right tools, environment, and support system.   Key Takeaways: 1. Pain is a Messenger, Not a Verdict: Pain doesn't mean stop forever. It's your body's way of telling you to pay attention to something. Instead of avoiding pain, learn what it's communicating so you can address the root cause. 2. The Body Can Heal Itself When Given the Right Tools: Your body has an incredible capacity for recovery and adaptation. The key is providing proper support, movement, and treatment rather than accepting limitations as permanent. 3. Vulnerability is a Prerequisite for Healing: You can't get help if no one knows you're struggling. Getting over the discomfort of sharing your pain with someone who can help is essential for recovery and potentially life-changing. 4. Prove Them Wrong by Proving Yourself Right: When faced with limiting diagnoses or predictions, channel your energy into proving what's possible for yourself rather than arguing with others. Let your results speak for themselves. 5. Pain Applies to All Areas of Life: The principles of dealing with physical pain translate directly to emotional, professional, and relational challenges. Instead of stopping when something hurts, find another way to keep moving forward. 6. Movement is Medicine: Consistent, appropriate movement and activity are often more healing than rest alone. The key is finding the right type and amount of movement for your current condition.   Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast 00:52 – Meet Dr. Tiffany Bozovich: chiropractor and marathon runner 01:24 – The history of chiropractic care and science-based approaches 03:33 – From athlete to patient: the story of four knee surgeries 04:13 – What was happening mentally when told "you'll never run again" 08:04 – The turning point: deciding to prove them wrong 12:42 – How personal pain shaped a holistic approach to patient care 18:37 – The power of vulnerability in healing and asking for help 23:45 – Why people avoid seeking help and how to overcome that barrier 27:17 – Rewriting the cultural story about pain and injury 28:48 – The body is amazing: how it can heal itself with the right tools 29:04 – Life lessons from physical pain: moving forward through adversity 30:07 – Where to find Dr. Tiffany and Bozovich Wellness   Connect with Dr. Tiffany Bozovich: Website: https://bozovichwellness.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bozovichwellness/     CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN: Website: https://watchmemindset.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowen YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    32 min
  2. Breaking Emotional Barriers with Carolyn Moore

    6D AGO

    Breaking Emotional Barriers with Carolyn Moore

    Have you ever hit a wall emotionally with anxiety, grief, stress, or pure overwhelm and thought, "Why can't I just get it together?" In this profound and deeply practical episode, Ian Bowen sits down with Carolyn Moore, a licensed therapist with nearly two decades of experience guiding people through life's most challenging emotional terrain. As the founder of Point to Point Counseling, Carolyn specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy and a holistic approach that treats the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. Carolyn explains the powerful connection between our thoughts, emotions, and physical  experiences, and why bottling up emotions creates trapped energy within our bodies that affects how we show up in life. She introduces her compelling "bottle analogy" for understanding emotional pressure, breaks down how to process rather than suppress difficult feelings, and shares practical strategies for building emotional resilience that can transform how you navigate adversity. This is a must-listen for anyone struggling with anxiety, processing past trauma, or feeling stuck in emotional patterns. Carolyn's insights offer a roadmap for breaking through barriers and moving toward a more purpose-driven, emotionally healthy life. In this episode, you’ll discover: 1. How cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps reframe adversity by changing the relationship between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. 2. Why emotions carry energy that doesn't just disappear on its own, and how suppressing feelings creates trapped emotional pressure within your body. 3. The "bottle analogy" for understanding how unprocessed trauma and emotions build pressure that eventually erupts in unexpected ways. 4. How body, mind, and spirit are interconnected, and why addressing one area can create positive ripple effects in the others. 5. Practical "right now skills" for managing overwhelming emotions in the moment before you can fully process them later. 6. Why labeling emotions and understanding their genesis from past trauma is the first essential step toward healing and breaking free from emotional patterns. Key Takeaways: 1. Adversity Lives in Body, Mind, and Spirit: You can experience trials in physical health, mental wellbeing, or spiritual life, and they're all interconnected. Addressing one area often creates positive momentum in the others. 2. Emotions Carry Energy That Demands Direction: All emotions carry energy that doesn't just vanish. If you don't actively process and direct that energy outward, it becomes trapped in your body and affects how you show up in life. 3. Bottling Up Emotions Creates Internal Pressure: Like shaking a carbonated bottle, suppressing emotions without processing them builds pressure that will eventually explode in frustration, anger, or sadness at unexpected times. 4. Process, Don't Just Distract: Pushing down difficult emotions or distracting yourself from pain doesn't resolve it. You must actively process feelings to release the trapped energy and move forward. 5. Label It to Heal It: Understanding and naming your emotions, especially tracing them back to their origin in past trauma, is essential for treating them. You can't heal what you can't identify. 6. Start Where You Can: When everything feels overwhelming, begin with the area you can tackle first. Small successes in physical health (sleep, movement, nutrition) can boost mood and motivation, creating momentum for deeper healing. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast 00:35 – Meet Carolyn Moore: licensed therapist and founder of Point to Point Counseling 01:02 – Introduction to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and its power 02:02 – Defining adversity from a holistic perspective: body, mind, and spirit 03:24 – The interconnection: how physical struggles impact emotions and thoughts 03:39 – The bottle analogy: why bottling up emotions creates trapped energy 04:01 – Understanding emotional energy and how it affects rooms and relationships 04:20 – What happens when emotional energy isn't processed or directed 05:00 – The carbonation effect: how suppressed emotions build pressure over time 27:39 – Teaching emotional awareness and "right now skills" for immediate overwhelm 28:01 – Moving from emotional regulation to goal attainment and purpose 28:50 – The spiritual component: where you put your hope and trust matters 29:00 – The importance of labeling emotions and understanding trauma's genesis 30:56 – Where to connect with Carolyn Moore and Point to Point Counseling Connect with Carolyn Moore: Website: https://www.point2pointcounseling.org/ Psychology Today Profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/point-2-point-counseling-valparaiso-in/423113 Connect with Ian Bowen: Website: https://watchmemindset.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowen YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IanBowenPositivePersistence CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN: Website: https://watchmemindset.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowen YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    32 min
  3. Rare Disease, Real Resilience with Josh Resnikoff

    MAR 18

    Rare Disease, Real Resilience with Josh Resnikoff

    In this episode, you’ll discover: 1. What the rare disease journey really means, why 1 in 10 people has a genetic condition, and why the current healthcare system wasn't built to handle it. 2. The story of Josh's son Shiloh, from a sudden 105-degree fever at 18 months to years of unexplained recurring illness and a healthcare system that had no answers. 3. The emotional stages Josh went through: hope, betrayal, guilt, and the community moment that finally shifted him toward action. 4. How to be a fierce self-advocate in the healthcare system, and why sometimes burning the bridge with a doctor who can't help you is the right call. 5. What Josh means by being a "pathological optimist" and how that mindset gets tested and rebuilt through real adversity. 6. The daily habits and tools Josh uses to process setbacks, from talking problems out loud to working out and unstructured time in nature. 7. What pushed Josh from personal pain to building a company, and the role that seeing other ordinary parents change the world played in that decision. 8. How Sunstone Health works and why its technology can deliver what used to take seven years in just 12 weeks. Key Takeaways: 1. You Can't Take No for an Answer: In rare disease and in life, moving past the experts who can't help and finding the ones who can is not optional; it's survival. 2. Community Is the Inflection Point: Isolation keeps you stuck. Finding others on the same journey can shift you from paralysis to action. You don't have to carry the fight alone. 3. Purpose Outlasts Pain: When your mission is personal, giving up isn't an option. Connecting your work to something that truly matters creates a fuel that outlasts every setback. 4. Allow the Bad Day: Suppressing struggle doesn't build resilience. Letting yourself feel it fully, then waking up and going again, is what real grit looks like. 5. The Scientific Method Applies to Life: Fail, observe, adjust, repeat. Getting comfortable with failure isn't weakness; it's the only path that edges you closer to the truth. 6. Overnight Success Takes 10 Years: What looks like a breakthrough is years of invisible work. Build the practices now. The results show up later. 7. Problem-Solve Out Loud: Talking through challenges, moving your body, and giving your mind unstructured time are legitimate and proven strategies for getting back in the fight. 8. Legacy Is Built in the Ordinary: It's not the big milestones but the individual families helped, the team members believed in, and the daily work that defines lasting impact. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast 00:32 – Meet Josh Resnikoff: founder, scientist, and warrior parent 00:47 – What is the rare disease journey? The 7-year diagnostic odyssey explained 03:15 – From biomedical engineer to caregiver: Josh's background and mindset 04:50 – Shiloh's story: years of unexplained fevers and a healthcare system without answers 07:54 – The moment a doctor said "it's not terminal, so don't worry about it" 09:25 – Processing betrayal, guilt, and grief as a rare disease parent 12:02 – Finding community and the inflection point that changed everything 14:48 – How to be a fierce self-advocate without burning every bridge (and when to burn them) 17:50 – Pathological optimism: what it looks like on the hard days 22:38 – Daily habits and tools for resetting after setbacks 27:00 – Why Josh built a company instead of just managing his own family's situation 29:52 – Sunstone Health: the elevator pitch and the 12-week promise 33:30 – Legacy over outcome: why the work matters more than the milestone 36:10 – How to connect with Josh and learn more about Sunstone Health Connect with Josh Resnikoff: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaresnikoff/ Website: https://www.sunstonehealth.com/ Email: info@sunstonehealth.com CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN: Website: https://watchmemindset.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowen YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    38 min
  4. 90. Turning Adversity into Superpower with John Kippen

    MAR 11

    90. Turning Adversity into Superpower with John Kippen

    What if the thing you’ve been hiding from could actually become your greatest strength? In this powerful episode, Ian Bowen sits down with resilience and empowerment coach John Kippen to explore how a life-altering brain tumor diagnosis transformed his life in unexpected ways. After undergoing brain surgery in 2002, John woke up to discover that he had permanent facial paralysis. What followed was more than a decade of hiding from the world, struggling with self-confidence, and questioning how he could move forward.  John shares the emotional and physical journey that followed his diagnosis, including the shock of learning about the tumor, the intense recovery process, and the moment he realized his life had permanently changed. For years, he withdrew from social situations, avoided mirrors and cameras, and wrestled with the loss of his identity and confidence.  But everything began to shift when John rediscovered a childhood passion: performing magic. Through storytelling and performance, he began reframing his facial paralysis not as something to hide but as a unique part of his story. What started as a way to cope eventually became a powerful tool to inspire others facing their own struggles.  Today, John helps people understand that what makes them different can become their greatest superpower. Through vulnerability, authenticity, and courage, he encourages others to stop hiding and start living their most authentic lives. In this episode, you’ll discover: 1. John’s shocking journey from early symptoms to waking up after brain tumor surgery. 2. The emotional toll of permanent facial paralysis and the years he spent hiding from the world. 3. How rediscovering his love for magic helped him rebuild his confidence and identity. 4. The moment John realized that what made him different could actually be his superpower. 5. How storytelling and vulnerability can create deep connections and inspire others. 6. Why authenticity is one of the most powerful tools for personal transformation. 7. How embracing your story can help others overcome their own struggles. Key Takeaways: 1. Your Struggles Can Become Your Strength: What initially feels like your greatest weakness can become the very thing that empowers you and helps others. 2. Hiding Only Prolongs the Pain: Avoiding mirrors, cameras, or social situations may feel safe, but true healing begins when you face your reality with courage. 3. Authenticity Creates Connection: When you share your story openly, people relate to you on a deeper level and feel less alone in their own challenges. 4. Your Differences Are Not Flaws: The qualities that make you feel different can become your unique advantage and personal brand. 5. Small Moments Can Spark Big Transformation: Rediscovering a passion or taking one courageous step can start the process of rebuilding your confidence. 6. You Never Know Who You’re Inspiring: Simply showing up and living authentically can give someone else the strength to keep going. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Ian welcomes resilience coach John Kippen 01:04 - The early symptoms that led to a brain tumor diagnosis 03:48 - Receiving the life-changing news and preparing for brain surgery 06:40 - Waking up after surgery and discovering facial paralysis 08:36 - Complications during recovery and returning to surgery 11:00 - Realizing the facial paralysis might be permanent 12:30 - Losing confidence and hiding from the world for years 13:33 - Rediscovering magic and stepping back into the spotlight 14:48 - Using storytelling and mentalism to connect with audiences 16:10 - Turning differences into a personal superpower 17:39 - A powerful moment performing magic that changed everything 18:43 - The turning point that helped John accept himself 20:55 - Why authenticity helps others step out of hiding 22:30 - Writing his motivational memoir Playing the Hand You Were Dealt Connect with John Kippen: Website: https://www.johnkippen.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnkippenspeaker/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kippen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnkippen/ Connect with Ian Bowen: Website: https://watchmemindset.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowen YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IanBowenPositivePersistence CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN: Website: https://watchmemindset.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowen YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    41 min
  5. 89. Reclaiming Your Body with Dana Huwig

    MAR 4

    89. Reclaiming Your Body with Dana Huwig

    Are you tired of constantly starting over with your health and fitness goals? In this deeply personal and informative episode, Ian Bowen sits down with his wife Dana Huwig, owner of Team Bone Wellness, for an honest conversation about the lifelong journey of reclaiming your body and yourself. Dana opens up about her own struggles, from growing up in the toxic "skinny culture" of the 90s and 2000s to the physical and mental toll of nearly a decade of pregnancy and nursing, through the ups and downs of marathon training that wreaked havoc on her body, to finally discovering a sustainable approach that helped her feel strong and confident in her forties. Dana shares her raw and real story of dealing with severe anemia, hormone imbalances, thyroid issues, gallbladder removal, and inexplicable weight gain despite doing everything "right." She explains how these experiences led her to create Team Bowen Wellness, a program that integrates GLP-1 medications with nutrition and fitness to fill the gap in care she witnessed. Dana tackles the guilt and shame surrounding GLP-1 use head-on, reframing them as legitimate tools for metabolic health rather than "cheating" or quick fixes. This episode is a must-listen for any woman who has ever felt like her body didn't belong to her anymore; whether from motherhood, aging, hormones, or simply life. Dana offers a compassionate, judgment-free perspective on doing what makes YOU feel good, without apology.   In this episode, you’ll discover: 1. Dana's journey through the toxic skinny culture of the 90s and 2000s and how it shaped her relationship with her body. 2. The physical and emotional toll of nearly a decade of pregnancy and nursing, and what it really means to want your "body back." 3. How training for a marathon led to unexpected weight gain, exhaustion, and inflammation, and the blood work that revealed severe anemia and hormone imbalances. 4. The moment Dana realized she was doing everything "right" but still couldn't get her outsides to match her insides. 5. What GLP-1 medications actually are, how they work, and why they shouldn't carry shame or guilt when used responsibly. 6. The critical importance of integrating nutrition and strength training with GLP-1s to avoid becoming "skinny fat" and to build sustainable habits. 7. How Dana learned to love her body at 45, and why your best body isn't behind you.   Key Takeaways: 1. Your Body Goes Through Seasons: Pregnancy, nursing, postpartum, perimenopause, menopause: your body will change. Learning to love yourself through those variations is essential. Give yourself the grace you'd give your best friend. 2. "Doing Everything Right" Isn't Always Enough: Sometimes weight gain and inflammation are signs of underlying medical issues: anemia, hormone imbalances, thyroid problems. If something feels off, dig deeper and find a practitioner who will actually listen. 3. GLP-1s Are Tools, Not Magic or Cheating: These medications have been around for decades and are deemed very safe. Using them for metabolic health is no different than taking Tylenol for a headache. The guilt belongs to diet culture, not to you. 4. Muscle Preservation Is Non-Negotiable: If you're on a GLP-1, you must prioritize protein and lift heavy weights. Otherwise, your body will burn muscle first, leaving you "skinny fat" with no metabolic fire and no energy. 5. Small Wins Matter More Than the Scale: When the scale won't move, notice the small victories: better mobility, improved stamina, clothes fitting differently, more energy, higher libido. The "N" in Ian's RINSE method stands for Notice Your Small Wins. 6. Your Best Body Isn't Behind You: At 45, Dana feels more confident and amazing than she did in her twenties. Your best days, best energy, and best relationship with your body can be ahead of you, no matter your age.   Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Ian welcomes his wife Dana Huwig to the show 01:39 - Dana's lowest season: after four boys and nearly a decade of pregnancy and nursing 06:42 - Wanting your body back and reclaiming yourself 08:27 - The toxic skinny culture of the 90s and 2000s 13:55 - The endless cycle of fad diets 14:36 - Marathon training and the havoc it wreaked on Dana's body 17:57 - Hitting a wall: gaining weight while doing everything "right" 20:16 - Discovering severe anemia and hormone imbalances 23:15 - The inexplicable return of inflammation and weight gain 25:44 - How GLP-1s entered Dana's life 29:45 - The GLP-1 debate: worship vs. demonization 30:17 - Why you shouldn't feel guilty about using GLP-1s 34:22 - Top mistakes people make with GLP-1s 37:46 - Building habits and having an exit strategy 38:16 - Finding time for yourself when you're a busy mom 40:53 - What to do when the scale won't move 44:20 - Feeling more confident in your forties than your twenties 45:18 - No shame in Botox, no shame in gray hair; do what makes YOU feel good 47:53 - A compassionate first step for anyone feeling ashamed   Connect with Dana Huwig: Instagram (Business): https://www.instagram.com/teambowenwellness/ Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/therealdanabowen/ CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN: Website: https://watchmemindset.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowen YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    51 min
  6. 88. Remembering Forgotten Victories with Ian Bowen

    FEB 25

    88. Remembering Forgotten Victories with Ian Bowen

    Have you forgotten the victories that built your resilience? In this powerful solo cast episode, Ian Bowen shares a transformative insight he discovered from another podcast: our past is full of victories we have forgotten. Ian explores why remembering these forgotten wins is essential for building genuine resilience and overcoming life's current challenges. He challenges listeners to tap into their personal history of success—both big and small—as a source of strength and confidence. Ian explains the science behind why remembering past accomplishments creates new neural pathways that enable us to take on new challenges with greater self-belief. He emphasizes that resilience isn't built from someone else's success stories, but from recognizing our own track record of getting through hard times. From learning to swim to landing that long-awaited promotion, every victory matters and contributes to our momentum. This episode is a must-listen for anyone facing adversity, feeling stuck, or needing a reminder of their own strength. Ian provides practical advice on how to catalog your wins and create a personal success inventory you can turn to when life gets hard. He reminds us that we are truly stronger than we think, we just need to remember. In this episode, you’ll discover: 1. Why our past victories are the foundation of true resilience and how we've forgotten most of them. 2. The science behind how remembering past accomplishments creates new neural pathways that boost confidence and self-belief. 3. How stacking small wins over time creates momentum that can help you break through current barriers. 4. Why other people's affirmation of your achievements matters—and how to save those moments for when you need them most. 5. The practical value of creating a written inventory of your successes, big and small, to reference during difficult times. 6. How recognizing that you've overcome adversity before proves you have the strength to do it again. Key Takeaways: 1. Your Past is Your Resilience Blueprint: Every struggle you've survived and every victory you've achieved is evidence of your capability. Your resilience isn't theoretical, it's built from real experiences you've already lived through. 2. Forgotten Wins Still Count: Just because you don't regularly think about your past successes doesn't mean they don't exist or can't help you now. The victories are there, waiting to be remembered and leveraged. 3. Stack Small Wins Into Big Momentum: Learning to swim, getting a promotion, handling a difficult conversation, these small victories stack on top of each other. Over time, they create the momentum and confidence needed to face major challenges. 4. Save Affirmation for Later: When someone compliments your achievement, don't brush it off. Let it sink in and store it away. You'll want that memory when you're facing self-doubt in the future. 5. Create Your Success Inventory: Take time to write down your wins in your phone or journal. Make it a living document you can revisit whenever you need reassurance that you've overcome hard things before. 6. You Are Stronger Than You Think: The barrier in front of you right now is just a roadblock in the momentum you've already created. Tap into that existing momentum; it's yours, and it's real. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Ian's first solo cast 00:15 - The inspiration behind today's message 00:30 - The forgotten victories concept 00:45 - Why past victories build resilience 01:05 - How the speaker has overcome personal adversity 01:45 - The science of remembering past accomplishments 02:30 - Creating new neural pathways through past success 02:45 - Introduction to the Rinse Method 03:20 - When was the last time you prioritized you? 04:25 - Cataloging small and big wins 05:10 - The surprising realization of looking back 05:25 - Stacking victories into momentum 06:00 - Resilience built on your own success, not others' 06:20 - Accepting and saving affirmations from others 07:10 - Creating a success list in your phone 07:55 - The ability to make a comeback 08:05 - Closing Connect with Ian Bowen: Website: https://watchmemindset.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowen YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IanBowenPositivePersistence CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN: Website: https://watchmemindset.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowen YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    9 min
  7. 87. Saving Your Marriage with Dr. Lee Baucom

    FEB 19

    87. Saving Your Marriage with Dr. Lee Baucom

    Is your marriage in crisis or have you drifted into parallel lives with your spouse? In this transformative and deeply practical episode, Ian Bowen sits down with Dr. Lee Baucom, a marriage therapist and relationship expert with decades of experience helping couples navigate crisis and restore connection. Dr. Lee specializes in a hope-infused, action-oriented approach that goes beyond surface-level fixes to address the fundamental dynamics that make or break marriages. Dr. Lee shares powerful insights on shifting perspectives in relationships, the critical difference between "me" thinking and "we" thinking, and why most marriage problems stem from a disconnect rather than incompatibility. He explains his revolutionary three-path framework for marriage restoration: connecting, changing, and creating a path to "we." The conversation covers everything from understanding the crisis cycle to practical strategies for rebuilding trust and emotional connection. This is a must-listen for anyone in a struggling marriage, life coaches working with couples, or anyone who wants to strengthen their relationship before problems escalate. Dr. Lee provides actionable wisdom that can help you move from crisis to connection. In this episode, you’ll discover: 1. The power of perspective shifts in marriage and how viewing yourself, your spouse, and your relationship differently can create immediate transformation. 2. Why most marriage problems aren't about compatibility issues but about losing connection and the sense of "we." 3. The three essential paths to marriage restoration: connecting emotionally, changing yourself to bring your best, and creating a sustainable "we" mindset. 4. How the crisis cycle works in struggling marriages and what practical strategies can break you free from destructive reactive patterns. 5. The fundamental difference between defending your ego in arguments versus actually defending and strengthening your relationship. 6. Why addressing surface-level conflicts one at a time keeps couples stuck, and how focusing on building better systems creates lasting change. Key Takeaways: 1. Learn to Look Back Thoughtfully, Not Regretfully: Reflection can trap you in guilt or help you grow. Choose thoughtful learning over regretful rumination so past relationships inform your future rather than haunt it. 2. Perspective is Your Marriage Superpower: Humans can observe themselves in action. Use this ability to pull back from reactive patterns and see yourself, your spouse, and your relationship dynamics with fresh, compassionate eyes. 3. Crisis Narrows, Connection Broadens: When you're in pain or crisis mode, your perspective collapses to survival thinking. Expanding your view beyond your immediate hurt is essential for breaking destructive cycles and rebuilding connection. 4. Systems Trump Individual Fixes: Addressing conflicts one at a time won't fix a broken relationship system. Focus on building better patterns for how you communicate, connect, and resolve issues together as a team. 5. "We" Thinking Transforms Everything: Moving from "me versus you" to "us together" fundamentally changes how you approach money, parenting, in-laws, and every decision. This shift is the foundation of a thriving marriage. 6. Connection Requires Vulnerability, Not Negotiation: Real emotional intimacy comes from being present and vulnerable together, not from transactional bargaining, scorekeeping, or trying to win arguments. You can't negotiate your way to genuine connection. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast 00:30 - Meet Dr. Lee Baucom: marriage therapist and relationship expert 01:17 - Thoughtful reflection vs. regretful rumination: learning from past relationships 02:23 - The power of perspective in relationships 03:00 - The observer effect: watching yourself in action 04:00 - Why crisis narrows your perspective and how to expand it 06:38 - Moving from "bad fit" to understanding systemic relationship issues 16:11 - The three paths to marriage restoration: connect, change, create 24:26 - Building connection through vulnerability and emotional presence 32:05 - The crisis cycle: understanding reactive patterns in marriage 37:48 - From "me" thinking to "we" thinking: a fundamental shift 42:03 - Taking care of yourself to show up better in your relationship 44:36 - Resources: Save The Marriage and Unpause Your Marriage programs Connect with Dr. Lee Baucom: Website: https://leebaucom.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leebaucom/?hl=en Amazon (Books): https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00FNRZEJC CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN: Website: https://watchmemindset.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowen YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    47 min
  8. 86. A Mother’s Journey on CDLS with Megan Dahl

    FEB 11

    86. A Mother’s Journey on CDLS with Megan Dahl

    What does it mean to choose love in the face of adversity… not once, but twice? In this deeply moving episode, Ian Bowen sits down with Megan Dahl, a mother of three boys, two of whom have Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CDLS). Megan shares her journey of raising children with special needs—one biological, one adopted—and how she’s turned life’s toughest challenges into opportunities for growth, advocacy, and unwavering love. Megan opens up about the realities of CDLS, a genetic syndrome with a wide spectrum of abilities, and how her sons Mason and Charlie navigate the world nonverbally. She discusses the intentional choice to adopt a child with CDLS, the daily therapies, immune challenges, and the profound joy her boys bring to everyone they meet. Beyond parenting, Megan is a fierce advocate for inclusion, highlighting the ongoing struggle for accessibility and basic human rights for people with disabilities. She also courageously shares the story of Mason’s abuse by a home healthcare nurse—and how she channeled her anger into action by founding Mason’s Mission to provide security cameras for vulnerable families. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, advocate, or simply someone looking to live with more empathy, this episode is a powerful reminder that strength is built in everyday acts of love, service, and persistence. In this episode, you’ll discover: 1. What Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) is and how it varies across a spectrum. 2. Why Megan and her husband chose to adopt a child with CdLS. 3. The daily realities of raising children who are nonverbal and immunocompromised. 4. How Megan maintains resilience while balancing motherhood and former nursing. 5. Why inclusion is more than a buzzword; it’s a basic human right. 6. The story behind Mason’s abuse and the creation of Mason’s Mission. 7. How small acts of kindness can transform someone’s day, and your own. 8. Why adversity can refine us, not define us, if we choose to grow from it. Key Takeaways: 1. Love Is a Choice: Megan’s decision to adopt a child with CdLS reflects a profound commitment to love without limits. 2. Inclusion Is Action: Accessibility, whether a ramp, a changing table, or a kind word, should be a given and not a privilege. 3. Resilience Is Built in Community: Support from family, partners, and a village is essential in navigating challenges. 4. Turn Pain Into Purpose: Megan transformed her anger over Mason’s abuse into a mission to protect other families. 5. Small Acts Matter: Holding a door, making eye contact, or sending a meal can be a powerful act of service. 6. Your Story Is Yours to Write: Adversity doesn’t have to define you, but how you respond does. 7. Advocacy Starts with Empathy: Seeing the world through someone else’s experience is the first step toward change. 8. Joy Can Be Found in the Hardest Places: Even in struggle, there is space for love, laughter, and growth. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to the Positive Persistence Podcast 00:15 – Introducing Megan Dahl and her story of love and resilience 00:55 – What is Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CsLS)? 02:00 – The spectrum of CsLS: from mild to severe 02:50 – Megan’s two sons: one biological, one adopted 03:25 – The story of adopting Charlie 06:30 – The role of family and partnership in her journey 09:40 – Megan’s passion for inclusion and accessibility 11:15 – The real-world impact of rolling back DEI initiatives 12:20 – Challenges of accessing public spaces with a disability 17:05 – Mason’s experience with abuse by a home healthcare nurse 23:40 – The importance of in-home cameras for caregivers 29:20 – Learning from adversity and refusing to be a victim 32:10 – Dealing with blame, shame, and public judgment 33:00 – The power of therapy and mental health support 33:45 – One key takeaway: You write your own story 34:40 – How to support the CsLS Foundation 35:00 – Closing thoughts: Stay positive, persistent, and loving Connect with Megan Dahl: Website: https://linktr.ee/watchyourmouthsister TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meggdahl Organization: Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation https://www.cdls.org/ CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN: Website: https://watchmemindset.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowen YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    36 min
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5
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16 Ratings

About

Welcome to "Positive Persistence, with Ian Bowen," the podcast that will ignite your spirit and fuel your journey to greatness! I'm Ian Bowen, and I'm here to tell you stories of ordinary people who've conquered extraordinary challenges. If you're ready to unleash your potential and leave an indelible mark on the world, you're in the right place. Each week, we'll dive deep into tales of triumph that will inspire you to overcome your obstacles and reach new heights. But this isn't just a podcast – it's a movement. By joining our "Positive Persistence" family, you're taking the first step towards activating your highest potential and living the life you truly deserve. After each episode, don't keep this inspiration to yourself! Share the show with friends who need that extra push. Hit that subscribe button so you never miss a moment of motivation. Want more? Head over to thepositivepersistence.com and sign up for my weekly newsletter. You'll get access to my free RINSE playbook – your guide to crushing obstacles in life, business, and relationships. The conversation doesn't stop here. Follow me on Instagram @ianrbowen for more content and daily doses of motivation. Remember, your journey to greatness starts with a single step. Let "Positive Persistence" be that step. Together, we'll help you step into the next best version of yourself. Now, let's dive into today's incredible story of resilience over adversity!

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