It's a Good Life

Your mind runs your brain — and how you manage it determines your quality of life. In this fascinating episode, Brian Buffini interviews cognitive neuroscientist andbestselling author Dr. Caroline Leaf, who explains how to train your mind to work for you, not against you. Drawing from four decades of clinical research and her groundbreaking new book, Help in a Hurry: Simple Tips for Finding Peace When You're Overwhelmed, Anxious, or Stressed, Dr. Leaf shares powerful, practical techniques to quiet mental clutter, rewire toxic thought patterns, and experience peace and productivity in as little as 63 seconds. Whether you’re an entrepreneur navigating stress, a parent balancing it all, or simply seeking more clarity in today’s noisy world, this conversation will help you renew your mind and live with greater calm, purpose, and joy.  YOU WILL LEARN:  The difference between the mind and the brain — and why that distinction matters. How to manage the “messy mind” in the age of overstimulation and social media.  A simple, science-backed 63-second technique that helps you reduce stress, anxiety, and toxic thinking.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:  Free Business ConsultationHelp in a Hurry: Simple Tips for Finding Peace When You're Overwhelmed, Anxious, or Stressed, by Dr. Caroline Leaf Drleaf.com  NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:  “Your mind runs your brain — your brain does not run your mind.” – Dr. Caroline Leaf “We’re not in a mental health crisis; we’re in a mind management crisis.” – Dr. Caroline Leaf “You can’t control events and circumstances, but you can learn to control your reactions.” – Dr. Caroline Leaf “We're also living in an era of excess technology and not being taught how to manage it.” – Dr. Caroline Leaf “The non-conscious mind not only has the problems that we've created, but also the solutions, because that's wisdom. Wisdom is solutions.” — Dr. Caroline Leaf 

Click here to listen to the full episodeHaving a bucket list is a really powerful way to help you realize your dreams. In this episode, Brian interviews Ben Nemtin, star of MTV’s The Buried Life and co-founder of The Buried Life movement. Ben shares how after he struggled with depression growing up and was forced to drop out of college, he created the world’s greatest bucket list with his three childhood friends. As they searched for more purpose in life, they managed to achieve the unthinkable and, every time they accomplished a dream, they helped a complete stranger to cross something off their list too.YOU WILL LEARN:•What inspired Ben to start his quest and his greatest bucket-list achievements.INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:“The only way that we cross things off our list is through the help of other people.” – Ben Nemtin “I think purpose is one of those things that brings you that sense of well-being. And that's really what a bucket list is, it’s all the things that are going to bring you that sense of purpose.” – Ben Nemtin “A bucket list is bringing you back to your true self when everything else is pulling you away from that in life. And you just need reminders and devices to bring you back to those things that are truly going to bring you joy and happiness.” – Ben Nemtin“Surround yourself with people that inspire you.” – Ben Nemtin“I think that the good life is being authentic and honest with who you are and what you want and following that, even when it's hard. And serving others so that they can they can live their good life as well.” – Ben Nemtin 

In this conversation with Brian Buffini, Kyle Scheele discusses how to tap into your creativity, be courageous, and try something new. In doing so, you can break free from the misconceptions you might have about yourself and reach goals you once thought unattainable.  YOU WILL LEARN How to redefine creativity and then tap into it.  Why curiosity and persistence are critical for innovation to prosper.    How to take the first step toward your “crazy” idea and make it real.  MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE How to Host a Viking Funeral: The Case for Burning Your Regrets, Chasing Your Crazy Ideas, and Becoming the Person You're Meant to Be by Kyle Scheele  NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE “I define creativity as broadly as possible. I think that anytime you make anything new, that is a creative act.” — Kyle Scheele  "We're desperate for predictability, but we're also desperate for new. We're desperate for novel.” — Kyle Scheele  "The people who changed the world, they weren't smarter than you, they weren't better than you, they were just curious and persistent and those are things that you can cultivate in yourself.” — Kyle Scheele "Sometimes all a kid needs is one adult going, ‘I don't know, man, give it a shot.’ I think that's some of the best advice I've ever gotten.” — Kyle Scheele "One of the things that I learned from surveying 21,000 people about their regrets is that people regret things that they didn't do way more than they regret things that they did.” — Kyle Scheele 

Click here to listen to the full episodeIf you want your business to stand the test of time, you have to build trust with your customers. In this episode, Brian explains how you can become a trusted advisor to your clients by always going the extra mile, not just during a transaction, but afterwards too. YOU WILL LEARN:·     How trust is easily broken.·     Why follow-up is critical.·     How to create advocates for your business. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” by Dale Carnegie “Raving Fans,” by Ken Blanchard Free business consultation NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: “Trust is the most critical factor to the success of any and all relationships, both in business and in life.” – Brian Buffini “In today's business environment, if you can follow up consistently, you'll be a shining star in the marketplace.” – Brian Buffini “If you want to be a profit-maker, you’ve got to be a promise-keeper.” – Brian Buffini “In life, silence is golden. In business, silence is deadly.” – Brian Buffini “Character and competence build trust.” – Brian Buffiniitsagoodlife.com

 In this session recorded at a recent Buffini & Company event, Brian Buffini discusses the importance of knowing your “sweet spot” when it comes to your business — that place where your genuine interests, skills, and opportunities intersect. He notes that this is not set in stone but can and often does change depending on the “season life” of life” you are in. Brian also shares powerful strategies on how to circle back to your authentic self so that no matter what season you are in, you’ll be able to bring value, expertise and joy to not only your clients, but also to your own life.   YOU WILL LEARN:  How to define and lean into your sweet spot, even when the seasons of your life change. Why knowing and honoring your own unique gifts — instead of trying to be someone you’re not — will help you create a business filled with passion and joy that lasts.  Why new technology, especially AI, will enhance, but never replace, the value that you bring to your clients.     NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: “The magic happens when you find the sweet spot—where your genuine interests, skills and opportunities intersect.” — Brian Buffini “When we get busy and busier, we stop doing the very thing that we’re best at.” — Brian Buffini “Our sweet spot is who we are, but we also have different seasons in life. What used to fire you up may not fire you up anymore.” — Brian Buffini  “All I will tell you is AI technology is going to speed the real estate business up, not slow it down. And it'll intensify the referrals, not weaken it. Because in the world we're living in today, we're in more need of somebody to trust, not less.” — Brian Buffini  "Not everything that counts can be counted and not everything that can be counted counts.” — Brian Buffini  itsagoodlife.com

Click here to listen to the full episodeDo you want to unlock the secret language of connection? In this episode, bestselling author Charles Duhigg shares what makes conversations work and how we can all learn to be super-communicators at work and in life. YOU WILL LEARN:·     The three types of conversations that happen.·     Why asking deep questions builds connection.·     Why listening properly is so important. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Charles Duhigg NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” – George Bernard Shaw “Communication is about learning how to match what kind of conversation is happening and inviting others to match you.” – Charles Duhigg “When we recognize something as a skill, it makes it something that we can use in any setting.” – Charles Duhigg “A huge part of listening is not just passively absorbing, it's asking the right question.” – Charles Duhigg “Sales is not about explaining why a product is great for you. Sales is about learning what someone's problem is and gaining their trust to help them solve that problem.” – Charles Duhiggitsagoodlife.com

In a world filled with uncertainty, division, and mistrust, Dr. Henry Cloud believes trust is the key to every thriving relationship, business, and community. In this powerful conversation, Brian Buffini sits down with the acclaimed leadership expert and author of Trust: Knowing When to Give It, When to Withhold It, How to Earn It, and How to Fix It When It Gets Broken. Together, they explore why trust is essential for scaling any organization, the five factors that determine whether trust is present, and the practical steps to restore it once lost.   YOU WILL LEARN: • The five essentials of trust—and how to apply them in life and business. • The difference between forgiveness and rebuilding trust. • How self-awareness strengthens your ability to trust others and yourself.  MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Trust: Knowing When to Give It, When to Withhold It, How to Earn It, and How to Fix It When It Gets Broken by Dr. Henry Cloud Necessary Endings by Dr. Henry Cloud  NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:  “We can’t scale anything without trust.” — Dr. Henry Cloud  “Forgiveness is about the past, what's already happened, and it's free.” — Dr. Henry Cloud  “Trust is about the future and whether or not I'm going to take another step with you or what step I'm going to take, and that's got to be earned, just like the first time.” — Dr. Henry Cloud  “The first thing you have to do when you're repairing trust is you have to sit down and have a conversation.” — Dr. Henry Cloud  “There’s literally an algorithm that's running inside of every human system, down your spinal cord, through your gut, in your heart, through all of your senses, running an algorithm 24-7 asking one question before anything else. And that question is, am I safe?” — Dr. Henry Cloud itsagoodlife.com

Click here to listen to the full episodeTaking control of your financial freedom is easier than you think – with simple strategies and a structured approach, anyone can build wealth. In this episode, Brian Preston, bestselling author and host of The Money Guy Show, shares his nine-step system for achieving financial success and living your best life. YOU WILL LEARN:·     Why time is so valuable. ·     How to maximize life in every phase.·     Why it can get messy in the middle.  MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: “Millionaire Mission: A 9 Step System to Level-Up Your Finances and Build Wealth,” by Brian Preston “The Millionaire Next Door,” by Thomas J. Stanley “The Wealthy Barber,” by David Chilton Free business consultation NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: “Every dollar for a 20-year-old has the potential to become $88 at retirement.” – Brian Preston  “Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it earns it, and he who doesn't pays it.” – Albert Einstein   “Cash is so important because it keeps you from making desperate decisions.” – Brian Preston  “There's a smart way to use debt, but just don't let somebody sell you a bad bill of goods.” – Brian Preston  “Figure out your why and then, right from get go, figure out what that dollar is worth so you'll look at your spending and saving differently.” – Brian Preston itsagoodlife.com

In this episode of the “It’s a Good Life” podcast, John O’Leary shares with host Brian Buffini the story behind his new film, “Soul on Fire.” The movie recounts how when John was only 9 years old a devastating fire left him with burns on 100% of his body. With courage, faith and love — and the ongoing support of the legendary St. Louis Cardinals broadcaster Jack Buck — the family persevered in helping John through a grueling recovery. Today John is a loving husband and father, bestselling author and in-demand motivational speaker. This is an episode that will bring you to tears but also motivate you to ensure you are living your life to the fullest every day.    YOU WILL LEARN How acts of kindness can have ripple effects far beyond your own life leading to miracles.  Why you need to look beyond your personal pain as a way to let others share their part in your story.  Why love and forgiveness are always more powerful than shame and guilt.   NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE “I look up, and then he adds, ‘I have never been so proud of anyone in my entire life and my little buddy, this morning, I'm just glad to be your dad.’ And then he follows it with, ‘Love you and there's nothing you can do about it.’” — John’s dad, Dennis O’Leary “Baby, do you want to die? It’s your choice. If you want to live, take the hand of God and fight like you’ve never fought before.” — John’s mom, Susan O’Leary “Jack Buck recognized the voice of God is not tomorrow, it's now. And the time to act isn't next week, it's right now.” — John O’Leary “Your life is a precious, priceless gift. You’ve got one job — say yes to being used for good.” — John O’Leary “Brian, you taught me years ago to hold on to relationships as if they're precious and not to use them to get the next speech or sell the next house or earn the next transaction, but to love the one in front of you sincerely for them.” — John O’Leary itsagoodlife.com