Observeday

Wisdom

Welcome to "Observe Day" – the ultimate podcast for holiday and birthday enthusiasts! Whether you're obsessed with festive traditions, love planning the perfect birthday bash, or simply enjoy the magic of special occasions, this show is your go-to source for inspiration, tips, and fun. Each episode, we dive into the history, traditions, and creative ideas behind holidays and celebrations from around the world. From quirky observances like National Pancake Day to major holidays like Christmas and Diwali, we’ll explore how to make every day feel extraordinary. Plus, we’ll share expert a

  1. 6d ago

    How to Celebrate Leadership Day with Intentional Action—Charlie Sheppard | Ep 158

    Curious about what really holds us back from progress? In this episode, I sit down with leadership expert Charlie Shepherd for a conversation that might shift the way you think about drama, energy, and the everyday choices that shape our lives and work. We dig into the drama triangle versus the leadership triangle, and you’ll hear Charlie’s surprising take on why leadership isn’t just a title, but a daily behavior anyone can choose. If you're a podcaster or creator, you'll get practical ideas about how energy impacts conversations—whether you’re lifting people up or draining the room. Plus, you’ll learn how to spot when you (or your guests) are slipping into default, reactive patterns and what it means to move toward greater presence and intention. We also chat about Charlie’s newest projects, like Human Presence Institute and his upcoming children’s book, and even share a few behind-the-scenes podcasting stories. If you want a fresh take on personal connection and building something meaningful—both on and off the mic—this episode is for you. Connect With Charlie ShepherdWebsite: https://www.sheppardpartners.com/ If Observeday inspires you, subscribe so you never miss an episode. Your review and support help more people discover these stories. Get more than what you hear—join the Observeday newsletter for thoughtful takeaways, extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. Sign up here: https://observeday.com/join Chapters 00:00 Reflecting on Barriers to Progress02:00 Introducing Charlie Shepherd03:07 Drama Triangle vs Leadership Triangle06:32 Moving from Drama to Leadership08:39 Examples of Draining and Raising Energy09:43 Handling Powerlessness and Vision13:05 The Connection of Podcasting16:26 Human Presence Institute Origins18:58 Creating Transformative Workshops21:02 Charlie’s Upcoming Children’s Book23:22 Why Write for Children24:20 Path of Light Blessing and Music26:12 The Power of Presence in Conversation27:54 Why I Started Podcasting30:28 The Art of Spotlighting Guests32:06 Questions, Silence, and Deep Listening32:24 Worst Listener in the World?33:24 Staying Present with Others34:03 Conversations that Become a Show35:33 The Skill Behind Modeling Genius37:02 Guest Excitement and Show Potential38:48 Where to Find Charlie’s Work40:03 Wrapping Up and Episode Close

    41 min
  2. 6d ago

    Celebrate National Reading New Book Month—Jennie Milton | Ep 157

    If you’re looking for ways children’s books can spark real conversations about courage, resilience, and hope, you’ll want to hear this episode. I chat with Jenny Milton, the author of Gail and the Red Kite of Courage. Her touching story, based on her own childhood and her brother’s battle with cancer, shows us how families can find joy and healing through simple, creative play — like flying a kite. You’ll discover the power of using true stories to help kids talk about tough feelings, and how to turn difficult life experiences into uplifting lessons for both children and adults. If you’re a podcaster or creator, tune in to learn: How sharing vulnerable, real-life experiences can deeply connect with your audience. Practical ways to use children’s books as tools for sparking conversations about emotions, both at home and in classrooms. The importance of blending fun, hands-on activities with storytelling — and why that makes an impact kids remember. Connect With Jenny MiltonWebsite: https://galeandtheredkite.com Amazon: (Search for "Jenny Milton" or "Gail and the Red Kite of Courage" as mentioned in the episode) If Observeday inspires you, subscribe so you never miss an episode. Your review and support help more people discover these stories. Get more than what you hear—join the Observeday newsletter for thoughtful takeaways, extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. Sign up here: https://observeday.com/join Chapters 00:00 Welcome & Episode Intro00:24 Meet Jenny Milton00:55 Why Courage Matters in Stories01:40 National Reading New Book Month02:37 Addressing Tough Topics With Kids03:30 Jenny’s True Family Story04:53 How a Kite Changed Everything07:10 Finding Healing in the Wind09:13 Linking the Book to Charity10:33 Disability, Triumph, and Family12:01 Books as Tools for Emotional Growth13:14 Changing Kids’ Feelings About Wind14:52 Fun Kite Activities for Kids15:49 Gail’s Next Adventure Revealed16:28 Wind Warriors & Finding Your Tribe19:15 Lightning Round: Favorites & Fun Facts20:49 A Brother’s Inspiring Journey22:08 Next Book & Big Dreams23:06 Jenny’s Dream: Animated Series23:47 Where to Find Jenny’s Books24:24 Website and How to Connect24:34 Closing Thoughts & Goodbyes

    25 min
  3. May 5

    National Suicide Prevention Month: Stories of Hope and Healing—Adriene Caldwell | Ep 156

    If you want a real, unfiltered look at life beyond statistics during National Suicide Prevention Month, you’ll get that in this episode. Adrienne Caldwell joins me to talk about surviving trauma, addiction, mental illness, and choosing hope in the darkest moments. We talk honestly about warning signs that someone may be struggling, and why shame and stigma keep too many people silent. You’ll hear how practicing gratitude can truly shift your mindset—even when things seem hopeless. Adrienne shares eye-opening advice on how we can help break the stigma by making space for these tough conversations. You’ll also hear simple ways to offer real support to someone in crisis and signs to look for if a friend or loved one is hurting. Don’t miss the part about practical daily rituals that keep Adrienne grounded, and why she says her spirit remains “unbroken,” no matter what she’s faced. There’s so much wisdom here for anyone who wants to support others or needs encouragement themselves. If Observeday inspires you, subscribe so you never miss an episode. Your review and support help more people discover these stories. Get more than what you hear—join the Observeday newsletter for thoughtful takeaways, extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. Sign up here: https://observeday.com/join Connect With Adrienne CaldwellWebsite: https://unbrokencaldwell.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbrokencaldwellLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/unbrokencaldwell Chapters 00:00 Honoring National Suicide Prevention Month00:39 Introducing Adrienne’s Story01:06 Life Outside the Lines02:04 Surviving and Growing Through Trauma03:03 The Suicide Attempt That Changed Everything04:08 Root Causes and Pain05:29 Finding a Reason to Survive06:48 Recognizing Warning Signs07:49 Tackling Shame and Stigma09:47 Hope, Healing, and Daily Tools11:18 How Motherhood Changed Everything12:16 Gratitude as a Practice13:05 Direct Words for Those Struggling14:52 How Allies and Friends Can Help16:28 Lightning Round: Rituals and Hope17:47 What “Unbroken” Means18:37 Where to Find Adrienne Online19:55 Wrap Up and Final Thoughts

    21 min
  4. May 4

    Celebrating National Golden Retriever Day—Julie Marty-Pearson | Ep 155

    If you love the companionship of animals or want to find more meaning in your relationships with pets, this episode is for you. I sit down with Julie Marty-Pearson, host of The Story of My Pet, to explore real stories about the ways pets — especially rescue animals — shape our lives and inspire everyday advocacy. You’ll get to hear how Golden Retriever Day is more than just pictures on social media and discover easy ways you can help support animal welfare even if you don’t have a pet yourself. By tuning in, you’ll learn: How firsthand stories around rescue, fostering, and adoption help break down barriers and inspire more people to get involved. Simple, practical actions you can take to support animal shelters and pet rescues (often with things you already have at home). How storytelling about pets can build unexpected community and even support mental health. Whether you’re reflecting on pets you’ve loved or thinking about bringing a new friend into your life, you’ll walk away with ideas for spreading a little more kindness to animals — and yourself. If Observeday inspires you, subscribe so you never miss an episode. Your review and support help more people discover these stories. Get more than what you hear—join the Observeday newsletter for thoughtful takeaways, extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. Sign up here: https://observeday.com/join Connect With Julie Marty-PearsonWebsite: https://thestoryofmypetpodcast.comYouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@storyofmypetpodcast Chapters 00:00 Welcome & Today’s Observance00:23 Introducing Julie Marty-Pearson00:57 Early memories of Goldie02:25 How pets shape our identity03:35 Goldie’s influence on animal advocacy05:13 Julie’s pets today06:12 Julie’s unique pet household06:26 Why no dogs right now06:51 Staying connected to dogs07:34 Pet storytelling as advocacy08:46 The power of rescue stories09:36 Real-life fostering stories11:29 Pets, mental health, and community12:38 Lessons across life stages14:05 Why Golden Retriever Day matters15:00 Celebrating beyond cute photos16:26 Remembering the good17:14 Where to find Julie’s work17:42 Closing thoughts and newsletter

    18 min
  5. May 3

    Cancer Awareness Observance: Real Stories of Strength and Survival—Sheila Butler | Ep 154

    If you're looking for ways to honor Cancer Awareness Observance, today's episode will help you see survivorship from a whole new angle. I sit down with Sheila Butler, a longtime cancer survivor and brand-building expert, to talk about what transformation really means when life doesn’t go as planned. We'll dig into how Sheila's experience has shaped her approach to work, purpose, and the idea of leaving a legacy — lessons any podcaster or creator can use. Listen in to learn how facing a major challenge can shift your perspective about what really matters, both personally and professionally. Plus, you'll pick up practical ideas on supporting friends or loved ones going through tough times — without saying “let me know how I can help.” If you want to rethink how you approach your brand’s legacy, or just want a deeper understanding of what life after a diagnosis looks like, this conversation has something for you. Takeaways How life-altering events can help you clarify your brand promise and the legacy you want to leave. Practical, heartfelt ways to support others in your community beyond just offering help. If Observeday inspires you, subscribe so you never miss an episode. Your review and support help more people discover these stories. Get more than what you hear—join the Observeday newsletter for thoughtful takeaways, extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. Sign up here: https://observeday.com/join Connect With Sheila ButlerWebsite: https://butlermg.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilabutler Chapters 00:00 Why Cancer Changed Everything01:17 Shifting Perspective on What Matters02:21 Identity and Living Beyond Diagnosis04:05 The Loneliness of Cancer06:13 Keeping Illness Private at Work08:05 Carrying Lessons Into Work Life10:13 Finding Your Brand Promise11:51 Leaving a Lasting Mark12:33 How to Really Support Others13:56 Honest Conversations About Cancer15:26 Processing Change and Transformation19:02 Ambition After the Hardest Days20:41 How to Connect With Sheila21:12 Episode Close and Newsletter Reminder

    22 min
  6. May 2

    How World Autism Awareness Day Inspires Inclusive Workplaces—Tracy King | Ep 153

    If you want to understand what real inclusion looks like beyond surface-level awareness days, this episode is for you. I sit down with Tracy King, a learning strategist and late-diagnosed autistic entrepreneur who’s building neuro-inclusive systems at work and at home—often before even knowing why her approach was different. Tracy shares honest stories about navigating late diagnosis and why many organizations unintentionally exclude neurodivergent people just by sticking to "the way things have always been done." We dig into how neurodivergence shows up in everyday life, what dynamic disability really means, and how you can create spaces where everyone does their best work—not just those who fit a typical mold. What you will learn: The most common (and damaging) myths about autistic productivity—and what to do differently Practical ways to audit your systems and spot invisible exclusions How to become a safer and more supportive collaborator for neurodivergent peers Whether this topic is brand new or close to home, I know you’ll leave with new ways to think about teamwork, leadership, and why inclusion benefits everyone. If Observeday inspires you, subscribe so you never miss an episode. Your review and support help more people discover these stories. Get more than what you hear—join the Observeday newsletter for thoughtful takeaways, extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. Sign up here: https://observeday.com/join Connect With Tracy KingWebsite: https://www.inspired-ed.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracykingceo/ Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:23 World Autism Awareness Day Reflections01:23 Personal Meaning of Autism Awareness02:37 Creating Neuro-Inclusive Systems03:48 Signs of Being Different at Work04:42 Building Supportive, Flexible Work Environments05:47 Challenging Workplace Norms07:06 Misconceptions About Autism08:53 Why Systems Exclude Neurodivergent People10:04 Auditing Work and Learning Spaces11:12 Neuro Inclusion as Strategic Advantage12:57 Prevalence and Hidden Neurodivergence14:41 Interpreting Life After Late Diagnosis17:27 Designing for All Brain Types19:51 Meaningful Action Beyond Awareness21:27 Moving From Awareness to Structural Change22:40 Making Inclusion Last24:43 Finding Tracy King and Episode Wrap-up

    26 min
  7. May 1

    How International Yoga Day Inspires Healthy Aging and Longevity—Aaron Hines | Ep 152

    If you’ve ever wondered what International Yoga Day can mean for those of us who don’t spend hours on the mat, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Aaron Hines, an exercise physiologist who helps adults over 45 move pain-free, stay strong, and enjoy life’s everyday moments. We talk about how flexibility and mobility are just as important as strength—especially as we age. Aaron Hines shares what changed his mind about practices like Yoga and Pilates, and why even skeptics can come to embrace mindful movement. If you’re a podcaster or creator, you’ll learn two key things: why it matters to “play the long game” in health and fitness, and how slowing down—whether in wellness or your creative practice—can build true resilience. Plus, Aaron Hines offers a simple mindset shift anyone can use to reconnect with their body and goals. Give this one a listen if you need a practical nudge to look after yourself for the long haul. If Observeday inspires you, subscribe so you never miss an episode. Your review and support help more people discover these stories. Get more than what you hear—join the Observeday newsletter for thoughtful takeaways, extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. Sign up here: https://observeday.com/join Connect With Aaron HinesWebsite: https://www.premierperformancetrainer.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/premierperformancetn Chapters 00:00 Intro and Why Yoga Matters00:44 Meet Aaron Hines01:07 The Shift to Flexibility02:02 Recovering Mindfully After Sports03:04 Skeptics Who Become Believers04:05 Breaking Pilates Stereotypes05:30 Misconceptions About Mobility Work07:00 Why Consistency Is Hard07:50 Modeling Healthy Habits for Kids09:56 What Happens When You Ignore Mobility11:41 Longevity vs. Aesthetics in Fitness12:01 How Aaron Trains Adults Over 4513:22 Playing the Long Game in Health14:02 Balance: Strength and Restoration15:17 Slowing Down Builds Resilience16:29 Image vs. True Health18:52 What’s Missing in Wellness Awareness21:08 One Mindset Shift to Reconnect22:01 Where to Find Aaron22:30 Closing and Newsletter Invite

    23 min
  8. Mar 2

    Valentine’s Day: From Sacred Ritual to Billion-Dollar Business — Joel Miller | Ep 151

    If you’ve ever wondered how awareness days like Valentine’s Day shape both culture and business, this episode is for you. I sit down with Joel Miller, a marketer who’s spent 17 years building a thriving agency without hype or hustle culture. Joel unpacks how ordinary holidays evolve from deeply meaningful beginnings to commercial juggernauts, and what we can learn as creators from that transformation. You’ll hear some wild stats — like just how many heart-shaped chocolate boxes get sold every year and why they still matter. Joel also shares the mistakes brands make when jumping on awareness days and how competing on meaning (not just price) can help your business stand out. If you’re a podcaster or creator, you’ll come away with two practical takeaways: why positioning your work with authentic meaning beats a simple discount, and how measuring your impact — even through offline channels — truly matters for growth. Plus, we chat about creative ways to use storytelling, history, and a touch of AI to connect with your audience. Connect With Joel Miller Website: https://theskyfloor.com If Observeday inspires you, subscribe so you never miss an episode. Your review and support help more people discover these stories. Get more than what you hear—join the Observeday newsletter for thoughtful takeaways, extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. Sign up here: https://observeday.com/join Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Observe Day 00:23 Days That Move Culture 00:39 Introducing Joel Miller 01:14 Valentine’s Day: Emotion vs. Business 01:59 How Holidays Transform Over Time 02:54 Why Some Holidays Grow, Others Fade 04:19 What Makes an Observance Important 06:14 Who Made the Valentine’s “Rules”? 06:24 Surprising Valentine’s Day Stats 07:33 History of Chocolate and Heartbreak 08:24 Marketing Ideas & Differentiation 08:48 AI and Fast Marketing 09:50 Following Commercial Trends 10:55 Discounts and Business Mistakes 11:10 Competing on Price vs. Meaning 13:41 Making Gifts Meaningful 15:07 Awareness Days and Brand Backfires 16:02 Understanding Your Business Model 17:09 Measuring Offline Marketing 20:00 Tracking Results and Decisions 21:35 Closing Thoughts & Where to Connect

    23 min
5
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

Welcome to "Observe Day" – the ultimate podcast for holiday and birthday enthusiasts! Whether you're obsessed with festive traditions, love planning the perfect birthday bash, or simply enjoy the magic of special occasions, this show is your go-to source for inspiration, tips, and fun. Each episode, we dive into the history, traditions, and creative ideas behind holidays and celebrations from around the world. From quirky observances like National Pancake Day to major holidays like Christmas and Diwali, we’ll explore how to make every day feel extraordinary. Plus, we’ll share expert a