This episode of the Kintsugi Podcast is a heartfelt journey about reinvention—mine, yours, and the world around us. Continuing on with my open awareness segment, as I biked across America, passing through places like West Virginia and Pittsburgh, I met people who embodied the idea that it's never too late to start fresh. Age is just a number, and it's never too late to learn something new or take on a new challenge. I hope this episode inspires you to break through your own limiting beliefs and embrace the endless possibilities that life offers. Let's reinvent ourselves, one mindful breath at a time. Tune in, and let's grow together.

Key moments of this interview:
1:00 Journey across America
3:10 Inspiring encounter with a 79-year-old cyclist
5:00 Reinventing yourself at any age
7:45 Embracing the Kintsugi spirit

Thank you for tuning in to The Kintsugi Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on your favorite platform. Your support helps us spread more stories of resilience and transformation.

Join our Pause Breathe Reflect community by downloading our app from the Apple Store or Google Play today. For the first year, you can Name Your Price and discover how to navigate life with more ease and prevent a bad moment from turning into a bad day.

Get my Free Smartphone Wellness Check and improve your relationship with your phone. 

Social Media & Contact Information :
Instagram: Pause Breathe Reflect https://www.instagram.com/pausebreathereflect
LinkedIn: Michael O'Brien https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelobrienpelotoncoaching/
Websites: Discover more at www.michaelobrienshift.com (http://www.michaelobrienshift.com)

Sponsors: Pause Breathe Reflect Meditation and Gratitude App

To discover more about bringing mindfulness into your daily life, download the Pause Breathe Reflect App today!

In this episode of the Kintsugi Podcast, I had the absolute privilege of sitting down with Olympic Gold Medalist Joe Jacobi.

We dive deep into the metaphorical and literal rivers of life, exploring how navigating the rocks and rapids isn't something to be feared but embraced.

Joe’s insights on resilience, course correction, and the importance of starting with intention left me inspired and ready to tackle life's currents head-on. Whether you're navigating your own challenges or just in need of a fresh perspective, I know Joe's wisdom will resonate with you.

Take a moment, breathe, and join us on this river run.

Key moments of this interview:

4:00 The start-line mentality

10:00 The keys to Joe’s Olympic victory

21:20 The importance of course correction

26:02 Embracing the rocks

32:00 Adjusting and adapting

40:00 The value of recovery in sports and life

44:00 The performance pyramid

Ways to Connect with Joe:

Website: http://joejacobi.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joe_jacobi/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobijoe/

Thank you for tuning in to The Kintsugi Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on your favorite platform. Your support helps us spread more stories of resilience and transformation.

Join our Pause Breathe Reflect community by downloading our app from the Apple Store or Google Play today. For the first year, you can Name Your Price and discover how to navigate life with more ease and prevent a bad moment from turning into a bad day.

You can connect with me by receiving my inspirational text messages throughout the week by texting ‘kintsugi’ to 503-487-5957 and downloading My Better Life Workbook at www.michaelobrienshift.com (http://www.michaelobrienshift.com)

Social Media & Contact Information:

Instagram: Pause Breathe Reflect https://www.instagram.com/pausebreathereflect

LinkedIn: Michael O'Brien https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelobrienpelotoncoaching/ Websites: Discover more at www.michaelobrienshift.com (http://www.michaelobrienshift.com)

Sponsors: Pause Breathe Reflect Meditation and Gratitude App. To discover more about bringing mindfulness into your daily life, download the Pause Breathe Reflect App today!

This week (on July 11th), I celebrate the anniversary of My Last Bad Day. In this Open Awareness, I wanted to share ten valuable tips I've learned to help us all become better humans to other humans and all the world's creatures - except those pesky mosquitoes. Sorry, even I have limits.

As we celebrate, I'm giving away FREE copies of my 2nd book, My Last Bad Day Shift. It was a best-seller in several categories, and I want to share it with you. It's short and filled with goodness. 

Click My Last Bad Day to get your copy.

This week on The Kintsugi Podcast we introduce you to Shasheen Shah, a brilliant author and successful communication coach, dedicated to mastering personal development and the ability to gracefully navigate and find coherence and integrity in all aspects of life.

         We talk about his amazing book, “The Kid and the King”, the constant pressure of today’s society that focuses on external solutions, the necessary inner work, and finding the right questions that lead you to the real purpose- to conquer and re-engage with life.

         Enjoy listening to our conversation and, until next week, remember to have fun storming the castle!

How’s your health? When we think about our health we often turn to diet or exercise as ways to get healthier. These are great but what if your breath was your gateway to wellness? In today’s Conversation about Resilience, I sit down with Dr. Amy Novotny to discuss PABR (Pain Awareness Breathing Relief) and how it can help us reach a new level of wellness.

Today is bittersweet. I’ve decided it’s time to pause our conversations here on The Kintsugi Podcast. At least for a while.

It’s not a decision I make with ease, but I am at that moment in life when I need time to concentrate more on the things that I consider will help me grow and reach more people. “Just like the trees lose their leaves in autumn, we humans need to lose or let go of something in order to grow...”

I leave you, for now, with the conviction that what we created here will help you continue your journey towards resilience and inspire you to take the time to pause, breathe and reflect on what is important in your one wild and precious life.

We’ll be back, my friends, and until then I hope you remember to always have fun storming the castle!

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is about the importance of spending time on your wellness to prevent being forced to spend time on your illness.

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is about moving from Forgiveness to Gratitude.

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is about the power of oneness.

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is all about how our mornings can help us become more resilient.

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is easing your grip on attachment to help you become more resilient, agile, and adaptable.

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is moving beyond burnout with Inspired Purpose Coach, Tony Martignetti.

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is about how we can embrace each other and create a better tomorrow for all.

This week on The Kintsugi Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Sarah Strohmaier a psychology and mindfulness researcher, to discuss the intricacies of mindfulness practices and the concept of "dose." Sarah delves into her research findings on how varying lengths and frequencies of mindfulness practices impact mental health, shedding light on why shorter practices might sometimes be more beneficial than longer ones.

They discuss the importance of personalized mindfulness practices, the role of organizational structures in employee well-being, and the potential adverse effects of mindfulness.

1. Mindfulness and Organizational Well-being :
   • Sarah emphasizes that mindfulness should not be a quick fix for organizational structural issues.
   • Companies often use mindfulness as a band-aid solution without addressing deeper systemic problems like overwork and inadequate compensation.
2. Dose Response in Mindfulness :
   • Sarah's research indicates no significant dose-response relationship, suggesting that longer, more intense mindfulness practices are not necessarily more beneficial than shorter, less intense ones.
   • Shorter mindfulness practices may be more effective for beginners and can help reduce feelings of guilt and overwhelm.
3. Quality Over Quantity :
   • Michael and Sarah discuss the importance of the quality of mindfulness practice over the quantity.
   • They explore how shorter, consistent practices can be more sustainable and beneficial in the long run than sporadic, longer sessions.
4. Personalization of Mindfulness Practices :
   • Different individuals may require different mindfulness practices to suit their unique needs and circumstances.
   • Finding a mindfulness practice that aligns with one's personal lifestyle and mental health goals is crucial.
5. Potential Adverse Effects of Mindfulness :
   • Michael and Sarah touch upon the possible adverse effects of mindfulness when practiced without proper guidance.
   • They stress the importance of qualified instructors and tailored mindfulness programs to ensure safe and effective practice.

• "Mindfulness is not a one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one person may not work for another."
• "Putting the responsibility solely on individuals to manage their stress through mindfulness without addressing structural issues in organizations is unfair and ineffective."
• " The quality of the mindfulness practice matters more than the duration. Shorter, consistent practices can be incredibly powerful."

• Pause, Breathe, Reflect: Michael's mindfulness app is designed for busy individuals with shorter, more manageable mindfulness practices.
• Books :
  • "Atomic Habits " by James Clear: Discusses the importance of small, consistent steps in habit formation.
  • "Thanks a Thousand " by A.J. Jacobs: A book about gratitude and the many people involved in creating a simple cup of coffee.

• Twitter : @SarahStrohmaier
• LinkedIn : Sarah Strohmaier
• Website: sarahpsychology.com

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is with mindfulness teacher, Sebene Selassie. We talk about her journey and how to create more belonging as a way to create a better tomorrow.

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is all about love and what it looks like at work.

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is about the importance of moving beyond our circle to create more belonging and a better tomorrow.

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is about how to win the argument you can’t win.

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is about how we can build a stronger community and more resilience.

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is all about why you should talk to strangers. 

To discover more, visit www.michaelobrienshift.com

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is about how we are feeding our mind, body, and soul.

To discover more, visit www.michaelobrienshift.com

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is with one of the nation’s leading experts on mindfulness, Cory Muscara. We talk about how to be present during chaotic times.

To discover more, visit www.michaelobrienshift.com

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is about how you wish to use your dash. You know, the dash between your birthday and final day.

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is about how we manage when we don’t know where the finish line is. It’s something that I remembered while in the hospital last week.

To discover more, visit www.michaelobrienshift.com

This week on The Kintsugi Podcast, I sit down with Cory Allen, a multifaceted artist, musician, and author of "A Brave New You." Cory shares his journey through the realms of music, writing, and mindfulness, revealing how these practices have shaped his life and work. From battling the pressures of artistic perfection to embracing the subtleties of mindfulness, Cory's insights offer a refreshing perspective on creativity and personal growth.

Key Themes:

1. The Creative Journey:

   • Cory’s early experiences with music and the pressure of artistic perfection.
   • The vulnerability of sharing creative work and the psychological impact of external feedback.
   • Transitioning from a musician to a writer and the internal narrative shifts required.

2. Mindfulness and Meditation:

   • Cory’s 25-year journey with meditation and its influence on his central nervous system.
   • Practical approaches to mindfulness and integrating it into everyday life.
   • The current state of mindfulness and meditation in mainstream culture and corporate environments.

3. Writing and Personal Growth:

   • The process of finding and refining one's voice through consistent practice.
   • The role of social media in shaping Cory's writing career and the impact of viral content.
   • Cory's strategic approach to analyzing audience engagement and adapting his writing style.

4. Personal Stories and Connections:

   • Cory’s humorous and insightful encounter with Waylon Jennings.
   • Meeting his wife and the influence of anti-authoritarian perspectives on his life.

Key Quotes:

1. "The second you share your work with anyone, it becomes vulnerable, and you see new areas for editing and refining."
2. "Mindfulness is not just about mental health; it's about creating space and being thoughtful in how we live."
3. "Do less, but do it deeply. Focus on what truly nourishes you and cultivate awareness around it."
4. "The real bravery is listening to that inner voice and following it through, despite external pressures."

Resources Mentioned:

• Cory Allen’s book A Brave New You is available at Powell's, Book People in Austin, and other Indie bookstores. You can also find it at that huge one you already know about. 
• Cory Allen’s Instagram: @heyCoryAllen
• Michael O’Brien’s app: Pause, Breathe, Reflect
• Podcast: Do Less, But Do It Deeply by Cory Allen

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is about a few lessons I’ve discovered as a parent that can help us create a better tomorrow once we get through what we need to get through.

To discover more, visit www.michaelobrienshift.com

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is about how I spent my Thanksgiving holiday in quarantine because I thought I could have COVID. The good news is my test came back negative but my thoughts were positive.

To discover more, visit www.michaelobrienshift.com

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is a special episode to help you Pause, Breathe, and Reflect more this holiday season.

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is with Chris Palmore from The Gratitude Space. He shares his journey with gratitude. You can discover more at www.gratitudespace.com

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is all about the power of gratitude especially during our tough moments.

To discover more, visit www.michaelobrienshift.com

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is about how we can move forward post-election. You can discover more at www.kintsugipodcast.com

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is an invitation to pause, breathe, and reflect this week. This will be an emotional week. To support you, I share a few questions and mantras that can help you focus on the things that truly matter.

To discover more, visit www.michaelobrienshift.com

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is about what we can discover through a fresh perspective and it’s a celebration of my youngest’s 20th birthday.

To discover more, visit www.michaelobrienshift.com

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is with Steven Pressfield, the author of The War of Art and Gates of Fire. We discuss Spartan Women, Resistance, and this moment in time.

To discover more, visit www.michaelobrienshift.com

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is all about Resistance and Love. You can discover more by visiting www.michaelobrienshift.com

In this episode of the Kintsugi Podcast, host Michael O'Brien sits down with Stefanie Broes, co-founder of Moonbird, a company that develops products to help people use their breath as a tool for better mental health and well-being. Stefanie shares her personal journey with breathwork, the inspiration behind creating Moonbird, and her vision for making a lasting impact on the world.

Key Quotes:

• "Meditation is not an exercise, but for me, it's some sort of philosophy. It's a way that you behave and through which you approach the world." 
• "I believe that these physical tools where you literally don't have to think or follow or do anything anymore, you just hold on and you breathe with it, can be very useful as well." 
• "If we all have that awareness and would portray that philosophy, the world would be a better place and we would all behave much nicer towards each other." 

Key Takeaways:

1. Breathwork is a powerful tool for regulating the nervous system and promoting mental well-being, especially for those who struggle with anxiety, panic attacks, or hyperventilation.
2. Physical tools like Moonbird can complement apps and courses, providing a tangible way to focus on breath and reconnect with the body.
3. Incorporating mindfulness and breathwork into daily life can lead to positive changes in behavior, interactions, and overall well-being.
4. Creating something that has a lasting impact beyond one's lifespan is a meaningful goal and a measure of success.

In this engaging conversation, Michael and Stefanie explore the importance of human connection, the role of coaching and guidance in mindfulness practices, and the potential for collaboration among like-minded individuals and organizations. They also share personal stories of growth, resilience, and finding purpose in the face of challenges.

Whether you're new to breathwork or a seasoned practitioner, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for using the power of breath to create positive change in your life and the world around you.

To learn more about Stefanie Broes and Moonbird, visit https://www.moonbird.life or Instagram

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is all about letting go of our attachments to grow.

You can discover more by visiting www.michaelobrienshift.com

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is all about finding more time to reflect as we navigate this moment known as 2020. It’s an invitation to do something for yourself and become more resilient. 

To discover more, visit https://www.michaelobrienshift.com/

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is all about the one thing that all these crazy 2020 moments have in common and it’s the thing that can help us get through this moment because we are getting through this.

To discover more, visit www.michaelobrienshift.com

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is about your breath. I sat down with James Nestor to discuss his latest book, Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art.

To discover more, visit https://www.michaelobrienshift.com/

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is about the importance of recovery if you want to get things done. It’s also a celebration of six years of being an entrepreneur and I share one thing that has helped me build my company from nothing into something unique.

To discover more, visit www.michaelobrienshift.com

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is with leadership expert, Bruce Ross.

His proprietary approach (FlowPreneur: Unshakeable Bold Leadership) integrates brain-science and optimal psychology directly into business to help individuals and teams tap unsuspected reserves of human performance, intelligence and potential.

Bruce has spoken at over 30 annual conferences and has been published internationally – on the topic of 'Leadership' and 'Accessing peak mental performance'. He has personally coached over 1200 business owners, leaders and entrepreneurs.    

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is about celebrating my dad’s 84th birthday and a lesson he passed down to me that could help us get out of this COVID mess.

Don’t forget to sign up for my conversation to help you Breakaway from Burnout (https://michaelobrien.clickfunnels.com/breakaway).

To discover more please visit www.kintsugipodcast.com

Today's Conversation about Resilience is about getting the hard things done.

To discover more, visit https://www.michaelobrienshift.com/

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is about finding Joy during COVID.

To discover more, visit https://www.michaelobrienshift.com/

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is all about your energy. It's the one thing you can always control. To discover more visit www.kintsugipodcast.com or www.michaelobrienshift.com 

In this episode of The Kintsugi Podcast, host Michael OBrien shares his journey of resilience while cycling across America, focusing on his experience in Missouri. Michael reflects on the unexpected detours, the scorching heat, and the lessons learned on the Katy Trail. He emphasizes the importance of embracing nature, developing small but consistent habits, and persevering through life's muddy moments.

Key Themes and Messages:

1. Embracing Nature:

   • Michael underscores the importance of reconnecting with nature, not just as a backdrop for our activities but as an integral part of our lives.
   • Quote: "We are nature. Often we talk about getting out into nature, but we are nature."

2. Developing Healthy Habits:

   • Small, consistent steps are essential for building lasting habits that improve well-being.
   • Quote: "Small steps consistently over time—that's how we create a healthy habit."

3. Persevering Through Tough Times:

   • Life’s challenges, represented by the muddy conditions on the Katy Trail, teach us the value of resilience.
   • Quote: "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."

4. Community and Connection:

   • Michael highlights the power of community support, drawing strength from like-hearted individuals who share the journey.
   • Quote: "We can find a way to reconnect, to come back together and reconnect with ourselves and then reconnect with each other."

5. Mindfulness and Reflection:

   • Mindfulness practices, even brief ones, can significantly impact our mental and emotional health.
   • Quote: "Just a few minutes each day tapping into our senses can wake us up to life."

Major Quotes:

• "Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt." – John Muir
• "No mud, no lotus." – Thich Nhat Hanh
• "I've had some sad days, I've had some challenging days, and all the different emotions in between. But I haven't had a bad one."

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is about the best way to start.

To discover more, visit https://www.michaelobrienshift.com/

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is about the value of a strong peloton.

To discover more, visit https://www.michaelobrienshift.com/

Today’s Conversation about Resilience is about how to deal with doubt when it strikes.

To discover more, visit https://www.michaelobrienshift.com/