The Gratitude Podcast
Georgian Benta
Recent Episodes
Welcome back, Gratitude Seekers! In today’s episode we sit down with Randy Ginsberg, author of Adversity to Advantage: How to Overcome Bullying and Find Entrepreneurial Success. Fresh from Syracuse University and a deep‑dive into the stories of high‑performing entrepreneurs who were bullied as children, Randy shares how those painful experiences can become powerful catalysts for resilience, empathy, moral growth, and relentless drive.
Together we explore:
- A striking study by psychologist Ellen DeLara, where 47 % of 900 adults who were bullied report a positiveimpact on their lives—boosting resilience, emotional intelligence, gratitude, and goal attainment.
- Randy’s personal journey from a sneaker‑selling teen turned confident business owner to a researcher‑author who turned his own adversity into a thriving venture.
- Practical gratitude habits—ranking what truly matters, confronting ungrateful thoughts by visualizing loss, and using gratitude as an antidote to social‑media comparison.
- The link between bullying, entrepreneurial fire, and the “chip on the shoulder” that fuels the desire to prove oneself.
- How compassion for our bullies, combined with a gratitude mindset, can transform pain into purpose.
If you’ve ever wondered how to flip hardship into a launchpad for success—or simply want a fresh perspective on gratitude in a digital age—this conversation is for you. Grab your headphones, hit subscribe, and get ready to turn adversity into advantage.
Resources:
Randy's website: https://www.randymginsburg.com/
Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code GRATITUDE and depending on the model, you’ll receive UP TO 39% off or UP TO $300 off! Exclusive to podcast customers, you will also receive a free 3 year warranty on any unit, which is an additional $84 value!
What's your #1 takeaway from this interview? Would love to hear from you in the comments section on Spotify & Youtube!
Timestamps:
- 02:01 – Turning childhood adversity into gratitude and a beautiful life.
- 02:38 – Randy’s background: Syracuse grad, research on bullied entrepreneurs, and the making of his book.
- 03:14 – What gratitude means to Randy; the deceptive pull of social‑media perfection.
- 04:21 – Randy’s gratitude practice: list‑making, ranking, and “reverse gratitude” (imagining loss).
- 05:16 – How the reverse‑gratitude exercise grounds emotions and reinforces thankfulness.
- 06:23 – Why Randy chose bullying as his focus and its link to entrepreneurship.
- 07:23 – Bullying as a spark – the “chip on the shoulder” that fuels entrepreneurial drive.
- 08:45 – Bullying crosses gender and age lines; workplace bullying is also prevalent.
- 09:47 – Randy shares his own childhood bullying experiences in the neighborhood and school.
- 10:28 – Assessing bullying’s overall impact – largely negative but also a catalyst for awareness.
- 11:30 – Host’s personal bullying story: verbal, physical, and social‑media attacks; its toll on health.
- 12:53 – Recognizing toxic friendships and making a major life shift.
- 13:53 – Re‑framing bullying through gratitude – seeing the hidden gifts.
- 14:20 – From sneaker‑flipping hobby to a lucrative business; building confidence and self‑worth.
- 16:05 – Ellen DeLara study: 47% of bullied adults report positive outcomes (resilience, empathy, moral development, etc.).
- 17:37 – Cultivating compassion for bullies by understanding their own insecurities and hardships.
- 19:53 – Adversity as a powerful catalyst for growth, learning, and motivation (“what doesn’t kill you…”).
- 20:56 – The choice: let adversity weaken you or empower you to become stronger.
- 21:33 – First real experience of gratitude: parents teaching the value of giving back at age 6‑7.
- 23:09 – Gratitude goes beyond saying “thank you”—it’s about deep appreciation of gestures and blessings.
- 24:48 – Quarter‑life crisis statistics and the social‑media trap of comparing what we lack versus what we have.
- 26:37 – Gratitude for relationships – friends, family, and coworkers as the most cherished assets.
- 28:08 – Redefining success: the ability to spend time doing what you love with loved ones.
- 29:30 – Success without gratitude equals failure; fulfillment must come first.
- 31:37 – How to find Randy’s book, social‑media handles, and personal website for contact.
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Bob opens up about the heart‑wrenching loss of his mother, grandparents, and later his father—all before the age of six—and how that painful beginning taught him that the world keeps turning and each sunrise offers a fresh canvas. He shares his mission to help others see the hidden gifts in every setback, from a simple smile to a heartfelt “how are you really doing?”
Together we unpack:
- Positive Action: Small, everyday gestures that ripple into big change.
- Balancing Negativity: Why daily doses of encouragement (a la Zig Ziglar) are essential.
- Legacy & Gratitude: How the values passed down from loved ones live on in us and how we can pay them forward.
- Practical Tools: Books, podcasts, and daily 1‑2‑minute posts that keep our mindset tuned to optimism.
If you’re ready to transform loss into purpose, discover the simple actions that brighten lives, and learn how to stay resilient amid daily negativity, hit play now. And remember—share this episode with anyone who could use a boost of gratitude today.
Let’s get inspired, stay grateful, and keep seeking the light together. 🎙️✨
Resources:
Bob's website: https://www.bobbrummspeaks.com/
Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code GRATITUDE and depending on the model, you’ll receive UP TO 39% off or UP TO $300 off! Exclusive to podcast customers, you will also receive a free 3 year warranty on any unit, which is an additional $84 value!
What's your #1 takeaway from this interview? Would love to hear from you in the comments section on Spotify & Youtube!
Timestamps:
02:42 – Why gratitude matters and a quick personal thank‑you to Bob.
03:19 – Bob explains his role: helping people see value in a positive perspective.
03:38 – Life isn’t an easy ride—but we can enjoy it by being grateful.
03:56 – The world never stops; we must move with it.
04:08 – Bob’s early trauma: losing mother, grandmother, and grandfather in one year.
04:26 – Purpose discovered: helping others adopt a positive outlook.
04:47 – Everyday setbacks (failures, relationship disappointments) and their positive framing.
05:37 – Listener’s story: being raised by a grandma and appreciating limited time together.
06:22 – Exploring how early loss can teach appreciation.
06:48 – Finding positives in loss: impermanence and what we inherit from those gone.
07:08 – Legacy lesson: what we carry forward from loved ones can’t be taken away.
07:45 – Small actions (donations, listening, sharing joy) create huge impact.
08:19 – Passing on gifts and gratitude from those who’ve passed.
09:28 – Legacy as a continual source of encouragement for listeners.
10:13 – Introducing the opposite of encouragement: negativity and its effects.
10:38 – Balancing negative influences with daily encouragement (Zig Ziglar quote).
11:38 – Recognizing inevitable negativity in workplaces and life.
12:06 – Tools for revitalizing yourself: books, verses, quotes, podcasts.
12:38 – Internal greatness vs. external doubt; staying focused on forward motion.
13:13 – The ripple effect of sharing positivity: smiles light up rooms.
13:25 – You can’t please everyone; focus on those you can help.
13:39 – Staying on the “green side” of the grass—make the best of where you are.
13:49 – Changing direction toward positivity is always a choice.
14:09 – Choosing growth step‑by‑step; patience and incremental effort.
14:44 – Analogies: training for a marathon, climbing a mountain—small daily steps.
15:15 – Patience and discipline lead to “wow” moments looking back on progress.
15:55 – Life moves whether we decide or not; shaping future years with gratitude.
16:15 – Recap of Bob’s core story: mother’s passing and the sunrise metaphor.
16:54 – Positive actions broken down: smile, remember good things, see opportunity.
17:34 – Simple encouragement in corporate settings: smile and greet coworkers.
18:01 – Real‑life example: postal worker’s unexpected smile and its impact.
18:44 – Everyday manners (please, thank you, good morning) as powerful positivity tools.
19:11 – Receiving a smile lifts both giver and receiver; the mutual benefit.
19:55 – Perspective: we’re a tiny part of a massive world—one‑person difference matters.
20:20 – Encouragement as a lifeline: letting people know “it’ll be okay.”
21:31 – Patience vs. the urge for instant results; likening life to toddler steps.
22:37 – Influences that shape gratitude: God, father, teachers, mentors, authors.
23:22 – The power of mentors (e.g., 6th‑grade teacher) to teach slowing down and persistence.
24:17 – Resources for encouragement: books, podcasts, YouTube, online content.
24:55 – Recognizing and sharing our gifts to find meaning beyond personal flaws.
25:55 – Everyone has imperfections; keep rowing together.
26:36 – Turning personal strengths into gifts for the world.
27:16 – Story of Dr. James Perdue: turning paralysis into perseverance and positivity.
27:39 – Reminder that every talent—big or small—can serve others.
28:11 – How to connect with Bob: socials, website, podcast, books, YouTube.
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As the aroma of roasted turkey and the chatter of holiday celebrations fill the air, we’re stepping back in time to uncover the true roots of Thanksgiving.
In this episode we’ll travel to September 24, 1789, when the very first U.S. House of Representatives recommended a national day of thanks. The next day, New Jersey Congressman Elias Boudinot urged President George Washington to proclaim a day of public thanksgiving and prayer. On October 3, 1789, Washington answered with a historic proclamation—designating Thursday, November 26, as a day for the nation to pause, thank Almighty God for “signal favors,” and reflect on the new government’s promise of safety, liberty, and prosperity.
We’ll break down Washington’s eloquent, if occasionally stumbling, wording, explore why gratitude was woven into the very fabric of the early Republic, and discuss how that original spirit can still shape our lives today. Whether you’re gathering around the dinner table or simply looking for a reminder to cultivate thankfulness, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the holiday that’s far more than turkey and parades—it’s about honoring the blessings that made a fledgling nation possible.
So grab a cup of cider, settle in, and let’s give thanks together for the history, the habit, and the hope behind America’s first Thanksgiving.
Resources:
Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code GRATITUDE and depending on the model, you’ll receive UP TO 39% off or UP TO $300 off! Exclusive to podcast customers, you will also receive a free 3 year warranty on any unit, which is an additional $84 value!
What's your #1 takeaway from this interview? Would love to hear from you in the comments section on Spotify & Youtube!
Timestamps:
00:44 – Historical background: 1789 congressional recommendation and Congressman Elias Boudinot’s proposal for a national day of thanks to Almighty God.
02:10 – George Washington’s first Thanksgiving proclamation: the official declaration of a day of public thanksgiving and prayer.
03:56 – Key excerpts from Washington’s proclamation: gratitude for providence, peace, union, liberty, knowledge, and the new government.
05:38 – Reflection & call to action: reminder of the founders’ intent and encouragement to cultivate a habit of gratitude in daily life.
07:05 – Closing: thank‑you to listeners and wishes for a happy Thanksgiving.
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In today’s heart‑warming episode we sit down with Kathleen Kruger, the creator behind the children’s picture book Thankful Frankie. From her own leap of faith—leaving a stable teaching career in Chicago for a fresh start in Los Angeles—to discovering the transformative power of a nightly gratitude habit, Kathleen shares how listing just five to ten things she’s grateful for each night reshaped her anxiety, focus, and overall outlook on life.
We explore the inspiration behind Thankful Frankie: a story of a toy‑obsessed little fox who loses his treasured stash, only to discover that joy lives far beyond material possessions. Through Frankie’s journey, Kathleen reveals why teaching kids (and their parents) to pause, reflect, and express thanks is more vital than ever—especially in a world saturated with consumerism, environmental challenges, and constant comparison.
Listeners will hear:
- Kathleen’s personal shift from a high‑pressure educator to a yoga‑loving, music‑making author.
- The science of gratitude, including how the practice lowers anxiety, boosts presence, and even fuels risk‑taking for a more authentic life.
- Practical tools from the book’s final pages—conversation starters and journaling prompts that turn reading time into an active gratitude practice for families.
- Why inner success matters more than outward symbols of achievement, and how modeling gratitude at home can spark lasting habits in children aged 3‑5 (and even younger).
Stay tuned for actionable tips, heartfelt stories, and a reminder that true happiness isn’t found in the newest gadget—it’s cultivated daily through simple, mindful gratitude. Grab your headphones, hit that follow button, and let’s dive into a conversation that could change the way you—and the little ones in your life—see the world.
Resources:
Kathleen's website: https://www.kathleencruger.com/
Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code GRATITUDE and depending on the model, you’ll receive UP TO 39% off or UP TO $300 off! Exclusive to podcast customers, you will also receive a free 3 year warranty on any unit, which is an additional $84 value!
What's your #1 takeaway from this interview? Would love to hear from you in the comments section on Spotify & Youtube!
Timestamps:
- 01:27 – 02:02 | Kathleen’s background: Los Angeles life, yoga teaching, music, and writing her first children’s book.
- 02:02 – 02:41 | Creative‑career reality: challenges of being an artist and the need for light‑hearted outlets.
- 02:41 – 03:18 | External stressors (fires, violence) and how they affect creativity; the role of gratitude as a counterbalance.
- 03:18 – 04:27 | Transition from survival mode to gratitude‑driven creativity.
- 04:27 – 05:00 | Kathleen’s personal shift: leaving a stressful teaching job in Chicago for a new life in LA.
- 05:00 – 05:33 | Anxiety after the move and the discovery of a nightly gratitude habit (5‑10 things).
- 05:33 – 06:26 | Effects of the habit: reduced anxiety, more positive mornings, and the seed for Thankful Frankie.
- 06:26 – 07:08 | Why gratitude matters for kids: providing a “soft skill” alongside academic success.
- 07:08 – 07:53 | Impact on parents: modeling gratitude and its ripple effect on children.
- 07:53 – 08:45 | Leadership analogy: “lead by example” in gratitude practice.
- 08:45 – 09:27 | Plot overview of Thankful Frankie: Frankie’s love of toys and the loss of the toy pack.
- 09:27 – 10:44 | Lesson from the story: material things are fleeting; gratitude reveals true happiness.
- 10:44 – 11:26 | Societal focus on wealth vs. inner fulfillment; gratitude as a path to the latter.
- 11:26 – 12:09 | Two kinds of success: outward (money, status) vs. inner (daily gratitude habits).
- 12:09 – 12:50 | Kathleen’s teaching experience with older kids and a brief return to younger children.
- 12:50 – 13:37 | Learning from younger students: their pure love for life and how it inspired the book.
- 13:37 – 14:37 | Target age range: 3‑5 years (readable to younger kids too) and lifelong habit potential.
- 14:37 – 16:29 | Critique of “external success” education; importance of life‑skills like gratitude.
- 16:29 – 17:57 | Research on money & happiness: beyond a certain income, gratitude matters more.
- 17:57 – 18:21 | How gratitude reshaped Kathleen’s view of life and productivity.
- 18:21 – 19:51 | Being present: gratitude helped prioritize family, relationships, and meaningful experiences.
- 19:51 – 21:00 | Risk‑taking & freedom: letting go of material expectations to live aligned with values.
- 21:00 – 21:57 | Favorite book feature: end‑pages with journal prompts for kids & adults to discuss gratitude.
- 21:57 – 23:19 | Using prompts to spark conversations, teach self‑reflection, and build a habit together.
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Welcome back, Gratitude Seekers! In today’s episode we sit down with award‑winning filmmaker, novelist, and game creator Alan Wolf – the mind behind the wildly popular storytelling board game You’re Pulling My Leg. What started as a Christmas gift for two friends blossomed into a global hit, connecting hundreds of thousands of people through honest, hilarious, and sometimes surprising stories.
Alan shares how gratitude sparked the birth of his game, how asking the right questions can unlock hidden chapters of our lives, and why vulnerability is the secret ingredient to deeper connection. He also offers his timeless advice for younger listeners: “Things will change—keep moving, stay grateful, and trust the bigger picture.”
We’ll hear about the daily habits that keep Alan grounded—prayer, journaling, and a perspective that stretches beyond the self—plus practical tips for using his game to strengthen family bonds, friendships, and even virtual gatherings.
Whether you’re looking for a fresh way to spark conversation at the Thanksgiving table or a reminder that change is the only constant, this conversation will leave you inspired to see gratitude in every story you tell.
Grab your headphones, press play, and get ready to explore the power of gratitude, storytelling, and connection with Alan Wolf.
Resources:
Allen's book: https://allenwolf.com/
Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code GRATITUDE and depending on the model, you’ll receive UP TO 39% off or UP TO $300 off! Exclusive to podcast customers, you will also receive a free 3 year warranty on any unit, which is an additional $84 value!
What's your #1 takeaway from this interview? Would love to hear from you in the comments section on Spotify & Youtube!
Timestamps:
01:19 – Podcast intro & guest tease: Award‑winning filmmaker, novelist & game creator Alan Wolf.
02:19 – Alan’s quick intro & background.
03:34 – Story of creating “You’re Pulling My Leg” as a gratitude‑driven gift for friends.
04:46 – Realization that gratitude is at the heart of Alan’s creative journey.
05:43 – The power of asking the right questions to unlock life stories.
07:01 – Alan defines gratitude: thankfulness that goes beyond what we can see now.
08:11 – Seeing the bigger picture deepens gratitude.
09:29 – Origin of the game’s title “You’re Pulling My Leg” and its cultural equivalents.
11:27 – Game mechanics: coin flip decides true vs. made‑up story; players vote.
12:30 – Board games foster presence and genuine connection – a key to gratitude.
13:00 – A personal game anecdote reveals a friend’s hidden orphan‑adoption story, deepening appreciation.
14:14 – Using the game to explore family histories and personal identity.
15:16 – Why it’s hard to ask deep questions; the game provides over 600 prompts.
16:34 – Vulnerability in relationships creates deeper gratitude.
17:25 – Societal pressure to hide vulnerability vs. authentic connection.
18:44 – The game’s impact: even long‑married couples discover new facets of each other.
19:49 – Warning against digital distraction; real‑life relationships endure longer.
21:03 – Message to younger selves: Everything changes; stay the course and keep gratitude alive.
22:52 – Change is the only constant; it’ll move toward the better.
23:26 – Alan’s gratitude habits: morning prayer and journaling to reset perspective.
25:02 – Parenting perspective: kids lack the broader view we have; we must guide them.
26:22 – Balancing goal‑orientation with flexibility; trusting a larger perspective.
28:15 – Seeing people as gifts, not stepping stones; cherishing daily interactions.
30:11 – Game adapted for video calls – connecting even when physically apart.
31:01 – Where to find the game & Alan’s contact info (morningstargames.com, alanwolf.com, social media).
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