Wynne Leon sits down with author and blogger Mark Petruska to explore the concept of optimism, discussing its definition, the importance of timing when sharing optimisticviews, and the audience's receptiveness to such messages. They delve into the relationship between optimism and empathy, the balance between optimism and realism, and the idea that optimism can be cultivated as a skill. Theconversation emphasizes the significance of understanding individual circumstances and the stages of acceptance when offering encouragement.

Takeaways:

• Optimism is defined as a favorable view of the future.
• Timing is crucial when sharing optimism, especially during difficult times.
• People may not be receptive to optimism until they reach acceptance
• Empathy plays a significant role in how we share optimism.
• Optimists may live longer due to lower stress levels.
• Optimism can be cultivated and strengthened like a muscle.
• It's important to balance optimism with humility and realism.
• Sharing personal experiences can enhance the impact of optimistic messages.
• Understanding your audience is key to effectively sharing optimism.

Links for this episode:

How to Share home

Mark Petruska - author and storyteller

Wynne Leon sits down with Steve Rubenstein, a seasoned San Francisco Chronicle reporter and kindergarten teacher. Discover the art of storytelling that resonates with all ages, as Steve shares insights from his 50-year career, including his unique experiences interviewing notable figures and histherapeutic journey of writing. Learn why 13 miles per hour is the perfect speed to encounter life and how to leave a lasting impact through the stories we tell.

Takeaways:

The Art of Storytelling: Steve emphasizes the importance ofknowing what to leave out in storytelling, highlighting that most of writing is about omission rather than inclusion.

Interviewing Insights: Steve shares his approach tointerviewing, focusing on asking questions that resonate with both the interviewer and the audience, and getting subjects off their prepared remarks.

Therapeutic Writing: Writing can be therapeutic, as Steveexperienced when he wrote about personal moments, like dropping his son off at college, which helped him process emotions.

Life at 13 MPH: Steve's cross-country bike trip taught himthat 13 miles per hour is the perfect speed to encounter life, allowing for meaningful interactions and observations.

Human Connection: Despite the contentious times,Steve's journey across America revealed that the country is full of wonderful people, emphasizing the power of human connection beyond politics.Links for this episode:

How to Share Home

In this episode, Wynne Leon and Eric Knudson explore the multifaceted nature of humor, discussing its role in relationships, politics, and corporate settings. They delve into the elements that make humor effective, such asshared experiences and cultural differences, while also addressing the challenges of navigating humor in today's society. The conversation highlights the importance of humor as a tool for connection and communication, offeringinsights and tips for sharing humor effectively.

Takeaways

· Humor is an effective tool for winning friends and influencing people.

· Not everyone generates humor, but most people appreciate it.

· Shared experiences are crucial for humor to resonate.

· Cultural differences significantly impact humor appreciation.

· Humor can serve as a coping mechanism in difficult times.

· Political humor varies greatly among different leaders.

· Humor can help build relationships in corporate settings.

· Modern society presents challenges for sharing humor due to self-selection.

· Humor is a muscle that needs to be exercised regularly.

· Finding opportunities to use humor can invite people in.

Links for this episode:

How to Share Home https://avitiva.com/how-to-share-podcast

Eric Knudson's company website: Basecamp Communications

Eric Knudson on LinkedIn: (24) Eric Knudson | LinkedIn