Relatable Wisdom

Wisdom

Looking for daily inspiration, motivational quotes, and life lessons to boost your mindset? Relatable Wisdom is the podcast for you! Each episode delivers powerful quotes, timeless mottos, and real-life stories—from famous figures to everyday people—that will uplift, motivate, and inspire you. Whether you're searching for personal growth, self-improvement, or wisdom for daily life, our bite-sized episodes provide the encouragement you need. Want to be a guest on Relatable Wisdom? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/relatablewisdom

  1. MAR 18

    Stop Overthinking Life’s Next Move | Life Lesson Quotes — Andrew Ackerman | Ep 227

    In this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I’m joined by Andrew Ackerman, a veteran startup investor, mentor, and all-around innovator, to explore how the philosophies of startup life echo our own journeys. Andrew shares the mantra that has shaped his outlook: "Life is like a startup." We dive into what that means—embracing experimentation, taking calculated risks, and learning from rapid feedback. Andrew’s stories from two decades in startup investing reveal why quick, cheap, and easy tests are crucial both in building businesses and making life choices. Listeners seeking clarity in decision-making or encouragement to try something new will find value in Andrew’s practical examples and his reminder that, just like in startups, there’s never more time—so experimenting costs less than regret. We also discuss his brilliant approach to making business advice accessible through storytelling in his book, and how learning from the missteps of others can be much less costly than making them yourself. If you’re ready to treat your life as your greatest startup, this conversation is for you. Connect With Andrew AckermanWebsite: https://andrewbackerman.com If Relatable Wisdom speaks to you—if a quote shared makes you pause, smile, or see things differently—consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a minute, leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday voices and the wisdom they carry. Your support means the world. Every episode has more to it than what you hear. Join the Relatable Wisdom newsletter to get thoughtful reflections, behind-the-scenes extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a calm space to stay inspired between listens. Sign up here: https://relatablewisdom.com/join Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:23 Meet Andrew Ackerman01:39 Life Lessons From Startup Investing02:04 What Is a Startup?02:44 How Life Mirrors Startups03:53 The Role Of Experimentation05:00 Cost And Value Of Testing06:58 Applying Experiments To Real Life07:57 The Irreplaceability Of Time09:02 Is It Ever Too Late?09:48 Choosing The Right Experiments11:15 The Value Of Startup Accelerators13:01 Experimentation In Everyday Life14:34 The "Well-Reasoned But Loosely Held" Principle16:33 Startups, Life, And Uncertainty17:14 Making Big Decisions Like College19:59 Learning Through Premortems20:51 Getting Honest Answers21:54 Learning From Other People's Mistakes24:05 Andrew’s Book And Startup Stories27:10 The Power Of Storytelling28:38 Where To Find Andrew And His Book30:17 Final Reflections And Farewell

    31 min
  2. MAR 18

    You’re Blind to History’s Lessons Without Realizing It — Jeffrey Kildow | Ep 226

    In this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I had the pleasure of welcoming Jeffrey Kildow, a writer and history enthusiast whose guiding mantra is, “Those who don’t know history are condemned to repeat it.” Jeffrey’s deep curiosity about the past, shaped by his early belief in this powerful idea, led not just to lifelong learning but also to the creation of his novel, Nazi Menace—an alternative history of World War II. Our conversation explored how history is more than dry facts; it’s a tapestry of stories and lessons that shape every generation, whether we recognize it or not. Jeffrey shared how a passion for history (sparked by family stories and his own military service) fuels both his writing and his worldview. We discussed why schools too often overlook history, the value of “watching your six,” and the impact of imagining “what if?” in both personal and global decision-making. This episode is a reminder: when we reflect on the past, we gain the wisdom to move forward more thoughtfully in the present. If Relatable Wisdom speaks to you—if a quote shared makes you pause, smile, or see things differently—consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a minute, leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday voices and the wisdom they carry. Your support means the world. Every episode has more to it than what you hear. Join the Relatable Wisdom newsletter to get thoughtful reflections, behind-the-scenes extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a calm space to stay inspired between listens.Sign up here: https://relatablewisdom.com/join Connect With Jeffrey Kildow Website: https://jeffkildow.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction And Welcome 00:22 Meet Jeffrey Kildow 01:00 The Meaning Behind The Quote 01:43 History’s Truths And Childhood Beliefs 02:07 Lessons From Pearl Harbor 03:09 Evolving Wisdom On History 04:06 Why History Is Neglected 05:07 The Boredom Of History Classes 06:19 Patterns Repeating In Today’s World 07:26 Power Struggles And Impasse 08:44 The Importance Of Trust 09:47 Intention Versus Capacity 10:32 Childhood Rivalries And Global Conflicts 11:28 The Spark Behind World War I 12:20 Kaiser Wilhelm And World War Tensions 13:04 Naval Power And Arms Race 13:39 History Inspiring Alternative Novels 15:26 Weaving History Into Storytelling 17:49 The Power Of Asking “What If?” 21:06 Recommended Eras To Study 22:36 Personal Lessons From History 23:20 Making History Relevant 24:56 Finding Interest In History 25:18 How To Get The Book 26:04 Episode Wrap-Up And Farewell

    27 min
  3. MAR 17

    You’re Following the Crowd Without Realizing It— Toni Will | Ep 225

    On this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Toni Will, a trailblazer who lives by Mark Twain’s mantra: “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.” Toni’s journey—from the banking world to becoming the general manager and only female governor of a men’s professional hockey team—is full of bold, rebellious decisions and powerful self-reflection. We talk about what it feels like to be the only woman in high-pressure rooms, how choosing sobriety (not because of crisis, but for clarity and more intentional success) changed her life, and the importance of “coloring outside the lines.” Toni’s insights will help you question default thinking, redefine success on your terms, and trust your ability to weather tough moments. If you’ve ever wondered how to make unconventional choices or stick to your values even when it’s uncomfortable, this conversation will give you both inspiration and practical strategies. Plus, learn how Toni’s upcoming book, Rebellious Success, and her leadership philosophy can fuel your own growth and gutsy decisions. Connect With Toni WillWebsite: https://toniwill.comWomen In Podcast: https://toniwill.com/women-in-podcast If Relatable Wisdom speaks to you—if a quote shared makes you pause, smile, or see things differently—consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a minute, leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday voices and the wisdom they carry. Your support means the world. Every episode has more to it than what you hear. Join the Relatable Wisdom newsletter to get thoughtful reflections, behind-the-scenes extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a calm space to stay inspired between listens. Sign up here: https://relatablewisdom.com/join Chapters00:00 Introduction And Welcome01:20 Toni’s Life-Changing Quote02:24 Choosing Sobriety And Standing Apart03:47 Breaking Barriers In Hockey Leadership05:28 Navigating Microaggressions And Speaking Up06:49 Building Confidence And Overcoming Internal Barriers08:45 Leading Authentically And Her Leadership Pillars10:08 Embracing Career Detours12:37 Recognizing Opportunities And Following Breadcrumbs13:58 Facing Fear And The Power Of Challenge16:22 The “More” Behind Going Alcohol-Free17:58 Surprising Lessons From Sobriety20:05 Defining Rebellious Success21:42 How Her Definition Of Success Changed23:51 The Value Of Failure And Trying25:12 Fill-In-The-Blank Wisdom Game27:18 Healthy Rebellion Versus Contrarian Sabotage28:34 Pausing Before Responding29:57 Where To Find Toni Online30:22 Closing Reflections And Farewell

    31 min
  4. MAR 8

    You Don’t Have to Have It All Figured Out — Life Lesson Quotes — Sasha Eburne | Ep 224

    On this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I’m joined by global business coach Sasha Eburne, who shares a simple yet powerful mantra: “You don’t have to have it all figured out, you just have to take the next step.” Sasha opens up about her own leap—from a tough day at work to launching her business on a whim, and growing it with what she calls “messy action.” We dive into the fears that hold us back, why clarity isn’t always a prerequisite for progress, and how real growth begins outside our comfort zones. Sasha’s journey offers an honest look at navigating uncertainty, pivoting when things don’t go to plan, and tuning into what feels right. Whether you’re an overthinker, hesitant to start, or just in need of encouragement, this episode is a nudge to move forward—one step at a time—and embrace the wisdom found in action over perfection. Connect With Sasha EburneWebsite: https://www.sashaeburne.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sashaeburne_ If Relatable Wisdom speaks to you—if a quote shared makes you pause, smile, or see things differently—consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a minute, leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday voices and the wisdom they carry. Your support means the world. Every episode has more to it than what you hear. Join the Relatable Wisdom newsletter to get thoughtful reflections, behind-the-scenes extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a calm space to stay inspired between listens.Sign up here: https://relatablewisdom.com/join If the quotes and stories you hear here offer you comfort, clarity, or connection, you can help support the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every small contribution helps keep these everyday voices and shared wisdom going strong.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhq Want to be a guest on Relatable Wisdom? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/relatablewisdom Chapters00:00 Introduction And Welcome00:26 Meet Sasha Eburne00:42 Sasha’s Favorite Quote01:09 The Power Of Messy Action02:27 Starting A Business On A Whim03:03 Growing A Team Quickly03:40 Facing Fears And Taking Risks05:32 Pivoting And Reinventing In Business07:05 Clip: Getting Started Changes Everything08:23 Moving Beyond Excuses And Fear09:43 Expanding The Comfort Zone10:28 Breaking Through Initial Fear11:28 The Value Of Execution Over Ideas11:43 When To Figure Things Out First12:37 Investing In Learning And Coaching13:41 Speaking To Overthinkers15:01 How Sasha Supports Women Entrepreneurs15:48 Where To Connect With Sasha16:28 Episode Wrap-Up And Farewell

    17 min
  5. FEB 19

    Stop Waiting for the Right Time—How Preparedness Unlocks Your Potential | Life Lesson Quotes — Rodney Carpentier | Ep 223

    In this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I’m joined by Rodney Carpentier—a 20-year law enforcement professional turned mystery writer—who shares the family mantra that has shaped his life: “Early is on time, on time is late, and late is not acceptable.” Rodney opens up about inheriting this saying from his father (and likely generations before), its practical impact on his approach to work and creativity, and how losing both parents at a young age fueled his desire to seize every opportunity. We dive into how this mantra became more than just punctuality advice—it’s about being truly prepared for life, not letting regrets accumulate, and not waiting for a “perfect” moment to pursue your dreams. Rodney reflects on incorporating the mantra into his crime trilogy set in the Catskill Mountains, the role of preparedness in his journey from policing to publishing, and how listeners can reframe feelings of “lateness” into fresh starts. If you need a nudge to stop waiting and start taking action—no matter your age or stage—Rodney’s story will inspire you to show up ready for possibility. Connect With Rodney CarpentierWebsite: https://rlcarpentierwriter.comNewsletter: https://rlcarpentierwriter.com/newsletter-signup If Relatable Wisdom speaks to you—if a quote shared makes you pause, smile, or see things differently—consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a minute, leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday voices and the wisdom they carry. Your support means the world. Every episode has more to it than what you hear. Join the Relatable Wisdom newsletter to get thoughtful reflections, behind-the-scenes extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a calm space to stay inspired between listens.Sign up here: https://relatablewisdom.com/join If the quotes and stories you hear here offer you comfort, clarity, or connection, you can help support the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every small contribution helps keep these everyday voices and shared wisdom going strong.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhq Want to be a guest on Relatable Wisdom? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/relatablewisdom Chapters00:00 Introduction And Welcome00:23 Meet Rodney Carpentier00:42 Connection To The Catskills01:07 Rodney’s Quote And Mantra01:21 Meaning Behind The Quote01:57 When The Quote Became Real02:19 Using The Mantra In Life02:51 Reflection On Preparedness04:35 Staying Ready For Opportunities05:08 Impact Of Family And Loss06:14 Embracing The Mantra Fully07:06 Writing And Life’s Surprises08:23 Becoming A Writer Later In Life09:15 Overcoming Regrets And Acting Early10:34 The Consequences Of Being Late11:40 Why “Early” Opens Doors12:10 When It Feels Too Late13:07 Turning Lateness Into Opportunity14:23 Questions For Listeners15:10 The Mantra In Rodney’s Writing15:47 Preparing For The Next Chapter16:34 Rodney’s Next Steps18:00 About The Trilogy19:29 Where To Find Rodney And His Books20:14 Episode Wrap-Up And Thanks

    21 min
  6. FEB 18

    You’re Underestimating the Power of Your Words — Life Lesson Quotes — Paul Flood | Ep 222

    In this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I sit down with Paul Flood, founder of The Optimistic Heart, to unpack the transformative power of the quote “Be Impeccable with Your Word” from The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. Paul shares how adopting this simple yet profound mantra not only changed the way he speaks to others, but more importantly, how he speaks to himself. He opens up about moments when self-criticism crept in and how shifting his inner dialogue allowed him to become more compassionate, both inwardly and outwardly. Through Paul’s honest storytelling—like the wisdom he gained from a heartfelt exchange with his young daughter and his journey toward sobriety—we explore why the words we choose matter so much, how they shape our realities, and why being mindful in speech is a lifelong practice. For anyone hungry for personal growth or looking to break old patterns of self-doubt, this conversation is filled with warm insights and actionable wisdom you can use right now. Connect With Paul FloodWebsite: https://www.optimisticheart.comFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/optimistichearts If Relatable Wisdom speaks to you—if a quote shared makes you pause, smile, or see things differently—consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a minute, leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday voices and the wisdom they carry. Your support means the world. Every episode has more to it than what you hear. Join the Relatable Wisdom newsletter to get thoughtful reflections, behind-the-scenes extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a calm space to stay inspired between listens.Sign up here: https://relatablewisdom.com/join If the quotes and stories you hear here offer you comfort, clarity, or connection, you can help support the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every small contribution helps keep these everyday voices and shared wisdom going strong.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhq Want to be a guest on Relatable Wisdom? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/relatablewisdom Chapters00:00 Introduction And Welcome00:24 Meet Paul Flood00:39 The Quote: Be Impeccable With Your Word01:51 Speaking Kindly To Ourselves02:38 How Inner Dialogue Shapes Us03:52 The Hardest Part Of Practicing Impeccable Words05:18 Compassion Begins With Ourselves06:35 Real Life Challenges And Growth08:33 The Power (And Harm) Of Words09:56 Common Harmful Self-Talk10:32 Social Media And “Not Good Enough”11:38 When Words Hurt Others12:44 Leaving Environments That No Longer Fit14:41 Finding Hope And Turning Points16:02 Life If He Never Changed17:32 Helping Others With Wisdom18:06 Where To Find Paul Flood19:00 Closing And Final Thoughts

    19 min
  7. FEB 17

    You’re Ignoring What Your Gut Is Telling You — Healing Quotes — Lola Maclean | Ep 221

    When I sat down with Lola Maclean for this episode of Relatable Wisdom, we dug deep into a quote that shaped her holistic approach to health: “All disease begins in the gut.” As a family nurse practitioner and functional gut health consultant, Lola brought Hippocrates’ ancient wisdom to vivid life, sharing how our digestion signals so much more than we often realize—from anxiety to chronic autoimmune issues. If phrases like “listen to your gut” have ever resonated with you, Lola’s insights will bring new meaning and practical value to everyday wellness. She not only shared powerful stories from her patients—including turning around years-long thyroid issues—but offered simple habits anyone can implement to begin healing from the inside out. This conversation reminded me how tuning in to small signals and daily routines can yield transformation, confidence, and true healing. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, holistic health tips, or just a more present relationship with your body, there’s wisdom here for everyone. Connect With Lola MacleanWebsite: https://haelanempowered.com If Relatable Wisdom speaks to you—if a quote shared makes you pause, smile, or see things differently—consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a minute, leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday voices and the wisdom they carry. Your support means the world. Every episode has more to it than what you hear. Join the Relatable Wisdom newsletter to get thoughtful reflections, behind-the-scenes extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a calm space to stay inspired between listens.Sign up here: https://relatablewisdom.com/join If the quotes and stories you hear here offer you comfort, clarity, or connection, you can help support the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every small contribution helps keep these everyday voices and shared wisdom going strong.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhq Want to be a guest on Relatable Wisdom? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/relatablewisdom Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:24 Meet Lola Maclean00:38 The Quote: “All Disease Begins In The Gut”01:00 Unpacking Gut Health Wisdom01:31 Lola’s First Encounter With The Quote02:07 How The Quote Shaped Lola’s Practice02:47 Gut Health: Literal And Mind-Body Connection03:53 Personal And Patient Stories Of Gut Repair05:43 Transformational Gut Health Case Study07:26 Quick Pause: Join The Community08:00 Research, Skepticism, And Gut-Brain Science08:35 Surprising Symptoms Linked To Digestion09:23 Gut Health And Mental Health10:01 What Does Normal Digestion Look Like?11:02 Early Red Flags Your Gut Needs Help12:14 Normalizing vs. Listening To Our Bodies12:24 One Small Habit To Improve Gut Health13:26 Mindfulness At Mealtimes: Why It Matters13:54 What To Stop Doing For Gut Health14:37 Life Changes When Your Gut Heals16:28 More Than Physical Confidence17:32 Lola’s Free Bloating Guide: Key Takeaways18:25 How To Access Lola’s Resources19:25 Connect With Lola Online And Website20:10 The Meaning Behind “Haelan Empowered”20:32 Wisdom’s Takeaway On Mindful Eating21:38 Closing And Final Reflections

    22 min
  8. FEB 16

    Stop Giving Up Too Soon — The Hidden Power of Grit | Motivational Quotes — Bill Derrick | Ep 220

    In this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I’m joined by Bill Derrick, a construction industry veteran turned author, who shares the powerful mantra that carried him through some of life’s most turbulent storms: “Quitting is not an option.” Bill opens up about navigating the challenges of the Great Recession and a personal battle with cancer, revealing how steadfast determination and creative problem-solving helped him—and his business—emerge stronger on the other side. We dive deep into the value of grit, the unknowns of enduring long-term hardship, and the surprising wisdom that storms can restore, rather than destroy, us. Bill’s journey is a reminder that while we can’t control all aspects of life, we do have agency over our attitude and effort. If you’re searching for real-life inspiration on persistence, leadership during adversity, and turning setbacks into growth, this conversation will leave you both encouraged and empowered. Connect With Bill DerrickWebsite: https://billderrick.comLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/billderrick/ If Relatable Wisdom speaks to you—if a quote shared makes you pause, smile, or see things differently—consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a minute, leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday voices and the wisdom they carry. Your support means the world. Every episode has more to it than what you hear. Join the Relatable Wisdom newsletter to get thoughtful reflections, behind-the-scenes extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a calm space to stay inspired between listens.Sign up here: https://relatablewisdom.com/join If the quotes and stories you hear here offer you comfort, clarity, or connection, you can help support the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every small contribution helps keep these everyday voices and shared wisdom going strong.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhq Want to be a guest on Relatable Wisdom? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/relatablewisdom Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:23 Meet Bill Derrick01:01 Quote: Quitting Is Not an Option01:07 The Story Behind the Quote02:43 The Turning Point Conversation04:34 Getting Creative to Survive06:23 The Power of No Quitting07:55 Grit and Overcoming the Unknown09:49 Dealing With Uncertainty10:35 Advice for the Struggling12:28 Restored By the Storm Meaning13:55 Why Storms Restore Us15:07 How Perspective Shapes Us18:03 The Power of Attitude18:47 Finding and Sharing Hope20:34 Final Thoughts and Goodbyes

    21 min
5
out of 5
88 Ratings

About

Looking for daily inspiration, motivational quotes, and life lessons to boost your mindset? Relatable Wisdom is the podcast for you! Each episode delivers powerful quotes, timeless mottos, and real-life stories—from famous figures to everyday people—that will uplift, motivate, and inspire you. Whether you're searching for personal growth, self-improvement, or wisdom for daily life, our bite-sized episodes provide the encouragement you need. Want to be a guest on Relatable Wisdom? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/relatablewisdom