YourLifeUseful Podcast

It’s been over 140 days and literally an entire season since the last YourLifeUseful Podcast. What have you been up to?To say it’s been anything but crazy here would be a tremendous understatement. The last 4 months have been just a fucking mad world for me. So, I take you through my last 4 months, catch up on everything you missed.I talk about my self-struggle with what I am hoping was an acute case SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and not some full-fledged depression, and how it almost led to the end of this show. My fall from the meditation and self-improvement wagon, and horrible regress into self-hatred, amongst other less than useful things.I discuss the decision process that went into making this a season podcast and the topic of season 2 – Hello Happiness, the new show format, and upcoming plans for interviews and interaction.On a serious note – Help to end to the stigma of suicide. There is absolutely no shame in asking from help. You may not know me at all, but no matter who you are, where you are, what is going on I am here to talk to you. Never ever feel bad or ashamed for asking for help. There is a huge support network out there, but no one can help you if they don’t know you need help. Shine on you crazy diamond!On that note – Keep asking yourself, #IsItUseful YourLifeUseful is a podcast and blog that are designed to spread the #isituseful movement. This is my journey to self-exploration, self-awareness, self-growth and yes, self-help. I am just a normal guy that needed to get my responses in check. So hand around! Some episodes will be me talking on a specific topic, others will be interview shows, and some will be a mix of both - but rest assured, all will be fun.www.yourlifeuseful.com

Election Meditation – Episode 008 – The YourLifeUseful Podcast On this week’s episode, we talk meditation. The best possible way to reconcile the shit storm that happened last week with the election.So, with all the turmoil of last week’s election, I have found myself really struggling. As you can tell, I am no fan of the outcome. However, it quickly dawned on me that, based on the results of the popular vote, the demonstrations taking place across the country, the celebrity Twitter rants, and the AH-MAZING Biden meme’s that have flooded my Facebook stream, I clearly wasn’t alone. In fact, more than half the nation seemed to agree with me.Armed with the knowledge of my new found brethren, it got me thinking. If I was having such a hard time dealing with the results, stressing over the realization that some close friends and family decided that racism/misogyny/homophobia/violence (take your pick) were not deal breakers in being president of the United States, fear of losing the progress made on all fronts setting this country back untold amounts of years, and the anxiety of the unknown change that is now charging at us like a bull in heat, so was everyone else. So, instead of making a rant episode about my distain and distrust for the man that will likely be the next president (miracles rarely happen), I wanted to turn this episode into a useful show and show the listeners a few meditation techniques to help you decompress, destress, and re-center yourself, help you move past this last week and look towards the future, cause who knows what could be coming, good or bad.This week I discuss some various forms of meditation and the benefits that one can expect while practicing. The forms discussed this week fall generally within the Theravada tradition, which is like old world Buddhism meditation, thankfully without the throat noises. I talk about Mindfulness Meditation, Metta Meditation, Transcendental Meditation (TM), and Yoga Meditation (3rd Eye, and Chakra). You will learn the basics of how to perform the meditation, and also which ones I favor. Please understand, I am not an instructor. I am simply a guy that wanted to share with the world some ways to quell our feelings of unrest in this uncertain political climate. I highly recommend researching further the various types if you are interested in trying meditation out for yourself. Obviously, if you have any questions you can always contact me through the ‘contact’ page on the site at www.yourlifeuseful.com. Resources named in this episode –The David Lynch Foundation – www.davidlynchfoundation.org10% Happier – www.10percenthappier.comSharon Salzberg – www.sharonsalzberg.comJoseph Goldsein – www.dharma.org/joseph-goldsteinThe Insight Meditation Society – www.dharma.orgBuy Dan Harris’s book 10% Happier HEREBuy Sharon Salzberg’s book Real Happiness HERE Buy Mark Epstein’s book Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart HERE Mobile Apps –Insight Meditation Timer10% Happier AppHeadspace YourLifeUseful is a podcast and blog that are designed to spread the #isituseful movement. This is my journey to self-exploration, self-awareness, self-growth and yes, self-help. I am just a normal guy that needed to get

Episode 7 – The October RoundupNot only is it Halloween, but it’s also that time of monthagain…. Roundup time! In this episode, we look at the month of October as awhole and highlight the top 3 things that I found useful this month. I alsotake some time to revisit the previous episodes from the month and tie up anyloose ends that have been brought to my attention from you guys, the listeners.Also, if there have been any new developments or further information, I willpresent it here as well. - We revisit the interview with Robert Graves and presentsome great resources for anyone that is transitioning in their lives.-       www.vetresource.org-       www.veteranscrisisline.net-       www.beneifts.va.gov-       www.legion.org-       www.dav.orgI talk briefly about the heartwarming stories seen all overthe internet and social media from National Coming Out Day on October 11th,2016.We discuss how entertainment (movies, tv and music) isgetting good again. I point out various ways that these forms of entertainmentthat we crave are actually a form of therapy for us and provide a bit ofescapism, even if for only a short time. I even provide a snippet from a SNLskit, starring Tom Hanks, as David S. Pumpkin. This has to be the best thing tohave come out of Halloween 2016 and you can catch it by clicking HERE.Lastly, I cove the best example of both being not useful anduseful at the same time. In an about face, the Pentagon seized making Armyindividuals pay back the (re)enlistment bonuses that they were rightfully paid.If you haven’t read the story, Google it, it’s all over the internet.This week’s episode was marked with a new segment, a quicksegment at the end of the show where I let you guys know what other podcast outthere has caught my attention. This week I have been non-stop listening to theMyths and Legends podcast. It’s great! Basically, a guy named Jason, take hislove for English literature and ruins all of our childhood stories. Okay, notreally, but really. Think you know the story of Aladin, Mulan, or even theKnights at the Round Table? Think again. You can find the Myths and Legendspodcast on iTunes or the podcast app, or by visiting www.mythspodcast.com. Enjoy the show! Until next time, keep asking yourself#isituseful.AdamYourLifeUseful is a podcast and blog that aredesigned to spread the #isituseful movement. This is my journey toself-exploration, self-awareness, self-growth and yes, self-help. I am just anormal guy that needed to get my responses in check. So hand around! Someepisodes will be me talking on a specific topic, others will be interviewshows, and some will be a mix of both – but rest assured, all will be fun.www.yourlifeuseful.com

On this week’s show, I talkabout Imposter Syndrome. I breakdown what it is, some notable faces that openlysuffer from it, discuss the key signs for suffers, and give a few ways that Ihave found useful in overcoming this debilitating demon.I also give some updates onthe show, talk about an exciting new side project that I got to start this pastweekend, and I issue a small call to action for you, the listeners. Of course,I am always looking for new guests to come on the show. If you have a uniquestory that is useful, make sure to use the contact form on the website www.yourlifeuseful.com or hit me up onTwitter @YourLifeUseful. Literally, ANY topic will be considered.Lastly, please take a momentto rate and review the podcast on iTunes. I understand that not everyone usesiTunes, so I really appreciate the help. The process is really easy, just openyour iTunes store and select Podcasts, or open the Podcast app on your iPhone,iPad, or iPod, and search for The YourLifeUseful Podcast. From there it’s aseasy as selecting your rating and writing a brief comment.Enjoy! YourLifeUsefulis a podcast and blog that are designed to spread the #isituseful movement.This is my journey to self-exploration, self-awareness, self-growth and yes,self-help. I am just a normal guy that needed to get my responses in check. Sohand around! Some episodes will be me talking on a specific topic, others willbe interview shows, and some will be a mix of both – but rest assured, all willbe fun.www.yourlifeuseful.com

This week,we are joined by Marine veteran Robert Graves. After spending 10 years in the Marines as a radar technician, Robert was forced back into the civilian world.Being thrust into this new lifestyle that was different from everything he had known. Initially lost, Robert was very quick to pick back up and dust him selfoff. Embarking on a six year long process, Robert has risen from the proverbial ashes. Through his work with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), as a life coach and hypnotherapist, and writing his book How to Grow a Beard: A Military Transition Guide Back Into Civilian Life, he has found his next path in life helping others.-         Robert’s civilian transition story. Planning to be a “lifer” (doing at least 20 years),his military career hit a few ups and downs, and eventually lead to him leaving the Marines at 10 years of service.-         What it means to be a life coach and hypnotherapist. Robert discusses how he first came to be part of the life coach world and his lifelong love with helping people. -         He talks about how he got involved with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV)group.-         We discuss the struggles of military members that are transitioning back into the civilian world. Does everyone have a bad transition? No. However, in every transition there are unforeseen challenges.-         Using hypnotherapy to help others.-         Talking about his book How to Grow a Beard: A Military Transition Guide Back Into Civilian Life, Robert makes light of some of the funnier aspects of transition (ie. growing your beard back) and makes so heavier hits about realizing your own potential and the fact that you are worth so much more that the civilian world would have you believe.-         Do civilian recruiters discriminate former military members by pitting prior officers against prior enlisted members? We touch on the topic and Robert brings to the table so great points.-         His plan for a new book and his new podcast #YearOfTheVetBook summary– “How to Grow a Beard: A Military Transition Guide Back Into Civilian Life” is primarily based on 10-year Marine Corps veteran R.Graves' story on how he weaved back into the civilian life, but it is also the voice of every single veteran who has been thrown out to the wolves, to fend for themselves. Thrown out to learn the protocols of the civilian world and endure an—at times—intense mental battle. Thrown out to learn how to reintegrate with the real world again allover again. This book covers topics such as reframing what sacrifice means to an individual, learning what we're worth in the civilian workplace, converting military service into civilian language for resumes and interviews, lessons on humility, integrating with friends and family again, and even lessons on swallowing your pride and allowing others to help out with our transition.Because transition will come—faster than you may realize. But, as ready as you are to start your new life, you will at some point find yourself in the situations introduced in this book. With veteran suicide, and veteran homelessness at an all-time high, it is no secret that transition can be hard and overwhelming. Graves' intent with this book is to make the military transition as smooth as possible for his fellow veterans, by providing tools and lessons learned. Whether you are about to leave the service or have been out in the civilian trenches for a while, this book is the tool created for you to transition—successfully.Buy your copy of the book here https://www.amazon.com/How-Grow-Beard-Military-Transition/dp/1523241810/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1476712652&sr=8-1&keywords=how+to+grow+a+beardIf you would like to connect with Robert Graves you can catch him online here –

On thisweek’s episode, I give some pretty awesome updates about the show and then weget down and dirty discussing the notorious “C” word. Think you know what I amtalking about? Think again, you’re probably wrong. I promise, it’s not THAT “C”word.Updates:-         Overhauledthe audio recording equipment. There are still a few kinks to iron out and somesound to level, but hey I am DIY and there is a decent learning curve. In themeantime, please enjoy and pardon and sound errors.-         Ihave discovered www.fiverr.com and it’spretty amazing! If you have never heard of fiverr and are looking for some sortof remote service (ie writing, graphic design, musical services, voice overs,resume writing, photography, and a ton more) check out www.fiverr.com. Everything starts at $5 andyou are helping the little guy get their due. Check it out!-         Thebiggest announcement, why production quality is becoming a main focus. So, I havealways made episodes that sounded okay. I haven’t had to do too much quality control.That is until now. This past International Podcast Day, I was fortunate enoughto win a VIP pass to this year’s upcoming Podcast Movement convention (Thanks www.podbean.com) ; it’s like comicon forpodcasters. Since I will be mixing with the big guns at the event, I reallywant to step the show up and make sure that it is the best that it can possiblybe. Now, all of the audio upgrades were planned to take place later andthroughout the year, but this has really put the pressure on. So, I have begunthe transformation early.We take atrip down memory lane to pinpoint where I lost the real me. The me that was mytrue personality and happy disposition. Before I was jaded towards the worldand everything it had to offer. Most people think that I am unhappy all of thetime, the black cloud of any room I enter. Sure my resting dick face doesn’thelp my situation, but trust me when I say, this is not me and that is not howI want to be seen.Join me in discussing my plan of action to get out of my perpetualpessimism and back into the land of the emotionally alive. Enjoy! YourLifeUseful is a podcast and blogthat are designed to spread the #isituseful movement. This is my journey toself-exploration, self-awareness, self-growth and yes, self-help. I am just anormal guy that needed to get my responses in check. So hand around! Someepisodes will be me talking on a specific topic, others will be interviewshows, and some will be a mix of both - but rest assured, all will be fun.www.yourlifeuseful.com