Life Habits

"Just be yourself" might be the worst advice you've ever been given. In this episode of the Life Habits Podcast, we're taking apart the myths running modern life — and the research that actually helps you navigate it. Suzanne makes the case for why "being yourself" has become a shield for bad behavior and what to do instead. MJ unpacks the quiet rise of incivility, it’s causes, and what we can do...

This episode of the Life Habits Podcast explores the intersection of human psychology, well-being, and emerging technology. The team discusses the concept of "body budgeting," where social connections directly impact our energy levels and performance. They also examine a 2025 study suggesting that wellness is a prerequisite for self-control, highlighting kindness as a powerful tool for boosting mo...

Are you just "existing" at work, or are you actually thriving? In this episode of the Life Habits Podcast, host Karel Vredenburg is joined by co-hosts Mandy Kloppers, MJ Shaar, and Suzanne Joy Clark to explore the "messy reality" of modern work life. Using evidence-based research, the team dives into why global happiness is on the decline and provides actionable, science-backed strategies to recla...

The world feels more divided than ever and facts alone aren’t closing the gap. In this episode of The Life Habits Podcast, we explore why intelligent, well-meaning people can look at the same information and come to completely different conclusions. Drawing on psychology, neuroscience, and global research, we unpack how misinformation spreads, how our brains are wired for bias, and why trying to “...

Many people are is talking about the latest MIT research on AI, but are we missing the bigger picture? In this episode, we strip away the hype and conduct a critical reappraisal of the findings that the popular press describe as "AI is rotting your brain". IN THIS EPISODE: We dig into the actual study behind the headlines to separate evidence-based and generalizable fact from media over interpreta...

Life Habits returns from hiatus with fresh energy, new voices, and a new format—now also in video on YouTube. Karel is joined by three remarkable permanent co-hosts: psychologist Mandy Kloppers , kindness and wellness architect MJ Shaar , and leadership strategist Suzanne Joy Clark . Together, they explore how mentorship—and life itself—can evolve when “ science meets the messy reality of life .”...

In this episode, Karel and Paige continue their insightful conversation with Jeff Wetzler , a human potential and learning expert and co-founder of Transcend. They explore the power of fostering curiosity in leadership, organizations, and personal relationships. Drawing from his book, Ask: Tap into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You , Jeff shares practical frameworks for leveraging feedback, b...

In this transformative episode, we have Jeff Wetzler, the author of "Ask: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs In Leadership and Life" unpack the profound power of curiosity and the art of asking the right questions. Drawing from personal experiences, groundbreaking research, and insights from thought leaders, Jeff reveals why most of us fail to tap into the...

Cindy Carrillo, author of Finding Your Nxt, discusses the importance of embracing change and finding your next phase in life. She shares quotes that inspire her and emphasizes the need to be intentional about setting goals and making changes. Cindy also addresses common blockers to change, such as fear of the unknown, fear of failure, and the willingness to settle. She encourages people to break f...

In this powerful conclusion to our three-part series with Topaz Adizes, we explore his conversation-transforming new book, The 12 Questions for Love . Drawing from over 1,200 filmed conversations for {THE AND} project, Topaz distills years of insights into a practical guide for cultivating meaningful, well-constructed dialogues. This book serves as a blueprint for creating safe spaces that encoura...

In this continuation of last week’s conversation, Karel and Paige welcome back Topaz Adizes to the Life Habits Podcast. Together, they delve into themes of shared humanity, the profound impact of social media on communication, and the vital role of empathy in meaningful conversations. They explore strategies for navigating vulnerability in relationships, crafting thought-provoking questions, and c...

In this episode, Karel and Paige interview Emmy award-winning writer, director, and experience design architect, Topaz Adizes, founder of The Skin Deep. This is the first part of a two-part series where they explore Topaz’s journey, the powerful role of questions in fostering vulnerable and authentic conversations, and the creation of meaningful human connections. Topaz shares insights on the impo...

In this episode, Karel builds on the previous episodes which focused on dealing with job loss, being effective at getting a job, and designing and marking yourself. He now focuses on "future-proofing your career." Karel shares practical strategies for career development, including using strategic foresighting to anticipate industry trends, creating an "aspirational resume" to set goals, and perfor...

In this episode, Karel continues the focus on those who are looking to further improve themselves to get a new or better job, or a new partner, or just to make themselves the best version of themselves that they can be. He starts be asking “What do companies do when they want to improve their products and services?” They use design and design methods. And “What do they do to sell those products an...

In this episode, Karel discusses the current state of gender equality, reflecting on the progress made and, importantly, the challenges that remain. He emphasizes the importance of individual actions in promoting gender equality and shares practical advice for everyone. The episode also includes a edited reprised previous episode on gender equality, reviewing skills and habits that you can adopt i...

In this episode, Karel and Google UX Director Javier Bargas discuss the challenges and strategies associated with job loss and the job search process. They emphasize the importance of self-care, understanding the current job market dynamics, and building effective job search routines. Javier shares insights on preparing application materials, networking, and navigating the interview process, while...

In this episode, we dive into the powerful principles from Seven Rules of Self-Reliance , the brand-new book by renowned author and communications expert, Maha Abouelenein. Fresh off the book’s release, Maha shares actionable insights on how self-reliance can be the key to unlocking personal and professional success. Discover how to stay focused, build a resilient mindset, and navigate obstacles w...

Karel devotes this episode to a topic that has been central to his life—feeding your soul with purpose and meaning. He makes the case for exploring a more fulfilling life going beyond simply feeding your wallet by also feeding your soul. After charactering the situation many people are in of being stressed and burned out, Karel outlines his own approach to always balancing his life with outside in...

In this episode, Karel reflects on the two people who have had the greatest influence in his life. These aren't your typical current social media influencers. They're instead people who provided him insights, lessons, and habits for everyday life. The first is the late Stephen R. Covey and second is Gerritdina Leida Vredenburg, Karel’s late mother. He recorded a tribute episode after each of these...

In this episode, Karel speaks with Joe Byerly, a recently retired 20 year senior leader in the U.S. Army, the author of My Green Notebook, and the founder of the From the Green Notebook blog and podcast. Joe described the role of the green notebook in the army and the ingredients that he considers key to his successful career as a leader. He shares his insights on honing leadership skills, drawing...

In this episode, Karel and Judy Wilkins-Smith discuss how to uncover and maximize your superpowers. They explore the concept of superpowers as the unique skills and qualities that individuals possess and how they can be developed and amplified. They also delve into the importance of understanding and acknowledging the emotional inheritance from our ancestors and how it shapes our behaviors and bel...

In this episode, Karel shares his career and life lessons after retiring from a successful 36-year career at IBM and co-founding the Habits for a Better World nonprofit. Before leaving IBM, Karel went on a global nine design studio tour during which he met with staff one-on-one and in groups and he also reflected on his career and shared his life and career lessons. The staff and others on LinkedI...

Paige is taking a much needed break for health reasons. We wish her a restful and restorative break. Paige did find and schedule our amazing guest for today’s episode, Paul Osincup, a speaker and positive workplace strategist, and the author of “The Humor Habit”.  Karel interviews Paul about his book 'The Humor Habit.' They discuss the power of humor in the workplace and in life, and how humo...

In this episode, Karel tackles the pervasive problems of divisiveness and polarization. World events—like wars and elections—and particular issues have a tendency to lead to these challenges. So much so, that they generate disharmony in families and tension among friends. Some will say, “someone should do something about that”. Karel says, “why not start with ourselves”. There are two sets of habi...

In this episode, Amy Weinland Daughters shares her transformative journey of writing handwritten letters to all 580 of her Facebook friends, revealing the profound impact it had on her relationships and understanding of connection. She delves into the importance of being untroubled by failure and untouched by triumph, urging us to listen to our instincts, even when they defy logic. Amy also introd...