Happy & Free Podcast

Happy & Free with Val and Dan is a weekly podcast that helps listeners tackle some of life’s challenges and aims to inspire with interesting personal stories.

Racing for Your Life 05/03/2017

Racing for Your Life 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 and Dan. What do you have to learn from karts zooming around a road course? Listen up. /episode/index/show/heartbeings/id/5322764

Running Away With Life 04/25/2017

Running Away With Life 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 with Val and Dan, learn how running can improve your life without strapping on tennis shoes. /episode/index/show/heartbeings/id/5297769

This B & B is More Than A Place to Stay 04/10/2017

This B & B is More Than A Place to Stay 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 innkeeper in the suburbs of Boston who makes the beds, pours the tea, and serves up a healthy dose of conversation. You'll hear her stories on this edition of Happy & Free with Val and Dan. /episode/index/show/heartbeings/id/5253641

Is Your Glass Half Empty or Half Full? 04/03/2017

Is Your Glass Half Empty or Half Full? 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 is so much to distract us, but if we learn to focus in the right direction and zoom in on the positive, it could make a big difference. /episode/index/show/heartbeings/id/5232137

Plant Life and You 03/27/2017

Plant Life and You 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. /episode/index/show/heartbeings/id/5206750

What Are You Doing for Your Future? 03/20/2017

What Are You Doing for Your Future? 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 checklist on what you should examine as you make your plans for the future – from your passions and needs to your legacy. You don't want to miss it. Listen, learn, and share. /episode/index/show/heartbeings/id/5185242

Liar, Liar 03/14/2017

Liar, Liar 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 without telling a lie? Listen, learn, and stop lying. /episode/index/show/heartbeings/id/5169226

What a Pair of Expensive Shoes Can Teach Us About Relationships 03/06/2017

What a Pair of Expensive Shoes Can Teach Us About Relationships 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, an expensive pair of shoes, and lessons that may help to strengthen your relationship or make sure you go into your next one with eyes wide open. /episode/index/show/heartbeings/id/5144270

Start Planning Now for Your Tax Refund 02/27/2017

Start Planning Now for Your Tax Refund 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 episode of Happy & Free with Val and Dan as we unpack some tips that could help you use your refund to put your financial house in order. /episode/index/show/heartbeings/id/5120768

Time for a Breathing Break 02/20/2017

Time for a Breathing Break 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 & Free with Val and Dan, and breathe along with us as we test some methods that instantly made us feel a little better. /episode/index/show/heartbeings/id/5101428

How to Survive in a Topsy Turvy World 02/13/2017

How to Survive in a Topsy Turvy World 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, we wade out just a bit to find some answers and dish out some advice. /episode/index/show/heartbeings/id/5080332

The Power Behind a Power Nap 02/06/2017

The Power Behind a Power Nap 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 talking about the power of a power nap. Tips from experts say it may reduce stress and lower the risk of heart disease. /episode/index/show/heartbeings/id/5058848

Overcoming the Monday Blues 01/30/2017

Overcoming the Monday Blues 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 Val and Dan. Maybe our discussion will help pick you up on your next Monday morning. /episode/index/show/heartbeings/id/5037776

How to Just Say No When Relatives Ask for Money 01/23/2017

How to Just Say No When Relatives Ask for Money 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 learn to say no? That’s what we’re talking about on this episode of Happy & Free with Val and Dan. We’ll share some of our personal experiences and how we were able to put the brakes on repeat offenders. /episode/index/show/heartbeings/id/5016418

Why We Should Care About Past Presidents 01/17/2017

Why We Should Care About Past Presidents 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 episode of our podcast, we interview Jim Lumley. He’s a pilot who has a healthy obsession with presidential history and believes every child should be given the opportunity to fall in love with history too. /episode/index/show/heartbeings/id/4996556

Don't Look Back: Bury Your Past 01/09/2017

Don't Look Back: Bury Your Past 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 or you can focus on the road ahead. Which will it be for you? Listen to our podcast and hear what one woman is doing to turn past mistakes into ashes. /episode/index/show/heartbeings/id/4975607

The Resolutions Test 01/02/2017

The Resolutions Test 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 the past doesn't mean you should stop trying. On our podcast this week, hear how we've done on our resolutions, why we like making them, and what our goals are for this year. /episode/index/show/heartbeings/id/4956393

Talk Food Not Politics 12/27/2016

Talk Food Not Politics 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 way is with food around the dinner table. On this podcast, Amanda Varnell, owner of Dish T’Pass Cooking School, Catering Company and Café, takes us into the kitchen of conversation. Relax, eat and then push talk. /episode/index/show/heartbeings/id/4945034

What Are You Thankful For? 11/21/2016

What Are You Thankful For? 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 seriousness, being in the spirit of this holiday every day of the year can have a positive impact on your life. Listen to our podcast and hear what makes us thankful and how focusing on those things influences our outlook on life. /episode/index/show/heartbeings/id/4848713

Saving For Retirement 11/14/2016

Saving For Retirement 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 that is exactly when you should be paying close attention. Check out our podcast this week as we try to take some of the confusion out of saving for retirement. You can start small, but in the end, it all adds up. /episode/index/show/heartbeings/id/4828982

Raising Teenagers 11/07/2016

Raising Teenagers 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. /episode/index/show/heartbeings/id/4811594

Why You Should Care About Children: Universal Children’s Day Campaign 10/31/2016

Why You Should Care About Children: Universal Children’s Day Campaign 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 deserve. Some are being discarded and abused. Others are raised in poverty with very little chance of getting a good education. There are small signs of hope on the horizon and we want to celebrate that as well as invite you to be part of the solution by joining Heart Beings, the emotional intelligence organization Six Seconds, and Crowdrise in a fundraising campaign. Listen to our podcast and learn about great organizations that are making a difference in the lives of children everywhere. Universal Children’s Day – November 20th “By of 14 December 1954, the General Assembly recommended that all countries institute a Universal Children's Day, to be observed as a day of worldwide fraternity and understanding between children. It recommended that the Day was to be observed also as a day of activity devoted to promoting the ideals and objectives of the Charter and the welfare of the children of the world.” -United Nations /episode/index/show/heartbeings/id/4788657

Grabbing the Keys to Success 10/24/2016

Grabbing the Keys to Success 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’s podcast, we explore a few steps that have worked for us and others. It never hurts to dream big. /episode/index/show/heartbeings/id/4768834

A Look in the Mirror: What Drives Your Partner Crazy 10/17/2016

A Look in the Mirror: What Drives Your Partner Crazy 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 drives your significant other crazy? Are you aware of its impact? Do you care? Let’s assume that you answered ‘YES’ to the last question; the next step is figuring out what to do about it. That’s the focus of our podcast as we share some experiences and tips to snuff out those little things that drive your partner crazy. /episode/index/show/heartbeings/id/4749971

Better Late Than Never is Not Better 10/11/2016

Better Late Than Never is Not Better 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 line. Better late than never is NOT better. /episode/index/show/heartbeings/id/4735330

What Can Hollywood Teach Us About Love? 10/06/2016

What Can Hollywood Teach Us About Love? 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 Deborah Zara Kobylt to talk about relationships, commitment, and what all couples should know before taking the plunge. /episode/index/show/heartbeings/id/4724313

‘Stop Acting Fat’ 09/26/2016

‘Stop Acting Fat’ 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 problem despite countless diets, a sea of fitness centers, and a general health craze sweeping the US. So what is this campaign offering that others aren’t? Check out our podcast this week as we interview Duke Richman. “We have abandoned the purpose of food and eating for the pleasure of food and eating. This action has severely compromised our health and is the primary cause of overweight and obesity.” — Duke D.R.S. Richman /episode/index/show/heartbeings/id/4695179

Looking in Life’s Rearview Mirror: How to Smooth Your Present Journey 09/19/2016

Looking in Life’s Rearview Mirror: How to Smooth Your Present Journey 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 back can help us move forward. It has a way of motivating or clarifying things. Listen to our podcast this week, and then look in the rearview mirror. /episode/index/show/heartbeings/id/4679849

How to Train Yourself to be Positive 09/12/2016

How to Train Yourself to be Positive 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? Positivity has been linked to longevity. That should be enough to get you to click and listen to our podcast this week. We aren’t making any promises, but you may get the roadmap that will put you on the right path to being a little more positive. /episode/index/show/heartbeings/id/4660706

The Secret of Unplugging From Life 09/05/2016

The Secret of Unplugging From Life 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 if you were able to completely unplug? What if you could leave your phone and emails behind? Well, one of us did that this summer, and in this podcast, we’ll break down the secrets of unplugging and how it may help you have a less stressful life now that you are back to work. /episode/index/show/heartbeings/id/4643048

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