Cool Change

In this episode of Cool Change , Chuck sits down with Mindy Crosato , founder of Decadent Creations Bakery and The Collective Kitchen in Hillsboro, Oregon. If you live in the Portland area, there’s a good chance you already know her work. Mindy has built a reputation for excellence through years of consistency, creativity, and care. She’s earned awards, media recognition, and national attention, i...

So many of us are unconsciously waiting for approval—running inherited scripts, following old rules, and sitting in the passenger seat of our own lives. In this episode of Cool Change , Chuck Allen talks with author and change guide Jillian Reilly about the radical act of giving ourselves permission. Together they explore why self-authorization matters more than ever, how to spot the quiet “stirri...

In this final episode of the Cool Change Method™ series, Chuck Allen dives deep into Step 6: The Integration. This isn't about completion—it's about living fully into the transformations you've made and continually evolving your identity in everyday life. Chuck shares a powerful story about his encounter with Bernie Marcus, co-founder of Home Depot, and reflects on the power of continually leaning...

In this episode, Chuck walks us through the fifth step of the Cool Change Method™: The Practice. He explores the quiet, grounded work of integrating belief and behavior—of building new rhythms, one decision at a time. You’ll hear: Why simplicity and elimination are essential for sustainable change A powerful metaphor about software vs. firmware—and why belief change matters more than behavior chan...

This is the fourth step in the Cool Change journey—a series that guides you through navigating meaningful transitions with clarity, courage, and intention. After: 🌱 The Stirring – when something within you begins to shift 🪞 The Mirror – when you start seeing yourself more clearly 🔥 The Disruption – when old patterns break and new truths emerge… …comes 🧭 The Design : the moment you stop driftin...

Are you stuck in a pattern you didn’t choose… but keep repeating? Do you ever feel like your life is running on autopilot, and no matter how hard you try, you keep ending up in the same place? That’s not a motivation problem. It’s a disruption problem. In this episode, Chuck Allen helps you identify the unconscious beliefs that are driving your behaviors—and gives you a practical tool to begin bre...

What happens when you stop coasting, stop justifying, and stop mistaking other people’s kindness for clarity? What happens when you finally pause long enough to really see yourself? In this second installment of the Cool Change Method™ series , Chuck explores The Mirror —that uncomfortable but necessary moment when we come face-to-face with the gap between who we are and who we want to be. Drawing...

There’s a moment — sometimes subtle, sometimes undeniable — when life starts to whisper that something needs to shift. That moment is The Stirring — the first step in the Cool Change Method™ and the first solo episode in this new series. Whether you’re facing a clear transition (like a new role, relationship change, or identity shift) or simply feeling low-grade restlessness, this episode is desig...

In a world fueled by stress and anxiety, emotional awareness is more vital than ever. On this episode of Cool Change , Chuck Allen speaks with Sarah Retzer, a mindfulness coach who transformed herself from a constantly anxious engineer to a thriving expert in emotional resilience. Sarah shares how discovering mindfulness through InterMatrix Systems allowed her to move beyond simply managing emotio...

In this episode of Cool Change , I share one of the most transformative experiences of my life—my journey with Ayahuasca. For decades, I lived with a deeply rooted fear tied to my heart health, stemming from childhood experiences with my father’s repeated heart crises. After a casual lunch with a trusted friend, I found myself embarking on an unexpected path—one that led me to confront my fear thr...

In this brief episode, I take you back to the summer of 1990—when my best friend Tim and I, fueled by our “do-it-yourself” mentality, embarked on a series of DIY adventures that nearly cost us our lives. From leaky boats to collapsing cars, we learned that sometimes the most valuable skill is knowing when to call for help. This episode explores the fine line between admirable self-reliance and rec...

Michelle Huebner is a powerful example of how attitude can color your everyday existence. In this episode, Michelle shares her journey with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) and how it has shaped her perspective on life. She discusses the symptoms and challenges of living with FA, as well as the importance of finding joy and living life to the fullest. Michelle emphasizes the need for independence and lett...

Lt. Col. Tim Doherty, founder of Doc's Healing Hives, shares his inspiring journey of finding healing and purpose through beekeeping. The conversation explores the therapeutic benefits of beekeeping, the impact of community and camaraderie, and the transformative power of finding a new purpose. Tim's organization, Doc's Healing Hives, offers courses and support to veterans, helping them find hope...

Episode Summary: Hi, I'm Chuck Allen, your guide on the journey to a more intentional and cooler daily existence. In this episode of Cool Change, we dive deep into the transformative power of finding joy in our workouts. Joined by Colin Feldtman, a former pro baseball player turned fitness coach, we explore how shifting our mindset from viewing exercise as a chore to embracing it as a source of pl...

Summary In this conversation, Chuck interviews  Lisa DeAngelis about the Alexander Technique and its connection to change. Lisa shares her personal experience with the technique and how it helped her navigate a challenging medical diagnosis. They discuss the importance of choice and creating space for possibility in the process of change. Lisa also highlights the significance of daily mindfulness...

Description: Welcome to another episode of Cool Change, where we dive deep into the stories of people who have reimagined their lives, and that inspire intentional living and finding joy in more moments. Today, we have an incredibly insightful conversation with Laura, a holistic wellness practitioner with a remarkable journey of transformation. In this episode, Laura shares her personal story of l...

Description: In this deeply moving episode of "Cool Change," we dive into a heartfelt conversation with David Terry, a man who not only knocked on death's door but also engaged with it, exploring his boundaries and the limitless expanse of human resilience, potential, and the transformative power of love. Strap in for a wild ride that interweaves pain, love, death, and unbreakable spirit. In This...

Introduction: In this episode of "Cool Change," host Chuck Allen engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Mandi Hudson, a psychiatrist and academic leader. Together, they explore the importance of curiosity, setting boundaries, and embracing the journey in personal and professional life. Dr. Hudson shares her insights and experiences, shedding light on mental wellness, authenticity, an...

In this inspiring episode, Alden Mills, a former Navy SEAL Platoon Commander, entrepreneur, inventor, and author, shares his compelling journey from his time in the military to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Mills discusses his struggle transitioning from the military to a civilian life and the entrepreneurial spirit that was a constant throughout his life, which eventually led him to invent...

Today, we're diving into an incredible story of transformation. Brad Chandler began his journey by trying to help his son overcome severe anxiety, but along the way, he discovered that he was carrying some heavy baggage himself. He realized that unresolved childhood trauma was holding him back, convincing him he wasn't worthy, and causing a whole lot of heartache in his life. We're talking two fai...

In this episode of Cool Change, host Chuck Allen welcomes back Ashley Baer, a mindfulness teacher who specializes in helping individuals in high-stress professions, including teachers, healthcare workers, and leaders, manage stress and improve their ability to influence others. In her first appearance on the show, Ashley shared her personal journey of overcoming childhood trauma and using mindfuln...

In this episode, we're talking to Tiffany Richards, founder of Peaceful Warrior Woman , about how to protect yourself both physically and emotionally. Whether you've experienced a major life change or tragedy, or simply want to feel more confident and empowered in your daily life, Tiffany has some powerful insights to share. We discuss everything from the power of morning disciplines to the princi...

Author of the new book " Always Forward ," Vince Schiano's quest for purpose and direction in life led him to make a decision that would save a life and influence many, many more. In this episode, Chuck talks with Vince about the events in his life that led him to a place where this decision was actually easy for him. In his story, you may find inspiration for uncovering your own purpose... and wh...

In this episode, Chuck is joined by his favorite leader, Rilla Delorier, who also happens to be his wife. Together they break down their design principes for a life well lived together: Miere: A connection that is north of love and south of agapé. Vitality: We are young in mind and body. Mindset: We design with intention while allowing life to unfold as it will. Purpose: We have fun and make a dif...

Ever feel like you're running through life like it's a race? There's a better way. In this episode, Chuck shares a simple idea about how to be more intentional with the pace of your life.