F18: Fending Off Politically Induced Stress
Feeling overwhelmed by nonstop political news? You're not alone. In this episode, we explore the psychological and physical toll of constant exposure to divisive headlines, from increased anxiety to sleep disturbances and mood swings. With insights from Dr. Michelle Riba of the University of Michigan, we break down a systematic approach to managing news consumption—tracking your intake, balancing fact-based sources, and challenging your perspective to reduce stress. If the political climate is affecting your well-being, this episode offers practical strategies to help you regain control and find more peace in an era of information overload. Tune in to discover how to stay informed without sacrificing your mental health. #PoliticalAnxiety #NewsOverload #MentalWellness
Welcome to My Good Three Podcast: Good Stories For A Better Week
W6: The Candy Kids Are All Right
After Amy Schmitt of Woodhaven, Michigan, rushed her son Jacob to the hospital for a medical emergency, she learned that they would need to stay in the hospital for several days, including for one of their favorite days of the year, Halloween. She had the wherewithal to find time to rush home to place a sign in front of the house saying they were at the hospital and there was no candy, so kids wouldn’t be disappointed when nobody answered the door during trick or treating. What happened next should challenge any negative narratives you may have about kids these days.
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M6: Do You Really Know A Veteran?
I had planned to honor veterans today with a story or two about heroic veterans, but I changed my mind. It’s impossible to celebrate Veteran’s Day without mentioning the immense challenge we face in dealing with veteran suicides. I did hesitate talking about it, since there are some studies saying that we may be making it worse by consistently talking about the issue, but I have to think not talking about is worse. To call what is happening among post-9/11 warfighters a mental health crisis isn’t quite capturing the severity of the issue; what we’re dealing with is a full-blown epidemic.
In this episode I briefly share the statistics, and compel listeners to do more than just donate to a veterans cause this Veteran’s Day.
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F5: The Four-Day Workweek Is Coming
Hello Fridays. Where have you been all my life?
The invention of the Blackberry years ago marked a shift for workers worldwide. With our office suddenly fitting in our pockets thanks to technology, work began coming along with us wherever we went - and it’s only gotten worse. But there is hope on the horizon for anyone who feels like they can’t get away from the job. Thanks to Four-Day Week Global, and the Four-Day Week Campaign, we are closer than ever before to the tipping point in the quest to have employers across the globe adjust the work schedule to a four-day workweek.
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W5: Paying Flowers Forward
Some things in life just seem to fit together perfectly…almost, mysteriously. A few weeks ago in Kansas City, the owner of KC Flower Company had a customer purchase an arrangement of flowers, and then hand them right back to her. What happened next was heartwarming, and it renews your belief that some things are larger than mere luck.
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M5: The Fight To Vote
As we enter Election Day, changing our routines to fit voting into our day, sometimes questioning whether it’s worth it, we look back at the history of voting rights and just how much people sacrificed so we can freely walk into a polling station and cast our votes. While it doesn’t seem like much now, we can all be thankful for the system we have that respects all Americans and their vote.
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F4: Cynicism Is Not Trustworthy
Do you feel like you’re cynical, and there’s nothing you can do to change it? If so, there’s good news. Changing is much easier and faster than you think, and the benefits of being less cynical are worth fighting for. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be an idealist, just make some small changes and prepare to see your future in a brighter light.
In this episode I reference findings from Dr. Jamil Zaki, Director of the Social Neuroscience Lab at Stanford University, which he shares in his new book, Hope For Cynics.
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W4: Finding A Family’s Future In An Envelope
Not everyone keeps their savings in a bank account. In some cultures, it’s customary to keep it in cash and carry it with you. Van Ha, originally from Vietnam, is a woman in her 70s who keeps her savings with her at all times in an envelope. Well, she did, until a few months ago, she lost it one afternoon while shopping at a Boston-area Market Basket. Luckily, she was in good hands. This story reminds us that we should believe in the people around us to do the right thing.
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M4: The Game Of Monopoly
Did you know the game of Monopoly was invented for political reasons in order to teach the dangers of capitalism in real estate? I dive into the roots of the game, the transition, and how it ended up in the form it is today. No matter the original intent, it’s still fun to have a board game that gives us a chance to slip into a cut-throat mindset, bankrupt our loved ones, and dominate the real estate landscape.
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F3: We Can Lift A Whale
Saving the Blue Whale is something I haven’t thought much about. It wasn’t until I learned about how close the largest animal to ever roam the earth (larger than dinosaurs) came to extinction recently, because of humans, that I stopped to pay attention. The real magic in this story, is how humans brought the Blue Whale species back - and what that means about our power and our future, as a human species, when we work together.
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W3: When A Bus Driver Picks Up The Community
You never know when you’re going to make an impact on someone, and at the same time, on a community. Larry Farrish, Jr., a bus driver for Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville, Kentucky did just that when he went way out of his way to help one of the kids on his bus. Mr. Larry, as the kids call him, didn’t think much of it, but very quickly news spread, and two days later, they were on the Today show.
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M3: Do We Need A President With Character?
As we very quickly approach our next Presidential Election Day, and we have policy differences, personality differences, and a list of promises and warnings swirling around in our heads, it’s worth taking a moment to look at our first U.S. President, George Washington. We’ll quickly examine the core trait that defined his service, the impact that had on all of us, and why we should be thankful.
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F2: Global Cooperation: A Future On The Rise
We all hear a lot of negative news about what’s happening in the world. The coverage of conflict and threats is unrelenting. So, is it possible that the world may not be devolving into chaos? Could the world actually be improving in how it cooperates (on a macro level) and these conflicts are just taking center-stage?
The answer to this question might surprise you.
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W2: Mules Deliver After Hurricane Helene
When helicopters struggled to reach mountainous areas after Hurricane Helene dropped nearly 20” of rain in less than two days, mules, specifically the mules and volunteers from Mountain Mule Packer Ranch, carried supplies to those in need…by foot.
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M2: Antibiotics; Persistence and a Little Luck
We've all been there. We're sick or injured and we're not getting better. Usually, that means a bacterial infection, and with the help of antibiotics, we're back on our feet. The next time this happens, be thankful for the persistence...and the luck...of Alexander Fleming.
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F1: Carbon-Free Energy Is Within Reach
For those of us who only hear negative news about our future on this planet, this story will give you hope about the prospects for renewable energy that are within reach...we just need to get there.
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W1: A Hiker’s Misstep to Friendship
Ursula Bannister, a 79-year-old hiker from Tacoma, Washington severely injured her leg while hiking to lay flowers at her deceased mother's resting place at a lookout. What happened next was a beautiful example of love and kindness from complete strangers. Find out how...
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M1: Heroes In The Rows Around Us
United Airlines Flight 93 had many heroes on September 11, 2001. This podcast episode is a quick reminder of the sacrifice they made and why we should be thankful.
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