Denim and Pearls

Ever been really good at a job you couldn't stand? Just because you're good at something doesn't mean you enjoy doing it. And sometimes the things people praise you for are the very things you'd rather never do again. In this clip from Denim & Pearls Episode 272, Brian and Dr. Michelle talk about the difference between having a talent and actually wanting to use it. Have you ev...

You Think You Got Superpowers - Inspector Gadget 271 What if you could have any superpower you wanted, but it came with one ridiculous limitation? Brian and Dr. Michelle take on flying, teleportation, invisibility, mind reading, healing, Spider-Man, Superman, the Wonder Twins and a few powers that probably shouldn’t exist. This one gets silly, and that’s the point. Life doesn’t always need to be t...

We’re great at telling other people what they should do. Then the same problem shows up in our own lives and suddenly that brilliant advice gets a lot harder to follow. In Episode 270, we talk Oreos, Dr. Pepper, relationships, business, guilty pleasures and what happens when “do as I say, not as I do” catches up with us. When you’re stuck, try asking yourself: What would I tell someone else to do?...

Certainty or Growth, Chose One - You May Be Wrong But You May Be Right 269 When was the last time you questioned yourself? If you're certain about things in your life, you're not asking questions and growing. Maybe it's time to grow! #denimandpearlslive #michellemras #brianswanson #podcast #keynotespeaker #tgoodintentions #certainty #youmaybewrongor mayberight #ep269

You’ll never know. Who smiled because they remembered you. Who needed the kindness you gave them. Who felt better just because you walked into the room. Or who defended you when you weren’t there. We affect people every single day—usually without ever knowing it. So the question might not be, “Did I make a difference?” Maybe it’s… “What kind of difference did I make?” Denim & Pearls — business...

You’re already leaving a legacy. The question is… what will it be? It’s not just money. It’s the stories you tell. The traditions you keep. The time you give. The things your kids remember—and maybe the sound of your voice long after you’re gone. This week on Denim & Pearls, we’re talking about the little things we do today that may mean everything tomorrow. What do you want people to remember...

So... You Wanna Be a Big Shot? — Big Time Everybody wants to make it “big.” Okay...define big. Is it money? Followers? Influence? Impact? A really nice yacht you use twice a year? This week on Denim & Pearls, Big Time by Peter Gabriel gets us talking about AI, technology, success, money, and why somebody else’s definition of “making it” probably shouldn’t be yours. And somewhere in there, AI s...

What's Important? - Nobody Gives a Damn 265Life is important, business is important, relationships are important. But does anybody else really care? That's what's happening here today. So tune in to find out what's important. #denimandpearlslive #michellemras #brianswanson #podcast #keynotespeaker #tgoodintentions #whatsimportant #ep265

Indifference 264 It's one of those days, isn't it! Between partners (business or otherwise) sometimes we end up on the same mood. Sometimes it's both on a go get 'em high, other times it's about apathy. #denimandpearlslive #michellemras #brianswanson #podcast #keynotespeaker #tgoodintentions #indifference #ep264

Dog Days of Summer 263We're going back down memory. Remember the days you spent outside. Garden hose, swimming pool, cut grass, you know.... #denimandpearlslive #michellemras #brianswanson #podcast #keynotespeaker #tgoodintentions #dogdaysofsummer #ep263

Gasoline 262How do you react to those who may criticize you? Do you deserve to be part of the 1%, or do you even want to? We cover a series of attitude adjustments you may need. #denimandpearlslive #michellemras #brianswanson #podcast #keynotespeaker #tgoodintentions #LivinOnAPrayer #prayer #ep262

Should I Stay Or Should I Go 261 Ever notice how tiny everyday choices become these wild frontlines of personal pride? Toilet paper over or under? Fridge or counter for ketchup? These shouldn't be battle grounds, but somehow they are. In a hilarious chat with my husband, we realized how deeply we each believe in our "correct" way of doing things—like peanut butter: crunchy or creamy?...

Reach Out I'll Be There 260 Ever feel like we’ve totally lost the art of just being present with each other? Drop a ❤️ if you’ve ever gone a day without really connecting IRL.We’ve become so busy with tech—masking ourselves behind screens—that we forget humans are pack animals. We need human contact, not just AI chat or endless scrolling. When was the last time someone knocked on your door, ju...

Livin' On A Prayer 259Life happens, roll with the punches, but sometimes you gotta go on good intentions and a prayer. #denimandpearlslive #michellemras #brianswanson #podcast #keynotespeaker #tgoodintentions #LivinOnAPrayer #prayer #ep259

One Week 258It's been one week since you looked at me. Well, maybe not, but it sure feels like a long time since we've caught up. We all get busy, and sometimes we forget about others who are important to us. Life happens in an instant, things change and the next thing you know someone has moved on without us. #denimandpearlslive #michellemras #brianswanson #podcast #keynotespeaker #teambu...

Chocolate Chips 257 Happy National Chocolate Chip Day! In today’s episode, we turn chocolate chips into a business lesson: sometimes the breakthrough you need is already in front of you — you just have to repurpose it. From homemade cookies to big ideas, this conversation is a reminder that creativity often starts with what’s already on hand. What’s one thing in your business or life you could rep...

Mother Mother 256 Happy Mother's Day to all the incredible moms out there! What’s one thing you wish you could say to your mom today? 👉 Tag someone who needs to hear this! Moms are our unsung heroes, juggling everything from late-night sickness to life lessons. They deserve our gratitude every day, not just today. Whether you had a biological mom, a stepmom, or an aunt who stepped in, let’s c...

Shock The Monkey 255 - Uncover the truth behind social media's influence and reclaim your mind in a world of chaos. Most of us are unknowingly trapped in a cycle of chaos and misinformation. In this episode, Brian Swanson and Dr. Mras explore how social media and AI distort reality, urging you to reclaim control over your mind. Discover the impact of fake news on mental health and learn practi...

I'm Adulting 254Are you ready for this? Most of us spend our lives hoping and wondering what is next. Then it comes, the bills, the aging parents and all those darn responsiblities.#denimandpearlslive #michellemras #brianswanson #podcast #keynotespeaker #teambuilding #ImAdulting #ep254

It's My Life 253When faced with the hard reality of life that a loved one has lived, are you happy with your life? Is it front and center everyday? Do you just live day to day? Or maybe, just maybe, you're focused on leaving a legacy. After all, you can't take it with you, but you can leave it for someone else.#denimandpearlslive #michellemras #brianswanson #podcast #keynotespeaker #te...

Something From Nothing 252It's simply a show about nothing. Creativity comes from nothing. So maybe, just maybe, we'll come up with something today. Chime in while we're live and give us Somethin' to talk about. #denimandpearlslive #michellemras #brianswanson #podcast #keynotespeaker #teambuilding #somethingfromtnothing #ep252

The Waiting 251 In this conversation, we explore the theme of waiting and its implications in our fast-paced society. They discuss how modern conveniences have made us impatient and the importance of patience in personal growth. The conversation also touches on lessons we can learn from animals about waiting and the challenges of procrastination.#waiting #patience #procrastination #society #person...

Kung Foo Fighting 250 Brian and Michelle explore the wisdom of Bruce Lee, focusing on themes of self-awareness, personal growth, the dangers of comparison, the power of silence, and the importance of facing the truth. We discuss how awareness and self-identity can lead to personal development and how fear often stems from mental constructs rather than reality. The conversation emphasizes the need...

You Gotta Be 249Keep your head up and challenge what the future holds. #denimandpearlslive #michellemras #brianswanson #podcast #keynotespeaker #teambuilding #yougottabe #ep249

Superstition 248Friday the 13th, what are you afraid of? Do you run from Love, spiders, or success?#denimandpearlslive #michellemras #brianswanson #podcast #keynotespeaker #teambuilding #superstition #ep248