www.GameChangerThinking.com

Simplify Well-Being to Live Longer & More Joyfully

Gaining ultimate well-being, however you define it, includes boosting function of your body, mind and soul. There are psychological or attitudinal elements which set the strategic direction of your adventure in well-being. And there are practical actions or behaviors you can take to gain momentum and manifest well-being. Living truly alive is kick-started with a shift in perception. Join me on this journey!

www.GameChangerThinking.com

How Leaders Can Shift Strategic Thinking from Work-life to Post-Retirement Life

Strategy involves mental perception and perspectives, yet is developed and delivered through several specific types of behaviors. Ironically, leaders become more strategic via tactics that shift the prevailing viewpoint to gain more buy-in. One roadmap suggests core behaviors involving Acumen: how you think, Allocation: how you plan and Action: what you do. These leadership capabilities certainly apply to organizational cultures, but can just as easily be applied to personal projects or post-retirement ventures. 

Purpose-Driven Leaders Can Use Their Skills for Post-Retirement Ventures

Most modern-day employees want their efforts and values to jive with the organizational culture. Along with a fair salary stemming from productivity and profitability, they want purposefulness in the process. Leaders who know how to embody and embed a sense of purpose into daily work life, such that staff are inspired to give their best performance, not only succeed in their current roles but can carry this ability beyond retirement into whatever ventures they are involved with. So that piece of a leader’s identity is sustainable, as long as their choices remain purposeful to them. 

Website: www.douglasbrandspeaking.com

Shifting from Military to Civilian Operation After Conflict: With Douglas Brand OBE

Former career British Police Chief Douglas Brand has spent decades in a range of countries in what are termed ‘Peace Support Operations’. This is the period after a major conflict where the military has been involved, where stabilization operations seek to restore some semblance of order and normalcy. Ideally, the police return to their primary roles as keepers of the peace and maintaining rule of law. Mr. Brand has identified a handful of lessons from his varied experiences, yet is frustrated by the apparent disinterest of authorities once the tide has turned and they move on. What good are lessons Identified if not learned from?

Self-image wellness and resilience may be the key to surviving adolescence in our social media driven and polarized turbulent times. Surviving the in-built conundrum of being uniquely yourself while also fitting in is tough for most people. But in the hyper-intense world of teens the pressure to conform to norms they may not have chosen coupled with near instant broadcasting of half-baked opinions can be traumatic. Host Donna Kim-Brand shares a few ideas to be of assistance if you have contact with pre-teens, teens or even young adults.

Host Donna Kim-Brand takes a romp through history, rehashing a number of major societal changes brought about by the age-wave group known as Baby Boomers. Traditionally taught as a reaction to returning soldiers at the end of World War 2, we’ll explore other rationales for the boom in births and their subsequent influence on the course of history. What we can see and say is, they’re not done making waves yet!

Jon Devitt worked as the BBC’s Central Europe Correspondent for years, on assignments around the globe at short notice or for extended periods in areas of conflict. When his wife claimed it was now ‘her turn’, he shifted his livelihood and became a stay-at-home dad. He claims that getting to know his kids and developing a close bond that exists to this day is the most important thing he ever did. Meanwhile, Jon now uses his lengthy experience of reporting from abroad to assist would-be expats with virtual reality online city-guides that provide a ‘look-see’ of what life would be like living there. www.lookseecity.com .

Executive Coach Ron Donovan brings us his insights on Leadership in Crisis, given we seem to be in a perpetual state of flux nowadays. He reveals what he thinks was the most dangerous point in human history, and how an excellent leader at that time handled the situation. Ron reveals how great leaders need to show up for their people and what actions they ought to take in times of crisis. With some overlap, these are different from a business-as-usual leader.

William Shakespeare is the second most quoted English writer after the writers of the Bible and invented over 3000 words or idiomatic phrases. For an author and playwright once called an ‘upstart crow’ and whose works were never published in his lifetime yet later survived across hundreds of years, much to the chagrin of many-a student, quite a bit about Shakespeare is still a mystery. An astute observer of human nature, he developed word-play and acting skills from contemporary theater with historic themes, with all roles being played by men. We know of 154 Sonnets, many created during the Plague, and at least 37 plays which he directed or performed at the Globe Theatre in London, known of my both Queen Elizabeth I and KIng James I. He died a wealthy man at age 52.

Despite being a fictional character, Sherlock Holmes is the most portrayed human character in film, according to Guinness World Records. Created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a former medical doctor turned author, the genius of Sherlock Holmes as an eccentric ace detective caught the imagination of generations of people in only 4 novels and 56 short stories. His intellect, methods and collaboration with his trusted sidekick Dr. Watson continue to intrigue the public to this day. Only one minor villain ever escaped Holmes’ grasp- The Woman, as he called Irene Adler as a sign of respect.

Considered the epitome of a Renaissance Man and # 1 Genius in history, it behooves us to take a look at how Leonardo thought and approached his various artworks and inventions. We can then consider how to adopt or adapt some of his principles of learning and discovery to our own life and work. Given his humble beginnings and the hundreds of years since his lifetime, let’s explore the secrets of Leonardo DVinci’s achievements.

Having recently looked at issues with Neuro-technology and its impact on business, life and cognitive liberty, let’s now tackle some of the current conversation around Artificial Intelligence, AI. Concerns range from issues with plagiarism, copyright infringement of Intellectual Property, lack of personal cognitive development, accuracy or bias of information, fear of non-sentient AI becoming smarter than humans, and more. On the other hand, access to somewhat organized thoughts, time saving efficiencies in research and speed to market are obvious advantages. It’s still the wild west, but let’s take a look and see how we can make use of AI now, such as it is.

Helen Raptoplous-Belanger exemplifies ‘The Power of Choosing You’. She turned on her deep inner lovingness and power by going through a personal transformation involving becoming a marathon runner. Now she teaches others to become Fit and Fabulous by making yourself a priority. Come meet this amazing woman as we chat through her amazing transformation and offerings.

Humans tend to make choices and progress when motivated. After all, movement is baked into the word ‘motivation’. We’ll explore distinctions between notions of purpose & WHY, vision & mission, along with suggesting 7 steps you can take to discover your WHY. Once aligned both internally with conviction and externally by actions, it’s easier to find and journey along the pathway of your Living Legacy.

Arun was a friend, soon to have been a guest again on this podcast, so imagine my profound sadness to learn of his recent passing after a short illness. Having been born in South Africa, he moved to live with his Grandfather in India at age 12, and learned first-hand at the feet of the Mahatma. Since then, Arun and his late wife Sunanda were tireless advocates for peace, non-violence and social justice. Long based in the USA, they worked through civic and educational institutions, ad-hoc projects and individual champions who carried their key messages. May he rest in peace

Host Donna Kim-Brand analyzes Neuro-Technology from the perspective of how it intrudes on business and life as we know it, as well as on what possible benefits it can provide. Progress always involves upsetting familiar norms and often brings with it questions of ethics, fairness and legality. Who gets to have the advantages proposed, how transparent is the research and how will outputs be gained and used? And how will we address Cognitive Liberty, the last bastion of human freedoms? We’ll cover AI in the next few sessions. So stay tuned!

Many Boomers will have been introduced to Dr. Maxwell Matz’s 1960’s groundbreaking book ‘Psycho-Cybernetics’. He explored the power of the mind and how our thoughts have a profound impact on our behavior and outcomes; and that by changing our self-image and thought patterns, we can change our lives. Today host Donna Km-Brand will delve into the chapter on failure, as well as more updated views, and consider how failure can be experienced as both debilitating and necessary on the path to success. 

We don’t tend to give our breathing a thought unless we can’t easily breathe, we’re in yoga class or trying to meditate mindfully. Breathing is a process which connects our mind and body to regulate our emotions, mood, metabolism and longevity, especially if done well.  In revival is an old trend, referred to as ‘breathwork’. Combined with counteracting stress and re-engaging with curiosity, creativity and hope, we can shake off numbness and resurrect a state of flow and engagement with life again.

Multiple Intelligences is a theory that was introduced by Harvard Professor Howard Gardner in his 1983 book “Frames of Mind: The Theory of Intelligences”. He proposed that intelligence isn’t a fixed number, as was measured by an IQ test. Rather, he suggested seven different types of intelligence, of which each person has a unique combination to draw upon. Strength demonstrated in the different expressions of intelligence would make life and career choices easier if aligned. Let’s explore and discover if that theory still holds water.

While few of us relish change, even though we know we need it and could pull it off if we made it a focus, just the thought feels daunting. Somehow, using words like ‘tweak’ or ‘shift’ seems more doable. So here we go with a handful of simple tweaks we could easily build into our daily life with cumulative positive effects. As we approach a change of seasons, which happens 4 times a year anyway, let’s dig in to 22 simple timeless ways to enhance your fitness, emotional well-being and overall health.

The human condition is dominated by an underlying and persistent feeling of lack, which leaves us always looking to apparent greener pastures for happiness and fulfillment. With a deep awareness attuned to the present moment, we open the door to direct awakening to spiritual enlightenment now, rather than having to endure years of traditional meditation practices. Allow Craig Hamilton’s insights to liberate you from old protocols and lead you to your natural state of real-time awakening.

Entertainer extraordinaire; stage manager, actor, singer, tour leader, cruise director and raconteur Spencer K Gibbons continues with his colorful career and life adventures. You can still catch him on stages around the UK or giving walking tours in London on the Beatles, Sherlock Holmes or Agatha Christie. He’s a walking ‘Who’s Who’ in the entertainment industry, taking you on a nostalgic journey with stories that never end. Come join us!

Author of the little gem ‘Some of Us Didn’t Make It’, which tells the story of the early days of rag-tag Rock ‘n Roll groups earning their chops playing gigs between England, Germany and the US in the early 1960’s. He knew the Beatles & almost snuffed out Aretha Franklin in their beginning days overseas. The demands for living in rough circumstances, resourcefulness, duplicating musical skills & talents, and surviving cheating managers prepared Spencer K Gibbons for his amazing future life in all aspects of the entertainment business. And he’s still at it! Come join the dizzying fun!

We live in a mobile society, with generally decent road systems and available amenities along the way, depending on where you are of course. Still, preparing ahead of time can make all the difference in both comfort, convenience and a care-free experience. There are lots of small issues that if you know about, will ease your way greatly, and not knowing can make for a nightmare. Decide on the type of adventure you want to have, who you are on the journey with, and what you want the resulting memories to be, and then go have a grand experience!

We live in a mobile society, with generally decent road systems and available amenities along the way, depending on where you are of course. Still, preparing ahead of time can make all the difference in both comfort, convenience and a care-free experience. There are lots of small issues that if you know about, will ease your way greatly, and not knowing can make for a nightmare. Decide on the type of adventure you want to have, who you are on the journey with, and what you want the resulting memories to be, and then go have a grand experience!

Daniel Goleman’s 1995 book Emotional Intelligence brought to light the concept of Emotional Intelligence, or EI; an ability to understand and manage emotions which is hailed as a key cause of increased success in business and life.  Host Donna Kim-Brand shares 14 ways EI can show up in daily life situations and how you can become masterful in developing yours and reaping the benefits. 

In the current trend to segment and label people with intersectional identities, are we really just splitting hairs? A relatively new term is on the scene and even part of stating online dating preferences. It’s sapio-sexuality, which describes people who self-identify as ‘attracted by intellect’ as a pre-condition for an eventual sexual relationship. While some claim this is too high-brow and exclusive, others say it’s no different than preferring a non-smoker or liking someone with a shared love of, say, pickleball. Join me, Donna Kim-Brand, and explore this together, shall we?

Traditional and mystical wisdom has taught us that successful meditation requires suppressing or eliminating our thoughts, over-riding or stilling thoughts with mantras, or at least redirecting them to be more ‘spiritual’. That’s a process like trying to pin down a ball of mercury, and has led to years of frustrated or defeated practitioners of meditation. Renowned meditation teacher Craig Hamilton dispels that myth by suggesting meditation, properly understood, is about cultivating the ability to disengage and free yourself from dictates of the mind in order to tap into your ‘wisdom capacity’ and catalyze spiritual awakening. 

Protesters, Public Order, Precedent & Police Intervention with Douglas Brand

The United Kingdom is being wracked in recent months and years by protests that seriously interrupt the normalcy of daily or urgent activities of the public: rail strikes, strikes by nurses, ambulance crews & dispatchers, teachers and most radically, climate change and anti-fossil fuel advocates closing down motorways or obstructing entrance to facilities. As they continue, so does the debate as to the balance in a democracy between the right to protest and the rights of others not to be severely disrupted. Add to that, the role and point of intervention, if any, by the police and you have a hot topic, on which career police officer Douglas Brand will expound for us.

Host Donna Kim-Brand explores the state of romance in our modern world of digital devices, workaholic busyness and often militant individualism. With February being the month of enforced romantic gestures on Valentine’s Day, it has become cliché to spend an average of over $150 on one’s partner. One dare not ‘forget’ or suffer hostile consequences! Donna explores the nuances of romance and offers several simple, practical ways to keep romance alive all year, with or without a romantic partner!

Rather a cool, scientific approach to diagnosing who men are and why they act as they do, it’s still helpful to know and understand what is driving them. From the roles and effects of testosterone to the percentage of men who take condoms to office parties to the 70% plus of men who enjoy being married and the 30% who initiate divorce, modern men are both predictable and… not so. Get your scoop here so you are armed and forewarned!

One of my favorite books and stories is ‘The Man Who Tapped the Secrets of the Universe’, by Glenn Clark about Renaissance man Walter Russell. He was a polymath with high achievements in business, science, architecture, art, sculpture, music, painting and more. This account is a condensed version of his keystone principles and empowering concepts which can be replicated to enjoy living a rich and full life. 

Author Tish Narh Asumang tells the story, first in a series, about children of light living in love in Heaven. They prepare for a journey of coming to Earth along with lessons they will learn and share. We’ll seek to understand the source of this story and what we Earthlings can learn from her fantastical depiction.

Host Donna Kim-Brand explores several perspectives on aging well, in a context of Creative Living and Giving. Our early life exposures and experiences color who we become as people and how we express our unique sense of self, personally & professionally. Much of what we assume is ‘set in stone’ is actually able to be shifted with conscious attention and choice, so we end up living without regrets. Since Donna’s view is that “the life we live is the legacy we leave”, she optimistically invites you to consider what your Living Legacy and Elder Wisdom might look like for you.

Even though statistically, 90+% of New Year’s Resolutions remain unfulfilled and are even given up on within weeks if not months, there is a method to the madness that makes the effort worthwhile. While some are cynical about the annual greeting to ‘make it your best year yet’, why not try to make it so? Reach higher, be bolder, think bigger or simply be nicer! Since humans are ‘evolution in motion’ we should be better over time; possible with letting go limitations or awakening capacity for something more, bit by bit taking steps and engraining habits that lead you to greater inspiration, impact and spiritual fulfillment.

Host Donna Kim-Brand explores several perspectives on aging well, in a context of Creative Living and Giving. Our early life exposures and experiences color who we become as people and how we express our unique sense of self, personally & professionally. Much of what we assume is ‘set in stone’ is actually able to be shifted with conscious attention and choice, so we end up living without regrets. Since Donna’s view is that “the life we live is the legacy we leave”, she optimistically invites you to consider what your Living Legacy and Elder Wisdom might look like for you.

British watercolor artist, poet, folk singer and environmental educator, G. Danny Clarke, has finally compiled his sketches, watercolors and musings in a coffee table book that begs to be fingered. While the trip was 30 years ago, his recollections and stunning art renderings stem from those days, capturing and describing 26 ports of call from his unique and witty perspective. Given his open and cheery nature, Danny was invited into many otherwise private lives and scenarios, adding depth and insight to his adventures. Join me in hearing Danny’s amazing stories and sharing his creative impressions, as he embarks from Southampton, England on the majestic P & O Canberra cruise line.

British watercolor artist, poet, folk singer and environmental educator, G. Danny Clarke, has finally compiled his sketches, watercolors and musings in a coffee table book that begs to be fingered. While the trip was 30 years ago, his recollections and stunning art renderings stem from those days, capturing and describing 26 ports of call from his unique and witty perspective. Given his open and cheery nature, Danny was invited into many otherwise private lives and scenarios, adding depth and insight to his adventures. Join me in hearing Danny’s amazing stories and sharing his creative impressions, as he embarks from Southampton, England on the majestic P & O Canberra cruise line.

British watercolor artist, poet, folk singer and environmental educator, G. Danny Clarke, has finally compiled his sketches, watercolors and musings in a coffee table book that begs to be fingered. While the trip was 30 years ago, his recollections and stunning art renderings stem from those days, capturing and describing 26 ports of call from his unique and witty perspective. Given his open and cheery nature, Danny was invited into many otherwise private lives and scenarios, adding depth and insight to his adventures. Join me in hearing Danny’s amazing stories and sharing his creative impressions, as he embarks from Southampton, England on the majestic P & O Canberra cruise line.

From days even earlier than the Jetsons cartoons, most of us grew up looking forward to a convenient, futuristic digital life, work and learning lifestyle that defined a tantalizing way forward. Yet when most of the world was thrown into that scenario during the Covid-19 Pandemic lockdowns, we humans collectively found ourselves reverting to and appreciating a more fulfilling hands-on, analog approach. Old fashioned, perhaps, but more human-scaled and sustainable in many domains, despite certain advances in efficiencies. Do you agree? Come hear out author David Sax. 

Combine neuroscientist with storyteller and you have Lisa Genova’s entertaining yet informative access to the latest on remembering and forgetting as a brain function. Memory is an undervalued human skill, surrounded in mystery, both as to how it works and why it doesn’t. Just because we forget some things doesn’t mean we are succumbing to dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease. The author of Still Alice, which won JulieAnn Moore the Best Actress Oscar in 2014, shows us how to create a better relationship with our memory, removing the fear and bringing back the joy of using it well. 

Donna Kim-Brand presents key concepts from the book Opportunity: How to Win in Business and Life and Create a Life You Love by one of her mentors, Eben Pagan. He has found that a common key factor in highly successful people is their ability to notice or create opportunities. What’s the role of neuroscience in priming your mind, and how do you resist Shiny Object Syndrome to choose the best ones in which to invest time, energy and resources? Ultimately, you want to curate a Gallery of Opportunities that bring you joy, fulfillment and a life you love.

Mikkael Sikeres, a respected cancer specialist, professor, author and former chair of the FDA’s drug advisory committee, explores the Food and Drug Administration’s mission, global health crises, patient advocates and politics of the pharmaceutical industry today. While this book primarily tackles the case of the drug Avastin used to treat breast cancer patients, he also covers some inbuilt conflicts of interest between demands for protecting patients and speed of offering potential treatments. Join us to hear if Dr. Sekeres believes the system of checks and balances works or not.

Host Donna Kim-Brand presents key concepts from the book Opportunity: How to Win in Business and Create a Life You Love by one of her mentors, Eben Pagan. He has found that a common key factor in highly successful people is their ability to notice or create opportunities, then choose the best ones for them in which to invest time, energy and resources. He discusses aspects of how to turn accelerating change into opportunities for growth, and how to become an innovator and thought leader in building your own career while also helping others succeed.

In You Belong, much-admired meditation expert Sebene Selassie reveals that accepting our belonging is the key to facing many challenges currently impacting our world. To belong is to experience joy in any moment: to feel pleasure, dance in public, accept death, forgive what seems unforgivable, and extend kindness to yourself and others. To belong is also to acknowledge injustice, reckon with history, and face our own shadows. Full of practical advice and profound revelations, You Belong makes a winning case for resisting the forces that demand separation and reclaiming connection—and embodying belonging. 

When the United States entered World War II, one endeavor was to establish a secret facility not far from the Pentagon to interrogate and eavesdrop on the highest-level Nazi prisoners and also translate and analyze captured German war documents. The American servicemen who interrogated German prisoners or translated captured German documents at Fort Hunt, known by the code name PO Box 1142, were absolutely dedicated to their work. Many of them were Jews, who had escaped Nazi Germany as children - all had personal motivation to do whatever they could to defeat Nazi Germany. They never used corporal punishment in interrogations of German soldiers but developed and deployed dozens of tricks to gain information. This is the first book to describe those intelligence operations. It will never be known how many American lives were spared, or whether the war ended sooner with the programs at Fort Hunt, but they doubtless did make a difference.

Website: www.douglasbrandspeaking.com

A Motocycle Love Affair: Personal & Professional Adventures on Two Wheels with Douglas Brand

Having owned around 20 motorcycles across his lifetime so far, former UK police chief Douglas Brand has had thrills, minor spills and adventures linked to each. He was able to parlay his love of motorcycles into a professional role as a motorcycle traffic cop in central London, with adventures rescuing royalty. He was later able to take up outdoor adventure treks in the US on his Harley Davidson. To hear more, join us on this show.

Executive functioning refers to the many skills our brains use to get important things done- from work to homework, studying, chores and other daily responsibilities. It’s about how we prioritize and execute important tasks through to completion. And about choosing what’s required over more fun ways to spend your time and attention. Since we see many instances of neurodiversity- differing ways of seeing, thinking, or processing the world- we need both awareness and a range of strategies to handle under-developed executive functioning which seems ever more present nowadays.

Recent trends in education and even employment have us learning remotely on our own at home, or virtually via platforms like Zoom. This has thrust many students, parents and managers into the stressful position of ‘teacher’ for which they have no official training. While subject matter is always changing depending on age, maturity, sophistication of content or purpose, there are some underlying disciplines for effective learning and thinking that will serve everyone regardless of age, stage or type of learning.

Who we show up as in the world can morph depending on both conscious and unconscious factors. When it is by design to try on a new identity you can change and enrich your experience of life with a courage that might belie your underlying introversion or fear of showing up. It’s like putting on a costume that gives you permission to behave in synch with your character. Since psychology tells us that our beliefs and thoughts steer us toward matching behavior, changing our identity can change our behavior and thus, our experience of life. Join a discussion with Douglas Brand and your host, Donna Kim-Brand.

Donna Kim-Brand shares underlying concepts embedded in L.E.A.R.N. and A.I.D. M.E. that approach the essential human skill of learning in order to grease the wheels of a better quality of current and future life. For teachers, parents, students and business people alike, the approaches will help you get more productivity and joy out of your educational efforts.

How is it that a Brit knows the actual people Peggy Sue and Donna sung about in early rock and roll, and why has he been to the Buddy Holly plane crash site in Iowa over 30 times? Why are Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison such an obsession? In the process, Paul King has traveled to all 50 US states and so far, 44 state capitals? Come prepared for a romp through musical history with Mr. King, of England, and find out what historic artefact adorns his front door!

Imagine being in the Army during the infamous and deadly ‘Troubles’ in Belfast from age 17, followed by a long career in the British Fire and Rescue Service, where drama was your daily diet. How do you manage your adrenalin rushes without burning out? Without compassion fatigue? For Ken Brand, it included partaking in Historic re-enactments, local theater and a service ethic that led him to help create the Operation Florian Humanitarian Charity which delivered unused UK firetrucks, equipment and training to various countries around the world such as Kosovo, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Montenegro, Lebanon, Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa, Chile and more. 

We don’t usually think that being focused, as demanded by parents, teachers and employers through our life, can profoundly affect our personal well-being. We tend to view focus as sharp with pinpoint precision, in order to achieve specific results. That is true. But there are other aspects to focus which give additional thinking and creative horsepower; both diffused and internal focus, which address aspects of life fulfillment and living with gusto. 

It’s a balancing act between treating prisoners with respect by listening and responding appropriately to their demands while maintaining one’s own boundaries and sanity in high stakes, high pressured and often dangerous environments. Courtenay Burton shares some of her personal strategies and stories of managing a career in the prison system. Find out how drugs get into prisons and how to juggle compliance with care-taking of a population notorious for not having learned that their actions have consequences.

We’ve all heard of the benefits of compound interest, with benefits which accumulate exponentially with consistent inputs over time. It’s the same in considering your mood and well-being when you take one of these suggested tweaks daily across a whole month. By the end of a few weeks the cumulative effect will have made a huge difference to your outlook of calm and contentment along with your experience of everyday creativity.

“You complete me” is a line from the movie Jerry McGuire that makes some swoon and others cringe. Concepts of marriage have shifted dramatically across the years; viewed as a legal, economic or political contract vs. relationship construct vs. love bond (or is it bondage?). And how we escape from a marriage that doesn’t satisfy or fit our expectations, for a range of reasons, has also changed. Is marriage more about being comfortable and compatible in what is familiar or about the novelty and adventures you can get up to if you marry your opposite? Is there ‘one right person’ you need to find or doesn’t it matter? What has your experience taught you?

These questions that popped on the scene in 2015 claimed to explore whether intimacy between strangers can be accelerated by asking each other a specific set of personal questions, ideally face to face. In the age of online dating and superficial social media one-up-manship, probing responses to these questions is meant to reveal key values and expose depth of reflection about one’s life. You can then get a sense if you’re a likely match or not. I’ll share many of the questions to get you thinking, just for fun and…who knows?!

Criminology as a field is multi-faceted, crossing back and forth between pure science and social science. Criminology includes the study of crime, patterns of criminal behavior, criminal psychology, redressing criminality and much more. This means the potential for career options is wide-ranging. Since Douglas Brand is a former career police officer, we’ll also explore how police, who are the most frequent interface between the public and elements of criminality, are often thrust into the gray areas of criminology. 

Website: www.GameChangerThinking.com

The Psychology & Ripple Effect Behind That Infamous Slap

Everybody and his brother has an opinion or theory about why Will Smith acted as he did at the 2022 Oscars. Yes, it’s complicated, and of course, the truth or rationale may not even be clearly known to those involved. As well, ripple effects are likely to show up, as they already have with the subsequent attack on comedian Dave Chapelle. Today we’ll explore a psychological perspective from respected psychologist and author, Dr. Ben Hardy.

Website: www.GameChangerThinking.com

The History & Magic of the English Canal System

The underbelly of England is populated by a sprawling network of canals constructed from the 1500’s primarily to ship coal, cattle and commodities more safely and efficiently than by land or sea. In the process, architecture and engineering of the canal and lock systems, boat design and a pleasure boating lifestyle were revolutionized. Join us as we discuss the history and our current experience of canal boating on the Grand Union Canal. And what Leonardo DaVinci has to do with it all!

Website: www.GameChangerThinking.com

Take the Ride of Your Life and Access Your Soul with Akashic Records

For millennia, mystics, masters and sages across traditions claim to have read the Akashic Records. This is the proverbial ‘Big Book in the Sky’, a dynamic repository holding information about every soul and its journey through life. Long considered accessible by only a few, you can now tap into this infinite source of wisdom about yourself with a simple approach. You can find out or affirm your life purpose, tune into whether a certain relationship or career choice is good for you, or future prospects, for example. Join your host Donna Kim-Brand, who has a bit of insight and experience with the Akashic Records.

Website: cheletindall.com

Fire Up Your Burning Desire and Elevate Your Results with Chele Tindall

So much of our reality is built upon our experiences and the conditioning we received as a child, which subconsciously affects us as we move through life. Often we are not aware that this hidden mechanism is directly in control of our personal performance and achievements, for better or worse. That can sometimes leave us waking up in the middle of our lives wondering how we even got to where we are. We’ll explore with Coach Chele Tindall what to do with this realization by way of living the full and free life you dream of.

Stages of life used to consider 3 main arenas: education, work and family, then retirement. With the human lifespan extending since the late 1800’s by nearly 30 years, primarily extending longevity after retirement, the old system doesn’t fit anymore. A whole range of societal issues have to change or be created to accommodate this massive shift. We’ll share emerging perspectives and projects in the works.

Humor relates to our ‘funny bone’, supposedly existing to trigger feel-good neurotransmitters and mental insights, causing laughter and new perspectives on our world. Comedians use set-up language and juxtaposing issues that jolt us into seeing things in a different way. Bold comedians tackle controversial current issues or personalities, social injustice or cultural mores, performing a societal task historically taken up by philosophers. Humor has a spectrum of impact; from no reaction if we don’t ‘get the joke’, to raised eyebrows to belly laughs to mean-spirited guffaws or right-on-yelps. Let’s explore!

Despite a range of heavy-duty, even life-threatening, events swirling about our world these days, we are still sounding off about Will Smith’s infamous slap of Chris Rock at the Oscars weeks ago. We’ll dissect the cacophony of viewpoints across a variety of sectors: friends or foes of the Pinkett-Smith family, comedians, celebrities, the film industry, psychologists and of course, the ever-opinionated public pundits. We’ll consider what the event and aftermath says about the current state of our society with ideas of how to be better

Many organizations function these days with 4 or 5 generations of employees, whose work-place preferences can cause serious difficulties in seamless operations. Add to that multiple channels of communication, ever-changing technology and a range of leadership and management styles, and you have the makings of conflict and frustration. Whatever various organizations define as mentoring, they need to make sure even the mentors are up-to-date; focused both on sharing theory and current application to roles in real-world contexts.

Rather, let’s explore how you can tap into and leverage your values, skills and wisdom as a later-career (Encore) Mentor, along with or separate from your actual job.

Donna has been visiting the American Southwest and has a range of perspectives on the rugged desert scapes and colorful mountain formations. Today she’ll focus on where places and scenes of Arizona show up in song lyrics, some quite famous. Remember “standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona”, anyone? Guided by adept writer Craig Outhier in Phoenix Magazine, Donna will tickle your musical memories.

No kidding, Helen recently completed her first marathon, a grueling 26 mile adventure in one of her favorite places, Disney World Florida. She’ll share what led her to take up running later in life, how she prepared for both the physical and mental aspects of such a long run and how it changed her life. She has tips for you to apply in your own journey of life, whether an actual road-race or a sporting event.

There are both psychological and neurological reasons that support knowing the purpose of something. Fundamentally, having a WHY explains your rationale for taking certain actions, allowing you to know both when to go along with or align with any choice and when you shouldn’t if it deters you from what you really want. In terms of brain science, having a purpose allows your Reticular Activating System to focus and filter information so you have a chance of gaining the value from it you need and want. Let’s explore several perspectives on Life Purpose so you can decide for yourself how to best live a regret-free life of meaning.

As humans we move through life on a growth timeline of sorts, often fulfilling goals and milestones at different ages or stages of life, as circumstances change or opportunities arise. Shouldn’t this also apply to humanity as a collective? With Ron Donovan, Executive Coach, we’ll discuss designing & moving into his dream home as well as issues currently facing the world in yet another war with the Russia-Ukraine Invasion playing out now on the world stage. It’s time to move on with how we make decisions, especially those that involve life, lifestyle, death and destruction.

The number one regret of the dying is feeling they lived their life by someone else’s agenda, not their own. How about you? What does it mean for you to live on your own terms? Author and spiritual teacher Neale Donald Walsh offers ten life lessons and four fundamental questions to provide guidance in exploring, defining or updating these issues for yourself. Donna finishes off with an exercise to reveal unconscious values you may have or want for yourself or may be lurking in the shadows of your being and sabotaging life on the terms you desire. 

Email: donnakimbrand@gmail.com

Website: www.GameChangerThinking.com

For more than 35 years, Oxbridge Academic Programs has hosted bright and enthusiastic high school students summer study programs on some of the world’s leading campuses. What began in 1986 in Oxford, England, now additionally includes university campuses in Cambridge, Paris, Montpellier, Barcelona, Salamanca, and New York City. Central to each of their programs is a commitment to imaginative teaching, experiential learning, and cultural enrichment—paired with a safe and supportive environment for students to immerse themselves in some of the most fascinating cities in the world.

richard@oxbridgeprograms.com

We all know what Community Policing is, don’t we? Or do we? The Monday morning quarterback has an opinion that is limited & biased. Likewise, the concept of Community Policing can be so chameleon-like as to mean all things to all people. In practical reality, one must consider the history, context, culture and consequences of designing, applying and enforcing what we call Community Policing, which varies widely across the world. 

douglasbrandspeaking.com

Website: www.EurekaPower.com

Hate Crime includes a range of potential behaviors and verbal attacks. What are challenges to police in responding to and handling potential hate crimes, including collection of evidence and eventual prosecution? What criteria determines what is Hate Speech versus an expression of Assertive Opinion of Disagreement? How do you deal with real or intangible conflicts of racial, gender or religious differences or preferences that cause individual or societal upset, bordering on or leading to criminal action? Douglas Brand explores key issues and practices.

In a world of uncertain of jobs, income, freedom of mobility and access to goods and services due to disruption, one way to keep your personal economy going is through buying or selling goods or services through alternative means. Tune in to discover from finance wizard Bill Johnson a range of options for making more money, moving along items you no longer need, or buying at radical discounts, either as a one-off or side-hustle business.

Waiting to be discovered, waiting to be given permission to do what really ‘floats your boat’ or live on your own terms, waiting to be clear about your life purpose; do you know anyone living like this? While it’s true there are clues leading you to figure out what your destiny on earth might be, it is often only revealed in action. That’s where you ‘ll get the most and best feedback as to how fulfilled and impactful you feel…to know whether ‘this is it!’ or whether it’s ‘let’s try something else’ having learned something and moving on. Join us to explore aspects of how to find fulfilling work without the agonizing wait of a lifetime

Most Boomers are somewhat aware of Joseph Campbell’s myth-based Hero’s Journey Framework describing the likely path of a meaningful quest. We’ll revisit and unpick the basic steps as well as distinctions made by Lissa Rankin MD in her fascinating book The Anatomy of a Calling, so you can consider how they might apply to your life path, especially if you are seeking or embodying your Living Legacy. We’ll also compare possible differences between a Hero vs. Heroine’s journey.

Statistics are shocking, sad and demotivating as to how few of us get past the first month or two in carrying out our New Year’s resolutions. Despite an often deep desire to stop doing something or start doing something different, we seem to face a resistance that causes us to yoyo back to past performance and call ourselves a failure…again. Donna Kim-Brand will put on her coaching hat to explore the dynamic and demonstrate a few approaches that can help you sidestep this dynamic and possibly even catapult you to desired heights faster than you would imagine. Come along for the ride!

The movement of traditional culture through the passages of refined luxury, bringing us to a "new age heritage". Transcendent. Eternal. African.

She studied at the Arsutoria School in Milan, Italy. Her interest in merging sustainability and fashion, brought about the opportunity to work with raw materials such as fish leather and a chance to work alongside the Masai women in her community. The use fish leather and intricate Masai beading, allowed for exploration, experimentation and creation. A play of bold colours and textures.

Headshot:

Title & Brief Introduction for Show Description:

Nthenya Mwendwa is the founder, creative director and designer of an emerging luxury leather bag brand, THE.LABEL.SABA. A Brand that represents traditional African culture through "Redefined Nomadism". We’ll discuss how her brand aims to do more community based projects in the near future to help support the women who work at the fish leather industry as well as those in her community. She believes that if you empower one woman, you empower a generation and what better way to do so then sustainably! Link to the live stream: https://sustainablefashionworkshop.co

Part of Game Changer Thinking and a Living Legacy Lifestyle is that you need to be healthy, strong and vibrant in order to fulfill your Living Legacy. While there are several factors involved, taking care of your health and well-being for the long-haul is something you can handle…in fact you are responsible for it. We’ll take a look at various aspects of self-care so you can enjoy gifting and pampering yourself with soul-restoring compassion and leave the guilt behind.

Academic study is usually relegated to the first quarte of our life, with various upgrades for career advancement or furthering areas of interest peppered throughout the rest of our years as necessary. Douglas Brand, who never thought himself smart as a kid, has never-the-less ended up earning a Masters and is now undertaking a doctoral degree in his later years. We’ll discuss the ins and outs of effective learning, some hoops to jump through along the way and how you too can have the confidence to study, learn and earn at any age or stage of life.

Miha Pogacnic epitomizes living at full-tilt, a veritable human Energizer Bunny. As a violin virtuoso and global cultural Ambassador, he pours music out of his soul in a variety of creative endeavors. Through his organization IDRIART, he organized a Cultural Caravan by train across Mongolia and Tibet, where he connected with locals and played in the Dalai Lama’s Potala Palace. He secretly played inside the Giza Pyramids and was instrumental in the 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall. He now works in organizations to awaken Human Resonance through musical vibration and insights on human and corporate dynamics.

Donna Kim-Brand explores concepts and the process of healing- physically, mentally and emotionally. Having grown up expecting to become a doctor and working in a hospital for 5 years, later training in Reiki energy healing and hypnosis, and having interviewed a range of physicians, Donna has had a unique peek into dynamics of what constitutes healing and health. She shares some techniques from her book on Healing Energetics to advance quality of life, even when the diagnosis may be terminal.

We know many elderly suffer from isolation and loneliness, but did you know that the age group experiencing it the most is youth 16-25? Seems rather ironic with how tied to their devices they are, seemingly always ‘connected’. And of course, the pandemic and lockdowns made it worse for everyone. We’ll explore causes, types and signs of loneliness and how to be a friend to someone who is lonely.

Ron Donovan has lived a full life, and yet, like most anyone, he’s not enthused about it ending too soon. Well, ‘too soon’ in relation to what? Recently diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer and faced with imminent death, he has been through the medical ringer and thankfully is doing very well. As ever, he’s open, honest and brave enough to share his journey and insightfully explore what lies ahead. 

World class author and professor of Creative Writing, Les Standiford, explores issues of imagination, creativity, curiosity & cultural appropriation in writing with host Donna Kim-Brand. He also expounds on the entrepreneurial zeal and resourcefulness of early American circus founders in his latest tome: Battle for the Big Top: P.T. Barnum, James Bailey, John Ringling and the Death-Defying Saga of the American Circus.

In his celebrated book, When Blood Breaks Down: Life Lessons from Leukemia, Mikkael Sekeres tells the compelling stories of three people who receive diagnoses of adult leukemia within hours of each other. We join the intimacy of the conversations Sekeres has with his patients and listen in as he teaches trainees. Along the way, he also explores leukemia in its different and complex forms as well as the development of drugs to treat it - describing, among many other fascinating details, the invention of the bone marrow transplant and a treatment that targets the genetics of leukemia.

Catherine Wolff delves boldly yet kindly into how people and cultures have defined heaven over the centuries, describing how different faiths and religions have framed it, how the sense of heaven has evolved, and how nonreligious influences have affected it. Beyond is a mighty tome that explores ideas key to our shared human experience of life, death and pondering “what happens next?”. What will you resonate with?

Award-winning author Thad Ziolkowski’s revelatory book, The Drop: How the Most Addictive Sport Can Help Us Understand Addiction & Recovery, illuminates the connection between waves, addiction, and recovery, exploring what surfing can teach us about the powerful undertow of addictive behaviors and the ways to swim free of them.

Combining his own story with insights from scientists, progressive thinkers and the experiences of top surfers and addicts from around the world, Ziolkowski shows how getting on a board and catching a wave is a unique and deeply instructive means of riding out of the darkness of addiction and back into the light of recovery.

A deeply moving and insightful conversation covering Paula’s transition from successful male pastor and counselor to female, with the ups and downs of seeking authenticity and truth in order to live her soul’s purpose and for the greater good. She spills the beans on male privilege and what she now realizes females put up with in our patriarchal society.

Teacher, Public Speaker and Author of the acclaimed new book “Sit Down to Rise Up” Shelly Tygielski is a Self-Care Activist and Community Organizer who helps leaders desiring to do the “inner work” of radical self-care expand the result of that work to mindful communities. She is also the founder of Pandemic of Love, a mutual aid community which has served nearly 2 million people since March 2020.

Named one of the Most Anticipated of Books of 2021 by the Los Angeles Times, Literary Hub and The Millions, a searing and brave memoir that offers a new understanding of suicide as a distinct mental illness.  We discuss this unflinchingly honest account of the author's personal experiences, his perceptions of societal misunderstandings about suicide and his own journey of survival.

The biggest question in times of massive and accelerating change is how to maintain a consistent identity and value-proposition as an organization and workforce, even while keeping up with the times or leading the way with innovation. Donna shares several key dynamics that allow creativity to flourish individually and collectively along with a handful of simple yet effective creativity tools to grease the wheels of innovation in your culture. 

Marlowe Brand and an intrepid group of like-minded guys participated in a Man-Up summer challenge program. Led by a former Navy SEAL, the group met in Wyoming and put themselves to the test physically, mentally and, dare we say, emotionally. Discover how they were prepared for the rigors and came to bond during the various thrilling and death-defying activities in the Grand Tetons. All to take one or more steps closer to discovering the stuff they are made of, and what constitutes their ‘best’.

64.5% of songs deal with love: feelings & emotions of romance and falling in love, the joys and delights of being in love, and the heartbreak or bitterness of a breakup or unrequited love. Humans are wired to be in loving relationships, yet we are rarely taught how to love and be loved. If lucky, we grow up in a loving environment, seeing or experiencing lovely relationships. Sadly, often we are surrounded by apathy or worse, destructive relationships. Donna Kim-Brand shares a few love dynamics that will pave the way for better relationships of all types.

Career British police officer Douglas Brand moved up the ranks from cadet to Chief to representative in the European Union and in hotspots around the globe. Now working on a doctorate on Police Reform, he shares insights and perspectives from a recent project focusing on Crime Scene Investigation. What actually happens when investigating a real crime scene?  Is deductive or inductive reasoning better for eventual solving the crime? What’s the overall objective of CSI, which should dictate certain procedures and protocols? And what happens when there is no victim or evidence to be found (yet)?

Call Center Manager Ingrid Gittens has her British sense of good manners and propriety ruffled by the onslaught of rudeness on the part of staff and customers who interact on a phone call meant to deliver excellent customer service. Instead of addressing a complaint to satisfy or even delight customers, new issues seem to arise all too often as the people involved escalate rather than solve the problem. Ingrid has some simple, yet powerful approaches to have a win, win, win experience for customers, staff and call center management.

Finishing up earlier segments on Professor Peterson’s blockbuster book,

‘12 Rules For Life: An Antidote to Chaos’, Donna captures the most intriguing and essential elements of each rule. Professor Peterson’s views are useful for you to consider and apply or at least provoke consideration of new approaches. He promises the rules lead to less chaos, more order. And in these crazy times, who couldn’t use less chaos?

Dr. Steve Taubman works his magic, literally, to remove barriers to success and prosperity. As a best-selling author, corporate entertainer and former chiropractor, he knows how to help people experiencing anxiety and mental health concerns to align what matters. He now travels the globe sharing insights and wisdom about how to live an inspired life, while entertaining groups with his mind-boggling hypnosis and mind reading shows. To date, Dr. Steve has hypnotized over 30,000 people. His fans include sports figures, business leaders, and A-list movie stars.

Career British police officer Douglas Brand moved up the ranks from cadet to Chief to representative in the European Union and advising Chiefs in hotspots around the globe. Now working on a doctorate on Police Reform, he shares insights and perspectives from a recent project focusing on Crime Scene Investigation. He’ll discuss both benefits and resistance to inventions and advancements in CSI evidence, such as fingerprints, DNA, bodycams and more.

www.GameChangerThinking.com

: www.GameChangerThinking.com

Website: www.GameChangerThinking.com

Website: www.douglasbrandspeaking.com

Email: ron@rondonovan.com

Website: www.rondonovan.com  Strategic Magic Consulting

Skype: Donna Kim-Brand

Email: donnakimbrand@gmail.com

Website: www.GameChangerThinking.com

A View on Taking Charge of Your Relationships

Donna reviews an archetypal approach to relationship dynamics a la Carolyn Myss, renowned author on human consciousness and holistic health as a medical intuitive who promotes an independent, empowered state of health in all areas of life.  In your relationships, ladies, do you act as the Child? The Victim? The Prostitute? Or the Saboteur? Learn how to rescript for more effective and fulfilling relationships as well as for our own personal growth.

Email: tpless@aol.com

The Best Kept Secrets in Real Estate & Life with Tracy Pless

Internet access to property viewing and real estate tv channels like HGTV have changed many dynamics of home & property buying and selling. Tracy Pless has reached the top of her game in more than 30 years serving the industry and clients. She’ll share personal experiences and insider secrets to make you a more aware buyer or seller. Given her wider interests in culture, the arts, travel and supporting local sports teams, she has a few insights on ‘la dolce vita’ too.

Skype: Donna Kim-Brand

Email: donnakimbrand@gmail.com

Website: www.GameChangerThinking.com

Bio: Developing Resilience & Empathy a Year into a Pandemic w/ Donna Kim-Brand

The Covid-19 Pandemic has dragged on for nearly a year. Effects are accumulating during this time of disruption, with those who develop resilience and empathy emerging most stable. Teens today are said to be 40% less empathetic than children 30 years ago. Implications impact academic performance and cheating, but more importantly affects self-image, bullying, peer relationships, and ability to collaborate, innovate and problem solve. Here I share ways to cultivate, practice and live life-enhancing skills of resilience and empathy.

Email: bill@optionsatoz.com

Website: www.optionsatoz.com

Bio: Will Activist Investing Rock the Market Long-term? Bill Johnson

The recent GameStop market manipulation of group buying to drive prices up pitted apparent individual investors against mammoth hedge fund investors which had shorted the stock. Some made millions, some lost millions. And the fee-free broker, Robinhood, was left rattled in the middle, fighting for its survival and reputation. Master Options and Financial Markets Educator and Coach, Bill Johnson, will help us make sense of this recent market drama and possible fall-out in trading dynamics.

In selling our family home of 15 years, the notion of decluttering in order to move was full of stress, exacerbated by not knowing where we would set up house next or what kind of lifestyle that might be. The key to surviving the ordeal was in simplifying current and future expected needs in order to organize the ‘stuff’ to keep and let go of the rest. This meant detaching from items holding memories, a simultaneously painful and enriching task. Do you know what I mean?

Following in the footsteps of a family member turned historic icon is never easy. Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, took his own path as a journalist, advocate for social justice and community building for social and economic uplifting of oppressed peoples. For the last few decades, now into his 80’s, Mr. Gandhi has been tirelessly crossing the globe speaking and teaching about planting seeds of peace, anger management and non-violence. Join us.

Website: www.culdesac.com

Shifting Powerlifting from the Gym to Global Impact: Meet Erin Boyd

Erin Krampetz-Boyd is a firecracker. Born in rural Texas, her outsized dreams took her from powerlifting championships in high school to Stanford University, to ground-breaking work in global educational initiatives around the world. Erin is currently Community Manager for Culdesac, a Silcon Valley development building car-free communities and regenerating neighborhoods.

The full year 2020 brought losses across all sectors of life world-wide, from lost jobs and income to lost human contact and ritual, to sickness and death. Grief and sadness was prevalent. At the same time, many also took the opportunity of the upturned environment and downtime to make changes in how they live, work and relate. Host Donna Kim-Brand explores the ups and downs, along with what makes up a ‘life you love’.

You can achieve inner strength, calm and energetic balance even when bombarded daily from the world around us by forces that damage and diminish those same energies. Shirley Jackson has been healing from destructive electro-magnetic frequencies since discovering and becoming a certified practitioner of Energy Medicine. She’ll guide us through learning and practicing specific protocols together to tap into and regain your own power on the spot.