Enjoy this replay of the February 2026 Zoom talk with the <a href="https://www.patreon.com/RipplesGuy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Team Ripples Patreon Community</a>.We followed our usual format:pebble (a resource that I've found useful in my work or life)boulder (and activity I'm using personally or professionally)ponder (a collection of information and ideas I've been pondering) You can also watch the <a href="https://youtu.be/A4oYYvORJvY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">video replay here</a>. Pebble:&nbsp;Ezra Klein Podcast Episode: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-question-can-change-your-life/id1548604447?i=1000743496712" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">This Question Can Change Your Life</a>: WHAT IS THIS? Boulder: Three QuestionsWhat is it time to let go of?What will be important to hold on to?What might be useful to look forward to? Ponder: Thrive Loop sVirtuous Cycle of Flourishing: our thoughts support us, our emotions energize us, and our actions align with our valuesVicious Cycle of Floundering: our thoughts undermine us, our emotions drag us down, and our actions miss the mark—or don’t happen at all

Micro-Boosts with Macro Impact: Gentle Resets for your Head, Heart & Habits

Enjoy this replay of a special Zoom talk I gave on October 30th (please note this has different content than the October 28 talk; be sure listen to part 1). For this presentation I created a <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OdXM0zMStZQNs8yJovwbxfGmjwKTTA-JrnCnwfVDsS8/edit?usp=sharing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Google Doc</a>&nbsp;with the content we explored, and I also created a <a href="https://open.acast.com/Anchors_4_Peace_Hope.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PDF version</a> that you’re welcome to download and share. You can also watch the video replay <a href="https://youtu.be/VvhB2OgIloU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.

Anchors for Peace & Hope (Part 2)

Enjoy this replay of a special Zoom talk I gave on October 28th (please note this has different content than the October 30 talk; be sure listen to part 2!) For this presentation I created a <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OdXM0zMStZQNs8yJovwbxfGmjwKTTA-JrnCnwfVDsS8/edit?usp=sharing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Google Doc</a>&nbsp;with the content we explored, and I also created a <a href="Anchors_4_Peace_Hope.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PDF version</a> that you’re welcome to download and share. You can also watch the video replay <a href="https://youtu.be/myazkDA493o" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.

Anchors of Peace & Hope (Part 1)

Enjoy this replay of our&nbsp;Monthly Zoom with the <a href="https://www.patreon.com/RipplesGuy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Team Ripples Patreon Community</a> We followed our usual format:pebble (a resource that I've found useful in my work or life)boulder (and activity I'm using personally or professionally)ponder (a collection of information and ideas I've been pondering) The notes and links from the session are pasted below.You can also watch the <a href="https://youtu.be/IXGE3furODg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">video replay</a>. PEBBLE<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0DX1XFV4F/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Group Therapy</a> documentary<a href="https://arbinger.com/store/the-anatomy-of-peace/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict</a> (and we explore the book in this<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ripples-pondcast/id1553793983?i=1000727226454" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> episode</a> of The Ripples Pondcast) BOULDERGratitude Prompt: Tell me about a memorable moment of gratitude where you were either the giver or receiver, or share a note of gratitude you wish you’d previously shared with someone.From this <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/22/opinion/send-thank-you-notes.html?unlocked_article_code=1.hE8.S2G3.Y7Xc7JRJMA5E&amp;smid=url-share&amp;ck_subscriber_id=3230784329" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NYT article</a>Soul Pancake: <a href="https://youtu.be/oHv6vTKD6lg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Science of Happiness - An Experiment in Gratitude</a>Soul Pancake: <a href=" https://youtu.be/-OBgdoAmuwI" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Street Compliments</a> PONDER1. Anne-Laure Le Cunff: The Peril of Productivity, and the Happiness of Tiny Experiments (No Small Endeavor <a href=" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-small-endeavor-with-lee-c-camp/id1513178238?i=1000723422921" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Podcast episode</a>)2. There’s a path to a good life beyond happiness and meaning (<a href="https://wapo.st/3Uy8v7j" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Washington Post Article Giftlink</a>)3a. Dan Harris, 10% Happier Podcast <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/10-happier-with-dan-harris/id1087147821?i=1000717140194" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Your Brain Is Suggestible. Here’s How To Turn That to Your Advantage</a>3b. Dan Harris<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/10-happier-with-dan-harris/id1087147821?i=1000682587392" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Science Of Burnout — And How To Recharge From Stress | Kristin Neff</a>4. Fauxstalgia (Ghost Longing)Fauxstalgia, or ghost longing:&nbsp;terms that ChatGPT helped me and my friend use to short hand a form of grief that occurs when you find yourself missing something that you never had (Here's the <a href="https://chatgpt.com/share/68c5d6dd-725c-800b-9b3d-d23914f5657c" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ChatGPT thread</a> I created in the midst of our conversation)

Cider for the Soul: A Gentle, Autumnal Chat with The Ripples Guy

A Conversation with Coach Roach

In this lighthearted and thought-provoking conversation, Paul sits down with leadership trainer and coach Roach Finley to unpack key insights from <a href="https://arbinger.com/store/the-anatomy-of-peace/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict</a> by The Arbinger Institute. Together they explore what it means to move from a “heart at war” to a “heart at peace,” how the “box” and “influence pyramid” shape our relationships, and why this book is more about being than doing. Along the way, Roach shares personal reflections from her leadership journey and how the book is still working on her. Connect with Coach Roach via her <a href="https://rachaelfinleycoachingandconsulting.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website</a>, <a href="https://linkedin.com/in/rachael-roach-finley-m-s-cpcc-acc-89605a1a" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/roach.finley" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rachaelroachfinley/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.

A Heart at Peace in a World of Conflict

My childhood friend Pidge returns to the Pondcast...this time for a conversation about Polarities. You can also <a href="https://youtu.be/WVyxLpytHc0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">watch the video recording</a> if you'd like...we move our hands a lot! ◡̈ -pw

Pidge & Paul Ponder Polarities

Summer Sizzle (Part 1 of 2)

[PLEASE NOTE: I shared two different sets of content this month, so I recorded both sessions and published them as "Part 1" and "Part 2". They have DIFFERENT pebbles, DIFFERENT boulders, and DIFFERENT ponders, I promise!] Enjoy this replay of our&nbsp;Monthly Zoom with the <a href="https://www.patreon.com/RipplesGuy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Team Ripples Patreon Community</a> We followed our usual format:pebble (a resource that I've found useful in my work or life)boulder (and activity I'm using personally or professionally)ponder (a collection of information and ideas I've been pondering) The notes and links from the session are pasted below.You can also watch the video replay here: <a href="https://youtu.be/8Dvf1c-0ays" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/8Dvf1c-0ays</a> PEBBLE Hopeful Tunes 4U: A massive playlist of upbeat tunes assembled from the Ripples community.&nbsp;Playlist can be accessed through these links:Pandora:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pandora.com/playlist/PL:196407963240367522:1146596940" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.pandora.com/playlist/PL:196407963240367522:1146596940</a>Spotify:&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4IOsYREjf1scMlmDKapRac" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4IOsYREjf1scMlmDKapRac</a>Apple Music:&nbsp;<a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/hopeful-tunes/pl.u-4Joma4ltZ77qbX" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/hopeful-tunes/pl.u-4Joma4ltZ77qbX</a>Tidal:&nbsp;<a href="https://tidal.com/playlist/d33c22dc-677e-4200-b4af-d945f9f8367f" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://tidal.com/playlist/d33c22dc-677e-4200-b4af-d945f9f8367f</a> BOULDERBody based Calming exercises&nbsp;<a href="https://www.envisionkindness.org/guide/shifting-how-we-feel/body-based-calming-or-energizing-exercises/calming-exercises/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.envisionkindness.org/guide/shifting-how-we-feel/body-based-calming-or-energizing-exercises/calming-exercises/</a> PONDER1.20 short rules for better days at work&nbsp;<a href="https://breegroff.substack.com/p/20-short-rules-for-better-days-at" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://breegroff.substack.com/p/20-short-rules-for-better-days-at</a>?2. Dopamine Menu:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/jan/18/whats-on-your-dopamine-menu-15-ideas-for-a-positivity-boost" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/jan/18/whats-on-your-dopamine-menu-15-ideas-for-a-positivity-boost</a>?3. Mapping space: Largest map of the universe announced UC Santa Barbara (6/11/25)<a href="https://news.ucsb.edu/2025/021905/mapping-space-largest-map-universe-announced" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://news.ucsb.edu/2025/021905/mapping-space-largest-map-universe-announced</a> 4. Facebook Reel We don’t uncover triggers to avoid them, we uncover triggers to heal them:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/1717862865476423" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/reel/1717862865476423</a>SEEN Method of healing triggers. (be prepared: she’s presenting this in a somewhat manic way) (no safety, control, or choice)  5. “I can’t do this.” actually means “You’re about to do it” Excellent reel from a birth doula &nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/1121419086523458" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/reel/1121419086523458</a>

Summer Sizzle (Part 2 of 2)

A Sunny Splash of Inspiration for Your Head & Heart

[PLEASE NOTE: I shared two different sets of content this month, so I recorded both sessions and published them as "Part 1" and "Part 2". They have DIFFERENT pebbles, DIFFERENT boulders, and DIFFERENT ponders, I promise!] Enjoy this replay of our&nbsp;Monthly Zoom with the <a href="https://www.patreon.com/RipplesGuy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Team Ripples Patreon Community</a> We followed our usual format:pebble (a resource that I've found useful in my work or life)boulder (and activity I'm using personally or professionally)ponder (a collection of information and ideas I've been pondering) The notes and links from the session are pasted below.You can also watch the video replay here&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/DxOI4uPb3e0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/DxOI4uPb3e0</a> PEBBLEStuff I can Control (based on Don Griner’s share)<a href="https://2rpl.me/i/Stuff_I_Can_Control.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://2rpl.me/i/Stuff_I_Can_Control.pdf</a> BOULDER:Japanese Walking:&nbsp;<a href="https://wapo.st/3H6hPMt" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://wapo.st/3H6hPMt</a>&nbsp;(Wash Post gift link)<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/07/13/japanese-walking-interval-walking-training/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/07/13/japanese-walking-interval-walking-training/</a>? PONDER1. Joyspan: (from NYT article about Joyspan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life’s Second Half)Life span: how long you liveHealth span: how long you live well (in good health)Joy span: how long you enjoy livingfour actions: Grow ~ Adapt ~ Give ~ Connect 2. Wind Phone:&nbsp;<a href="https://wapo.st/3J7Jayh" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://wapo.st/3J7Jayh</a>&nbsp;(Wash Post gift link)3. Hacking your Happy Horomones (Dopamine, Serotonin, Oxytocin, Endorphins):&nbsp;<a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/happy-hormone" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.healthline.com/health/happy-hormone</a>Facebook Reel:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/685974207368701" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/reel/685974207368701</a> 4. Tender vs. Fierce Self-Compassion (via Dan Harris 10% Happier Podcast episode #894: The Science Of Burnout — And How To Recharge From Stress:&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/10-happier-with-dan-harris/id1087147821?i=1000682587392" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/10-happier-with-dan-harris/id1087147821?i=1000682587392</a> Tender vs. Fierce Self compassion. If compassion is about alleviating suffering, Tender self compassion is about ACCEPTING things, and&nbsp;Fierce self compassion is about taking action, CHANGING things. 5. Have You Tried Lemonading? Researchers Tout the Power of Playfulness in Tough Times<a href="https://nicenews.com/health-and-wellness/lemonading-playfulness-face-adversity/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://nicenews.com/health-and-wellness/lemonading-playfulness-face-adversity/</a>

An Chatty Experiment

This is a different kind of episode for us; I invited my longtime friend Pidge (we've known each other since 5th grade!) to an experiment: we'd each bring a handful of questions to the table for discussion and exploration. The conversation went longer than we originally anticipated, but we had such a blast! I'm already wondering who I'll invite to the conversation next...

Trading Questions with My Pal Pidge

exploring the ongoing impact of our smallest actions

Join Paul Wesselmann, The Ripples Guy, as he shares quick splashes of inspiration and explores how even our smallest actions can have an ongoing impact on our lives, the people we connect with and the whole world. Are you in? Ooh, I hope so!

The Ripples Pondcast

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