All That Matters

During our lives, advice can mean different things depending on where we are in the moment. Jan shares several pieces of advice others have passed along that can help us bring more light into our lives and the lives of others. If only we are open enough to listen....

Sometimes people do something, sacrifice something, that inspires and elevates us with their humanity. Jan shares a recent event at the Boston Marathon that uplifts the soul and inspires the heart.

How we greet each day may tell us something about how we might live the rest of it, or...is it the opposite? Jan shares the personal story of how his children greeted each day when they were babies, and how that turned into a gift that keeps on giving.

IT's National Poetry Month. That is cause for celebration. Poetry can tune us into the simple, profound mysteries and joys we may oftentimes miss. Jan shares three poems and the personal story of one of the poets, who teaches us how to honor this one precious life we have been given.

Mary Oliver famously asks, " Tell me, what it is you plan to do with your one wild and precious life." Jan explores what is most precious in our lives: the people, the work, the ideas-- asking-- how do we honor them?

Adolescents often seek their place in the world and where to fit in. Adults do, too. Jan shares a personal story of a single mom and her teenager and their struggle to fit in. He asks us all to flip the question-- not, how can we fit in, but how can we take what is unique about ourselves and make the world more fit?

In the darkest of times, we must turn on the light. Jan shares findings from the 2026 World Happiness Report, suggesting where in the world people say they are happiest, and why?

"Write what should not be forgotten," says Isabel Allende. Jan shares his experience working on his new novel and how writing can be a metaphor for living in full our most precious lives.

The Yiddish language shares much wit and wisdom, including how, in some ways, we are all connected: reminding us, "Di gantse velt iz eyn shtot." ( The whole world is one town.)" Jan shares some insights of a language once spoken by close to 13 million Jews before the HOLOCAUST, sayings from which we can still learn.

Learning little known facts about the universe around us can actually help us discover new facets of ourselves. Doing that, we get to see a bit more of how wonderful a world we can be.

The luminescence of nature's dancing aurora borealis can be manifested in our own lives, if, as Dickinson says, we "dwell in possibility."

There are people we come across, some often, some not, who make human connection an unexpected gift. Jan shares the story of a wondrous woman and an everyday diner who serves up a positive spin on the mundane, turning it into magic to live by.

On the passing this week of my father-in-law, Matthew Solomon, I return to my first book, Life Can Be This Good, and the exit interview I imagine could take place when we transition from this life. One that tests our AQ-our awareness quotient of the gifts the universe is sending us each and every day. Matt's was through the roof!

I, and many countless individuals, mourn the passing this week of an inspirational friend, teacher, prosecutor, and seeker of justice, Darren Levine. Here is my tribute to him, and a reminder to treasure those who help model for you a life of meaning and mindfulness, love, and light. He was, and is, a blessing.

Recently actor Noah Wyle discussed the power of John O'Donahue's Book of Blessings in writing for the hit TV show, The Pitt. He says the verses help tune health workers towards finding strength and small miracles each day. Jan shares several examples from the poet to help each of us find clarity of light, and uncover the small miracles waiting for us each and every day.

Often to get at what is really going on in our lives, we have to find clarity as to the central conflict with which we are dealing. Jan shares the true story of how the landmark musical Fiddler On The Ro of found its opening song, by finding what the conflict of the story was really all about, "Tradition," and through it, fashioned a musical for the ages.

The news of the world can sometime deaden the spirit. Time to bring ourselves into the sweet darkness, to choose that which brings us alive. Jan shares two poems that do just that, reminding us that boundaries can sometimes be opportunities for self-expansion, and can serve our own souls.

There is good in each of us; values to live by and love by. How do we serve it, find it, tap it for direction that brings optimism and opportunity? Jan shares 5 power prompts from his book, Sacred Wounds , hailed by Deepak Chopra: " Jan Goldstein helps tune our hearts to the miracles that exist all around us."

Many cultures have created circles of stone that we marvel at, wondering their purpose. To conclude 2025, Jan shares the story of a personal stone circle, reminding us of the permanence of memories and what matters most in our lives.

Why do some race toward danger in moments of crisis? Recent events underscore the very human reaction to choose "we" over "me." Jan shares the true story of a hero on Bondi Beach during a recent terror attack against the Jewish community, and how a Moslem helped stand up for them and for humanity, and, in doing so, helped kindle more light.

Each one of us has the ability to discover the positive nuggets inside painful and negative experiences. Jan shares the true story of his encounter with the late writer, activist, and playwright, Elie Weisel, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, and the tears they shared when art turned to palpable hope right there backstage.

Essential to living a life that can be good for us, we must find our way to hope. Studies show that optimism and hope generate healthier, more purposeful lives. Jan shares the gift of uncovering the hero within each of us.

Up in the air with a missing wheel. Life on the line. And a stranger steps in and helps rescue you. Jan shares the true story of Taylor Hash and Chris Yates and reveals how each of us both need guardian angels at moments in life, and, maybe more importantly, we can each be one! Enjoy this reprise!

What is a quote other than two that has stayed with you throughout life? What motivates you? Jan shares a handful of quotes that can help retune us to the power in each of us to shape and live our lives.

Each of us has experiences that shape the way we see ourselves and the role we want to play in life. Jan shares the story of a welding genius, Richard Hunt, whose art has taught the world what freedom can look like when you fashion with your hands the visions of your heart.