Best Whimsy Productions Podcasts (2025)

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More Happier: Traveling Soon? 30 Hacks for a Happier Trip [Revisited] 32:54

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8m ago32:54

32:54

We’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes—our travel hacks extravaganza. These 30 tips range from the obvious (check the weather!) to the oddly specific (pack Downy Wrinkle Releaser), and as we get ready for our first-ever sisters reading retreat, we’re realizing how many of these tricks we’ve forgotten—and how helpful they still are. Some thin…

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Episode 40 | Kevin Hanson | Co-founder at Vectroid 1:09:51

12h ago1:09:51

1:09:51

Episode #40 of "Can I get that software in blue?", a podcast by and for people engaged in technology sales. If you are in the technology presales, solution architecture, sales, support or professional services career paths then this show is for you! Today Chad and Steve are talking with Kevin Hanson, co-founder of the new vector database startup Ve…

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Ep. 543: Make a Decision and Make It Work, a Text-Scheduling Hack & Following Up on Mean "Jokes" 34:37

7h ago34:37

34:37

We discuss how to make use of counterintuitive research that shows that our ability to change our minds often makes us less satisfied with our choices. We share a helpful smartphone hack for scheduling text messages. Plus we continue our discussion about handling a spouse who makes hurtful "jokes," with practical advice from listeners who've succes…

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A Little Happier: What Happened When Steve Jobs’s Question Was Dismissed. 5:20

2d ago5:20

5:20

In the “Four Tendencies” personality framework, tech legend Steve Jobs was a Questioner. At a crucial moment, his question was ignored—with profound consequences. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness …

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More Happier: Watercoloring, Novel-Writing & 80’s Bestsellers 26:29

5d ago26:29

26:29

We discuss how we’re doing on some items from our “25 for ’25 lists,” and how book writing is going for both of us. Plus we talk about the joys of reading commercial fiction from the 1980s. Resources & links related to this episode: Sign up for the 30-day summer reading challenge at gretchenrubin.com For the Love with Jen Hatmaker Get in touch: pod…

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Ep. 542: Point to Your Ugliest Thing, Use Photos to Save Memories & Understand Obliger-Rebellion 28:20

9d ago28:20

28:20

We discuss why it’s useful to identify the "ugliest thing" in your life—i.e., what aspect needs the most attention? We also share an easy hack about enhancing family memories, and we explore a Four-Tendencies situation involving a young-adult son's surprising reaction to his father's lateness. We wrap up with listener suggestions for creative befor…

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Little Happier: "Love Is Unconditional, and Love is Demanding” & Other Secrets of Adulthood for Parents 5:18

11d ago5:18

5:18

With time and experience, we learn “Secrets of Adulthood,” and parenthood teaches us many of those lessons. Resources & links related to this episode: "Secrets of Adulthood" Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happ…

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More Happier: Talking Secrets of Adulthood with Shannon Watts 24:11

13d ago24:11

24:11

In a recent Secrets of Adulthood Substack Live conversation, I talked to the terrific Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action (the nation’s largest grassroots group fighting gun violence. We discuss insights from her latest book and how we've arrived at several of our own Secrets of Adulthood, including why it’s important to ask yourself wheth…

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Ep. 541: Try These Parenting Hacks from Listeners, Manage Your Own Worry & an Easy Packing Hack 33:25

16d ago33:25

33:25

We share a treasure trove of creative, easy parenting hacks from our listeners, as well as a happiness hack about creating a "prep station" bin to stay organized for trips and special events. In our "Know Yourself Better" segment, we explore how the desire to manage our own worry can lead us to burden or try to control others. Plus, we share some i…

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Little Happier: Is it a Bug? Is it a Feature? It Depends on You 2:48

16d ago2:48

2:48

The familiar proverb “It’s not a bug, it’s a feature” is a reminder that one person may seek out a product, an experience, or a situation for the very reason that someone else avoids it. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, prod…

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More Happier: No “Guilty” Pleasures & Returning to the Treadmill Desk 25:03

18d ago25:03

25:03

We talk about why it can helpful to trust our interests and inclinations about what to read, watch, or listen to, without imposing a lot of judgment on our choices. Resources & links related to this episode: Elizabeth's treadmill desk Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books,…

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Ep. 540: Very Special Episode: Treasure Trove of Easy Ideas to Add Whimsy to Daily Life 30:15

21d ago30:15

30:15

In this Very Special Episode, we share dozens of ideas from listeners—and ourselves—about how to add an element of whimsy to everyday life, without needing to spend much time, energy, or money. Resources & links related to this episode: Order your copy of Secrets of Adulthood My article: Why Whimsy Is Having a Moment Elizabeth's newsletter: Happier…

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Little Happier: “New Yorker” Covers and My Peculiar Yearning for a City I Already Have 2:20

24d ago2:20

2:20

New Yorker magazine covers capture something both true and elusive about the city, by distilling New York in single images, so that the place feels simultaneously familiar and out of reach. Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collecti…

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More Happier: Bestselling Novel "The Ministry of Time" Audiobook Preview 39:53

26d ago39:53

39:53

In honor of our upcoming Read 25 Day, we are excited to share an audiobook preview of bestselling novel "The Ministry of Time" from Lemonada's own "Your Next Listen" podcast. More about the book: This genre-bending time-travel sci-fi slash romance slash mystery slash spy thriller was a breakout hit for debut author Kaliane Bradley. It’s been recomm…

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Ep. 539: Don't Disparage What Matters, Funny Travel Trends & Handling Hurtful "Jokes" 28:17

29d ago28:17

28:17

We discuss why we shouldn't downplay things that are actually important to us (such as saying “I don’t care about my birthday” if you do care). We also review some fun new travel terms, such as "townsizing" and "JOMO travel," and we address the problem of waiting until we're ready to make big decisions. Plus, we tackle a listener's question about d…

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Little Happier: Paris, Rose, a Fortune Cookie—an Anniversary Toast to My Husband Jamie 4:39

1M ago4:39

4:39

A double anniversary (of a wedding and of a life-saving medical cure) inspired this toast—with allusion to Gertrude Stein, Wendell Berry, and “The Office.” Resources & links related to this episode: The most purely happy day of my life Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books…

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More Happier: Gretchen on Totally Booked with Zibby Owens 32:22

1M ago32:22

32:22

We bring you a conversation with my friend Zibby Owens on her podcast Totally Booked. Taped in front of a life studio audience, we discuss my new book, Secrets of Adulthood, the beauty of frameworks, and why you should label your next email "confidential." Resources & links related to this episode: Zibby Owens Totally Booked Get in touch: podcast@g…

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Ep. 538: Set a Tripwire, Decide If You Need the Storage Unit & Do You Use that Gizmo? 31:16

1M ago31:16

31:16

We talk about why it can be helpful to set a tripwire for making a decision or moving forward. We also discuss a Secret of Adulthood that’s very relevant to the practice of keeping a storage unit (even one that’s not really needed), and a know-yourself-better question related to the use of gadgets and gizmos. Resources & links related to this episo…

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Little Happier: Four Helpful “Secrets of Adulthood” for Parents 5:46

1M ago5:46

5:46

Becoming a parent can be one of the most transformative, and instructive, experiences of our lives. These four “Secrets of Adulthood” examine some of the most important lessons parenthood can teach us. Resources & links related to this episode: Open-door stage Secrets of Adulthood A version of this piece was originally published on the CNBC site. G…

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More Happier: James Taylor, Unrealistic Expectations & Do You Love to Provision? 26:07

1M ago26:07

26:07

James Taylor and a new puppy are making us happier. We also explore the question of whether it’s common these days to have perhaps unrealistically high expectations from the people and organizations in our lives, from marriage to work to friendship. Plus we discuss an intriguing question: Do you love to "provision,” to stock up on essential items? …

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Episode 39 | Alex Jukes | Fractional CTO | Former CTO @ Intropic 1:15:27

2M ago1:15:27

1:15:27

Episode #39 of "Can I get that software in blue?", a podcast by and for people engaged in technology sales. If you are in the technology presales, solution architecture, sales, support or professional services career paths then this show is for you! Today Chad and Steve are talking with Alex Jukes, formerly the CTO of Intropic and now a Fractional …

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Ep. 537: Create a Family “Familect,” Organize Your Apps & Listeners’ Great Secrets of Adulthood 30:36

1M ago30:36

30:36

We discuss the idea of the “familect” and why it might be fun to create a dictionary for our own familect. We also talk about a hack that makes it easier to use a smartphone, and we share dozens of listeners’ thought-provoking “Secrets of Adulthood.” Resources & links related to this episode: Order your copy of Secrets of Adulthood Join Secrets of …

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Little Happier: Some Words from Winston Churchill—Among Other Things, He Was a Terrific Writer 8:36

1M ago8:36

8:36

Winston Churchill was an extraordinary presence on the world stage, and among his strengths, he had a tremendous gift with words. Here are just a few of the powerful, insightful, or hilarious observations he made. Resources & links related to this episode: Secrets of Adulthood Forty Ways to Look at Winston Churchill Episode of “A Little Happier on …

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More Happier: Parenting Roundtable with Dr. Becky and Samantha Bee 42:16

2M ago42:16

42:16

The Roundtable Series tackles the subject of parenthood. With parenting expert Dr. Becky Kennedy and comedian Samantha Bee, we discuss the most helpful lessons we’ve learned, big challenges we’ve faced, the anxieties that we sometimes feel as parents, and more. Resources & links related to this episode: Dr. Becky Kennedy Samantha Bee Get in touch: …

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Ep. 536: Make a Before-&-After Book, Enter the Library, and How to Deal with a Questioner Spouse 35:27

2M ago35:27

35:27

We discuss how creating before-and-after photo books of renovations or improvements can bring satisfaction and preserve memories. Our happiness hack suggests visiting your local library (or museum) for the first time; that first visit can be surprising to make. We also share listeners’ strategies for handling a spouse who asks too many questions at…

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Little Happier: The Surprising Origin of One of My Favorite Book Titles 4:19

2M ago4:19

4:19

I love book titles, and when I finally tracked down the book attached to one of my favorite titles, I was astonished to learn where I heard about it. Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transc…

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More Happier: Our Longest-Lasting Relationships, a New Way to Think About Our Past & a Fun Quiz 23:50

2M ago23:50

23:50

We discuss why it’s interesting to consider our longest continuous non-family relationships. We spotlight a tool for spring: the Five-Senses Quiz that helps you discover which of our senses might be neglected. Plus, we explore how authors like Stephen King shape their creative landscapes from personal memories, and how viewing the own past through …

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Ep. 535: Create Your “Summer of __,” Some Reading Recommendations & Listeners’ Favorite Words 36:39

2M ago36:39

36:39

We discuss a fun summer challenge of focusing on a specific theme or goal. We also include a few helpful, fun hacks, and we share some of listeners’ favorite words—a delightful collection of language. Resources & links related to this episode: Order your copy of Secrets of Adulthood Read 25 in 25 Design Your Summer Reading List in the Happier app E…

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Little Happier: Good Smell, Bad Smell? Context Changes Our Experience. 2:47

2M ago2:47

2:47

Our perception of smells depends on context—the same scent is experienced as delightful when labeled "Parmesan cheese" but revolting when called "vomit." Our interpretation of our circumstances often matters just as much as the circumstances themselves. Resources & links related to this episode: Life in Five Senses Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrub…

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More Happier: Gretchen Rubin on NPR's Life Kit 22:01

2M ago22:01

22:01

We bring you my interview with NPR's Life Kit where I discuss that the key to happiness is actually to know yourself better and what questions to ask yourself. We also discuss my Four Tendencies framework and one of my favorite "try this at home" hacks: the one minute rule. Resources & links related to this episode: Four Tendencies Quiz One-minute …

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Ep. 534: Recognize Your Exceptional Advantage, Don’t Be Fooled by Familiarity & an Empty-Nest Question 30:23

2M ago30:23

30:23

We discuss why it's valuable to identify your "exceptional advantages" in both work and personal life—those unique blessings or abilities you might take for granted but actually set you apart. We also share a hack that can save you time and frustration when going somewhere, and a simple, revealing question that can help you know yourself (and other…

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Little Happier: Drifting Through Life: When Not Deciding Becomes a Decision 5:15

2M ago5:15

5:15

Drift—the powerful force of making decisions by not deciding—can shape our lives without our conscious participation. Resources & links related to this episode: Secrets of Adulthood If you’re wondering if you’re drifting, I created a checklist Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selli…

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More Happier: How Do We Know Ourselves and Our Values? A Short Quiz Reveals So Much 35:01

2M ago35:01

35:01

We talk to the brilliant Suzy Welch about her new book, “Becoming You,” and her Values Bridge quiz which can tells us how we rank fifteen core values—and we explore why knowing our values is such a key element to creating happier lives. Resources & links related to this episode: Becoming You by Suzy Welch (Amazon, Bookshop) "The Summer Day" by Mary…

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Ep. 533: Dust It Off or Let Go, the Power of PT & How to Create Compelling TV Characters 26:53

2M ago26:53

26:53

We discuss why it’s useful to dust off unused items--and either start using them or give them away. We also share a happiness hack from a listener who explains why it can be very valuable to give physical therapy another chance. Finally, we explore the Secret of Adulthood about cultivating friendship, and we answer a listener's question about how a…

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Little Happier: When to Listen to Criticism and When to Ignore It 3:55

2M ago3:55

3:55

Distinguishing helpful from unhelpful criticism is a challenge that every creative person faces. No formula exists for knowing which criticism to heed; we must each develop our own discernment. Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Coll…

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More Happier: How Regret Can Make You Happier [Revisited] 33:28

3M ago33:28

33:28

We discuss how regret and reflection can help us make better decisions in the future, and increase our happiness. Regret can be a hard thing to talk about. Many people who actually prefer to avoid using the word. By anticipating future regret, we can make better choices in the present, and by reflecting on past regret, we can think about how to do …

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Ep. 532: Favorite Words, a Simple Packing Hack, and Managing Obliger-Rebellion at Work 33:55

3M ago33:55

33:55

We explore why making a list of your favorite words ("whimsy," "crackle," "latibulate") and using them can boost happiness. We share a simple hack that makes packing easier, and we reflect on a dog-related Secret of Adulthood. We also tackle a listener question about how to manage Obliger-rebellion when facing increased workload after coworker layo…

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Little Happier: When the Words of Ritual Give Me My “America Feeling” 2:34

3M ago2:34

2:34

Certain moments inspire my "America feeling"—a profound connection to the ideals of the United States. For instance, the formal words of the opening ritual for a session of the United States Supreme Court reminds me of the value of justice. Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling …

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More Happier: Puppy! Taffy Has Arrived 25:37

3M ago25:37

25:37

We talk about the happiness, rewards, and challenges of having a new dog. Resources & links related to this episode: Support your favorite indie booksellers and enjoy a fun perk from Bookshop Follow me on Instagram for photos and videos of Taffy Read Secrets of Adulthood Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more…

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Introducing: Confessions of a Female Founder with Meghan 43:01

3M ago43:01

43:01

We’re excited to introduce you to Confessions of a Female Founder with Meghan, a new show from Lemonada Media. As Meghan, Duchess of Sussex builds out a business of her own, she’s getting advice and insights from a handful of amazing women who have scaled small ideas into successful companies. These fly-on-the-wall conversations will no doubt inspi…

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Ep. 531: Arrive Right on Time, Benefits of Pill Organizers & the Strongest Way to Make Friends 27:53

3M ago27:53

27:53

We discuss why arriving right on time for events makes it easier to have fun and to network (especially for introverts or newcomers). We also share the benefits of using an ordinary weekly pill organizer, and explore research supporting the Secret of Adulthood: “One of the best ways to find friends is to make friends with the friends of our friends…

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Little Happier: Easy Answers or Hard Truths: Whom Do You Trust? 9:01

3M ago9:01

9:01

When we’re trying to make a point, it’s often more effective to tell a story than to deliver a lecture. Example: an episode from the popular TV show “Better Call Saul” memorably illustrates the important truth that we’re probably better off assigning a complex problem to the person who acknowledges the difficulties rather than to the person who off…

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More Happier: Gretchen’s & Elizabeth’s Dog Decisions 27:58

3M ago27:58

27:58

In honor of the arrival of a new dog, we take a flashback to previous discussions of our lives with Barnaby, Daisy, and Nacho. We each decided to “Choose the bigger life,” and we’re very happy we did. Bonus: One of the all-time best episode of “A Little Happier,” all about Barnaby. Resources & links related to this episode: A Little Happier: We’ve …

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Ep. 530: Very Special Episode: Hacks, Products, and Tips for Spring Clearing & Organizing 30:57

3M ago30:57

30:57

To get ready for spring, we share some of our favorite habits, hacks, and resources for clearing clutter and getting organized. Resources & Links Related to this episode: Order your copy of Secrets of Adulthood Join me on book tour starting April 1, 2025 Tools for getting organized this spring Outer Order, Inner Calm 3-Tier Organizing Cart Magic Er…

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Little Happier: When One Proverb Sparks Dozens: the Inspiration of “No Receiver, No Thief” 5:37

3M ago5:37

5:37

While writing my book "Secrets of Adulthood," I discovered how the structure of a single traditional proverb could spark dozens of new insights. The elegant formula "No X, no Y" began with the traditional wisdom "No receiver, no thief," but soon expanded into observations ranging from the paradoxical ("No expectations, no disappointment") to the hi…

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More Happier: Listen In! Recordings from a Visit in Los Angeles 26:41

3M ago26:41

26:41

During the book tour for “Secrets of Adulthood,” we had the chance to spend the day together in Los Angeles. Listen in and follow along as we hush the Corgis, clear office clutter, and learn some happy book-related news. Resources & links related to this episode: Secrets of Adulthood Organization hub Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gr…

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Ep. 529: Cutting Back on Cussing, Easier Traveling & Do Possessions Have Feelings? 33:41

3M ago33:41

33:41

We explore the surprising benefits of swearing—from pain tolerance to social bonding—while also discussing why cutting back on cussing might still improve conversation quality and emotional climate. We share a listener hack for making a long, frequent car trip easier. We also consider a Know-Yourself- Better question about possessions, and we tackl…

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Little Happier: When Zero Isn't Nothing: The Fresh Eyes of a Basketball Beginner 3:51

3M ago3:51

3:51

Through my "Operation Knicks Knowledge" experiment, I was astonished to learn that some professional basketball players have the number zero for their jersey number. Sometimes, a newcomer notices things that people with more knowledge take for granted. Resources & links related to this episode: Secrets of Adulthood Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrub…

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More Happier: Reading Hacks [Revisited] 32:13

4M ago32:13

32:13

In honor of #read25in25, we're revisiting one of our Very Special Episodes about how to get more reading done. We share hacks, strategies, and tools from listeners—and our own experience. Resources & Links Related to this episode: Join our annual challenge: #read25in25 #read25in25 PDF tracker Don’t Break the Chain Resolution Chart Get in touch: pod…

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Jay Shetty on Pursuing What You Love, from IMO 43:09

4M ago43:09

43:09

Sharing a new show from my friends at Higher Ground, called IMO. You know on Happier, Gretchen gives practical advice meant to uplift you, help you reach goals, and leave you feeling fulfilled. Similarly on IMO, Michelle Obama and her big brother Craig Robinson tackle real questions from real folks just like you offering practical advice, personal …