The Gratitude Podcast

Debra shares her raw, bumpy journey from a thriving yet unhealthy theater career in Chicago, through the cut‑throat world of Hollywood, to discovering a sustainable blend of creativity and self‑care.
Together they unpack:
What gratitude really means – not just a feeling, but a daily action habit that combats our brain’s negativity bias.
The “tortured artist” myth – why you don’t have to suffer, stay up all night, or live on fumes to be creative, and how viewing an artist as an athlete can transform performance.
Practical, bite‑sized habits – from a morning glass of filtered water and “just putting on your shoes” exercise mindset, to night‑time screen‑off rituals and the power of positive questioning.
Balancing multiple life buckets – why spreading value across career, relationships, hobbies, and health shields you from setbacks and fuels gratitude.
Real‑world gratitude tools – gratitude lists, three‑thing‑daily reflections with kids, and the simple question‑shift that rewires your brain toward abundance.
Debra also reveals the people who inspire her gratitude—her surviving childhood friends, healthy parents, and even the unexpected comforts of the pandemic—and highlights a real‑life role model, Tom Hanks, whose earned humility exemplifies grateful living.
Whether you’re an actor, a creator, an entrepreneur, or anyone seeking a healthier, more grateful mindset, this conversation offers a roadmap to thriving without “kicking your ass.” Tune in, take notes, and get ready to reboot your gratitude practice—one small habit at a time.
Stay tuned. Stay grateful. Keep seeking.
Resources:
Debra's website: https://www.debrawanger.com/
Head to Aquatrushower.com and get 20% off AquaTru Shower today with promo code SHGRATITUDE. Your skin and hair will thank you.
Head to https://AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code GRATITUDE to get UP TO $250 off today!
Thank you so much for listening to The Gratitude Podcast! Please rate and review us everywhere you listen to podcasts, including Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

Timestamps:
02:03 – Introduction of guest Debra Wenger (author, actress, singer, coach, speaker)
03:15 – Debra’s early life: Chicago theater roots, early acting success but unhappiness
04:23 – Turning point: health‑coach certification, deep dive into nutrition, sleep, stress, exercise
05:01 – Mission to help actors & creatives find balance so work doesn’t “kick your ass”
06:43 – Debra defines gratitude as both an action and a feeling; training the mind to focus on positives
08:54 – Why creatives struggle with gratitude: the “tortured artist” myth & darkness of the creative process
10:15 – Athlete metaphor: treat your body as an instrument, prioritize rest, recovery & coaching
11:57 – Balancing dark projects with self‑care; healthy habits boost creative output
13:53 – Exhaustion from perfect‑making; compare creative marathon to a physical marathon
15:28 – Long‑term thinking: protect your future self by maintaining health now
16:43 – (Ad break) AquaTrue shower‑water filtration promotion
18:33 – Choosing work environments that support health, sanity & family life
20:30 – Personal gratitude story revisited: surviving loss, pandemic challenges, family blessings
22:35 – Daily gratitude practice with kids: “three great things” list
23:45 – Small daily habits for success; habit‑building mindset
24:16 – Morning hydration habit (filtered water) to start the day “winning”
24:52 – Exercise habit: put on shoes/workout clothes first, focus on starting rather than outcome
25:38 – Sleep habit: phone reminder to power down screens an hour before bed
27:25 – Accountability: sharing commitments with friends/coach boosts follow‑through
28:45 – Power of positive questioning; re‑frame thoughts to trigger grateful answers
31:18 – Example of gratitude in Hollywood: Tom Hanks as a grateful, hard‑working artist
34:55 – Avoid “single‑basket” identity; derive worth from multiple life areas (relationships, hobbies, contribution)
38:17 – How to find Debra’s book The Resilient Actor and contact info

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After applying the principles from Shawn Achor’s The Happiness Advantage to his own life, he realized that gratitude isn’t just an innate trait – it’s a skill you can cultivate. Determined to fill the gap he’d felt in his own schooling, Ash launched Growing With Gratitude with a mission to embed a culture of gratitude across the whole school ecosystem.
In this conversation we’ll explore:
Why teaching gratitude early matters – building resilience, joy and mental‑health foundations for the next generation.
How the program works – from the “Daily Habits of Happiness Wheel” web app to hands‑on activities like gratitude trees, jars, and the “Stop‑Think‑Appreciate” sticker system that turn abstract concepts into tangible classroom experiences.
The power of habit – why the classic “three‑things‑I’m‑grateful‑for” list can become a chore and how creative variations keep kids engaged.
Real‑world impact – evidence‑based results from pilot schools, adoption in over 40 countries, and the holistic approach that involves parents and teachers as role models.
Ash’s personal grit – how gratitude helped him transition from a full‑time PE teacher to running his program full‑time, and the daily practices that keep him grounded.
Top reading recommendations – Shawn Achor’s The Happiness Advantage and the Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu’s The Book of Joy.

Whether you’re an educator, parent, or anyone looking to embed gratitude into daily life, Ash’s story offers practical tools, inspiring anecdotes, and a clear roadmap for creating happier, more empathetic classrooms—and ultimately, a more compassionate world.
Stay tuned, hit that follow button, and let’s dive into the world of gratitude with Ash Manuel. 
Resources:
Ash's website: https://ashmanuel.com/
Head to Aquatrushower.com and get 20% off AquaTru Shower today with promo code SHGRATITUDE. Your skin and hair will thank you.
Head to https://AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code GRATITUDE to get UP TO $250 off today!
Thank you so much for listening to The Gratitude Podcast! Please rate and review us everywhere you listen to podcasts, including Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

Timestamps:
01:00 – Ash’s mission: Helping children, teachers, and families start life with gratitude and a giving mindset.
01:59 – Origin story: Ash discovered gratitude’s link to success while researching property investing; inspired by Sean Achor’s The Happiness Advantage.
02:41 – From personal habit to school program: Turning daily 2‑10‑minute gratitude habits into a scalable primary‑school curriculum.
03:44 – Program overview: Growing with Gratitude creates a whole‑school culture of gratitude using the “Daily Habits of Happiness Wheel” web app (95 % online).
04:54 – The power of early teaching: Cultivating gratitude, kindness, empathy, and mindfulness early builds lifelong happiness and resilience.
05:19 – Redefining success: Parents’ true success is a child’s happiness, not just academic or career milestones.
06:08 – Holistic approach: Involving students, teachers and families so gratitude practices reinforce each other.
07:02 – Teaching the mind: Gratitude isn’t innate—it can be taught; the program also teaches reframing and positive thinking.
07:53 – Reframing tough days: Turning “bad” experiences into perspective shifts (e.g., focusing on family, health).
09:01 – Favorite gratitude quote: Oprah Winfrey – “Be thankful for what you have; you end up having more.”
10:22 – Money vs. mindset: Happiness comes from internal perspective, not how much you own.
12:30 – When gratitude feels hard: Acknowledge negative emotions, then consciously find something to be grateful for (e.g., comparing to those worse‑off).
14:58 – Gratitude as a coping tool: Using practiced gratitude habits to bounce back during tough times.
16:44 – Daily practice impact: Regular gratitude, kindness, empathy, and reflection become a mental toolkit.
18:19 – Personal gratitude journey: Shift from “I was grateful” to actively cultivating gratitude over the last six years.
20:03 – Turning passion into full‑time work: Using gratitude to transition from a nine‑to‑five job to running the program.
21:59 – Teaching gratitude to children: From simple “3‑things‑I’m‑grateful‑for” lists to more engaging activities.
23:24 – Creative activities demo: Gratitude tree, gratitude jar, “Stop‑Think‑Appreciate” stickers, and other hands‑on tools.
25:12 – Engaging the environment: Making gratitude visible and interactive rather than a purely mental exercise.
26:22 – Advice to younger self: Plant gratitude seeds in primary school to protect teens and adults from later mental‑health challenges.
28:58 – Gratitude vs. self‑criticism: How gratitude builds a stronger emotional foundation than beating yourself up.
30:45 – Daily habits for the host: Teaching, creating lessons, and constant reframing keep gratitude alive for Ash.
33:00 – People Ash is grateful for: Parents, partner, friends, mentors, authors, and the broader gratitude community.
35:53 – Book recommendations: The Happiness Advantage (Sean Achor) and The Book of Joy (Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu).
37:44 – Global reach: Online, evidence‑based program used in 40+ countries; free resources plus full‑school packages.

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Today I’m thrilled to sit down once again with a dear friend and purpose‑guide, Dr. Holly Woods—PhD in Human & Organizational Development, author of the brand‑new book The Golden Thread: Where to Find Purpose in the Stages of Your Life, and a true visionary for anyone who craves meaning.
In our conversation we unpack a simple yet transformative idea: purpose isn’t a single, static destination; it’s a golden thread that weaves its way through every chapter of our lives. Whether we’re a curious toddler, a searching teen, a 30‑something stepping into our “subtle tier,” or a seasoned adult refining our impact, that thread shows up in different forms—if we’re willing to notice it.
We’ll explore:
Why purpose is a living, evolving expression of our soul, not just a job title or project.
How gratitude is the catalyst that lets us see and follow the thread at every stage.
Practical insights for anyone in their 30s or 40s—what that “subtle tier” looks like, how confidence builds, and how we can start owning our unique contribution.
The power of parenting and mentorship in surfacing a child’s early purpose signals without forcing restrictive roles.
Raw, personal stories of trauma turned into gifts, showing how challenges sharpen our purpose when we meet them with gratitude.
The three people who have most shaped Holly’s journey, reminding us that every person we meet can act as a mirror, reflecting a part of our hidden gifts.
If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to pin down “your purpose,” or if you’re curious about how gratitude can actually illuminate that hidden golden thread, this episode is for you. Grab a notebook, hit that follow button, and let’s dive deep together.
Resources:
Holly Wood's website: https://emergenceinstitute.net/
Head to Aquatrushower.com and get 20% off AquaTru Shower today with promo code SHGRATITUDE. Your skin and hair will thank you.
Head to https://AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code GRATITUDE to get UP TO $250 off today!
Thank you so much for listening to The Gratitude Podcast! Please rate and review us everywhere you listen to podcasts, including Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

Timestamps:
02:12 – Podcast growth & the power of gratitude in personal evolution
03:28 – Defining purpose – Purpose as a “golden thread” that runs through life
04:55 – Purpose vs. expression – One purpose, many nuanced expressions across stages
05:51 – Developmental stages – Purpose looks different for child, teen, adult, mature adult
06:29 – Uncovering hidden purpose – Story‑mapping & the role of wounding
07:22 – Book preview – “The Golden Thread: Where to Find Purpose in the Stages of Your Life”
07:52 – Age vs. developmental stage – Why 30‑s/40‑s purpose is about skill/talent integration
09:33 – What purpose isn’t – It’s not a job; it’s a soul‑driven expression
10:21 – The “subtle tier” (30s) – Self‑knowledge, confidence, and emerging expression
11:37 – Early childhood purpose – Kids express purpose unconsciously via curiosity & delight
13:44 – Parenting & education – Guiding children to notice and nurture their innate purpose
15:28 – Gratitude for non‑ideal upbringing – How challenges can still reveal purpose
17:00 – Trauma as “gift” – Facing hardship sharpens the “gem” of our purpose
19:33 – Linking gratitude & purpose – Gratitude turns painful events into purpose‑fuel
22:29 – Using gratitude to uncover purpose – Finding blessings in disguise
23:51 – The “three people” question – Who shapes our purpose and why we’re grateful
24:17 – Daughters as teachers – Each child illuminates a different facet of her purpose
25:20 – Father’s influence – Building confidence, hands‑on skills, and “building” mindset
26:53 – Every person as a mirror – How each encounter reveals hidden aspects of self
28:42 – Pandemic silver linings – Choosing gratitude amid isolation and new connections
29:56 – Book & coaching details – How to find “The Golden Thread” and contact Dr. Woods
32:07 – Gratitude for her name – Turning an embarrassing name into a playful gift
34:40 – Discomfort as a catalyst – Uncomfortable moments point to shadow work and growth
36:07 – Shared name awkwardness – Finding humor & purpose in everyday misunderstandings

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In today’s episode we sit down with a true renaissance man—civil‑engineer‑turned‑ultralight pioneer, author, philanthropist and, proudly, part‑time dishwasher. Glenn VanPesky grew up biking 4,200 miles across the United States, turned a childhood love of sewing into the iconic Gossamer Gear backpacks, and spent three decades balancing a demanding engineering career with a side‑business that never paid him a salary—yet has empowered countless hikers to travel lighter and freer.
Glenn shares how a chance encounter with Ray Jardine’s Pacific Crest Trail Hikers Handbook sparked his obsession with shedding weight, how the simple act of sewing a custom bag for a neighbor turned into a thriving community of DIY backpackers, and why the lessons he learned on the trail—take less, do more—became the backbone of his book
Beyond the gear, Glenn explores the deeper currents of gratitude: appreciating not just what we have, but also the things we don’t have—peace, health, safety—and how ultralight backpacking flips our expectations, reminding us that happiness lives in minimalism, nature, and human connection. He reveals the surprising ways his engineered mindset taught him to focus on the journey rather than the finish line, and how that philosophy fuels his “gratitude fund,” a deliberate financial reserve that lets him respond instantly to strangers in need.
From mounting a bike‑frame bag for a friend with respiratory issues, to washing dishes at a beloved local bakery, to funding a family’s final goodbye or a bucket‑list adventure, Glenn’s stories illustrate how small, intentional actions create outsized ripple effects.
Join us as we unpack:
The origins of Gossamer Gear and the power of DIY craftsmanship
The psychology of gratitude—why we should celebrate the things we don’t want (war, disease, discrimination) as much as the things we do want
How nature, especially the solitude of a lightweight trek, rewires our perspective on need, comfort, and purpose
Practical takeaways for building margin in time, resources, and mindset
A preview of Glenn’s upcoming book, Take Less, Do More: Surprising Life Lessons on Generosity, Gratitude, and Curiosity from an Ultralight Backpacker
Whether you’re a seasoned thru‑hiker, an aspiring minimalist, or simply seeking a fresh lens on thankfulness, this conversation will inspire you to lighten your load, amplify your generosity, and rediscover the extraordinary in everyday life. Press play, and let’s get grateful together.
Resources:
Glen's website: https://www.glenvanpeski.com/
Head to Aquatrushower.com and get 20% off AquaTru Shower today with promo code SHGRATITUDE. Your skin and hair will thank you.
Head to https://AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code GRATITUDE to get UP TO $250 off today!
Thank you so much for listening to The Gratitude Podcast! Please rate and review us everywhere you listen to podcasts, including Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

Timestamps:
02:07 – Glenn’s background: Early life, 4,200‑mile bike trek, engineering career, family
04:32 – Boy Scouts & first exposure to ultralight backpacking via Ray Jardine’s book
05:48 – Transition to ultralight gear: REI trip, discovering heavy internal‑frame packs, first prototype (≈5 lb base weight)
07:31 – DIY sewing roots: Making his own packs (G1, G2, …) and sharing patterns online
08:46 – From hobby to business: Demand for sewn packs, partnering with a cut‑and‑sew shop, founding Gossamer Gear
09:53 – Running the company as a side‑business without taking a salary
12:04 – Real‑world sewing stories: Customizing ski packs & bike frame bags; skill relevance in the AI era
14:30 – Glenn’s definition of gratitude: Morning prayers, relationships, marriage, resisting consumer culture
16:58 – Ultralight backpacking as a gratitude reset: Minimal gear, reliance on basic resources, appreciating modern comforts
18:22 – Host reflection: Nature’s role in amplifying gratitude; shifting perspective after wilderness
20:44 – Ad read – AquaTrue Shower (water filtration)
23:02 – Ad read – AirDoctor air purifier (air‑quality benefits)
24:09 – Gratitude matrix discussion (have vs. want; don’t have vs. don’t want) and creating a “don’t‑want‑we‑don’t‑have” list
27:26 – Seeing the “silver lining”: Appreciating that things didn’t get worse (e.g., cold vs. cancer)
31:06 – Higher‑perspective analogy: Mountain views, focusing beyond self, applying mindset to life goals
33:37 – Book preview: Take Less, Do More – 15 lessons from ultralight backpacking; why writing the book mattered
35:41 – Journey vs. goal: Engineering mindset, savoring the process, inevitable end of life
38:13 – Prioritizing nature & exercise: Making time, seasonal adjustments, outdoor activity as natural workout
42:28 – Urban nature alternatives & personal anecdotes (Echo Park, LA bike rides, grit exposure)
45:58 – Wilderness for mental clarity: No phone, mind‑wandering, walking meditation, insights for business leaders
49:59 – How to connect: Glenn’s website, book retailers, direct email contact
51:11 – Philanthropy & dishwasher story: Volunteering at Sparrow Bakery, creating a “gratitude fund” with a set‑percentage giving plan
54:20 – Impact of the gratitude fund: Funding emergencies & bucket‑list trips; encouraging listeners to set up similar intentional giving

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In this episode we sit down with Dr. Donald McCoon, a renowned clinical psychologist, researcher, and champion of sustainable well‑being. Over two decades of work in mindfulness neuroscience (including collaborations with Dr. Richard Davidson) and a rich personal history of co‑housing, chronic illness, and family hardship have shaped his mission: to help us thrive on one planet’s worth of resources while nurturing our mental health, relationships, and the Earth itself.
Together we explore:
Co‑housing as a modern‑tribal model – how intentional community design (shared courtyards, common houses, “commons”) fosters real connection, reduces loneliness, and teaches us to live cooperatively.
The “avoidance vs. connection” dilemma – why our culture defaults to light‑hearted, surface‑level interaction, and how we can replace it with skillful, emotionally‑rich dialogue.
Gratitude as a gateway to love – viewing gratitude not just as a feeling but as an act of extending ourselves for mutual spiritual growth, even toward those whose politics differ from our own.
Practical tools for handling unpleasant emotions – swapping criticism for compassionate complaints, embracing the GRL framework (Grace, Repair, Learn), and cultivating the “four thriving strategies” that keep relationships resilient.
From personal practice to planetary health – a look at permaculture, holistic management, mob‑grazing, and the social technologies we need to distribute power equitably—within ourselves, with each other, and with the planet.

Dr. McCoon also shares a sneak‑peek of his 10‑week “One‑Planet Thriving” training, designed to move listeners from zero to one in sustainable well‑being skills.
If you’re ready to shift from avoidance to authentic connection, deepen your gratitude practice, and discover how small community changes can ripple into global impact, hit play—and stay tuned for actionable insights that will help you love yourself, love others, and love the planet a little more each day.

Resources:
Donal's website: https://oneplanetthriving.com/gratitude
Head to Aquatrushower.com and get 20% off AquaTru Shower today with promo code SHGRATITUDE. Your skin and hair will thank you.
Head to https://AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code GRATITUDE to get UP TO $250 off today!
Thank you so much for listening to The Gratitude Podcast! Please rate and review us everywhere you listen to podcasts, including Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

Timestamps:
01:53 – Dr. McCune’s background: 20 years in mindfulness & neuroscience; private practice & 16 years of co‑housing.
02:36 – Personal hardships: child’s leukemia, wife’s chronic pain, and cultural fragility.
04:09 – “Be there for each other” – mental health, relationships, and the planet as one.
04:49 – civilization’s unsustainable experiment & the need to shift culture.
05:43 – Listener question: “What is co‑housing?”
06:05 – Co‑housing explained: intentional, cooperative communities (public vs private balance).
07:19 – Design features: shared courtyards, cars outside, commons that promote safety & interaction.
08:20 – Cultural challenge: avoiding unpleasant emotion limits cooperation.
09:01 – Need for resilience: avoiding conflict vs. skillful disagreement.
09:29 – Link to gratitude: people who annoy us often become sources of gratitude.
10:31 – Tribal roots vs. modern loneliness paradox.
13:13 – Loneliness epidemic driven by avoidance strategies.
14:07 – “Thriving strategies”: connect early, often, skillfully (Y‑axis model).
14:31 – Emotional bond components (Sue Johnson): accessibility, responsiveness, engagement.
15:19 – Moving from light‑and‑easy to emotionally nourishing connections.
15:41 – Four avoidance strategies vs. connection strategies.
16:43 – Gratitude fuels the creation of meaningful bonds.
17:33 – Handling unpleasant emotions: language traps & self‑criticism.
18:05 – Criticism vs. complaint: criticism attacks character, complaint addresses behavior.
19:42 – Other language traps (whining, “Debbie Downer”) and gender bias in emotion.
20:39 – GRL framework: Grace → Repair → Learn for mistake recovery.
21:55 – Avoiding the “four horsemen” (criticism, defensiveness, etc.) in relationships.
22:28 – Skillful disagreement: engaging with unpleasant emotion constructively.
24:26 – Working definition of gratitude: appreciative connection that borders on love.
25:04 – Gratitude as an extension of love & spiritual growth (Peck & hooks).
25:28 – Political polarity challenge: loving the person while disagreeing on beliefs.
26:29 – Bridge building through shared human moments (e.g., children’s forts).
27:22 – Desired interaction ratio: many pleasant to few unpleasant exchanges for resilience.
28:02 – Extending gratitude/love to the planet, soil, and all species.
29:11 – How to keep living this integrated, interdependent way; role of the podcast.
29:54 – Gratitude & love as core virtues for personal and planetary health.
31:18 – Using appreciation to forge deeper neighborly relationships.
35:02 – Personal story: revealing true feelings to a trainer and the impact of avoidance.
36:06 – Balancing appreciation with the capacity to be present for others’ pain.
37:02 – Leveraging technology & knowledge for a healthier planet.
38:25 – Introducing permaculture (Lawton, Holmgren) as a regenerative model.
39:46 – Holistic management & mob grazing as ecosystem‑restoring practices.
40:30 – Two critical shifts: early, skillful reality‑connection + equitable power distribution.
41:03 – Mutual influence as the healthy relational model (Gottman insight).
41:20 – Interdependence with other species; soil health as planetary foundation.
42:02 – Social technology needed to activate solutions; avoiding other‑izing.
42:32 – Hate behaviors, not people; “hate the behavior, love the person.”
42:45 – Spiritual wholeness: integrating body, emotions, thoughts, and “soul.”
43:17 – Empowerment: we already have tools; it’s up to us to apply them.

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