The Life Lessons Collective

Episode at a GlanceA dental implant curveball that could’ve tanked my mood, but instead leads to a moment of gratitude, sets the tone for my guest, Tom Mallouk, a psychotherapist of 50 years and an award-winning poet (2022 Poet Laureate of Bucks County, Pennsylvania) who helped shape my life during formative years of individual, couples, and men’s-group work.Tom shares how a violent protest aftermath, a bad LSD trip, and years of inner shutdown culminated—after 9/11—in a “tsunami of poetry.” His lesson is beautifully practical:* Become aware of your natural tendency (fight, flight, freeze… or speed vs. flow).* Make a conscious opposite move (seek order if you invite chaos; listen if you usually dominate).* Notice what happens—that’s how the self grows.He reads three devastating, gorgeous poems: one about a first therapy session that offered just enough hope to keep going, one about a traumatic childhood incident, and one about his brother’s sudden death. You won’t want to miss his heartfelt readings.Why it MattersGrowth isn’t a personality transplant; it’s microscopic course-corrections—gratitude over grievance, curiosity over control—repeated daily. Tom’s map turns suffering into craft and presence.Nonprofit SpotlightIn honor of Tom, we’re donating to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). If you or someone you love needs support, visit nami.org. Help is available now: Call 1-800-950-6264, Text “NAMI” to 62640, or Call/Text 988 in a crisis.Links & Mentions* Guest: Tom Mallouk — psychotherapist & poet; Bucks County Poet Laureate (2022).* Chapbook: The Right Metaphor (Amazon).* Nonprofit: NAMICall to ActionIf this conversation resonated: follow, rate, and share The Life Lessons Collective. Tell a friend who loves poetry, psychology, or simply good stories about growth. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schatztastic.substack.com

What happens when the very thing that defines you suddenly disappears? At 21, Elissa Maas Weinzimmer lost her voice—vocal hemorrhage, reflux, and muscle tension dysphonia—right as she was singing, acting, and directing nonstop. That break became a breakthrough: years of studying, unlearning, and ultimately teaching others how to access an authentic voice rooted in nervous-system calm and real presence. Learn more about Elissa’s work at Voice Body Connection.In our conversation, Elissa explains in plain language how “pushing” (physically, mentally, emotionally) often creates more tension and worse sound. Letting go isn’t another task—it’s the absence of doing, the easing that allows your voice to flow. She also shares how student-centered pedagogy (not “the teacher has all the answers”) helps clients notice their patterns, unwind habitual tightness, and speak or sing from a truer place.I also share a mini-lesson of my own: finally clearing my desk—and my mind—after years of dabbling with Getting Things Done (GTD). When I made space, ideas returned and flowed…almost effortlessly. Different paths; same theme: stop forcing, create room, and trust what’s already there.Nonprofit spotlight: Samadhi — compassionate, community-based recovery careBooks Referenced• Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity — David Allen This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schatztastic.substack.com

How do you measure success? For musician David Davol, it isn’t about fame or fortune — it’s about living life on your own terms, doing more of what you love, and less of what you don’t.In this latest episode of *The Life Lessons Collective*, I reconnect with David, whose career in music has spanned over 46 years and more than 7,000 performances. From bar gigs and cruise ships to country clubs and concert halls, David’s story is a testament to the power of persistence.His life lesson is simple yet powerful: *the harder you work, the luckier you get.* Whether practicing guitar seven hours a day in a seaside motel or jumping at a last-minute cruise ship opportunity, David shows how preparation opens the door to serendipity.This episode is also a reminder that success isn’t one-size-fits-all. As David puts it, “I’ve done more of what I wanted to do, and less of what I didn’t want to do, than almost anyone I know.” That, to him, is the definition of success. It sure is an inspiring message I think about every day.David (left) and Carty Brown - mid 1970’s. David’s post about this photo inspired my reaching out to him and our conversation. A positive re-connecting moment in the divisive, stormy seas of today’s social media climate.🌟 Nonprofit PlugThis episode supports Rock to the Future (rocktothefuture.org), providing free, student-driven music programs that build confidence and community for Philadelphia youth.📚 References* Peter Block’s The Answer to How Is Yes * Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers* Historical context: The Beatles’ Hamburg years (example of preparation meeting opportunity)* Spotify playlist of songs mentioned in the episode. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schatztastic.substack.com

One small thing.That’s the lesson that helped this week’s guest, Aly Rice, climb her way out of heartbreak, grief, and career burnout—and build a completely new life.In this episode of The Life Lessons Collective, Aly tells the raw and riveting story of how a vacation romance turned long-distance relationship became a betrayal that blindsided her. As if that weren’t enough, she then lost her last surviving parent, faced public humiliation, and stepped away from the corporate world.Her way out? Episode 12 guest, Kathleen Seeley’s advice: “What’s one small thing that’s small enough to get done, but big enough to matter?”From daily walks to launching a coaching practice and two podcasts—Sex, Lies & Tacos and This Could Get Messy—Aly shares how those small, consistent steps became the building blocks of a bold new beginning.🎧 Listen now and walk away with one deceptively simple mindset shift you can put into practice today.—📚 Mentioned Resources• Getting Things Done by David Allen• Effortless by Greg McKeown• The Miracle Morning by Hal ElrodNonprofit Spotlight: In honor of Aly, this episode supports Dress for Success Worldwide, a global nonprofit helping women achieve economic independence and career success.#TheLifeLessonsCollective #AlyRice #Reinvention #Podcast #DressForSuccess #SmallStepsBigChange This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schatztastic.substack.com

In this episode, Michael is joined by attorney and MSP industry leader Bradley Gross, who shares a powerful lesson about the importance of embracing friction—both in business and in life. From his early days prosecuting cybercrime to founding the law firm that bears his name, Brad discusses how pushing through disagreement and discomfort can unlock growth, creativity, and meaningful change. He also opens up about his personal evolution, a divorce, and his newest venture, MSP Terms, which merges legal insight with entrepreneurial tech.Brad's message is clear: Friction, when welcomed thoughtfully, can move the needle in every area of life.Brad is the author of Wisdom and Witticisms of an MSP Attorney and the host of the podcast The Technology Bradcast, available at www.technologybradcast.com. Also mentioned in the episode is Gino Wickman’s Traction, a widely-used business framework that encourages healthy team conflict to drive alignment and results.For more information on the nonprofit mentioned in the commercial break, please visit www.nokidhungry.org. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schatztastic.substack.com

In this episode, Michael speaks with Lynard Stewart—former Temple standout and pro baller turned educator and mentor. Lynard reflects on how life-shaping choices—like transferring high schools, staying local for college, and embracing the grind and cultural differences of European basketball—led him to the work he does now.His central insight: “Make sure your goals reflect who you are.” It’s a grounded reminder that success without alignment is just noise. Lynard shares how values-based decisions, not hype, shaped his path—and how he’s now passing those lessons to the next generation through parenting, teaching, coaching and mentoring.📚 Mentioned: The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy, coaching insights from John Chaney and Chris Finch, the challenges of NIL and college recruiting culture.❤️ Nonprofit spotlight: Philadelphia Youth Basketball—building life-changing programs *of, by, and for* the communities they serve.🎧 Tune in and grow your toolkit…that’s it, right there at the top of this page :-)#LifeLessonsCollective #PhillyBasketball #PurposeDrivenLife #PYB #TempleMade This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schatztastic.substack.com

In this episode, Michael is joined by David Richards, Senior Vice President of Programming at Audacy and a friend of over 40 years. Dave shares his journey from an uncertain start in college to becoming a leader in the radio and digital audio industry, driven by a deep passion for music, creativity, and brand building. His central life lesson focuses on the power of vision, focus, and strategic thinking—recognizing that success isn’t about doing everything, but about identifying the one thing you do best and building relentlessly around it. Through lessons learned from both great and poor leadership, Dave emphasizes that clarity of purpose and empathy in leadership are what sustain personal and organizational success.Referenced Books and Websites* StrengthsFinder by Tom Rath — referenced in the discussion about recognizing and working with personal strengths instead of battling weaknesses.* Who Not How by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy — mentioned when discussing how finding the right people (the "who") matters more than struggling to solve every problem yourself.* Make Noise by Eric Nuzum — cited for exercises in clarifying your brand's or podcast’s focus into a concise, powerful identity.* Audacy — Dave’s company, a major multi-platform audio content provider.For more information on the non-profit mentioned in the commercial break, please visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schatztastic.substack.com

In this episode, Michael is joined by Jodi O'Donnell-Ames, a passionate author, speaker, and founder of the nonprofit Hope Loves Company. Their conversation dives into Jodi’s deeply personal journey—losing her husband Kevin to ALS, raising their daughter, and turning unimaginable grief into a mission to support kids and families affected by ALS. Along the way, Jodi shares mini-lessons on presence, resilience, and the importance of simply starting—whether that’s launching a nonprofit with $1,200, going back to school at nearly 60, or just sending that brave email. It’s a conversation full of warmth, wisdom, and some seriously inspiring reminders that hope really does love company.📚 Get the Book: You can grab a copy of Jodi’s inspiring book, Hope Givers: Conversations and Stories of Hope, right here: https://a.co/d/17l2CCi🌱 Learn More: Check out https://www.hopelovescompany.org/ to learn more about the amazing work Hope Loves Company is doing to support children and young adults affected by ALS. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schatztastic.substack.com

In this episode, Michael is joined by Kathleen Seeley, an executive coach with nearly 30 years of experience working with thought and business leaders, including her thirteen-year collaboration with Jack Canfield, "America's Number One Success Coach." Kathleen shares insights on the power of self-awareness, how conflict can be a catalyst for growth, and the importance of aligning leadership with core values. Kathleen also shares a key, seemingly contrarian philosophy of how goals, while useful, can sometimes limit potential, instead encouraging a more fluid and open approach that embraces presence and the power of taking "one step small enough to get done and big enough to matter".  All in all, it's a fascinating and engaging conversation, one that's sure to entertain and challenge you...perhaps giving you some insights to define your next best step(s).To get in touch with Kathleen, email her at [email protected], we'd like to thank our inaugural sponsor, Brandi Stiles, who is offering a free breathwork session to our listeners at https://brandistiles.com/lifelessonscollective. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schatztastic.substack.com

In this episode, Michael is joined by Lela Casey, a passionate writer and activist with a fascinating life story. They discuss the art of storytelling and the importance of vulnerability in communication. Lela shares her experiences growing up in a multicultural family, her journey through freelance writing, and her involvement in local politics and activism. The conversation highlights the power of showing up for others and being open to life's adventures, even when they lead to unexpected and challenging situations. Lela's commitment to making a positive impact in her community is truly inspiring. In Lela’s honor, The Life Lessons Collective is proud to make a contribution to an organization she holds dearly: Stand Up for Kids.  To learn more about the work they do, please visit https://www.standupforkids.org/. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schatztastic.substack.com

In this episode, Michael is joined on a fast-paced and fun journey by the fast-paced and fun Jesse Mostipak, who shares her unique insights and life experiences. Jesse discusses her journey through a wide variety of educational and professional phases, all guided by a short-but-sweet philosophy, informed by a "fishy" experience in her childhood.Jesse's narrative is particularly compelling as she reflects on the life lessons she's learned and how they've influenced her approach to new challenges and opportunities. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and adaptability in both personal growth and professional success.She can be reached on LinkedIn and on Twitter & Instagram @KIERISI for further interaction and insights.In honor of Jesse's appearance, The Life Lessons Collective is contributing to World Central Kitchen, an organization dedicated to providing meals in the wake of humanitarian, climate, and community crises. To learn more about their mission or to contribute, visit their website. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schatztastic.substack.com

In this episode, Michael engages in a powerful conversation with Mike Carter, a lifelong resident of North Philadelphia. Mike's journey is one of resilience and redemption, as he overcame years of educational apathy and a straight D average in high school, along with the allure of street life. Despite these challenges, Mike found his path to higher education at Temple University.What set Mike's journey apart was the guidance of influential mentors, including legendary coaches John Chaney and Dawn Staley. Their mentorship, along with others, tapped into Mike's passions, steering him away from the less-than ideal pathways of his past.The life lesson Mike shares from his experiences now fuels his current ventures, where he utilizes his community-building skills to improve opportunities for disadvantaged inner-city children. Through his work, Mike is paying forward the support and guidance he received, creating positive change in his community.In honor of Mike's story and his commitment to mentorship, The Life Lessons Collective is making a contribution to Fathers Read 365. To learnmore about this impactful organization, visit their website at https://www.fathersread365.org/.If you're interested in watching Michael's 2018 speech at NASDAQ, as referenced in the introduction, you can find it on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkvYzVUYKZU.Tune in to this episode for an inspiring story of overcoming adversity, mentorship, and community empowerment. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schatztastic.substack.com

In this episode, Michael is joined by Theresa Conroy, whose journey spans journalism, private investigation, yoga therapy, and now, living in France. Theresa shares insights into her various career transitions, including her time as a reporter for the Philadelphia Daily News and her work with Parkinson's patients. They delve into the importance of managing anxiety disorder while pursuing dreams rather than seeing it as a barrier. Tune in for a rich discussion on embracing change and finding fulfillment. For more from Theresa, visit her blog "Yo France" at https://yofrance.substack.com/.  To learn more about her Yoga for Parkinson's training, visit https://www.yogaforparkinsons.com/. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schatztastic.substack.com

In this captivating podcast episode, we're joined by the remarkable Marty Devlin, author of "Ol' Buddy Marty." At 91 years young, Marty defies stereotypes, having overcome a childhood marked by doubts about his potential. From high school championships in diving, baseball, and football to leading his American Legion baseball team to victory in the Legion World Series, Marty's athletic prowess knew no bounds. His journey continued with eight seasons in the Brooklyn Dodger organization and a surprising pivot to tennis, where he became the US's #1 ranked player by age 45, securing world championships on three surfaces. His success in sports fueled his desire to excel in other realms and has led to a lifetime of outstanding academic, business and life achievements, fueled by a steadfast commitment to core principles that he developed through his experiences, using them to overcome the early limitations that were projected onto him by others.   Don't miss out on the wisdom and adventures recounted by this extraordinary individual. Click here to buy Marty's book Ol' Buddy Marty.  To learn more about Marty, visit his website.The making of this episode included a shocking and scary incident, which is recounted in the intro. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schatztastic.substack.com

In this episode, Michael talks with Barbara Paluszkiewicz, CEO of CDN Technologies in Ontario.  Barb shares her journey from her formative years, where, with English as her second language, she was relied upon to translate sometimes difficult transactional situations for her Polish-speaking grandmother, to now leading a successful tech company in Canada. Barb emphasizes the importance of clear communication, learned from her early experiences, which now helps her bridge the gap between technical jargon and client understanding. Through empathy and effective communication, she ensures clients grasp critical concepts in the rapidly evolving IT landscape, preventing costly cyber incidents and fostering trust.  All this…and a dose of Archie Bunker and Fred Sanford too.  Come join us; you’ll be glad you did. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schatztastic.substack.com

We're so lucky to have the immensely talented author and painter, Clifford Thompson, on the pod.  Check out our conversation as Cliff reflects on his creative journey from his early fascination with misunderstood male characters, like Charlie Brown, Holden Caulfield and Benjamin Braddock, up to the publication of his two most recent books, What It Is: Race, Family, and One Thinking Black Man's Blues (2019) and the graphic novel Big Man and the Little Men (2022)Thompson's journey underscores the importance of staying connected to childhood passions and embracing one's core self. He emphasizes the value of pursuing what brings personal fulfillment, even if it diverges from societal expectations. Through his experiences as a writer, editor, and artist, Thompson exemplifies the resilience and creativity found in honoring one's early interests throughout life's journey.For more infomation on Thompson, check out his website: www.cliffordthompson.info  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schatztastic.substack.com

Join us on an interesting life and career journey with Andrew Dawson, a seasoned strategist with a diverse background in various advertising agencies and consultancies. Dawson shares insights from his career, including the importance of finding and cultivating mentors, and the challenges of navigating corporate culture during rapid career advancement.  He discusses how his experiences inform his approach to mentoring his children and his podcast, "60 Second Democracy," which educates listeners on the actual roles of government officials. Dawson highlights the importance of understanding these roles beyond party lines and emphasizes the need for effective governance at the local level. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schatztastic.substack.com

Want to meet a true renaissance woman?  Well, you've come to the right place.  In this episode of the Life Lessons Collective, multi-talented visionary Amy Kardel shares her life lesson about embracing change as the normal state of things. Drawing on personal experiences, Amy discusses the challenges and rewards of navigating change, whether it's a career shift, adapting to new technologies, or facing unexpected life circumstances. She emphasizes the importance of being open to change, taking initiative in learning new skills, and supporting others through their own transformations. The conversation also touches on the need to reshape the media portrayal of the tech industry and highlights Amy's exciting venture of co-writing a screenplay that portrays the positive aspects of working in tech. Overall, the episode encourages listeners to view change as an opportunity for growth and to approach it with optimism and resilience. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schatztastic.substack.com

Join me on a fascinating journey with middle school teacher (and great storyteller) Bill Barnes, as he shares the lesson imparted to him at an early age that has helped him overcome physical challenges, find his purpose and impart his own wisdom and knowledge on the next generation of leaders.And no dictionaries were harmed in the making of this podcast. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schatztastic.substack.com

Scott Messer is not just a leadership coach; he's a life lessons guru. In the debut episode of The Life Lessons Collective, host Michael Einbinder-Schatz shares the impactful story of how Scott introduced him to a transformative concept during a meeting at a classic diner. A concept that ultimately led to this podcast, nearly two decades later.  Now Michael and Scott discuss an important lesson in Scott's own life, drawn upon many times in the nearly five decades since he experienced it, in the dining room of a swanky country club.  That lesson: banishing the shackles of worry.Scott brings a unique perspective to the podcast, emphasizing the importance of understanding others' needs and shifting the spotlight away from oneself. Tune in to gain insights, share a laugh with Scott's humor, and discover a valuable life lesson that transcends the business world. Welcome to The Life Lessons Collective! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schatztastic.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schatztastic.substack.com