The Motivational Firewood® Podcast!

Are YOU Putting a Cherry on a Dog-Poop Sundae?!?

You Are Unique...Right?!?

Yup...I did it.I made a Coaching Client CRY last week...How did I do it?Well...for exactly the reason she works with me.

Are YOU...Living FEARLESSLY?

No Juice...Energy Management Problem?

What is an Abundance Mindset...to YOU?In a world that seems to believe the material wealth equals abundance, I disagree...to a point.Yes, money and material things can offer us freedom, comfort and style.But...why do so many people people talk about feeling so 'empty and alone' when they reach these rewards?In this episode, I talk about a question asked my my mentor Terri Levine.What is an Abundance Mindset, to me?In just about 11 minutes, I'll share it here.Go ahead and listen...you've got time.

What Do Your Goals SMELL LIKE?Wait...what?Goals have an odor?Yes, they do.If you set them right.In this episode, I share JUST HOW DEEP you can go when you are mapping out your Goals to manifest the VISION you create for your ultimate life.

Gut Punches: Are You Strong Enough to Withstand Them?Life can certainly throw rocks in our road some days.And every once in a while...a gut punch.It can happen to any of us.How do we survive?We toughen up.The stronger we make ourselves, the better we can absorb the blow, withstand the pain, and keep going.I've been tested lately, big time.But I know that I owe that guy in my mirror the best.And I hope you see the same in yours.

#grief #truelove #lostlove #lossofwife #heartbrteak

Are You Winning Every Day? I am NOT one of those speakers who spouts off phrases like "Every day above ground is a great day!" Just 'waking up' is not a guarantee of anything. But...it does give you an opportunity to chalk up a WIN every day...if you choose to. How? By setting (and remembering) your Goals. Taking consistent action to achieve them. Acknowledging your 'incremental wins' as you chug your way uphill to reach them.

Who Will You Encourage Today? Do you realize how many people could benefit from just ONE PERSON cheering them on today? Seriously... A simple smile, hug, high-five or a kind word could really make someone's day. We never know what others are going through. And your choice of how to react & respond to someone's presence...could have a massive impact in their lives. Please be aware. Please be proactive. Please be intentional. Just like my buddy Kevin was, in this episode. And the BEST PART? The person who gets the BIGGEST BENEFIT out of it... Might be YOU!

Do YOU Matter? YES!!! You may FEEL small. You may THINK you can't make an impact. You may FEEL insignificant. I have, at times. And then I began to notice the ways that my thoughts, words and (especially) my actions sent 'ripples' out into the world...even when I thought nobody was looking. I bet this happens to YOU as well. WHY? Because you matter.

ENERGY...Where Is Your Focus? We can be pretty rough on ourselves. When we PERCEIVE 'others' being rough on us. I recently felt judged...by a blueberry pastry. It all depends on the ANGLE we're looking from, I guess.

Feeling Stuck? Do Something! Not that long ago, life had thrown some situations my way, which caused me to 'hit the pause button'...and stay there. Yup...I was 'stuck', big time. Feeling low. And the toughest things about times like this are: 1) realizing how bad things had gotten 2) knowing how to get out of it Slowly, it happened. And the biggest breakthroughs came when I decided to... DO SOMETHING!

You Get a CLEAN SLATE! Do you realize that every day is a Clean Slate...in some way? Sure, some things don't necessarily recycle every time the sun comes up. Your life is not exactly Groundhog day. But...there ARE some things that you can start fresh with every day. BONUS: You don't need a 'special' day to hang your hat on, to make a change. ANY day will do. What will YOU do...with TODAY? #newday #betterlife #betterchoices #startover #freshstart

One Goal. One Action. One CLICK! Are you the person who has Goals... Out there, somewhere?. And are overwhelmed by how much work you THINK it's going to take to get there. So you do...NOTHING? Or you wait for them to magically 'manifest' themselves in your life? (Trust me, the people out there who SAY that's what 'manifesting' is...really burn my butt, ha ha). In this episode, I share how "ONE DAY, ONE ACTION, ONE CLICK'... Can change your life for the better, and show YOU the path to WINNING. #vision #visionboard #manifest #manifesting #manifestation #lawofattraction#TheSecret

How is Your Self Talk? Do you realize that the person who talks the most CRAP about you, might be...YOU? How often do you step back and listen to the words you say TO or ABOUT YOURSELF? Listen carefully. You could be a bricklayer...or a wrecking ball. For years (decades, actually) I *was* a Wrecking Ball. Nasty words. And dang it...I believed every one of them. I knew better. Didn't believe I *deserved* better, though. Until a good friend gave me a Wake-Up Call that I didn't realize I needed...as badly as I did. #selftalk #selfworth #selfesteem #selfcontrol

One Goal. One Action. Today!! It can be soooo overwhelming to think of all the different areas of our lives, then think of all the things we said we WANT to achieve. If only we could pick ONE...and take an action, today. Then another one, tomorrow. Wait...we COULD do that. Right?

Boundaries, Rules...and Tollhouse Cookies! Life without boundaries and rules can quickly become chaos. In my case, it resulted in saying YES to wayyyy too many things, and losing my own schedule in the process. During a recent Kindness Mission in our kitchen, my wife Tina taught me the benefit of setting up some boundaries and rules for self-protection. It worked!! It helped us to help others. (and it was delicious) #boundaries #rules #baking #kindness #actsofkindness #homelessveterans #homelessvets #lawofattraction #respecttherules #helpthehomeless

Are You Celebrating Your Milestones? When was the last time you gave yourself credit for how far you‘ve come...in ANY area of your life? It can be sooooo easy to ‘miss’ our own progress when we wake up, day after day, and only see little increments, a day’s worth of effort. It’s also very easy to get ourselves off-track, saying: “Well, if I don’t make the effort TODAY, that’s okay...it’s only one day. How much difference could it make? The answer? A lot of difference!! In who you become. In your level of success. In your self-worth. In your confidence. #selfesteem #selfworth #confidence #celebratewins #celebration #incrementalwin #increments #vision #visionboard #manifestation #manifesting #BostonMarathon #NYCMaraton #ChicagoMarathon

Who You Become (or What You Get)? Which do you believe is more important? The way i see it, too many people are setting goals for WHAT THEY WANT...without realizing they need to create shifts in their lives to become the 'type of person' who can live up to it AND actually create it. As an example, today's show focuses on the people who say they wish to MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the world. This is all-too-often tied to winning a lottery, THEN 'giving back' to help others. In today's show, I share examples of how YOU can get started on that mission TODAY...in simple ways. #payitforward #whoyoubecome #givingback #actsofkindness #bestself #beyourbestself #becomeyourbestself #beyourself

How is Life Like an Old Wooden Roller Coaster? At a time when soooo many people are seeking 'instant' results, I am reminded of how I got here after a rough patch in my own life. Set my goals...and got consistent with my ACTIONS, understood my WHY and DID THE WORK! This is how it works for me.

Are You Coasting...Or Delaying the Start of Your Race? Trust me, I've been there. Giving a half-assed effort on my current journey. Or saying: "I'll get back on track at (insert name of fabricated 'start date' for which I will legitimately show up and do the work). What not enough people realize is this: TODAY IS A GREAT DAY TO START OVER, DO BETTER...TO BEGIN WINNING!

It's All Your Fault! (Inspired by Monique Yvonne) How you React & Respond to the world around you (everything included) can have a major impact on the situations of your life. You've got so many amazing processing systems inside you, which can help you to get through the toughest days. Keep on digging for gold inside yourself, and finding your power.

Not Just 'Better'...You Need Details!

Brad Burton has been Up, Down, Up and Down again. And he's always gotten back up. Born to a rough start. Living a tough life. As he shares, there is a good version and a not-so-good version of his life. In this conversation, we discuss: * How Brad got addicted to drugs...TWICE! * He was a pizza delivery guy at age 31 * How 'real life' is NOT like Hollywood * How having NO PLAN B changed his life * His 'better way' to conduct networking * His methodology for decision-making * When a mistake 'becomes' a mistake * The power of Self-Belief (even the misguided kind) * His big question: "Am I going to die?" * Why he stopped watching the news * Why he only gets involved with things he can impact * How you do NOT need to travel the world to make a difference * The importance of shining your light for people in the shadows * Why you can benefit from finding your brilliance * How DYING ON-STAGE made him a better speaker * Why life is the 'biggest game n the world' * How the number 24 fits into Brad's decision-making!

Special Guest Michael Padurano: More Lives Than a Cat! Michael Padurano is a human being who has been at the top as well as rock-bottom. And he has learned valuable lessons from being in BOTH PLACES...and everywhere in-between. In this conversation, Michael and I discuss: * Self-forgiveness * Being in control of our Actions & Reactions * Self-worth & Self-talk * How we are programmed to NOT find our own way (or to be ourselves) * The importance of boundaries (temporary & permanent) * How to be your own best friend * Living life without trying to impress others * How you can meditate to the Ramones & Sex Pistols! * The dangers of 'influencers' & false idols * The importance of being attuned to ourselves * Never running out of ripples!

Potential...Just Add a Spark!

Steve Gamlin's Motivational Firewood: Special Guest, Laughter Therapy founder Barry Taylor! Gelotologist, Trainer, Speaker Barry Taylor. Laughter, well-being and humor at work. In this conversation, we discuss: * The importance of 'finding your tribe' * Our thoughts (and misconceptions) of Laughter Yoga * Therapeutic benefits of laughter & health * How Barry's background as an educator impacts him today * Ways that our brains weed out 'fake' laughter * How Barry weaves games into learning * Research into how laughter impacts our brains and bodies! * How a tiny rescued dog inspired ME to write a book * Why laughter is a great way to start your day * The importance of building a Humor Resource Library * The ripples of laugher and humor!

Visualized a Goal (and Nothing Happened? Duh!) Trust me...I've heard it all. People who got their entire Education on Visualization from watching the DVD version of The Secret and seeing a genie in a magic lamp who said (over and over): "Your wish is my command." Uhhhh...yeah. There's much more to Visualization and Vision Boards than that. It goes much deeper. Believe me...I've owned the shovel for almost 20 years. And I've been doing a lot of digging. Want to learn more? http://VisionBoardSpecial.com

Get Excited About SOMETHING (Then React & Respond)! Do you realize how many people actively seek out the negative, DAILY? Who focus ONLY on the Bad Stuff? I get it, the world is not a perfect place. But...just how much more do YOU want to contribute to it? A recent sunrise (as I started my workout) reminded me that it can be very powerful to FIND THE GOOD, every day...even the 'little things', to get our positive juices flowing. And ALWAYS REMEMBER THIS: How we React & Respond to ANYTHING...is 100% up to US.

Coincidence...or Connection? (Special Guest Jacki Vilandre) I believe most of us have lost someone close to us over the years. Many people say that 'when someone is gone...they are GONE.' Others, like me, believe that our loved ones remain around us as energy or manifestations in other forms. What started off as a Visualization Coaching call to support one of my past clients, became a long conversation about this very topic...after I asked her a question about the collection of pictures she had assembled on the wall behind her, to honor her parents. One suggestion about an upcoming event (how to include her Mom, whom she was honoring by participating) triggered a FLOOD of 'connections' and awareness. Sign after sign began to appear...and it snowballed from there! In this conversation, Jacki Vilandre and I discuss the wild ride of 'moments' that recently happened in her life!

Are YOU Stacking Up Your Wins? Well...are you? Too many of us are focused on the wrong things. The wrong past. Forgetting that life is a long-term game. A game that we need to define by our progress, our consistency and our WINS. What gets in the way? Focusing on times we messed up. We made mistakes. The days that we allowed our 'Imposter Voice' and the 'Forces of Average' to knock us off our game. When we let these things creep in and get loud in our heads, our path toward Success can get cloudy. We need to remember this: We have WINS. Many of them. And it can start every morning in our mirrors. Find the good. Be the good. Keep working to create WINS. And stack them up...as evidence of how bad-assed we truly are. Ready? Let's go!

Special Guest (and Weight Loss Rock Star) Monica Burke! Monica is a Real Estate agent, Speaker, Author and Fitness Motivator. In this episode, she and I discuss: * How her healthy journey began * How a 'whole new lunch table' can change your life * Picking the right Accountability partners * Finding the best people to level up with you * Building better habits by showing up * Celebrating Non-Scale Victories! * The importance of building a new identity * The dangers of giving up before you 'SEE' the rewards * The difference between 'saying' you want something and 'proving' it * What to do when you are 'Not feeling it' * Monica's quest to end her Self-Inflicted pain * Understanding how many parts of our lives are in constant motion * Imposter Syndrome and the 'You might as well' voice * Why she is NOT 'lucky' or 'chosen'! * How some people are like rockets * You are who you pay attention to * The importance of finding YOUR SECRET SAUCE * Never trying to be 'The Next Anyone Else' * How to say "F-You'...with class! * The importance of creating Non-Negotiables Want to learn more about Monica's Journey, and how she helps her clients? Visit www.MomentumByMonica.com

ADHD for the WIN (Lori Jewett's new Book)!

Special Guest: Entrepreneur, Coach and 'Keep It Simple' Guy, Sammie Knight! Sammie Knight is a gentleman who has seen it all, done it all...and kept it all going with an amazing consistency and simplicity. He and I have long joked that we'd start our own podcast called "Two Guys on a Front Porch". Both of us being big on Visualizing and Action-Taking, I guess this would count as Episode 1! In this conversation, Sammie and I discuss: * How 'keeping it simple' has served him well * The 'sound effect' that changed hi life (thanks to his Dad) * How a 'Vision Room' helped to blow his company's profits wide open * The way a TEAM can create better results that individuals * The 3 forms of Management * How putting roots under your Vision can help them grow * The importance of dating your partner * Why paying attention to ALL areas of your life is a winning formula * How your Health can take you out of the game, if you don't play right * The 'extra steps' that Sammie takes when it comes to his clients (and their partners) * What Gratitude can do your your life and business * The power of 'The Pause' Want to learn more about Sammie? You can find him on: Facebook: Sammie Knight Instagram: TigerKnight58

If You Are Seeking Inspiration...Where Are You Looking? So many people keep wandering through life SAYING things like: "I just want to be inspired!"" or "I'm looking for a sign!" But... Where are their eyes? Locked on a screen or staring at their shoes. In this episode, I share ways to become more aware of the inspiration that is out there...WAITING FOR YOU.

Special Guest: Coach and Lifestyle Optimization Artist Scott Ferguson In this new episode, we spend time with Scott Ferguson. Scott's journey has taken him to many places, and he has survived many ups & downs along the way. His road has not been easy, from his childhood as a Filipino-American, which led to him being adopted (after the first one failed and he wound up at an orphanage). Here are some of the topics we tackle in this conversation: * how his 7 years in the Navy felt like his first 'real' family * when Scott lost it ALL in the real estate crash of 2008 * surviving homelessness with his dog * the book that changed it ALL for him * what the military taught him about how to have peoples' backs * the fact that NONE of us is 100% 'self-made' * how he eats a steady diet of Gratitude Sandwiches * the need for healthy Self-Talk and Inner Dialogue * the importance of having VISION * Scott's 8 Pillars for a complete life * why many people talk themselves out of their dreams * his super-power of Curiosity * how you can't drive forward while looking in the rear-view mirror * what fires him up! * why it is okay for people to LOVE us or HATE us * the power of 'good' addictions * how life is like a jazz band * the benefits (internal and external) of kindness * why it is important to do things for the INTENTION, not the ATTENTION You can learn more about Scott's coaching programs (and more) at http://TimeToShineToday.com

Results Take Time! These days, it seems like so many people want instant results. Going viral on social media.| Making a ton of money. Having the perfect relationship. Instantly! But we know that REAL RESULTS can take time. It's not just WHAT we achieve, but WHO we become in the process. Have YOU been expecting the results with a snap of your fingers? If so... How's that working out for you?

Special Guest: 'Health Impact maker' Shaun Tucker! What would YOU do...if you woke up in a foreign country, covered in blood and vomit...and had no idea how it happened? This happened to Shaun Tucker...and it impacted the course of his life forever. We also discuss: The importance of TRIBE (and how Shaun and I got connected) How being able to say "I lived it", can qualify you as an expert! Why getting kicked out of University taught Shaun about his 'real' mission in life How 'following the herd' can get us off-track How to defeat Imposter Syndrome can re-light your fire What can happen to your Confidence when you become truly Authentic The Art of Listening (as a Coach) The critical importance of 'being present' with people The dangers of 'feeling down'...and staying there. How impacting 'just one person' every day can help you to reach 1 million! To learn more about Shaun, visit: www.HealthyCEOs.com.au

Are You 'STRETCHING' Yourself? One of the biggest lessons I learned when I began my 'better physical health' journey about 2 years ago...was that STRETCHING is a critical part of my daily workouts. And how did I learn this? By sustaining an injury while using my Ab Roller...because I did NOT stretch first ...(not the Ab roller's fault)! As my workouts continued, stretching became a very important part, every day. Here's the cool part: In the rest of our lives, stretching can be a critical part of our Personal Development. I look back on where my life was, years ago...and can show you exactly where things began to improve...because I was willing to stretch my imagination, confidence, etc. Your results can get MUCH BETTER...when you Stretch!

Special Guest: Michelle Fuller (One Bold MF)! Two Failed Marriages.Horrible Self-Talk.Fractured Relationships.Life spiraling downward.What would YOU do?---My special guest Michelle Fuller not only dug herself out and picked herself up...she now gets to help OTHER WOMEN (just like her) to put THEIR lives back together.True Love.Successful Business.Positive Self-Talk! Catch the clip below, then click on the links to catch the Full Video and Podcast (see comments for the links).To learn more about Michelle and her programs: www.OneBadMF.com

Flau'jae Johnson Had a Vision...Do You? NCAA Womens' Basketball champion. Rapper and performer form America's Got talent. Flau'jae Johnson had a Vision of her success. She also had an Action Plan. And she knows her WHY. How did she do it?

The Healing Power of Humor! Have you ever had that 'moment' that reminds of of WHY you do, WHAT you do, the WAY that you do it? My buddy Greg Kettner has. I have too. And the funny part is, these very serious moments happened at a place that might not be your first choice.

What is Your Unique Butt-Kickin' Flavor? Wait...you don't believe YOU have a flavor? Think again. There's something you are amazing at. Something you do in such a unique way that people prefer 'your' brand above all others. Could be your Confidence. Could be your Charisma. Could be the way you Count to ten. Could be...anything. Do YOU know what you're really good at? It's not an egotistical nightmare to admit it...so please don't hide your talents from the world. In today's episode, I share how my wife Tina makes a pretty amazing potato dish, which my Stepmom Aline also makes. They each make them slightly differently, based upon their flavor preferences. Get it? They BOTH bring their unique flavor to everything THEY do. You can too. Are you?

Who is the BEST...at anything? It's pretty amazing (and disappointing) to see so many people screaming about who or what is 'The best' in any category these days. It seems every time one person (through an article, poll or survey) begins to rank any category, people begin screaming that 'THEIR FAVORITE' should be #1...or they spend way too much time simply TRASHING the results. Why do so many people insist that THEIR OPINION is right...and that YOURS...is garbage? In this episode, I talk about a recent magazine poll that crowned Queen guitarist Brian May as 'The Best', and how he graciously acknowledged his feelings on the matter...while so many people (and I saw this for myself) added dozens of comments insisting THEIR FAVORITE PLAYER should have topped the list. My opinion? We are all entitled to have our own favorites, for our own reasons.

Special Guest: TEDx Coach, Author, Marketer, Comedian and Entrepreneur Brad Szollose! Such a powerful conversation with Brad. He's achieved so much in his life, and each role he has played, has impacted his journey. Our conversation includes: * How a client's 'Stabbing Story' led to the TED Talk stage! * Brad's 'Pain to power' approach to storytelling * The 'moments' that change our lives are NOT coincidences * Life is a river, and boulders can shift our course * The 2 types of Speakers in the world (and why we are the same) * How to 'responsibly' use Self-Deprecation * Why we need to understand: it only takes one kernel of knowledge * Ways that every 'end' in our life is actually a re-birth * How the Law of Attraction 'really' works * Brad's certainty of success...even when starting in a tiny office * What can happen who YOU understand Visualization...but your partners don't! * How a 4" x 5" photograph led to 425% annual growth * Why your goals MUST BE YOURS! * The moment that BOTH of our Dads realized what we were really all about * The power of Your Story * Self Talk...and how it can wreck you * How to treat 'the opinions of others' * The amazing WINS that can come from 'having an adventure' * The 'nudges' that can change our lives forever We hope you enjoy this Conversation as much as we enjoyed sharing it! To learn more about Brad, visit BradSzollose.com

Confidence, Self-Talk and the Comparison Game, with Doc Jon Mossey! Doc Jon Mossey is a licensed Psychologist and author of the book "F*** Someday!" Topics in our conversation include: * Self-Talk and changing Internal Narratives * His 6 Pillars of Confidence * Grit and Mental Toughness * The Influence that others have in our lives * How life can be like The Wizard of Oz * Fake Gurus and their Super Secret Formulas * Keys to creating our Biggest Breakthroughs * The importance of taking 100% Ownership of our Outcomes * Communication, and how it teaches others how to treat us * Physical Fitness, Confidence and Assertiveness * Crawling through the Mud to achieve our Goals * The dangers of playing the Comparison Game You can learn more about Doc Jon by visiting: TheDocJon.Phonesites.com

What Do You Do When People Cheer for You? Can you take a compliment? Do you accept it? Or do you crap all over yourself, feeling unworthy? Two extremes, I get it. (I've been at both ends of that spectrum, by the way) This episode was inspired by an amazing video I saw, from a Detroit Red Wings game, when a kid named George was attending his very first hockey experience! And he got a helping hand...from a ton of fans. If George can 'get the lesson'...YOU CAN TOO. EPISODE LENGTH: Just over 6 minutes...you've got time. #cheering #fansinthestands #hockey #hockeyfans