Schooling Struggle

In this episode Peter digs a bit deeper into Todd’s backstory… several of our listeners expressed their hunger for additional depth in this department – so let this serve as an extended play (the first was episode three). When/if we look close into the things which drive our decisions and behaviors, sometimes we can see what unfolded outside our knowing in real time. Related points: Peter has been...

Time.  Attention.  How it’s spent, and what that expenditure aligns with is the topic Todd and Peter cover in this episode.  They discuss how understanding where time goes can highlight points where making intentional adjustments can help us create a path to fulfillment and purpose.   Related points: In Vietnam, the busses have vomit bags for everyone, which get used.  But...

How do you restore your reserves?  Are you intentional about that, or rarely think about what's involved?  In this episode Peter and Todd discuss the processes they have found and employed, what has and has not worked.  As usual there are a few sidebar conversations which eventually come back around to the point of discussion. Related points: Having an awareness of balance and...

Ever feel like the thoughts of others might be playing some sort of role in the way we act... well, we have, and so in this episode Peter and Todd dive into this topic. Related points: Hypocrisy: a feigning to be what one is not or to believe what one does not: behavior that contradicts what one claims to believe or feel. Sometimes what we think about what other people think about us can be an int...

Peter and Todd talk about the elements/drivers of and change and behavioral modifications.  We stack the ideas and discuss where we think we are on the continuum, and how we could do better.  As an educator, Peter reflects where the topics found in the coursework intersect with school settings – and shares what he is learning with us all here. Definitions: Autonomy: The capacity to make...

In this episode we unveil and speak to (in real-time), the second half of John C's questions. What are you looking forward to most in the next 10 years? What is the best gift you've ever received and why? Who was the most helpful and inspiring person in your life, in your younger years, and why? Related points: Slow motion is better than no motion. If you don't have the right bike, at least have t...

Ever find sometimes it is so hard to begin, ever think more about that and the why or reasons behind it?  Peter and Todd dive into this thought track and uncover things along the way which have served them as well as things which maybe... well not so much. Related points: If we wait until we're ready, we risk never getting started at all. The more you resist doing something, the more you will...

In this episode we unveil and speak to in real-time, a listener (John C., I see you!) round of submitted questions.  We only got to half of the set, so this is part one of two along this same thread. What are the best and worst characteristics of yourselves?  How do you cope, prevent, or respond - or how do you deal with the worst ones? What's the most interesting thing you've ever seen...

What we do in any situation is either a response, a reaction, or inaction.  Peter and Todd discuss their thoughts and perspectives about stimulus and what we do in reply to it.  We share with each other, and you all, how playing with the exposed dials led us to more meaningful ways to learn from these things. Related points: First responders, not first reactors.   A reaction may not...

Peter and Todd discuss mental strength and/or mindset.  Using Maslow's hierarchy format, we delve into how we can use a similar structure for how we approach mindset.  As we think about mindset and all the things which can and do influence it, how does that then lead to how we navigate our experience - conversely - how have the things we have experienced influence how we realize our mind...

Expectations, what a crazy lofty topic!  What we think something, or someone should be & how we form standards in our minds - this is the root of expectation.  Pete and Todd explore what expectations mean to them, where they originate, how to keep an awareness around expectations to see them for what they are and how they can guide/drive behaviors. On the other side of our individual...

The fellas discuss their different perspectives around a quote Peter drops about inspiration and habits.  Sharing these ideas, they find that aspiration, motivation, action, and stress make an appearance.  They discuss the differences between physical and mental actions, and how each has its utility.  Further into the episode they get into mindfulness, and how the practice and focus...

The guys discuss some frequently asked questions, then dive into a new topic-experiment deemed the "5 X 5."  In this format, Todd & Pete each speak to 5 questions for no more than 5 minutes total ( 2.5 minutes apiece). So many books/shows/podcasts were discussed that we'll start a list and publish that soon - listen for a mention in an upcoming show. Any suggestions, topic ideas, or guest...

Todd & Pete often mention striving for a life of meaning and PURPOSE. In this episode the guys discuss different perspectives around life's PURPOSE - where to find it, how it evolves, and tools they've learned to determine how to chase it.  Along the way are ties to values, action, intent, gratitude and human connection. No notable reference links to share in this episode, as much as we e...

In true Peter form, we explore a completely new topic in real-time.  In this episode our discussion centers around "an endeavor where anticipated struggles were not actually realized, and what was the take-away / lesson in the end."  As our podcast form evolves we sometimes digress, but are striving toward keeping the most important thing just that... the most important thing: which is s...

In this episode we unspool some questions Todd discovered that kept popping up in his brain after hearing the stories Pete shared across previous episodes.  There was no real road map, and as Todd's mind works you can see it’s a random jumble.  While no specific struggles were targeted when they started, as one can imagine, a few unfolded along the way!   Hope you enjoy. Of men...

Change in any capacity is difficult - to think about, to experience suddenly, to begin on our own - in so many ways.  As the new year arrives many of us are striving to make resolutions. In this episode Todd a & Pete discuss how the default for humans is comfort or doing just enough to remain comfortable - yet that makes the process of realizing our potential (and beyond) difficult to nav...

Resuming Pete's backstory, this time from the college years through present times.  There are many nuggets that underline points of upbringing, which we can see directly impact how Pete navigates his reality.  Join us as we travel his journey from San Diego to Alaska with layovers in Vietnam and Kansas… we hope you enjoy! Show feedback?  Click Here Notable mentions: Disney's Blizzard Beach Hartlan...

From his first memory all the way to the end of college and the trouble he got into along the way, the guys unwind Pete's recollections touching upon struggles and stories found across the range of his formative years and beyond. Part 1 of 2: Pete's Personal Histories.   Points of mention... 80's CATV selector Holyoke MA (USA) history Luddites Dee Brown

Peter and Todd dive with both feet into Todd's background, unwinding challenges and struggles while discussing lessons they offered. When we are willing to intentionally slow down and look back, it is amazing what we can learn from the experiences that have molded us into the individuals we have become.  Often this is where we insert the '20/20 hindsight' quip, but if we really look for lesso...

In this episode we discuss gratitude (with a few anecdotal sidebars).  This conversation focuses on how gratitude was discovered along our paths, how we have morphed our views on it, and ways we have relied upon and employed it to help shift perspectives and brighten the days of others. Thank you for listening, we are grateful. Mentions in the show: The Obstacle is the Way - Ryan Holiday

On this inaugural episode Peter and Todd discuss the why behind this effort, how they met, and some small snackable bites about who they are beyond the microphones. This is the beginning, and all that comes from it and afterward is pure opportunity.

Trailer Episode! The only guarantees in life: 1) We are never going to make it out alive! 2) We are all going to struggle. The discussions of this podcast center around the most integral skill needed for a life driven by purpose and fulfillment - How to cultivate a mindset to embrace struggle. Come join us in the struggle!