What's on Your Bookshelf?

Discover the transformative power of military leadership principles in our exclusive new series featuring Denise Russo and special co-host Zach Elliott. This debut episode introduces a fresh perspective on leadership through the lens of military experience, specifically exploring how the disciplined, accountable leadership style of elite military units translates to business success. The conversat...

It starts with a storm. The year is 1857, and the economy is collapsing. Panic spreads like wildfire. Investors crumble. Businesses fail. But a young man named John D. Rockefeller doesn’t flinch. He watches. He studies. And while others see disaster, he sees an opening. That’s the power of perception. In this episode, Denise and Sam step inside The Obstacle Is The Way by Ryan Holiday, pulling real...

Obstacles don't block your path—they are your path. In our deep dive into Ryan Holiday's "The Obstacle is the Way," we unpack how ancient Stoic wisdom offers practical solutions for modern challenges.  The book provides more than inspiration; it delivers a framework for transforming life's inevitable roadblocks into opportunities for growth. We examine the remarkable stori...

Denise was stuck. Sam was frustrated. Different stories, same feeling—an obstacle so big it seemed impossible to move. But what if the struggle wasn’t a dead end? What if it was the path forward? In this episode, Denise and Sam dive into The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday, exploring its powerful lessons through personal stories and the experiences of those who have turned setbacks into succes...

Can you imagine choosing the harder right over the easier wrong to craft a life by design, not default? This episode of "What's on Your Bookshelf" promises to unlock the secrets of achieving balance in a world that feels increasingly chaotic. Inspired by the wisdom in "The Five Bold Choices" by Jay Coughlin and Larry Julian, we venture into the art of living intentionally....

Can you truly design your life, or are you living it by default? Discover how the art of making bold, intentional choices can transform your work-life balance and lead to a more fulfilling existence. In our exploration of "The Five Bold Choices" by Jay Coughlin and Larry Julian, we uncover the powerful themes of adaptability, conscious decision-making, and the courage to choose the harde...

Have you ever wondered if your perception of confidence is truly aligned with reality? Join us as we unravel the intricacies of confidence, perspective, and humility in this engaging episode of "What's on Your Bookshelf." We draw inspiration from "The Five Bold Choices" by Jay Coughlin and Larry Julian, focusing on the fourth bold choice: redefining confidence. Through a t...

How do we navigate the constant waves of change that life throws our way? Today, inspired by "The Five Bold Choices" by Jay Coughlin and Larry Julian, we explore the powerful theme of adaptability and its critical role in our personal and professional lives. We share personal stories and insights on how the pandemic and the Great Resignation have reshaped our perspectives, pushing us to...

Are you truly taking responsibility for your life's journey? In our latest episode, we promise you'll gain the insights needed to transform accountability from a daunting obligation into a powerful tool for personal growth. Inspired by "The Five Bold Choices" by Jay Coughlin and Larry Julian, we discuss the critical role accountability plays in overcoming the fear of failure, d...

Clarity isn't just a buzzword; it's a game-changer in our journey toward success. Imagine stepping away from the chaos of everyday life to truly focus on what matters—this is the essence we're capturing in our latest episode of "What's On Your Bookshelf." We begin our exploration of "The Five Bold Choices" by Jay Coughlin and Larry Julian, highlighting the p...

What if the choices you make today could transform your tomorrow? "The Five Bold Choices" by Jay Coughlin and Larry Julian, a book that challenges us to rise above life's circumstances and redefine our paths. As we weave through the practical advice and personal anecdotes shared by these compelling authors, we discover how strategic decisions can lead to untapped potential and impac...

Remember the moment when a single book changed your perspective on life? Join us as we celebrate a milestone in our podcasting journey with our 100th episode of "What's on Your Bookshelf." Featuring a heartfelt conversation with our producer, Scott Miller, we revisit the origins of our podcast, starting with "Let's Be Real" in 2019 and evolving into a vibrant platform...

Ever wondered how a small conversation about books turned into an engaging podcast series? Denise Russo and Sam Powell take you through their inspiring journey from a casual chat around Denise's bookshelf to creating "What's on Your Bookshelf," a podcast that explores themes woven through literature and life. As we kick off 2025, we reminisce about our evolution, including the...

Have you ever wondered if true happiness lies not in avoiding challenges but in facing them intentionally and with an open heart? As we wrap up our year-long quest for happiness, Denise Russo and Samantha Powell share the transformative lessons they've gleaned from pivotal books like "The How of Happiness" and "The Happiness Project." This episode dives deep into the shift...

Have you ever wondered how living with anticipation and urgency can transform your life? This week, Denise Russo and Samantha Powell unpack another section of John Maxwell's "Intentional Living." We delve into how forward-thinking and timely action can make a huge difference. With insights from John Wooden’s timeless wisdom, we discuss how to prepare yourself for those golden opport...

Ever wondered how connecting with diverse minds can transform your life? Join us, Denise Russo and Samantha Powell, as we explore John Maxwell's "Intentional Living" and uncover the magic of building relationships with like-minded individuals while embracing diverse perspectives. We'll share personal stories that highlight how engaging with people who challenge our viewpoints c...

Have you ever wondered how a simple act of gratitude can transform your relationships? Join Denise Russo and Samantha Powell as they share powerful personal stories and discuss intentional living inspired by John Maxwell's "Intentional Living." Denise unveils the touching experience of writing heartfelt letters to her children, emphasizing how acknowledging the contributions of othe...

What if the key to achieving your dreams lies in taking the smallest steps with the biggest belief? Join us on a transformative journey as we explore John Maxwell's "Intentional Living" and dive into the art of starting small but thinking big. Drawing insights from Simon Sinek's "Start With Why" and James Clear's "Atomic Habits," we uncover how minor, c...

What if a simple shift in your daily choices could lead to a life of lasting significance? Join Denise Russo and Sam Powell as they unpack John Maxwell's "Intentional Living," a game-changing book that wraps up our 2024 reading list. Drawing from our recent retreat, "Your Signature Story," we explore how conscious awareness of one's passions, potential, and purpose ca...

Unlock the secrets to a happier, more intentional life as we wrap up our journey through Gretchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project." Get ready to discover the transformative power of personalized resolutions and practical tips from Rubin's afterword, all while learning how to craft your own happiness project. We'll showcase how concepts from "Atomic Habits" complem...

Ever wondered if you could synthesize a year’s worth of resolutions into one powerful month? Join us as we reflect on Gretchen Rubin’s final chapter of "The Happiness Project," where she dives into “Boot Camp Perfect.” We’ll discuss the challenges and triumphs of integrating positive habits into daily life and how eliminating negativity can lead to true happiness. Hear our reflections on...

What if the secret to a happier life lies in the simple act of laughing out loud? In this episode of "The Happiness Project," we journey through Gretchen Rubin's November focus on gratitude and contentment. We'll share a heartwarming story of a family outing to a comedy movie, illustrating how laughter can be a powerful catalyst for joy. We'll also explore how introverts a...

Can embracing mindfulness truly impact our daily lives and transform our perspectives? Join us on "What's on Your Bookshelf" as we engage in an insightful conversation about mindfulness, inspired by Gretchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project." This episode features reflections from Denise Rousseau and Sam Powell, who contemplate the significance of being present, particu...

Ever struggled to find time for your true passions amidst the chaos of daily life? This episode of "What's on Your Bookshelf" promises to enlighten and inspire you as Denise Russo and Samantha Powell explore the transformative power of pursuing your passions. Drawing inspiration from Chapter Nine of Gretchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project," they dive deep into how ded...

Can contemplating mortality and eternity shift your daily priorities? Join us on a transformative journey as we explore the August chapter of Gretchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project." This segment seamlessly transitions from material wealth to profound existential musings, offering a structured framework for your own happiness project. Discover how our book selections align perfectl...