15 Minutes to Freedom

E264 Mike Bledsoe

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, details matter. As some of you may know, along with the podcast I have my own coaching practice. With both the podcast and the coaching practice, our iPad is an essential tool. Coming in on a Saturday to shoot some podcasts, the iPad was nowhere to be found. After frantically searching, we came to the conclusion that the iPad must have been stolen. Listen to find out how paying attention to the details could have spared us panic, anxiety, and assumptions.

When are pancakes not your ordinary pancakes? When you head to IHOP on Christmas Day. After forgetting our breakfast supplies at Lindsay’s parent’s house on Christmas Eve, Gianna’s choice was to head out for breakfast. Little did we know, this wasn’t such a novel idea. After spending almost two hours at IHOP something unexpected happened; a valuable lesson was learned by all. Listen to find out the gift that was received in the most unlikely of places.

Lessons can come when you least expect it, even at a child’s Christmas concert. At some point in all our lives, we learn how to judge other people. Why or how this happens is somewhat difficult to understand. While attending Gianna’s concert a couple weeks ago, I was taught a powerful lesson in the importance of withholding judgement. This lesson was so powerful that it forced me to investigate some areas of my life where I’m unconsciously judging others. Where are you falsely judging people in your

We tend to think that the “ugly” in our lives is what will drive people away, when in reality it brings us closer together. Opening up and sharing the vulnerability found in a difficult situation has the power to to create stronger bonds than ever imagined. Because of this, our greatest pain has the potential to be our salvation. This podcast is living proof. Get our of your mind and get into your heart. It’s time for change.

Dating your significant other on a consistent basis is the easiest and most efficient way to build intimacy in your relationship, no matter matter if you’ve been together for two weeks or 20 years. You’ve heard me talk about dating my wife numerous times on the show. Today Lindsay and I are here to break down our process, offer up some ideas, and inspire you to do the same. As with anything in life, planning is the essential component to success.

What are we teaching our children? Traditional schools teach things like math, science and English, but few teach true life skills. As a last minute gift idea, I decided I wanted to buy my daughter Gianna a book about managing money. When I arrived at the bookstore, I was shocked. To my amazement, they didn’t carry any children’s books about money. Upon recognizing this gap, it got me wondering what other skills might be getting overlooked for the next generation.

Today I’m joined by Martin Yosef. Martin is in the coaching field and holds a fascinating way of looking at the world. From being homeless to giving away all of his money on a whim, Martin describes several occurrences where putting positive energy into the universe has returned itself in unsuspecting ways. We touch on the ways that religion can unconsciously guide your beliefs and how it can limit your growth if you’re not careful. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation!

As we enter the New Year, you deserve to be the best version of yourself. The truth of the matter is improvement is painful. If you’re trying to develop new habits, they might feel strange. You might face judgement from friends or family members. I can tell you with 100% certainty it’s going to take more time and consistent effort than you expect. The purpose of today’s episode isn’t to discourage you, it’s to mentally prepare you for the challenges ahead.

E255 Why Not Me?

When is your current state of thinking not actually your thinking? It’s not your thinking when it is dictated by events in your distant past. Frequently, our daily behavioral patterns are forged in adolescence. These patterns are so engrained in our subconscious that they become automatic until acted upon by an outside force. Today I challenge you to look into your past and unearth the old stories holding you back from becoming the best version of you.

How long have you been told to put others first? If you’re religious, or at least a Christian, you’ve certainly been told to put God first. The strange thing is that if we live in this hierarchy we’re always putting ourselves last. Today I’m here to challenge that hierarchy and exclaim that you must put yourself first in. Listen to find out why this is true and how you can switch your hierarchy to better honor everyone, including yourself.

It’s not so easy being a mom. Frequently they are the most under-appreciated people in the world. Where dad’s like to look out for themselves, mom’s are always looking out for other people. I’m not trying to paint with a broad generic brush, but for most this tends to ring true. Today we get to learn how Lindsay deals with the daily challenges of motherhood, and how I’d deal with the same situations if the tables were turned.

Your perception of your life is what dictates your reality. How can up your awareness and open yourself up to the vast possibilities that exist around you? By finding someone who is in the position you’d like to be. Whether it’s a mentor, a coach, or simply patterning your habits after someone successful, sometimes we need to look outside ourselves to see that our dreams are actually possible. Increasing our awareness also allows us to better judge what does and doesn’t serve us.

Taylor holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and has a deep passion for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EDMR). Today Taylor and I walk through what a counseling sessions can potentially look like while discussing some past difficulties I faced. Taylor dives head first into her love for EMDR and describes potential uses for treating trauma, depression, PTSD, and more. Oh yeah, Taylor is also well on her way to becoming an IFBB professional.