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Caitlin Johnson is a Master Certified Performance Coach with 15 years of experience in coaching and consulting. She specializes in leadership development, change management, and gamification design and has coached over 72,000 global leaders. Recognized as a top performer at a Fortune 200 company, Caitlin lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband, two daughters, and their standard poodle.

In this episode, Caitlin shares how to use game design strategies to set and achieve meaningful goals, conquer imposter syndrome, and create lasting habits through the power of streaks. Learn how to break down your "epic mission" into actionable 90-day quests and discover how gamification can transform your personal and professional life. Whether you're tackling New Year’s resolutions or seeking fresh inspiration, this episode is packed with tools to help you stay motivated and grow with purpose.

🎧 Listen now and start your journey to a more intentional and fulfilling life!

Chapter:
00:00 - Introduction
02:10 - Caitlin’s Journey
06:45 - The Power of Gamification
10:06 - Gamifying Goal Setting
12:09 - Breaking Goals Into 90-Day Quests
12:48 - Laugh Once a Day
16:43 - The Importance of Streaks
18:00 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
22:40 - Finding Purpose with Ikigai
25:48 - Bold Bird Consulting
33:27 - Adopting a Gamer’s Mindset
36:08 - Personality Types in Gamification
42:05 - Caitlin’s Upcoming Book

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Lei Wang is a distinguished mountaineer, polar explorer, and a symbol of resilience and determination. She holds the remarkable distinction of being the first Chinese woman and the first Asian American to complete the Explorers Grand Slam—an extraordinary feat that includes climbing the Seven Summits, the highest peak on each continent, and skiing to both the North and South Poles.

In this episode, Lei Wang, is an extraordinary adventurer, speaker, and the first Asian and Asian-American woman to complete the Explorer's Grand Slam. Lei shares her incredible journey of climbing the tallest peaks on every continent, skiing to the North and South Poles, and the life lessons she learned along the way.

Discover the power of facing fears, learning from failure, and finding meaning beyond the summit. Lei opens up about her mental and physical challenges, the dangers of "summit fever," and how mentors and gratitude played a pivotal role in her success. Whether you're seeking inspiration for your next adventure or navigating your own challenges, this conversation is packed with insights to help you grow.

Listen now and be inspired by Lei's resilience, wisdom, and passion for personal growth.

Chapter:
00:00 - Introduction
01:00 - Who is Lei Wang?
03:00 - Challenges of Preparation and Mental Strength
05:50 - Facing Fears and Personal Growth
10:04 - Learning to Fail
14:00 - Understanding the dangers of summit fever and how to overcome it
16:05 - The Summit Is Only Halfway
17:54 - Connecting Goals with Purpose
21:05 - Finding Long-Term Meaning
25:43 - Lessons from Mountaineering
28:42 - Making Peace with Boredom
34:59 - The Importance of Mentors
37:15 - Mentorship and Coaching
39:38 - Being Lost on Shishapangma
44:35 - Gratitude for Challenges

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Don’t miss this uplifting conversation and insights from Bob Goff’s new book, "Catching Whimsy".

Bob Goff is the author of several New York Times bestsellers, including Undistracted, Love Does, Everybody Always, and Dream Big. He is the founder of Love Does, a nonprofit human rights organization making a global impact in countries such as India, Uganda, Nepal, Somalia, Afghanistan, the USA, Congo, and the Dominican Republic. Known for his infectious enthusiasm, Bob is a fan of balloons, and cake pops, and encourages others to chase their big dreams.

In this heartwarming episode of Sparks of Gratitude Podcast, we welcome again the bestselling author and speaker Bob Goff. Together, we explore the power of whimsy, gratitude, and living intentionally. Bob shares inspiring stories, including the creation of a Ugandan university with a giraffe sanctuary, and offers practical tips to rediscover joy and purpose in daily life.

Chapter:
00:00 - Introduction
02:27 - Mention of his new book Catching Whimsy, launching December 2024
07:53: Bob explains strategy on whimsy and the importance of remembering simplicity
8:56: Reclaiming a childlike sense of faith and joy.
12:36 - The concept of air-gapping negativity
15:21 - Tips on surrounding yourself with safe and uplifting people
19:07 - Gratitude as a strategy for navigating tough situations
22:25 - Integrating whimsy and intentionality into big projects.
26:37 - Get Catching Whimsy for daily inspiration
29:00 - Encouraging listeners to take seven minutes to start something whimsical.

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TaylorIn this heartfelt and inspiring episode, we sit down with magician, storyteller, and author Taylor Hughes. Taylor shares his journey of finding wonder and gratitude in everyday life, from his magical experiences at Disneyland to the life lessons learned through personal challenges. We explore the impact of his books, The Road to Wonder and Misdirection, and discuss the power of storytelling, mentorship, and embracing the unknown. We also tease Taylors upcoming web series blending magic and thrifting.

Taylor Hughes is a magician, comedian, and storyteller. He’s a Bestselling Author, and a highly sought-after Keynote Presenter, and his Comedy Magic Special '“Chasing Wonder” is streaming now. Taylor is married to his high school sweetheart Katie and they live in Southern California with their two daughters Madelyn and Kennedy.

Chapter:
00:00 - Introduction
03:05 - Taylor’s love for Disneyland and its symbolic meaning in life
6:24 - How Bob Goff changed his life
8:37 - The Road to Wonder by Taylor
12:22 - Speaking to Your 8-Year-Old Self
20:32 - Taylor’s second book and its focus on avoiding manipulation
24:04 - Who were the heroes in his life
27:12 - The mentors who shaped his journey.
28:38 - The Milk Jug Story
30:50 - The parallels between magic tricks and real-world deception.
32:54 - Taylor's personal story of loss and rebuilding
38:30 - The importance of sharing personal experiences to connect with others
42:17 - Why personal stories resonate more deeply with audiences
47:24 - Taylor’s upcoming web series blending magic and thrifting

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Website: https://www.sparksofgratitude.com

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Tim Sohn is a two-time best-selling author of the Perspectives on Cancer book series, a heartfelt collection that assures cancer patients, survivors, and supporters they are not alone in their journey. Through these books, he inspires individuals to share their cancer experiences when they feel ready. Tim is also the visionary behind the global, weekly livestream show Showing Up: Perspectives on Cancer and the annual in-person events of the same name. Both platforms foster connection, support, and understanding within the cancer community

In this episode, Timothy shares the power of sharing stories from Perspective on Invisible Illness: Living and Thriving Beyond What Can’t Be Seen. We discuss the fear of judgment that often keeps people from opening up about unseen illnesses and how finding supportive communities can foster healing and connection.

Timothy shares how resilience, gratitude, and embracing life’s small joys can transform even the darkest moments. He reflects on mantras like finding solace in nature and leaning on loved ones. We also hear inspiring stories, and how these experiences remind us that we’re not alone.

No matter your journey, this episode encourages you to show up for yourself, embrace love, and celebrate life’s small victories.

Chapter:
00:00 - Introduction
03:42 - Tim's Book: "Perspective on Invisible Illness"
07:37 - Timothy's Journey as a Cancer Warrior
10:35 - How He Began Sharing His Story 17 Years Ago
14:35 - Why People Hesitate to Open Up About Unseen Illnesses
17:45 - The Power of Community
20:50 - Stories of Overcoming Challenges from the Book
25:40 - Key Lessons That Strengthened Him Along the Way
30:24 - Finding Hope, Joy, and Gratitude Near Life's End
33:23 - Lee's Story: The Greatest 12 Years of His Life
33:55 - Mantras and Rituals for Coping with Challenges
38:06 - How Therapy Transformed His Perspective
42:14 - Randy’s Message: You Are Not Alone
44:33 - One Key Challenge: Showing Up for Yourself

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Website: https://www.sparksofgratitude.com

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Nathan Osmond is a multifaceted professional, balancing his roles as an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, podcaster, and life coach with his involvement in the family legacy of pop culture. Nathan George Osmond, one of 39 grandchildren in the renowned Osmond family, is the second oldest of Alan and Suzanne Osmond's (née Pinegar) eight sons. This makes him a nephew to the original Osmond lineup, including Wayne, Merrill, Jay, Donny, Marie, and Jimmy Osmond.

In this episode, we talk about counting blessings, embracing the kindness of others, and the importance of words—both those we speak and those we think. He shares the value of real connections, believing in ourselves, and making the most of life’s small moments. Remember, every person has the power to make a difference. Let’s find strength in grace, mercy, and forgiveness, and keep our focus on all the good that surrounds us.

Chapter:
00:00 - Intro
09:26 - Life Lesson from Mike the Wallpaper Guy
10:43 - Traumatic Experience of His Son
14:24 - The Power of Words
17:12 - How Charlie Brown Shaped His Life
22:13 - The Story Behind the "Perfect 911"
25:53 - His Father as the Ultimate Coach
28:30 - A Lesson from a Good Friend
29:30 - Struggles in His Marriage
32:45 - His Father's Battle with Multiple Sclerosis
36:53 - The Man Who Thinks He Can by Walter De Wintle
38:08 - Lessons from George Washington
40:10 - Reflections on His Wife
49:43 - His Safe Person: John Gossett and own a Life's Worth Living Foundation
50:58 - Gratitude for Grace, Mercy, and Forgiveness
52:22 - His Podcast "Achieving Awesomeness Now"
1:00:00 - Reading The Touch of the Master’s Hand
1:02:17 - One Word That’ll Change Your Life

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Website: https://www.sparksofgratitude.com

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Randy McNeely, a former cybersecurity professional, is now a passionate advocate for kindness. With over 20 years of experience in both private and public sectors, he helps entrepreneurs and organizations overcome toxic cultures through his 4-Stage Kindness Habit Framework and 5-Step Kindness Givers' Formula. Randy’s warm-hearted approach empowers businesses to thrive by fostering kindness-driven behaviors, creating stronger relationships, and achieving outstanding results.

In this episode, kindness is shown as the gateway to gratitude and a catalyst for positive change. Randy McNeely emphasizes that small acts of kindness, when written in a Kindness Journal, help us relive and remember those moments, offering comfort during tough times.

Kindness is described as love in action—a force that fuels happiness, joy, and success. Through love, we feel valued and appreciated, and every kind act strengthens that connection.

With a simple 5-step guide, listeners are encouraged to start each day with purpose, seek opportunities to be kind, and reflect on the impact they've made. The message is clear: Kindness begins with us, and even the smallest actions can change lives.

Chapter:
00:00 - Intro
01:56 - Story of Why He is Wearing a Red Cape
04:23 - The Kindness Givers' Formula 2.0
08:17 - Struggles with His Father and How It Shaped Him
10:37 - The Value of Noticing and Reflecting on Acts of Kindness
13:54 - How His Friends Helped Him Feel
15:57 - The Importance of Love and How It Drives Kindness
19:33 - The Meaning of "Tada" | 5-Step Guide to Inspiring Change Through Love
26:09 - Talks on Honey Bees
35:52 - Being Kind to Ourselves
38:20 - Talks about Naval Gazing Syndrome/Tunnel Syndrome

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Website: https://www.sparksofgratitude.com

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Dr. Andreea Vanacker is an entrepreneur, international speaker, and 4x author focused on promoting joy and human-centric leadership. Her work has been featured in major outlets like Forbes, Fast Company, and National Post. With a Ph.D. in Economics and vast experience managing global teams across 50+ countries, Andreea inspires leaders to build thriving, people-first organizations.

Christophe is the Founder and Chief Business Humanizer at Innate Motion, dedicated to bringing human sense to business. A South African born during Apartheid, Christophe's mission to challenge institutional barriers led him to create a company that helps global brands grow with purpose, fostering genuine human connections.

In this episode, Andreea and Christophe explore how embracing change is essential for growth and well-being. They discuss how resisting change can leave us stuck in fear and negativity, disconnected from our true nature. By welcoming change with gratitude, we open the door to personal and emotional growth, fostering resilience, generosity, and appreciation.

The conversation highlights how shifting our perspective to one of curiosity and excitement allows us to navigate challenges with gratitude. By cultivating self-love, connection with others, and a deeper relationship with nature, embracing change becomes a powerful tool for thriving in all areas of life.

Chapter:
00:00 - Intro
02:58 - Christophe explains what it means to be a "welcome change practitioner."
04:05 - Overview of Christophe's company, Innate Motion.
07:11 - Christophe shares insights on the role of change in growth.
09:19 - How Andreea and Christophe became connected.
13:10 - Andreea shares her experience with two brain surgeries and the nine hours spent in sleep during them.
18:30 - Christophe reflects on challenging moments he's experienced.
25:22 - Andreea introduces the 4 R’s related to the Human Growth Code.
27:00 - Andreea explains why gratitude is so important to her.
29:30 - Christophe shares his perspective on the importance of gratitude.
36:27 - Christophe discusses the idea that self-sufficiency is a myth.
41:37 - Andreea talks about her mission, "1 Million Years of Joy."

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Website: https://www.sparksofgratitude.com

Do you know someone who we should have on the show? Email us:
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