The Kintsugi Podcast - Stories of Connection Michael OBrien

Welcome to this week's story of connection on the Kintsugi Podcast. Today, Emily Halnon, an author, ultra-runner, and FKT badass, shares her emotional journey of grief and the healing power of running.

Conversation Highlights:

Emily opens up about why she turned her experiences of loss and grief into a book, emphasizing the vastness of grief and how a long-distance run across Oregon helped her process these emotions.
Michael and Emily discuss the depths of "To the Gorge," which, while seemingly about running, is more of a narrative about how to live through grief and loss and embrace life's full spectrum.
Emily describes her intrinsic traits, experiences that have shaped her, and deep connection with her dog, Dilly.
Emily recounts her and her mother's battle with devastating diagnoses, reflecting on the unfathomable losses of her family members in a short span, illustrating the harsh, indiscriminate reality of disease.
Transitioning to her running journey, Emily shares how her mother's transformation into an avid runner inspired her path in endurance sports, reflecting on their shared experiences and the profound connection they cultivated through running.
As Emily discusses her decision to run across Oregon, she explains the motivations behind her run, linking it to the need for a bold, affirming life approach, mirroring how her mother faced life with courage and positivity.
With the community's support, Emily delves into the details of her record-setting run, highlighting the crucial role of companionship and moral support in tackling such an extreme physical and emotional challenge.
Emily emphasizes the importance of community and sharing moments of joy and struggle, illustrating how relationships and shared experiences can provide strength during challenging times.
Michael and Emily reflect on the profound impact of having supportive figures like Danielle during tough times , discussing the importance of presence and empathy in healing.
The conversation wraps up with Emily expressing gratitude for the communal support that bolstered her during the run, sharing how this experience underscored the value of connection and resilience.
Key Quotes from Emily:

"Grief is a really big experience, and it felt clear that I wanted to say more than I could in a 1500 word essay."
On community support: "The thing I'm going to get most out of you is just seeing you, is just coming into an aid station, seeing you, high fiving you, hugging you."
Reflecting on living fully: "I wanted to be living and running with a more open, vulnerable place. That did open me up to more possibilities of disappointment and failure and devastation, but that also invited things like touching the welcome to Washington sign on the bridge of the gods and realizing I could run across Oregon and have the most special, meaningful run of my life."
The Last Mile: Emily's story is a powerful testament to the human spirit's ability to find strength and healing through physical endurance and emotional openness. Her journey encourages us to embrace life fully, even in the face of pain and loss and highlights the indispensable role of community in our lives.




Connect with Emily:

Website , Instagram and her book, To The Gorge

We can be so harsh with ourselves. Why is that? You are worthy! Full stop! This week’s Pause Breathe Reflect Meditation is a practice to help you appreciate your value and worthiness. You matter, my friend! 

Join us as we explore the power of mindset and learn how it can change our relationship with stress, improve our sleep, and infuse mindfulness into our everyday moments. And remember, our invitation extends beyond this episode – our app, Pause, Breathe, Reflect, offers additional practices like the one shared today, and you can always join our live practices throughout the week.

Now, you can “Pay What You Can” for your first year. Yes, for as little as $1, you can become a member of our like-hearted community. You can find the Pause Breathe Reflect app in Apple’s App Store or over at Google Play.

Take a moment to pause, breathe, and reflect with us as we embark on this journey of self-discovery and mindful living. And as we prepare for the weekend ahead, may we all create ripples of positivity and meaning in the world. Stay tuned for another inspiring story of connection on Tuesday’s episode of the Kintsugi Podcast.

And be sure to check out our Pause Breathe Reflect gear at www.pausebreathereflect.com

Join Michael O’Brien on a transformative journey across America in this week’s episode of the Kintsugi podcast. From the picturesque landscapes of Astoria, Oregon, to the historical plains of Kansas, Michael shares inspiring stories and insightful reflections on resilience, perspective, and mindfulness. Dive deep into the concept of "Open Awareness" and explore how different perspectives can enrich our lives and relationships.

Episode Highlights:

Introduction to Open Awareness:

Michael explains the practice of open versus fixed awareness in meditation, using his cross-country cycling journey as a metaphor for opening up to life’s full spectrum of experiences.

Insightful Anecdotes Across States:

Oregon: Emphasizing the strength in asking for help.
Idaho and Montana: Living fully and embracing life beyond fear.
Wyoming: The flexibility in life plans and expectations.
Colorado: The importance of a supportive community or 'peloton'.

Deep Dive into Perspective in Kansas:

Michael narrates compelling stories from Kansas, focusing on how rigidly holding onto perspectives can limit us, and sharing a humorous perspective on regional pizza preferences.

Controversial Conversations on Roe vs. Wade:

A reflective discussion on the impact of the Supreme Court’s decision and its reception in different communities.

Encouragement to Embrace Broad-mindedness:

Michael stresses the importance of being open to diverse viewpoints to foster understanding and cooperation, especially in professional and personal settings.
Key Quotes:

“We don’t just grab onto the good stuff and try to push away or numb or deny bad stuff. We accept that everything happens, and we meet our moments with grace, with thoughtfulness.”
“Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It's actually an invitation to get closer to someone.”
“One of our greatest addictions is our addiction to being right.”
Call to Action: Celebrate your strengths and embrace challenges with open-mindedness. Explore life’s diverse perspectives and create ripples of positive change around you.

This week’s Pause Breathe Reflect Meditation is all about the 3 As and how they can help you feel what you need to feel and take action that will will put a beautiful ripple into the world. 

Join us as we explore the power of mindset and learn how it can change our relationship with stress, improve our sleep, and infuse mindfulness into our everyday moments. And remember, our invitation extends beyond this episode – our app, Pause, Breathe, Reflect, offers additional practices like the one shared today, and you can always join our live practices throughout the week.

Now, you can “Pay What You Can” for your first year. Yes, for as little as $1, you can become a member of our like-hearted community. You can find the Pause Breathe Reflect app in Apple’s App Store or over at Google Play.

Take a moment to pause, breathe, and reflect with us as we embark on this journey of self-discovery and mindful living. And as we prepare for the weekend ahead, may we all create ripples of positivity and meaning in the world. Stay tuned for another inspiring story of connection on Tuesday’s episode of the Kintsugi Podcast.

And be sure to check out our Pause Breathe Reflect gear at www.pausebreathereflect.com

In this enriching episode of the Kintsugi Podcast, we sit down with renowned author and performance coach Brad Stulberg to explore the perennial dance of change in our lives. Drawing insights from Brad's extensive research and personal experiences, we delve into maintaining balance amidst life's inevitable fluctuations.

What You Will Discover

How to discern the noise from the signal in a world saturated with information.
The importance of embracing mundane daily practices for long-term happiness and high performance.
Insights into 'Allostasis' – achieving stability through change.
The concept of 'tragic optimism' and its relevance in today's world.
The role of community in supporting personal and collective growth.

Featured Quotes by Brad:

"Chasing the next big thing, rather than embracing moderation and focusing on the fundamentals, often leads us astray."
"Stability doesn't mean a lack of change. True stability comes from continuously adapting and integrating new experiences."

Connect with Brad:

Brad's Latest Book: Master of Change
Brad's Website
Instagram and LinkedIn

Call to Action: Embrace the small, consistent practices that Brad discusses in this episode. Reflect on how you can implement 'tragic optimism ' to navigate change more effectively.



Takeaway: Brad Stulberg reminds us that mastering change doesn't come from finding the secret formula but rather through embracing the ordinary yet consistent actions that foster resilience and growth. Join us next week for another episode of the Kintsugi Podcast, where we explore another story of connection and celebrate our golden symbols of strength.

In this inspiring episode of the Kintsugi Podcast, host Michael O'Brien sits down with Carina Hamill and Robby Ringer, the visionary co-founders of Bivo. This couple's journey from idea to execution illustrates their innovative approach to the cycling industry's reliance on plastic water bottles and their commitment to enhancing environmental consciousness and sustainability. Dive into their challenges, insights, and the joy they find in connecting passions with purpose.

Key Messages:

Challenges of Innovation:

Carina and Robby share the unexpected complexities of designing a water bottle that is both functional and sustainable. Their journey took them 18 months instead of the anticipated six months.
Foundation of Bivo:

The inception of Bivo wasn't about financial gains but stemmed from a profound passion for product design and environmental sustainability. This venture is driven by the desire to connect daily work with personal values and passions.
Sustainability at the Forefront:

They highlight the environmental impact of plastic in the cycling industry and how Bivo's stainless steel water bottles offer a health-conscious and eco-friendly alternative.
Personal Stories and Entrepreneurial Spirit:

Robby and Carina share their initial struggles, and balancing managing a startup with family life provides a relatable and motivational narrative for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Check Out Bivo: 

Explore more about Bivo and its journey towards revolutionizing the water bottle industry for a healthier planet at drinkbivo.com . Check out its blog for deeper insights and stories behind its innovative products.

The Last Mile Takeaway: Carina and Robby's story is more than just about creating a sustainable product; it's about reimagining everyday objects to foster better connections with our environment and each other. Their journey underlines the essence of Kintsugi: finding beauty in the reimagined.