Productivity Smarts is an audio podcast hosted by Gerald J. Leonard, a productivity expert who helps other professionals get more done. Each episode features an in-depth discussion or interview with top productivity experts, tips, and strategies to help you become more productive by leveraging neuroscience principles. Features: • Interviews with top productivity experts • Tips and strategies for getting more done • Interviews with people who are doing great things Benefits: • Learn how to ge ...
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Welcome to the ”Essential Skills for Humaning Podcast,” your go-to source for personal and professional growth in the modern world. Join us as we explore the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary for thriving as a human being in today’s rapidly evolving society. In a world of constant change and challenges, mastering essential life skills has never been more crucial. This podcast is your compass for navigating the complexities of life, offering insightful discussions, expert interviews, ...
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Productivity Smarts 104 - The Philosopher’s Wrench with Larry Weingarten
34:37
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34:37What if slowing down was the secret to speeding up success? In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Larry Weingarten—licensed general contractor, hot water systems expert, and author of The Philosopher’s Wrench, a book that creatively teaches lessons that extend far beyond plumbing. With decades of experience a…
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How to Do the Inner Work with Susanne Madsen
23:46
23:46
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23:46In this episode of the Essential Skills for Humaning podcast, workforce development expert Christina Eanes sits down with Susanne Madsen, a globally recognized executive coach, trainer, and facilitator specializing in transformational leadership for complex project environments. Susanne shares insights from her powerful book Do the Inner Work, expl…
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Productivity Smarts 103 - A Working Man's Guide with Dr. Mark L. Teague, PhD
42:25
42:25
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42:25Ever feel like your problems are too big, too vague, too tangled to tackle? Dr. Mark L. Teague calls it “the blob”—that overwhelming mass of modern challenges we all face. In this powerful episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Dr. Teague, economist, former finance executive, and author of A Working Man’s Guide, to re…
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Productivity Smarts 030 - Data Driven Tech Product Research and Design with Shanae Chapman
38:00
38:00
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38:00Shanae is the founder of Nerdy Diva and also serves as the strategic project partner for clients working with the Nerdy Diva team. At Nerdy Diva, Shanae supports SaaS companies with their toughest challenges and helps them grow into mature, community-focused businesses. She leads the areas of business strategy, user research, design, content creati…
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Productivity Smarts 102 - How To Practice Your Craft While Preserving Your Traditional Values with Steven Melman
34:32
34:32
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34:32In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with seasoned psychotherapist and author Steven Melman, who brings over 40 years of experience in the mental health world. Their conversation dives into what it really takes to stay productive, grounded, and emotionally resilient—especially for those in helping professions lik…
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The Art of Change with Jeff and Staney DeGraff
22:38
22:38
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22:38In this Essential Skills for Humaning episode, host and workforce development expert Christina Eanes sits down with Jeff and Staney DeGraff, the powerhouse duo behind the Innovatrium Institute of Innovation. Jeff, a renowned academic speaker and professor at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, joins forces with Staney, an executiv…
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Productivity Smarts 101 - How to Make Life Simple, Happy, and Successful: The Taoist Way
31:09
31:09
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31:09In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard explores the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern productivity with Gerard Wouters, a Taoist therapist and former financial manager whose unorthodox methods heal trauma in just two sessions. With over 28 years of experience, Gerard reveals how Taoist principles—like deciphering set…
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Productivity Smarts 100 - The Power of Connection with Dr. Dianne Olvera
41:00
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41:00Did you know the way you make eye contact could determine your next promotion—or prevent a team meltdown? In this paradigm-shifting episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard uncovers the hidden mechanics of workplace success with Dr. Dianne Olvera, a clinical psychologist and former diplomat whose espionage experience revealed surprisi…
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Productivity Smarts 099 - 20 Years of Internet Humor with Bill Williams
30:07
30:07
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30:07What If the Secret to Productivity… Is laughter? What do you do when your career disappears overnight? When GPS kills your bestselling book? Or when your team is drowning in stress and silence? For award-winning journalist and humorist Bill Williams, the answer wasn’t hustle—it was humor. In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leona…
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Productivity Smarts 098 - The Empowered Heart with Agnes Chau
46:20
46:20
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46:20What if your brain’s "operating system" is running on outdated software? In this transformative episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Agnes Chau—award-winning transformational coach, aerospace engineer, and founder of the nonprofit Empowered Heart—to explore how neuroscience, subconscious reprogramming, and heart-min…
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In this solo episode of Essential Skills for Humaning, author, speaker, and former FBI crime analyst Christina Eanes shares the bold truths behind her book Quit Bleeping Around. Discover what it takes to become a superachiever, from turning fear into fuel to building unshakable resilience and creating a crystal-clear vision for your life. If you’re…
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Productivity Smarts 097 - BE THE WEIGHT BEHIND THE SPEAR with Dr. Josh McConkey
32:25
32:25
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32:25Leadership isn’t built in boardrooms—it’s forged in the ER, on combat missions, and in the quiet moments when no one’s watching. In this high-impact episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Dr. Josh McConkey—emergency physician, U.S. Army Colonel, and author of Be the Weight Behind the Spear. Drawing from 23 years of mi…
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Productivity Smarts 096 - The Secrets of Self-Hypnosis with Dr. Lisa Zaretsky
38:23
38:23
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38:23What if you could access a powerful tool to reprogram your mind, overcome self-doubt, and break free from the invisible barriers holding you back? In this episode of Productivity Smarts , host Gerald J. Leonard welcomes back a familiar voice—Dr. Lisa Zaretsky, a returning guest from Episode 69 and a renowned expert in hypnotherapy. This time, Dr. L…
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Productivity Smarts 095 - Bragg and Increase Your Productivity with Dr. Winifred Bragg
30:49
30:49
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30:49Ever feel like you’re running in circles—busy but not truly productive? Or maybe that nagging voice in your head whispers, "You’re not good enough," no matter how much you achieve? In this episode of Productivity Smarts, Gerald talks with Dr. Winifred Bragg—a nationally recognized speaker, board-certified physician, and creator of The Bragg Factor—…
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Productivity Smarts 094 - Lies I Taught in Medical School with Robert Lufkin MD
45:10
45:10
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45:10What if everything you thought you knew about health was wrong? In this eye-opening episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Dr. Robert Lufkin—renowned metabolic health and longevity expert—to challenge some of the most deeply held beliefs in Western medicine. Drawing from his provocative book The Lies I Taught in Medic…
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The Relationship with Doomscrolling and Isolation with Dr. Henry Venter
28:41
28:41
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28:41In this episode of Essential Skills for Humaning, workforce development expert and host Christina Eanes sits down with Dr. Henry Venter, a licensed clinical psychologist and professor of psychology with over 25 years of clinical and teaching experience. Together, they dive into the growing phenomenon of doomscrolling — the compulsive consumption of…
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Productivity Smarts 093 - Sonny’s Piano Yoga with Sonny Strancarone
38:04
38:04
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38:04Music could be your ultimate stress-relief tool, creativity booster, and productivity hack—all rolled into one. And no, this isn’t about becoming the next concert pianist or mastering complex sonatas. It’s about something simpler, more accessible, and honestly, way more fun: Piano Yoga. In this episode of Productivity Smarts, Gerald J. Leonard sits…
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Productivity Smarts 092 - Remembering Marian Anderson with Emile Henwood
31:59
31:59
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31:59In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Emile Henwood, a serial entrepreneur, speaker, and author of Remembering a Great American Hero: Marian Anderson, the Lady from Philadelphia. Together, they dive into the extraordinary life of Marian Anderson, a trailblazing singer and civil rights icon whose legacy contin…
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Know Thyself: The Superpower of Self-Awareness with Stephanie Farlow
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25:15In this Essential Skills for Humaning episode, workforce development expert and host Christina Eanes welcomes Stephanie Farlow — an author, instructor, and coach with Eanes Training. Together, they explore the critical skill of self-awareness, discussing why it’s essential for personal and professional growth. Stephanie shares valuable insights and…
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Productivity Smarts 091 - 6 Steps To Fewer Days That Suck with Deborah Mallow
36:58
36:58
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36:58Are you truly making the most of your time, or just keeping yourself busy? Be honest—how often do you end the day feeling exhausted, yet unsure if you actually got anything meaningful done? Burnout sneaks up before you even realize it. Procrastination convinces you there’s always tomorrow. And just when you start making progress, imposter syndrome …
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Productivity Smarts 090 - Bigger Hearted with Ron Schneebaum
45:53
45:53
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45:53The greatest obstacle to productivity isn’t a lack of time, skill, or effort—it’s the invisible weight of doubt, stress, and worry. We grind ourselves down, convinced that success comes from doing more, when in reality, true effectiveness begins with thinking better. In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, Gerald J. Leonard sits down wi…
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Productivity Smarts 089 - The Power of Self-Leadership with Doug Schmidt
43:56
43:56
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43:56What if the biggest thing holding you back wasn’t external at all—but something within you? What if success wasn’t about grinding harder, but about leading yourself better? In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Doug Schmidt, self-leadership expert and author of The Power of Self-Leadership, to unpack t…
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Productivity Smarts 088 - Unpacking the Attic with Ann Mracek
48:20
48:20
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48:20What if the things we’ve buried—memories, emotions, even physical clutter—are quietly shaping the way we live and work today? In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Ann Mracek, author of Unpacking the Attic: A Path to Healing Your Inner Child. Ann shares how sorting through childhood memories while help…
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How Self-Awareness Leads to Better Relationships with Denise Schonwald
21:14
21:14
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21:14In this episode of the Essential Skills for Humaning podcast, workforce development expert Christina Eanes sits down with Denise Schonwald, a registered nurse turned mental health counselor with over 30 years of experience. Drawing from her unique journey from critical care nursing to mental health counseling, Denise offers insights into her latest…
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Productivity Smarts 087 - Go For No with Andrea Waltz
34:26
34:26
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34:26In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, Gerald J. Leonard speaks with Andrea Waltz, the co-founder of Courage Crafters Inc. and author of the book "Go for No." Andrea shares her powerful perspective on rejection and how embracing it can actually drive productivity and success. They dive into the challenges entrepreneurs face, from feeli…
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Productivity Smarts 086 - Sustainability Smarts with Dr. Ona Newton
30:42
30:42
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30:42In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Dr. Ona Newton, CEO and founder of Tobams Group, to dive into the world of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and how businesses can seamlessly integrate them into their strategies.. They kick things off with a new segment, "Sustainability Smart…
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Always Squeezing Lemons: Taking Responsibility to Define Your Success with Kayla Logue
24:35
24:35
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24:35In this episode of the Essential Skills for Humaning podcast, workforce development expert Christina Eanes is joined by the inspiring Kayla Logue. Kayla is a dynamic author, non-profit founder, motivational speaker, and personal development expert. Together, they explore key insights from Kayla’s transformative book, Always Squeezing Lemons: Taking…
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Productivity Smarts 085 - The Secret Language of the Body with Karden Rabin
38:04
38:04
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38:04In this episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast, Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Karden Rabin, co-author of The Secret Language of the Body. Karden takes us on his journey from massage therapist to exploring the psychological factors behind chronic pain. He introduces powerful somatic practices like the "view-breath" and "cross-crawl" to manage…
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Productivity Smarts 084 - Releasing Toxic Anger for Women with Dr. Karyne Wilner
27:18
27:18
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27:18In this episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast, Gerald J. Leonard dives into the powerful link between productivity and emotional well-being. He’s joined by Dr. Karyne Wilner, an expert in body psychotherapy and energy psychology. Together, they explore the key concepts from Dr. Willner’s book, Releasing Toxic Anger for Women offering practical…
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The Pyramid of Reinvention with Kavita Ahuja
32:52
32:52
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32:52In this episode of Essential Skills for Humaning, workforce development expert Christina Eanes sits down with Kavita Ahuja—a certified career and life transitions coach, host of the Midlife Reinvention podcast, and creator of empowering online courses. Kavita introduces her transformative "pyramid of reinvention," sharing actionable strategies to h…
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Productivity Smarts 083 - Sustainable Social Change with Dr. Daisy Khan, D.Min
52:44
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52:44In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Daisy Khan, a renowned leader in social change and human rights. Dr. Khan takes us on her journey from architecture to community building, sharing her transformative four-pronged change theory: education, collaboration, communica…
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Productivity Smarts 082 - Getting Better with Dr. Andrew Kadar
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34:04In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Dr. Andrew Kadar, a physician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Dr. Kadar opens up about his personal journey of resilience after being diagnosed with heart disease, sharing the challenges he faced and the valuable lessons he learned along the way. He discusses …
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Productivity Smarts 081 - CONCEIVABLE with Ray Lane
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30:40In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard welcomes Pastor Ray Lane, a 92-year-old veteran, author, and lifelong mentor. Pastor Ray shares the remarkable story of his life, beginning with his challenging upbringing during the Great Depression. Despite the hardships of growing up without running water or electricity, …
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Productivity Intelligence with Gerald J. Leonard
21:11
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21:11In this episode of the Essential Skills for Humaning podcast, workforce development expert Christina Eanes sits down with Gerald J. Leonard—a growth strategies coach, author, and TEDx speaker who empowers CIOs, VPs, and Directors of Project Management to drive sustainable corporate growth through data-driven strategies. In this episode, Gerald delv…
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Productivity Smarts 080 - Pathways to Prosperity with Dr. Emilio Justo
49:10
49:10
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49:10Ready to level up your personal and professional life? It’s not about working harder—it’s about working smarter. Imagine harnessing the power of delayed gratification, pausing before reacting, and setting goals that are both concrete and achievable. In this episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Dr. Emilio…
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Productivity Smarts 079 - Productive Wealth Building with Rodger Friedman
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37:45
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37:45Have you ever considered how much financial stress impacts your life? How often does money worry keep you up at night or cause tension in your relationships? Did you know that financial problems are one of the leading causes of divorce? It’s a reality that money issues can strain everything—from your career to your personal life. But what if there …
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Embracing Discomfort and Expanding Our Comfort Zone with Chad Foster
29:12
29:12
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29:12In this episode of the Essential Skills for Humaning podcast, workforce development expert Christina Eanes interviews Chad E. Foster—an award-winning business leader, international keynote speaker, and author of Blind Ambition. Chad empowers individuals and organizations to embrace change, spark innovation, and fuel growth through resilience and tr…
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Why Our Relationship to Our Anger Essential for Mental Health and Relationships with Bronwyn Schweigerdt
27:21
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27:21In this Essential Skills for Humaning episode, workforce development expert Christina Eanes sits down with Bronwyn Schweigerdt, psychotherapist and host of Angry at the Right Things. Bronwyn offers valuable insights on reconnecting with your anger, healing your relationship with it, and, in turn, deepening your connection with yourself and others. …
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Productivity Smarts 078 - 1MAGIC WORD with Dr. Nicole and Michael Sebastian
31:53
31:53
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31:53What if the secret to unlocking your highest productivity was as simple as saying one word? Sounds too easy, right? But what if that magic word—HU—holds the key to focusing your energy, calming your mind, and amplifying your performance? In this episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard dives deep into the fascinating world…
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Productivity Smarts 077 - A Life of Purpose with Tina Tehranchian
28:12
28:12
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28:12Have you ever reviewed your finances and felt a wave of anxiety? When financial matters are disorganized, the impact can reach every part of life—affecting mood, productivity, and even relationships. In this episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard speaks with Tina Tehranchian, an award-winning financial advisor at Assante…
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Improving Productivity By Quieting Distractions In Your Head with Lori Saitz
31:57
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31:57In this episode of the Essential Skills for Humaning podcast, workforce development expert Christina Eanes sits down with Lori Saitz, founder of Zen Rabbit. With a background in marketing and broadcasting, Lori now specializes in helping individuals stay calm, centered, and grounded amidst life's chaos. Through her coaching and speaking engagements…
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Productivity Smarts 076 - The Voiceless Soul with Kelly Tallaksen PhD
39:31
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39:31Does it ever feel like stress quietly drains your energy and clouds your mind just when you need to focus? Imagine if, instead of feeling overwhelmed, you could access a state of calm that actually fuels productivity. Far from being a mysterious trick, hypnosis is a powerful tool for reducing stress and enhancing mental clarity—helping you think an…
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Productivity Smarts 075 - Practicing Hospitality with Annie McCune
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25:38
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25:38What if the secret to unlocking your productivity lies not in working harder but in creating meaningful connections? Could something as simple as sharing a meal or taking a moment to chat with a colleague transform your work experience? In our fast-paced lives, these small acts of hospitality can recharge us and lead to significant improvements in …
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Transforming Your Mindset from Obstacle to Superpower with Allan Misner
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34:26In this episode of the Essential Skills for Humaning podcast, workforce development expert Christina Eanes sits down with Allan Misner, the host of the 40+ Fitness Podcast and author of The Wellness Roadmap. Allan, who specializes in helping people over 40 lose weight, improve their health, and get fit, dives deep into five common mindsets that oft…
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Productivity Smarts 074 - Clear Mind With Jeanne Severe
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35:52Did you know that 55 million people worldwide live with undiagnosed dementia? In this enlightening episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Jeanne Severe, a physician assistant and author of Unlocking the Secrets of a Clear Mind. Jeanne draws from her vast experience in internal medicine and the emergency ro…
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Productivity Smarts 073 - Public Speaking Horror Show with Laura Reid
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37:15Public speaking is one of the most common fears, and it can seriously hinder productivity and career growth. In this episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Laura Reid—an international keynote speaker, public speaking coach, and stand-up comedian—who shares her inspiring journey of overcoming a stutter and …
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Keeping the Mind Youthful, Flexible, and Focused with Shai Tubali, Ph.D.
30:06
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30:06In this episode of the Essential Skills for Humaning podcast, workforce development expert Christina Eanes interviews Dr. Shai Tubali—a renowned teacher, author, and speaker with over 20 years of experience. Dr. Tubali brings a deep understanding of how our minds operate and offers insights into the power of flexible thinking. He discusses the crit…
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Productivity Smarts 072 - Don't Just Get Old - Grow Old - Cheerfully & Productively! with James Flaherty
38:54
38:54
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38:54Are you ready to redefine what aging means for you? In a world that often views aging as a limitation, what if you could flip the script and see it as a new beginning? In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard chats with James Flaherty, an inspiring 89-year-old author and motivational speaker. They dive into how agi…
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Productivity Smarts 071 - Stress Express with Snowden McFall
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30:58Just like a fire can either warm a home or burn it down, stress can fuel our productivity or consume us whole. In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard welcomes the inspiring Snowden McFall, owner of Fired Up Professional Speaking and Coaching, and the author of Stress Express!: 15 Instant Stress Relievers. Togethe…
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The Growing Need for HI (Human Interaction) in a World Increasingly Supported by AI with Julie Winkle Giulioni
23:44
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23:44In this episode of the Innovative Essential Skills for Humaning podcast, host Christina Eanes sits down with Julie Winkle Giulioni—an acclaimed author, researcher, and leadership and career development expert. Julie is the co-author of Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go: Career Conversations Organizations Need, and Employees Still Want, and the author…
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