Meaningful Mischief

Feelings About FinancesMost of us think money is about numbers, goals, and returns - but what if it’s more about fear, shame, love, and purpose? In this conversation, Mary and James dive into the psychology of money: why we avoid talking about it, how our past shapes our financial behavior, and how wealth management is often more about values than value. From billionaires with hidden fears to new earners trying to get it right, this is a conversation about what money really means - and how we can have a healthier, more intentional relationship with it.Highlights:Why people would rather talk about death than their financesThe emotional drivers behind wealth accumulation - fear, shame, and validationThe critical role of a wealth advisorHow to raise financially aware kids in a world of instant gratificationResources:The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel - BookAcquired Podcast - Interview with Howard Schultz - LinkSimon Sinek TED Talk: Start With Why - Video

This one’s raw and real. Mary and James dive into recent personal wake-up calls - Mary’s experience with deep fatigue and burnout, and James’ unexpected bout with shingles. Despite their high-performance habits and wellness tracking tools, both found themselves laid flat by the one thing they thought they were managing: their energy.Highlights:Why being “on it” doesn’t mean you’re immune to burnoutThe illusion of being fine (until you’re really not)The tension between doing all the “right things” and still crashingRelearning to rest (and why meditation keeps coming up even if you keep resisting it)The truth about being “optimized” vs being wellAll in all, this episode is part confession, part strategy session, and part loving nudge for anyone trying to do too much for too long.Resources:Whoop Band (for tracking sleep, strain, and recovery) - LinkAtomic Habits by James Clear - BookHigh Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard - Book4-7-8 Breathing Technique - VideoWhat a Farmer Wants You to Know About Food by Dennis Bulani - Book

In this conversation, Mary and Stel explore the sometimes-blurry lines between therapy and coaching: when each is helpful, what they’ve personally gained (or not gained) from both, and how feeling safe, seen, heard, and understood is the foundation for transformation. They talk about the importance of inner and outer vision, emotional self-regulation, and how to shift your focus away from self-preoccupation and toward purposeful action.If you're curious about whether coaching or therapy might be right for you - or what it looks like to fully commit to your own growth - this episode offers a thoughtful, compassionate place to begin.Resources:Iron John: A Book About Men by Robert Bly - BookBecoming Your Vision by Angela Petal – BookWhat's in it for them? by Joe Polish - Book

When was the last time you felt joy; not the big, Instagram-worthy kind, but the small, quiet, surprising kind? In this episode, we talk about joy: where we find it, how it sneaks up on us, and how to stay open to it even when life is messy, mundane, or downright hard.Mary, Stel, and James explore what it means to find joy when you're not actively looking for it. From a broken coffee machine that turns into a three-hour espresso-and-leadership-training adventure, to a high-stakes night at a Jelly Roll concert with unexpected emotional resonance, the crew shares how joy can be created, discovered, or reframed - especially in the mundane or the messy.Resources:“I Am Not OK” – Song by Jelly Roll - LinkDale Carnegie Courses - WebsiteMary’s One Thing Thursday email newsletter - Website

In the final episode (we think) of our mini-series on relationships, we explore one of the trickiest terrains of human connection: endings. From romantic splits and friendship fades to workplace goodbyes, we unpack what it means to consciously, gracefully – or awkwardly – close a chapter. Along the way, we detour through ego death, emotional resilience, identity shifts, and a surprisingly emotional rescue kitten story.We talk about:Why not every relationship is meant to last – and why that’s okayGhosting, dissolving, and directness: different endings for different situationsWhy endings can feel like rejection, even when they’re necessary for growthHow purpose, clarity, and personal energy guide the hard choicesThat one dinner party where we knew the friendship was over – and we never scheduled anotherResources mentioned:Prime Concerns – websiteWhen Harry Met Sally – movie

What makes someone truly attractive – not just in romance, but in leadership, friendship, and everyday life? In this episode, we talk about alignment (and how it’s not the same as sameness), self-sabotage, and the quiet things that either deepen connection or slowly erode it. There’s a story about a 10th anniversary trip that turned into a strategy masterclass, a reminder that kindness still wins, and a question that might change how you show up in all your relationships: Are you the kind of person your person is looking for?Resources:The Tim Ferriss Show – Episode 740 ft. Diana Chapman – websiteDavid Deida, Author – AmazonDan Sullivan’s Strategy Circle – Strategic Coach websiteT Harv Eker’s “Warrior” Course – website

Long-term relationships are message and magical. Why do we choose our person? And what keeps us from choosing them? Expect personal stories, hard questions, and one jaw-dropping insight about handwriting that left everyone speechless.HighlightsWhy your choice of life partner might reflect who you were when you met – and how to evolve together as you changeDivorce: What women often know and men don't see comingMary, James, and Stel get personal: Stories of choosing (and being chosen by) their life partnersA deep dive into handwriting analysis: Your pen strokes may reveal hidden patterns in love and lifeThe link between self-awareness, communication styles, and sustaining long-term intimacyWhy personal growth (even unconventional tools like vision therapy and dancing alone) might just save your relationshipResources:Helen Fisher’s TED Talk: The brain in loveHandwriting analysis: BlogThe book Eight Dates by John and Julie Gottman: AmazonStrategic Coach:Strategic Coach

You’re with yourself for life – but are you really connected to who you are?In this episode, Stel and Mary (we missed you, James!) explore what happens when you lose touch with your true self, how survival skills can mask your real identity, and what it feels like when your life doesn’t fit anymore. Plus: practical ways to start coming back to yourself.Highlights:Why we create a "survival self" to fit inHow early experiences shape (and sometimes hide) who we really areWhat it feels like when you’re out of alignment — and what to do about itTools to reconnect with your strengths, your story, and your purposeResources:Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey – websiteBook a call with Mary – CalendlyOnPrpose CEO Coaching – website

What long-term friendships really take – and why they’re worth it.What makes someone a ride-or-die? Relationships that go the distance change and survive big life transitions. From childhood friends to new connections that go deep fast, we explore the difference between time and trust, and why cultivating meaningful friendships as adults takes a different kind of intention.Whether you’re feeling grateful for your inner circle or wondering who’d actually help you bury the body… this one’s for you.Highlights:Why long-term friendships shift – and how to keep them strongThe relationship between time and depth in relationships Relearning how to cultivate adult friendshipsHow big life changes shape who stays closeRide-or-die vs. draining dynamics: learning who lifts you up The role of intentionality in friendship, and why it’s different from familyA surprising take on who your real best friend might beResources:The Wealth Money Can’t Buy by Robin Sharma – AmazonThe Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck – AmazonDr. Joe Dispenza’s Weeklong Retreats – WebsiteStrategic Coach – Website

In a world overflowing with interactions, how do you decide who gets your energy – and identify who drains it? This episode takes on relationships: the intentional ones, the forgotten ones, the ones that fill your cup, and the ones that need a little more mischief to spark again. From surprise reunions and joy bombs to raising your hand (literally) for the relationships that matter, this one’s about showing up with purpose – and adding a little magic while you're at it.Highlights:Battery Chargers vs. Drainers – A simple metaphor to audit your relationships and protect your energy.Reimagining the “Personal” in Personal Relationships – Why one host shifted the focus inward.How to Add a Zero – The “100 out of 10” mindset for making moments unforgettable.Quarterly Check-ins, but Make Them Emotional – A system to evaluate and prioritize your relationships like you would your goals.Micro-Moments of Meaning – How a car ride with a stranger became the most surprising connection of the week.Joy Bombs & Family Intentions – A personal story about choosing to show up differently (and joyfully) for the people who matter most.

Is staying constantly connected costing you more than you think?Our good intentions to stay engaged can quietly steal our focus, drain our energy, and derail our bigger goals. What starts as "just checking in" becomes a full-time job – and not the kind that moves the needle.There’s a hidden weight of everyday interactions – from endless group chats to overloaded inboxes. Cutting back might be the key to clarity, focus, and real progress.Who actually needs your time? What if your inbox was empty? …and what if saying “no” gave you your life back?

Big results don’t come from big decisions. They come from the little ones – made over and over again. Every choice is a vote for the life you're building. From avoiding road rage to committing to a daily run, the ripple effects are real. This episode is about momentum, missteps, and the magic that happens when you choose to be intentional… one choice at a time. If you've ever told yourself "just this once," this one’s for you.Episode Highlights:The real-life road rage story that could have gone very wrongHow compounding decisions shape health, wealth, and relationshipsThe difference between habits and “compounding decisions”Why one micro-decision can start a whole new trajectoryThe power of intentionality – and what to do when you fall off trackHow to create your own “call to action” for the future you're building

Can you talk politics without getting political? We try. What does it mean to stay curious when the world is polarized? How does fear show up in our choices? Why might disruption be exactly what we need? From unconscious programming to economic uncertainty, we reflect on what it takes to stay grounded, generous, and growth-minded…especially when everything feels uncertain.Key Topics DiscussedWhat if I didn’t choose sides? – The liberating power of curiosity over polarization.Fear pushes, vision pulls – How fear shapes behavior and how to rise above it.From survival to contribution – Why surrounding yourself with the right people matters.Leadership as stewardship – Seeing countries like businesses and our role in them.Living in the now – How to stay present when uncertainty is everywhere.Safety, positivity, and principles – What the UAE can teach us about cohesion.Giving as a way through darkness – The surprising link between service and peace of mind.Resources & ReferencesMaslow’s Hierarchy of Needs – LinkInside Out (Pixar Film) – IMDbStrategic Coach – Website

Ever been caught in that awkward moment where you say something with good intentions – only to wonder if it was wildly inappropriate? Dive into the messy, ever-evolving landscape of communication, intention, and social norms. From the difference between appropriately inappropriate and inappropriately appropriate to cultural expectations around compliments and personal space, we challenge the modern rulebook of what can and can’t be said. We also explore Viktor Frankl’s wisdom on personal choice, the psychology of offense, and the deeper implications of a world where everyone is walking on eggshells. Should we be more mindful – or have we taken it too far?

Is creativity just for artists? Nope. In this episode, we break down what creativity actually is – and how to cultivate more of it in your everyday life. From Martha Beck’s take on left-brain vs. right-brain thinking to AI’s role in amplifying (not replacing) creativity, we explore what it means to think expansively.Plus, how a spontaneous subway adventure (with a little AI help) turned into the ultimate exercise in creative thinking.Want to tap into your own creative genius? Let’s dive in.Episode Highlights:Left brain vs. right brain: What Martha Beck teaches about creativityAI and creativity: Why better questions lead to better answersWhy creativity isn’t just about art—it’s about how we thinkHow a subway ride became an unexpected creative adventureResources:Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert – AmazonThe Way of Integrity by Martha Beck – AmazonBeyond Anxiety by Martha Beck – AmazonA Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink – Amazon

If you had to give advice to a group of students about life and career – without a script – what would you say? Join us as we unpack a spontaneous talk given to postgrad PR students and explore the bigger questions: What makes you, you? How do you bring that into your career? And why do so many of us chase external success before understanding ourselves?From the power of self-reflection to Keith Cunningham’s game-changing P = G + C formula, we discuss why figuring out who you are is the key to doing meaningful work. Plus, how many people would stay in their chosen careers if money weren’t a factor?Episode Highlights:Why self-awareness matters more than skills.A powerful thought experiment: What if money wasn't an issue?Passion = Growth + Contribution – Keith Cunningham’s life-changing formula.How changing paths can help you find purpose.Resources Mentioned:The Road Less Stupid by Keith Cunningham – AmazonPositive Psychology – Tal Ben-Shahar’s work – websiteThe Billion-Dollar Question Exercise – A framework for rethinking your career.

What if you could tap into a state where time disappears, creativity skyrockets, and productivity increases by 500%? That’s the power of Flow State. From a game-changing trip to Dubai to the neuroscience behind flow, we explore cultivating this elusive state in work, sports, and even everyday tasks. Plus, discover low’s kryptonite and how to design your life for more focused, fulfilling work.And if you think flow is only for those who love what they do? Think again. We’ll also dive into a factory worker’s surprising flow hack and how you can reframe even mundane tasks to access this powerful state.Ready to tap into your zone of genius? Let’s go.Episode Highlights:What is Flow State? The science behind peak performance.How an unplanned trip led to ultimate flow.Why your phone might be killing your best work.Simple hacks to access your peak state.Resources:Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi – AmazonThe Art of Impossible by Steven Kotler – AmazonStudy on Flow & Productivity: 500% boost in output – Study LinkPomodoro Technique: The 25-minute focus hack – Website

Your physical state isn’t just about fitness – it’s the foundation for everything else. Taking care of your body is the ultimate hack for mental clarity and emotional resilience. We break down simple, effective ways to reset – think grounding, breathwork, and yes, even a spontaneous dance party. If you’ve been feeling stuck, sluggish, or just off, this one’s for you. Let’s get you back to full power.What we cover:How your physical state influences your mindset and emotionsThe power of breathwork, movement, and grounding to reset your energyThe gym that broke Stel (but also transformed him) - SAOR StudioWhy how you set goals matters just as much as what they areSimple, doable practices to take charge of your state – starting nowTry This: Take off your shoes and walk barefoot outside, play your favorite song and dance like nobody’s watching, or just take a deep breath (we’ll guide you through it in this episode).

What does it really mean to have a growth mindset—beyond the buzzwords? From the sneaky ways we trap ourselves in fixed thinking to the discomfort that comes with real growth, we unpack how to break free from limitations (even the ones we don’t realize we have). Plus: the “Lobster Theory” of growth, the drama triangle you didn’t know you were playing in, and why the world seems more fixed than ever.Episode Highlights:Every Day, You Get Better or Worse – The uncomfortable truth about growth.The Labels We Give Ourselves – How subconscious beliefs hold us back.The Drama Triangle – Are you the victim, rescuer, or persecutor? (Spoiler: You’re probably all three.)The Lobster Theory – Why growth is painful but necessary.Breaking Free – How to shift from stuck to unstoppable.Resources:The Drama Triangle by Stephen Karpman - ArticleThe Lobster Growth Analogy (Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski) - YouTubeBook: Mindset by Carol Dweck - Amazon

Aging. It's happening to all of us, but are we thinking about it all wrong? Join us as we dive into the science, psychology, and societal obsession with longevity. From the mind-blowing "Counterclockwise" study to the surprising secrets of nuns who lived the longest, we challenge the fear-driven approach to aging and explore how mindset, community, and purpose might be the real fountain of youth. Plus, a wild story about a doctor whose patients all looked 20 years younger. Episode Highlights:The Power of Perception – How acting younger makes you younger.The Nun Study – Why positivity predicts longevity. Mindset & Aging – Are we making it worse by focusing on it?The Longevity Doctor – One physician’s surprising anti-aging approach.Energy Has No Age – The role of connection and purpose.Resources:Counterclockwise by Ellen Langer - AmazonThe Nun Study (longevity & positivity) - studyLetting Go by David R. Hawkins - Amazon

Independence is empowering, but can it hold us back from real connection? James, Mary & Stel get candid about self-reliance, vulnerability, and how to create deeper, more meaningful relationships – with others and ourselves. It's a conversation that pushes the boundaries of comfort zones and explores what it truly means to connect.Key Topics DiscussedCan self-reliance make connection harder?Balancing vulnerability and strength in relationships and leadership.Strategies for setting uncompromising standards while fostering collaboration.The importance of creating "containers" that support shared goals and values.Tools for self-reflection: Use personality assessments and leverage AI to deepen self-understanding.

Your life doesn’t run on time – it runs on energy. We’re flipping the script on productivity by diving into what fuels us, what drains us, and why protecting your energy is the ultimate life hack. We share personal experiences, chat about managing energy instead of time, and explore moments of transcendent clarity that remind us of what’s possible. No fluff…just practical insight to help you stay in your power and thrive.Key Topics DiscussedPaying attention to who and what gives you energy (vs. drains you)Managing your energy vs. your timeStel’s life-changing trip to DubaiCelebrating the things that power us up.Books and Experts Referenced:Dan Sullivan: LinkedInManage Your Energy, Not Your Time by Tony Schwartz and Catherine McCarthy: HBRMillion Dollar Coach by Taki Moore: AmazonOne Thing Thursday newsletter: Subscribe at the bottom of the onprpose.com homepageStrategic Coach: WebsiteThe Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck: AmazonWhat’s in it for Them? by Joe Polish: Amazon

Conflict doesn’t have to be a battlefield—it can be a breakthrough. In this episode, we unpack the stories we tell ourselves, why asking better questions is the ultimate plot twist, and how a little curiosity can dissolve even the toughest tensions. Plus, we dive into simple, science-backed hacks to calm your system (widen your gaze, anyone?) and reclaim your cool in the heat of the moment. Growth starts here.Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor FranklPowered By Purpose by Sarah RozenthulerUnderstanding Ho'oponopono

Sleep isn’t just downtime – it’s a superpower. In this episode, we dive into the eye-opening impact of sleep deficits (spoiler: your late nights might be hitting harder than happy hour), lessons learned from chasing better sleep, and why quality rest is the ultimate life hack for sharper thinking and better judgment. Because when it comes to sleep, the difference between surviving and thriving is only a few Zzzs away. Key Topics DiscussedWhy sleep is the one thing you can’t phone in The impact of sleep deficits on judgment and performanceHow James, Mary, and Stel set themselves up for a good nightWhy the number of hours you sleep isn’t the best metric to monitorBooks and Experts Referenced:Why We Sleep by Matthew WalkerThe Artist’s Way by Julia CameronSleep is Your Superpower TEDtalkHuberman Lab Podcast:

Faith comes in many forms – religion, belief, conviction – but what’s really guiding us? From trusting the unseen to betting on ourselves, this conversation digs into what anchors us and how faith shapes our decisions, identities, and everyday mischief.Key Topics Discussed:Why faith is often avoided as a topic of conversation.The intersection of faith, belief, and energy.The difference between belief and faith.How faith shapes our values and decisions, both personally and professionally.The importance of curiosity and open-mindedness.Tools and Practices Mentioned:The power of intention: Aligning thoughts, feelings, and actions to achieve goals.Energy and focus: How intentionality and faith can shape outcomes.Curiosity over certainty: Embracing questions about the unknown as part of personal growth.Books and Experts Referenced:Learned Optimism by Martin Seligman: AmazonHuberman Lab Podcast: Website

In this episode of Meaningful Mischief, Mary, Stel, and James dive into the world of values—what they are, how they guide us, and why they’re essential for meaningful living. From personal stories to practical tips, they unpack how understanding and aligning with your values can transform your decisions, relationships, and daily life.Key Topics Discussed:What are values, and why are they important?Personal and professional values: How they intersect and evolve.Practical exercises to uncover your values:Reflect on who you admire and why.Analyze how you spend your time and attention.Ask the question: “What’s important to me?”Stories of how values shape decisions, from friendships to entrepreneurship.The role of values in creating purpose and achieving alignment in life.Resources Mentioned:The Breakthrough Experience by Dr. John DemartiniBook: The Breakthrough Experience: A Revolutionary New Approach to Personal TransformationSeminar: The Breakthrough Experience SeminarDocumentary: Breakthrough (2024) - IMDbMindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. DweckBook: Mindset: The New Psychology of SuccessPublisher's Page: Mindset by Carol S. Dweck - Penguin Random House CanadaAuthor's Profile: Carol Dweck - WikipediaThe Five Whys Method (Root Cause Analysis from Toyota)The Five Whys Method (Root Cause Analysis from Toyota)

In this episode of Meaningful Mischief, Mary, Stel, and James dive into the pervasive stress in today’s world—what causes it, how to manage it, and why it’s a natural part of growth. From simple breathing techniques to cultivating daily rituals, this episode unpacks practical strategies to navigate pressure and emerge stronger. Tune in to explore how you can turn stress into a tool for growth and deeper meaning.Key Topics Discussed:The global rise in stress and anxiety post-COVID.Recognizing acute stress vs. chronic stress.Tools for managing stress, including morning rituals, gratitude practices, and mindfulness.The importance of safe spaces and authentic expression.Shifting focus from self to others as a pathway to reducing stress.How stress and pressure can be catalysts for personal and professional growth.Tools and Practices Mentioned:Morning Rituals: Meditation, exercise, journaling, and juicing.Breathing Techniques: Learn about mindful breathing from Huberman Lab.Vision Expansion Exercise: Open your peripheral vision to relax your nervous system.The ABCDE System for Optimism: From Learned Optimism by Martin Seligman.Meditation Resource: Vipassana Meditation.Books and Experts Referenced:Learned Optimism by Martin SeligmanThe Road Less Traveled by M. Scott PeckTony Robbins on Emotional StateHuberman Lab Podcast

In this episode of Meaningful Mischief, Mary, Stel, and James explore strengths—what they mean, how to uncover them, and why they are essential for a fulfilling and impactful life. From finding your flow state to leveraging your strengths in your career and relationships, this episode dives deep into understanding what makes you uniquely you.Key Topics Discussed:What are strengths, and how do they differ from skills or hobbies?The role of flow state in discovering your strengths.Overdone strengths: When a strength becomes a blind spot.Using tools and assessments to uncover your strengths.The importance of aligning strengths with contribution and impact.Tools Mentioned:Strength Deployment Inventory (SDI): SDI by Core StrengthsKolbe A Index: Kolbe A IndexPRINT Assessment: PRINT Assessment by The Paul Hertz GroupWorking Genius by Patrick Lencioni: Working Genius AssessmentResources for Reflection:Ask 10 people what they think your strengths are.Reflect on past experiences where you felt in flow or deeply fulfilled.Journaling prompt: What gives you a sense of self-worth?

What happens when three entrepreneurs stop pretending they’ve got it all figured out?They make Meaningful Mischief.This isn’t your typical "rise and grind" podcast. We’re here for the real talk, the belly laughs, and the "what were we thinking?!" moments—all while unpacking what it really takes to build something meaningful.New episodes drop every Tuesday. Start with one—you’ll be hooked.🔗 Link in bio to subscribe.#MeaningfulMischief #PodcastLaunch #RealTalk #Entrepreneurship