I wrote recently about how I was able to help my son - who races go-karts - overcome a physical and mental slump. He dug deep and went on to win a championship. This whole episode got us thinking about some parallels between what was happening out on the track and what takes place in life. That's the focus of this episode of Happy & Free with Val a…

We recently took in the Boston Marathon. It’s an amazing thing to watch elite runners slice through miles like a knife in hot butter without breaking a sweat. However, the majority of the runners seemed to be grinding out every single step. As we watched, there was some much that mirrored everyday life. On this episode of our podcast Happy & Free w…

A Bed & Breakfast still conjures up warm feelings of the past, long before chain hotels, when people checked in for more than a room. They wanted something that felt a bit like home and local tales and treats from the innkeeper. Tucked in big cities and scattered across the countryside, B&B's still beckon travelers from near and far. We met one inn…

Your mind is a powerful thing. You can imagine great things and make them happen. You can also worry about things and end up going down a dark hole. What if you were to spend more time focusing on the positive? How would it revolutionize your life? That is what we're talking about on this edition of our podcast, Happy & Free with Val and Dan. There…

Plants are great for the environment. They produce oxygen and can even purify the air in your home. Beyond those benefits, there are plenty of similarities between plants and your life. On this episode of Happy & Free with Val and Dan, learn how to treat your life like a plant and see how it grows in spectacular ways.…

We plan for our financial future by putting aside money in a 401k or an IRA. Maybe it's a pension or equity in your big house that you plan to one day cash out. But have you taken a moment to plan for your overall future? That's what we're talking about on this edition of our podcast, Happy & Free with Val and Dan. We'll walk you through a checklis…

Some people excuse a little white lie; others boldly tell untruths. In some cases, it's about brushing off a nuisance, but others take to lying as a way to deceive, to polish an image, or to move ahead in careers. On this episode of Happy & Free with Val and Dan, we'll tackle the old art of lying. Did you know that 60% of us can't go 10 minutes wit…

Falling in love is easy. Living in love is much more difficult. We all make quick and emotional decisions, and then wake up in a relationship that doesn’t quite fit. It’s like a pair of really nice shoes that are a half size off. In this episode of Happy & Free with Val and Dan, follow an interesting story about a shopping spree at a bargain store,…

This is the time of year when we start getting all those tax related forms, so we can begin getting our papers in order. April is still a ways off, but it's never too early to start planning for what to do when the check arrives in the mail. The sooner you file, the sooner you'll get paid. But before you mentally spend your check, listen to this ep…

We all breathe without thinking about it, but there’s a special kind of breathing that can help you deal with some of life’s everyday problems. For example: stress. You can let it tear you apart from the inside out or you can take some deep breaths with a little rhythm and feel the remarkable difference. Listen to this episode of our podcast Happy …

Everywhere we turn, someone is talking about what they don’t like. Politics and government are at the top of the list. The shift in Washington has led to a lot of uncertainty and some people have taken to the streets in an effort to be heard. We don’t typically dip our toes into political waters, but on this edition of Happy & Free with Val and Dan…

It works for young kids. Why shouldn’t it do the same for adults? We’re talking about taking a power nap. Kids don’t like sitting still and aren’t fond of being forced to take a nap in the middle of the day. But there are benefits. In some countries, naps are built into the day. Why should we be on board too? On this edition of our podcast, we’re t…

It’s the one day of the week that always seems to get a bad rap. Monday! While everyone seems to celebrate Friday and the beginning of a nice weekend, the other end of getting back to work and the real world is often met with a grunt. Why are Mondays so much of a downer? That’s what we’ll kick around on this episode of our podcast Happy & Free with…

At one time or another, someone in your family will ask for a loan. It may be just a few dollars or a lot more. Giving loans to family members or close friends can be tricky. First of all, it can lead to odd moments when the loan isn’t repaid in a timely manner or at all. While some may put their foot down, others make a habit of it. How can you le…

The presidential inauguration takes place this week and Washington will be all abuzz as President Donald Trump officially takes over 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. We thought it would be a good time to go down memory lane to see how past presidents have inspired with courage and proved that no matter where you come from anything is possible. In this epi…

We did a podcast last year about the benefits of looking in the rearview mirror. You can learn from mistakes and make course corrections. But in this episode, we're looking at burying the past. Forgetting about those things that didn't go right in 2016. Maybe it was a bad relationship, a job, or a move. You can keep stressing about those mistakes o…

Did you do it yet? Are you thinking about it? Have you given up trying? What we're talking about is making and of course keeping New Year’s resolutions. They typically have something to do with fitness, relationships, or work, but people set all kinds of goals. Some succeed, but often others come up short, Just because it may not have worked out in…

It’s the end of a year that saw friends and families divided over politics. There used to be a civil discussion, but 2016 was different. People hit the “unfriend” button and brothers and sisters stopped talking to each other. The holidays is the magnet that draws all of these differences into one room. How can the noise of the past be muted? One wa…

How can you put the real spirit of Thanksgiving back into the holiday? Take a moment to jot down some things that you are thankful for. It doesn’t have to be long. It’s a good exercise around this time of year as the calendar forces us all to focus on Thanksgiving. It does get a bit commercial, and turkeys have a hard time with it, but in all serio…

Preparing for retirement is scary – but it doesn’t have to be. Here is saving for retirement made simple. When you think about saving for retirement, what comes to mind? Is it a piggy bank? A 401k? A great pension plan? It can all seem so confusing and, frankly, not as interesting if you are a young person just getting started in your career. But t…

Each stage of raising a child can present its own set of challenges, but the dreaded teen years can be especially difficult. There are so many changes going on inside and so many pressures on the outside. On our podcast, this week we'll help parents navigate these trying waters and have some fun along the way.…

There is a lot of evil in the world, and children often see the worst of it. Is it possible to push back against the trials our children face in just a single day? It may sound like a tired phrase: “kids are our future.” But it’s true, and in too many places in this country and around the world, they aren’t being treated with the respect they deser…

Here are a few personalized and unconventional tips for success. There are plenty of books, online resources, and seminars that offer up a buffet of keys to success. Some promise an overnight rocket ride to the top, while others offer shortcuts to make the climb easier. There are no perfect answers because we are all bit different, but on this week…

Couples don’t always get along – but are you doing something small that’s ruining your relationship? Find out what it is, and what you can do about it. There are little things that can grind away at relationships. It could just end up being an accepted annoyance, or it could fester and grow into something significant. What is it that you do that dr…

Are you one of those people who shows up late to everything? If so, why? Does it have to do with power, risk, or organization? Whatever bucket you fall into, you’ve got to listen to this week’s podcast. It’s admission time as we bare our souls to make a point. We also come up with some solutions that will not only help you, but help get us back in …

The recent breakup of Hollywood super couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie stirred up talk yet AGAIN about celebrities and commitment. Why do we care? What puts many of these high profile unions at risk? And are there any good examples of lasting love in Hollywood? On our podcast this week, we’re joined by our Heart Beings Hollywood contributor Debo…

Can you lose fat without diet or exercise, but just by changing your actions? That statement may not sound politically correct, but it’s the way one entrepreneur has drawn attention to a problem he has been fighting – obesity. “Stop Acting Fat” is the name of his organization and it screams from the front of his T-shirt. Obesity is a major health p…

Things from the past should stay in the past, right? But how can inviting your past into your future help your life and actions now? We hear so much about forgetting the past. “Put the past behind you” a coach once said after a tough loss. We like – or frankly need – to forget pain, loss, and disappointment. However, there are times when looking ba…

Being positive is hard; but here’s a roadmap that makes it second nature. It isn’t easy to be a constant state of happiness, but some amazing things can happen if you spend more time working on being positive than looking at what is going wrong. Positivity in the workplace has proven to be a key factor in a successful employee. And guess what? Posi…

You want a break from life, but do you even know how? Here is the secret for truly taking a breather. Summer is now in the rearview mirror, but if you were like us, you had the chance to escape for a vacation or took time off for a staycation. Either way, jumping off the daily treadmill of life has countless benefit. Take that a step further: what …

Should movies go in a different direction, and should celebrities help fight diseases and the stigma surrounding them? Charlie Sheen told the world that he is HIV positive. Now he wants other stars who are also infected to step forward. His goal is to get rid of the stigma around the disease. On our podcast this week, we talk about the facts behind…

What’s the last concert you attended? Do you attend musical events frequently? Well listen up; dancing around at a concert will not just lead to sweat and perhaps ringing ears, but it could make you much happier in life. What about the performers? And what are we to make of this positive information? We’ll answer all of those question in podcast th…

TV supposedly isn’t good for you – but there’s a lot to be learned from the Tiny House concept that can change your daily living. How many of you can’t get enough of those Tiny House shows on cable television and online? It’s all the rage. Couples and families are shedding the spacious comforts of a large house and choosing to live in much smaller …

Whether it’s a painful break or just a bump in the road, sometimes you need to hit reset on a relationship. How can you do it successfully, and healthily? Isn’t the honeymoon period such a sweet time in a relationship? You date, you fall in love, and everything is so special. Flowers arrive at unexpected moments. Weekends are filled with candleligh…

Are you ready to fight back against the fear that world events bring? It seems no place is safe. Violent acts are happening all around the world, and in this ever connected society, we find out about it with great detail immediately. This is all fueling a lot of fear. Are you one of those people afraid of what could happen next in your neighborhood…

We give to the children of the world to make their lives better – but these children are giving back. It turns out everyone in the world is not selfish. People with very little income and those with billions in the bank are donating their time and money to make sure that great causes are funded. Philanthropy is a big word that is often linked to th…

Who says you need a gym to get in shape or make yourself feel better? With these techniques, the world is your exercise machine. This is the season where the things that are covered up in winter are exposed in the summer sun. No sweaters or long sleeve shirts to help you fib that you’re still on that exercise routine. Some people can’t afford gym m…

Hate is a powerful word. We throw it around when talking about a movie that bombed or a restaurant that served up an unpleasant meal. But look around the world or right down the street and the more troubling meaning of hate is taking lives and destroying communities. It almost seems as if people and groups are seeking out reasons to hate or nurturi…

A child being diagnosed with cancer does not inspire hope – not for themselves, and not for others. But this family is flipping the script, and turning a tragic situation into a tool for hope. No parent ever wants to hear the diagnosis that their child has cancer. It was shocking for the Garcia family. At first they shut down, but it wasn’t long be…

You know which ones we’re talking about… Hearing “most embarrassing moments ever” probably conjures up a few horrible memories for you, but what if there was a way to forget about them? What if there was a way to make them a good memory? There’s no way to adequately describe the feeling of sticking your foot in your mouth or making a big, embarrass…

What no doubt comes immediately to mind is the flood of refugees coming from countries like Syria. That is certainly part of issue, but seeking and giving refuge can happen all around us. On our podcast this week, we sit down with Heart Beings friend Joshua Freedman, CEO and co-founder of 6 Seconds – The Emotional Intelligence Network. What is EQ? …

A low-wage job doesn’t mean a low-level future, especially not for your children. This man has proven that it’s not the paycheck that makes the difference. Fred Vautour never attended college; neither did his wife. He has worked for years as a janitor. But all five of his children now have degrees from elite Boston College. They got in, succeeded, …

Do you know what “zen” really is? “Zen” is making a revival, and in the modern age, it’s taking on more dimensions than its hippie origins. The urban dictionary describes Zen as a: “total state of focus that incorporates a total togetherness of body and mind.” It goes on to say that: “Zen is a way of being. It also is a state of mind. Zen involves …

Every day we are bombarded with a hefty dose of negative news. Plane crashes, terrorist attacks, and murders rule the headlines. Consuming so much negative news is not good for your health. In fact, some studies prove that there’s great power in positive, uplifting stories. Don’t agree? Listen to our podcast as we break it all down and give you ple…

What is R-E-S-P-E-C-T? It is spelled out, belted out, by the great Aretha Franklin in that old but still fresh hit. We throw that word around a lot, but often times don’t treat each other with much respect especially in the workplace. On our podcast, we put respect in the spotlight. What can you do as a boss or a co-worker to show respect on the jo…

Who needs complicated guidebooks when you could change your life for the better with five steps? Learn how today. If you’ve been making excuses or struggling to figure out the best way to live longer and healthier, then search no more. This podcast could change your life for good. It’s as simple as The Big Five. Dr. Sanjiv Chopra, our friend and pa…

How many times have you felt like throwing in the towel? It may be a difficult relationship or a job – one that was once great, but has quickly gone south. Whatever the challenge, it’s human nature to give up. What if you were to take a step back, put together a checklist, and think before you jump? That’s what we’ll help you do in this week’s podc…

Nobody wants to hear a doctor say the C-word. Cancer. Evenhighly curable forms of the disease can instill fear ina patient. There's so much uncertainty and so manyquestions. People handle adversity in so many different ways. What would beyour reaction? On this podcast, we interview a man who faced the medical giantswith courage. His response will h…