the Daily Quote

Andrew McGivern
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the Daily Quote

Tune in daily to get a short dose of inspiration to kick start your day in a positive way.

  1. 11 HR. AGO

    Voltaire - Think for yourself and let others enjoy the privilege of doing so too

    Welcome to The Daily Quote – a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I'm your host, Andrew McGivern, and today is October 12th. Today is National Free Thought Day, a day that encourages you to break away from the usual, challenge common opinions, and really think for yourself. It’s a celebration of independent thought—something we could all use more of in a world where it sometimes feels like everyone’s just hitting “like” without asking, “Why?” This day traces its origins back to 1692, right after the Salem witch trials ended. People finally realized that just because a lot of folks believe something, that doesn’t mean it’s true. It’s a reminder that free thought, guided by reason and evidence, is how we escape the traps of fear, bias, and conformity. So, if you've ever questioned a popular idea and felt a little weird for it—congratulations! Today, you're a champion of free thought. Our quote for today comes from the great philosopher Voltaire, a guy who knew a thing or two about rattling the cages of authority. He said: "Think for yourself and let others enjoy the privilege of doing so too."It’s simple but profound. Voltaire reminds us that it’s not just about forming your own ideas—it’s also about respecting the fact that everyone else has the right to do the same. Kind of like “live and let live,” but with a philosophical twist. Here’s the thing: it’s easy to forget that independent thinking goes both ways. We love the idea of thinking for ourselves, but it can be tough when someone else’s opinions don't match up with ours. Voltaire’s quote reminds us that it’s not about winning an argument or proving someone wrong—it’s about letting everyone walk their own mental path. And that ties beautifully into National Free Thought Day. It’s not just about challenging what others say—it’s also about giving them the freedom to challenge you. Imagine how boring life would be if we all had the same ideas and never questioned anything! Free thinkers of the past—like Voltaire himself—shaped the modern world precisely because they dared to think differently. But they also opened the door for everyone to have their say. So today, as you celebrate National Free Thought Day, give yourself permission to think outside the box, question the norms, and maybe even disagree with popular opinion. But also, remember to give others that same freedom. As Voltaire put it, we should let everyone enjoy the privilege of their own thoughts—no matter how eccentric, quirky, or downright confusing they might seem. That’s a wrap for today’s episode. On National Free Thought Day, take Voltaire’s advice to heart: think for yourself, but let others do the same. You never know what great ideas might come from a little mutual respect for each other's mental space. I’m Andrew McGivern, and thank you for joining me on The Daily Quote. Until next time, keep questioning, keep thinking, and above all, keep being you.

    4 min

  2. 1 DAY AGO

    Mark Twain – To get the full value of joy, you must have someone to divide it with

    Welcome to The Daily Quote – a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I’m your host, Andrew McGivern, and today is October 11th. Let’s dive into something uplifting because, believe it or not, today is National Spread Joy Day. Now, before you start handing out free cupcakes to strangers (though that’s never a bad idea), let’s talk about what spreading joy really means. National Spread Joy Day is all about those small, genuine gestures that can brighten someone’s day. It’s not about grand gestures or planning a huge surprise party for your neighbor’s cat (although points for creativity if you go there). It’s more about smiling at a passerby, sending a heartfelt message, or holding the door open for that one person who’s always ten steps behind. So, how are you going to spread some joy today? And don’t tell me you’re going to leave it to someone else. It’s your day to shine – joy starts with you. That brings us to our quote of the day, which fits right into the spirit of this holiday. It’s from the writer and humorist Mark Twain, who said: "To get the full value of joy, you must have someone to divide it with."Now, if Mark Twain isn’t nudging us all to stop hoarding our joy, I don’t know who is. He’s saying that joy, much like pizza, is best when shared. And just like how the last slice of pizza tastes better when you share it with someone else, joy grows when it’s passed around. There’s a kind of magic that happens when you make someone else smile—it multiplies. And here’s the kicker: the more joy you spread, the more you end up feeling it yourself. It’s like a cosmic boomerang of happiness. You throw it out there, and surprise—it comes back. So, today, go ahead and try it. Spread some joy. Whether it’s sending a funny meme, telling someone they have a great laugh, or—you know what?—buying a coffee for the person behind you. You don’t need to move mountains to spread joy; you just need to move hearts. Thanks for spending part of your day with me. I hope you walk away with a little more joy, and maybe even a plan to share it. I’m Andrew McGivern, and you’ve been listening to The Daily Quote. Until tomorrow, keep spreading the joy—it’s contagious.

    3 min

  3. 2 DAYS AGO

    Steven Pinker - One of the many ways that the US is a backward country compared to its democratic peers: the death penalty. But even here the death penalty is on death row

    The Daily Quote podcast page The Great News Podcast page The Great News Letter Voicemail feedback line – 1-877-636-1474 CONTACT ME Welcome to The Daily Quote—a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I'm your host, Andrew McGivern, and today is October 10th. Now, today is World Day Against the Death Penalty. It’s a global day of awareness to question and challenge the use of capital punishment. Heavy stuff, right? But it’s one of those conversations that forces us to think about justice, fairness, and what it really means to hold a life in our hands. Today’s quote comes from cognitive psychologist and author Steven Pinker, who gave us a pretty sharp critique on the subject. He said: "One of the many ways that the US is a backward country compared to its democratic peers: the death penalty. But even here the death penalty is on death row."It’s a clever way of putting it, right? The "death penalty on death row"—it sounds ironic, but Pinker’s point hits hard. While the U.S. is one of the few democratic nations that still enforces the death penalty, there’s been a clear shift in recent years. More and more states have moved to abolish it or put moratoriums in place. Even public opinion is changing, with many people beginning to question if it’s still a just or effective form of punishment. The thing is, for a long time, the death penalty was seen as a necessary tool to maintain order—an ultimate punishment for the ultimate crime. But, as Pinker points out, the U.S. is increasingly standing alone in holding onto this belief. Our democratic peers—countries we like to compare ourselves to—have moved past it. They’ve decided that justice doesn’t have to be about retribution, and maybe it shouldn't be. Now, here’s where the irony really sinks in. As Pinker says, the death penalty itself seems to be on death row. Even in a country that’s been reluctant to let it go, the clock is ticking. More than 20 states have abolished it, and in others, it’s barely used. It’s almost like the system itself is starting to question whether it can justify its own existence. So, on World Day Against the Death Penalty, it’s worth reflecting on where we stand. Is it time to let go of something that, in many ways, is out of step with our values as a modern democracy? Can we imagine a justice system that doesn't rely on ending lives, but instead focuses on rehabilitation, fairness, and preventing mistakes that can never be undone? As you go about your day today, maybe give this some thought. In a world where even the death penalty is on its way out, maybe the real question is: What comes next? That’s all for today’s episode of The Daily Quote. Thanks for spending some time with me this morning. If today’s quote got you thinking, be sure to tune in tomorrow for another one.

    4 min

  4. 3 DAYS AGO

    Dr. Andy Roark- Your pet is a part of your world, but to them, you are their whole world

    The Daily Quote podcast page The Great News Podcast page The Great News Letter Voicemail feedback line – 1-877-636-1474 CONTACT ME Welcome to The Daily Quote – a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I’m your host, Andrew McGivern, its October 9th and today National Pet Obesity Awareness Day. Pets come in all sorts of shapes and sizes... but sometimes those shapes and sizes get a little too shapy and sizy? If your dog looks a little too comfy on the couch or your cat’s been eyeballing the treats a bit too much, today’s the day to give that a second thought. In light of today's theme, I’ve picked a quote from veterinarian Dr. Andy Roark: "Your pet is a part of your world, but to them, you are their whole world." Dr. Roark’s quote is a beautiful reminder of how much our pets rely on us. We’re the center of their universe, from belly rubs to breakfast time. It’s not just about food and shelter; it’s about companionship, care, and trust. But here’s where National Pet Obesity Awareness Day steps in. If we’re their whole world, it’s up to us to make sure that world isn’t filled with too many treats and not enough exercise. We all know how easy it is to spoil them—it’s like they’ve mastered the art of guilt-tripping us with just one look! Those puppy dog eyes and well timed whines... and the oscar goes too... But true love means making sure they stay healthy. It’s tempting to think that love equals food, but just like with us, too much indulgence can cause health problems for our pets. And if you’re feeling bad about cutting back on those extra snacks, remember that being their "whole world" means they look to you for more than food. They want your time, your attention, and a little bit of fun. So maybe today, instead of an extra biscuit, take them on a longer walk, throw in a bit more playtime, or even teach them a new trick. At the end of the day, loving your pet means taking care of them—whether that’s a scratch behind the ears, an extra game of fetch, or making sure they stay fit and healthy. They trust us to make the right choices for them, so let’s make sure we live up to that role. Our dog, Pepper was getting a little... roundish around the middle. My wife mentioned it to me and said no I think it is just her body type. Then my brother noticed it and I said she is just big boned... he smirked and said... Yeah that's it. I had a vet appointment that week so I asked the vet and she confirmed that Pepper was indeed 8 pounds overweight. Since exercise wasn't an issue we eliminated her lunchtime meal and several weeks later she is back to her slim self again. The point is sometimes you aren't even aware that your pet is getting a little beyond their optimal weight. So today... take a close look and see if you need to make some dietary or exercise adjustments to maintain a healthy companion. That's it for today. I’m Andrew McGivern signing off , reminding you that when you’re the whole world to someone—four-legged or not—it’s worth keeping that world as happy and healthy as possible. Catch you tomorrow, same pod time, same pod channel for another Daily Quote!

    4 min

  5. 4 DAYS AGO

    Nelson Mandela - I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear

    The Daily Quote podcast page The Great News Podcast page The Great News Letter Voicemail feedback line – 1-877-636-1474 CONTACT ME Welcome to The Daily Quote—a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I'm your host, Andrew McGivern, and today is October 8th. Now, I hope you're ready for this, because today is National Face Your Fears Day. Yes, that's right—a whole day dedicated to facing the things that make your palms sweat, your stomach churn, and your heart race like you've just seen the latest credit card statement. Whether it's public speaking, spiders, or maybe just that big, hairy thing called change, this day invites you to confront it head-on. No more running in the other direction! It seems only fitting that today's quote comes from someone who knew a thing or two about facing fear—Nelson Mandela, who said: "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."Isn't that a powerful reminder? Courage isn’t about being fearless—it's about standing tall, despite the fear. Mandela knew what it was to confront immense challenges—personally, politically, and globally. And through it all, he learned that fear is something we all feel, but it doesn’t have to control us. So, on this National Face Your Fears Day, think about what that means for you. Maybe your fear isn’t as dramatic as the ones Mandela faced—but whether it’s fear of failure, rejection, or even heights, it’s all valid. What matters is your response to it. After all, avoiding fear doesn’t make it go away; it just makes it loom larger, like that one spider you swore was tiny until it moved. Today, take a small step toward facing something that’s been holding you back. Even if it’s just saying "yes" to something that normally gets a big "nope" from you. Remember, the point isn’t to be fearless, it’s to be brave enough to move forward with the fear. That’s the kind of courage that changes things. And who knows? You might find that the thing you’ve been avoiding is less terrifying than you thought. Or... it’s exactly as terrifying, but at least you’ll know, right? That’s all for today’s episode. Take your courage with you as you face your fears today, and I’ll be right here tomorrow with another quote to keep you going. Thanks for joining me on The Daily Quote. I'm Andrew McGivern, and until next time, remember: it's OK to be afraid—just don't let it stop you from doing amazing things.

    3 min

  6. 5 DAYS AGO

    Madeleine Albright - Diplomacy is not about getting your way, but about listening to others and finding common ground

    Welcome to The Daily Quote – a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I’m your host, Andrew McGivern, and today is October 7th. Today is International Day of Peaceful Communication. It’s a day to reflect on how we use our words and whether we’re really communicating to understand—or just to win the argument. If you’ve ever found yourself rehearsing a comeback in the shower hours after a conversation... well, this day is probably for you. In honor of that, today’s quote comes from former U.S. Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, who once said: "Diplomacy is not about getting your way, but about listening to others and finding common ground."Albright, known for her skillful negotiations, understood that diplomacy—whether between nations or individuals—isn’t about steamrolling over someone else’s perspective. It’s about finding solutions that make both parties feel heard and respected. In a world where peaceful communication often seems like a lost art, this quote is a reminder that true progress happens when we stop talking at each other and start talking with each other. And right now there are several conflicts in the world that are escalating and close to erupting into something nobody wants. There are no winners in war and even if your side is victorious the price is almost always too high if it could have been avoided. Remember the Mahatma Gandhi quote from a few days ago... An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind. The only winner in war is the bullet sales person. So, on this International Day of Peaceful Communication, maybe take a moment to consider how often you’re really listening in your conversations. Because as Albright’s words suggest, it’s not always about getting your way—it’s about finding a way that works for everyone. And if you find yourself in a 'war' ask yourself if the price of winning is worth the battle. And did you do your best to avoid it in the first place. Thanks for joining me on The Daily Quote. I'm Andrew McGivern signing off. Until next time, remember, sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is... nothing at all. I'll see you tomorrow for another Daily Quote.

    3 min

  7. 6 DAYS AGO

    Merlin Mann - Your email inbox is not your to-do list

    The Daily Quote podcast page The Great News Podcast page The Great News Letter Voicemail feedback line – 1-877-636-1474 CONTACT ME Welcome to The Daily Quote—a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I'm your host, Andrew McGivern, and today is October 6th. Did you know today is Zero Inbox Day? Yep, the day dedicated to that magical, elusive moment when your email inbox is empty, and you’re left with the satisfaction of knowing there’s not a single message lingering in the depths of your digital clutter. If you're the type of person who sees "unread messages" as a personal attack, today is your day to shine. And speaking of inboxes, this brings me to today’s quote by productivity expert Merlin Mann, the man who actually popularized the whole Inbox Zero concept. He once said: “Your email inbox is not your to-do list.”Now, if you’re anything like me, there’s probably a part of you screaming, “But, Andrew, isn’t it a tod list? I mean, there’s stuff I need to do in there!” Sure, you’ve got tasks hiding in those emails, but Mann’s point is about freeing your mind from letting your inbox dictate your day. When you treat your inbox like a to-do list, your day becomes reactive rather than proactive. You end up responding to everyone else’s agenda instead of setting your own. So, on this Zero Inbox Day, try embracing the idea that your day belongs to you—not your inbox. Maybe you’ll get it to zero, maybe not, but at least let’s not make that unread message count the boss of you. A cluttered inbox doesn't have to mean a cluttered mind. That’s it for today’s episode. Take a deep breath, delete a few emails, and make some space for what matters. I'm Andrew McGivern signing off and I’ll see you tomorrow for another Daily Quote.

    2 min

  8. OCT 5

    William Arthur Ward - The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires

    The Daily Quote podcast page The Great News Podcast page The Great News Letter Voicemail feedback line – 1-877-636-1474 CONTACT ME Welcome to The Daily Quote—a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I'm your host, Andrew McGivern, and today is October 5th. Today happens to be World Teachers' Day, a day to celebrate the people who shape our minds, guide our growth, and occasionally assign way too much homework. Whether you loved school or survived it with coffee and prayers, I think we can all agree that teachers play an enormous role in our lives. So, in honor of World Teachers' Day, let’s turn to a quote that captures the essence of what makes a great teacher. It comes from William Arthur Ward, who said: “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”Now, that’s a quote that gets straight to the point. Teaching isn’t just about delivering information—it’s about sparking curiosity, lighting that mental fire. I think we’ve all had those “mediocre” teachers who just stood at the front of the class and read from the textbook, right? Nothing too exciting there. But the great teachers, the ones we still think about years later—they’re the ones who made us feel like we were part of something bigger, part of the adventure of learning itself. Ward’s quote reminds us that teaching is an art. It’s not just about getting through the lesson plan—it’s about connecting with people, making knowledge come alive. A good teacher explains things, sure, but a great teacher? They make you want to learn more. They make you see the potential in yourself that you never knew was there. Today we are moving into uncharted territory... In most fields adequate work will be replaced by AI Agents. If you do an 'ok' job, you won't be able to compete with AI. There are companies and organizations that are democratizing education by bringing world class education to poor people around the world using AI. But great teachers can connect with people better than a robot can. The teacher that inspires can not be replaced by AI... at least not yet. So, today, whether you’re a teacher yourself, or just remembering one who left a lasting impression, take a moment to appreciate the way education shapes us. And if you really want to honor your old teachers, maybe reach out to one and say thanks—just don’t ask for extra credit, that ship has sailed. Alright, that wraps up today’s episode. I hope this quote gives you some inspiration to carry with you, and maybe even a new appreciation for the educators around you. I’m Andrew McGivern signing off, and I’ll see you tomorrow for another Daily Quote.

    3 min
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Tune in daily to get a short dose of inspiration to kick start your day in a positive way.

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  • Creator
    Andrew McGivern
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    286
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 Andrew McGivern
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