Tackling Life

Ray and Dr. Conte answer a listener question from Killy, a youth basketball coach whose personality and approach to coaching doesn't fit the prototypical loud motivator. Killy asks, "how can I motivate and inspire in my own unique way...or do I need to change my approach and become a louder, more demanding, coach?" They also answer a listener question from Carla, a parent of a student-athlete who, although has superior work ethic and dedication, is disadvantaged in college recruitment because he is undersized. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ray and Dr. Conte unpack the famous Eleanor Roosevelt quote, "great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people." They have some practical advice on how to think bigger, and even a technique to help break out of depression. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ray and Dr. Conte preview their prison episode which was recorded yesterday at Graterford Maximum Security Prison in Pennsylvania and will be released on May 8. They also answered a listener question from Jared who works in health policy in Washington, D.C. Jared asks, what can we do to break through silos and bring people to the table to listen to each other's ideas? Jared says, "as someone who has made it a goal to help others and hopefully make a difference in people's lives, I feel like we have hit a point in society where we don't even bother to take the time to listen to someone who doesn't agree with us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The psychology of external control v. internal control: how to take control of your life internally and not let the external world have control over you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ray and Dr. Conte have a passionate response to a listener question about how to determine when you're on the wrong path and it's time to make a change. Have tissues ready because Ray has an unforgettable poem by his daughter, Raven, about fatherhood and what Ray means to her.  And hear Dr. Conte's backstory and the thing about him that totally surprises Ray. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ray and Dr. Conte detail the three primary sources of anxiety, and what we must do internally to stop external reactions. Dr. Conte says life is an adventure, and nobody wants to watch an adventure movie where nothing happens. The key is to focus less on your struggles and focus more on the adventure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ray and Dr. Conte respond to a listener email from Mike Jordan, a 4th-grade teacher from Washington, D.C. How do you recognize if you are a leader, and how do you positively impact as many lives as possible in that role? How do we consistently bring leadership every day? What do we do when we just don't have the responsibility of being a leader in us that day? What are the most difficult parts of being a leader?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ray and Dr. Conte welcome Amy Newmark, Author, Editor-In-Chief, and Publisher of the iconic Chicken Soup for the Soul book series to talk about her latest book, "Simply Happy." They discuss the vital role gratitude plays in happiness, and they describe how to get into a behavioral pattern of gratitude. They also cover the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone, how to say "no," and they detail six easy ways to reduce stress. And Ray has a powerful story about his father that illustrates the power of forgiveness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ray and Dr. Conte produce a special episode to cover and congratulate Oklahoma City Thunder star Russell Westbrook who has broken Oscar Robertson's triple-doubles record with his 42nd of the season. He also topped the 50 point, 16 rebound, and 10 assist performance off with a game-winning shot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ray and Dr. Conte respond to several listener emails and calls, answering questions about sacrifice in relationships, A.D.D., and confidence. Ray explains how to find your swagger, and how to take ownership of your peace. Dr. Conte explains the "optimal level of anxiety," why anxiety is a good thing, and how to make it work for you.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Energy always matters. Ray and Dr. Conte talk about how to control your energy to make sure it always works for you, and not against you. Plus they talk about how to stop other people from controlling your energy. And Ray reveals the "three light bulbs." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ray and Dr. Conte answer several listener questions, including one from Jake in Sheffield, England about how to maintain calmness when someone is trying to provoke you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ray and Dr. Conte talk about how to channel anger and other emotions into taking action. Ray says that if you don't challenge yourself every day, you're on cruise control and you'll lose control. He also details the five things you deal with every day that negatively impact your life and how to effectively deal with them. And Dr. Conte has an amazing zen story about the greatness that can come from the unknown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ray delivers an inspirational message to a listener in Texas, Cade Mendoza, about where he finds his drive. Ray and Dr. Conte also talk about embracing your failures and learning from them. You only regret the things you DON'T do. You'll have more misses than hits, but never be afraid to keep going regardless of what anyone says.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does it mean to be an "alpha-male?" How do you know if you're an alpha male? Ray and Dr. Conte talk about the one key characteristic all alpha-males have. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices