The Smart Thinking Podcast

Episode 9: A conversation with Sen. Lena Taylor

Senator Lena Taylor, representing the 4th Senate district from Milwaukee, is this weeks extended conversation. Join us as we talk about everything from her education in grade school and high school to her journey to law school and the state senate in Madison. This conversation was recorded in the summer of 2017 and is part of a series of conversations with elected officials in Wisconsin. These episodes are designed to build a better understanding of the policy and lawmakers guiding our future in Wisconsin.
 
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Episode 8: Full Service v. Self Service

This episode explores your attitude towards serving others. Service to others is a core principle of all religions and cultures. Yet the idea of service for others is constantly talked about and measured. Service is interpreted by so many in so many ways, but it boils down to one simple principle: selflessness. The concept of putting everyone you meet first.
Teachers, parents, leaders – how are you developing service for others?
What are your classroom/families core values and how are you reinforcing them?
How are you modeling service and a “you first” attitude?
When someone comes into your service station - -what is your first response? Is it – I don’t have time for this or is it let’s do this?
Finally, a challenge – upon completion of this podcast how can you serve the very next person you meet?
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Episode 7: Homecoming: Oh to be in high school again.

This year at homecoming, will you be criticizing this generation and their traditions or will you be appreciating their unique contributions? Listen this week as we explore homecoming and the ways that we can support our children with a little wisdom and empathy.
If you are a teacher, parent, grandparent aunt or uncle – how are you demonstrating your appreciation for the interests of the younger generation?
Do you ever stop and say hey – explain that to me – instead of judging it and editorializing because you don’t understand it?
Do you take the time to stop and have discussions about their struggles in their moment and just listen?
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Episode 6: The Heroine: Quick to Judge v. Quick to Understand

Episode 6 is the journey of one parent and how she and her family worked through incredibly difficult times and the impact addiction has on a family. You will reflect on your own role in the lives of others and the empathy you need to have to support people in your life. As you’ll hear, too many of us judge people with addictions and we fail to remember that that is someone’s child. As Em points out, we are way too quick to judge and extremely slow to understand.

Episode 5: Motivation or Motionless

The key to motivating yourself is through small victories, positive experiences and the intrinsic spark you feel when you find success. By taking the time to fix what is bugging you, slowing down, and taking a gentle step forward- -you allow yourself the greatest opportunity for success. This leads to a spark within and overrides the magnetism of pessimism
Where in life do you find yourself least motivated?
What is the smallest step you could take to change what is bothering you about that situation?
What great thing do you want to do for yourself or others and what is the first step?
If you have an Eeyore moment -- what step can you take to put a little bounce into your inner Tigger?
Finally and most importantly – how can you use small step thinking to help others change for the better?

Episode 4: The Kid from Kenosha – Opportunities or Obstacles?

When you flip your perspective on your problems you begin to appreciate them in a new way. Mindset matters and it changes your outlook and gives you energy.
Are you framing your problems as opportunities or obstacles? Are you truly putting the nature of your current issues into perspective? Are you listening to others and helping them grow through their situation? How are you modeling gratitude and motivating others with your positive perspective? Are you surrounding yourself with those that fuel your gratitude or those that drain your motivation?

Episode 3: A conversation with Governor Scott Walker

Episode 3 is one of the bi-monthly conversations that I will post that I have with interesting people. I am fortunate to get into some interesting environments and meet fascinating people. This is my effort to share these conversations so that you can be a part of my unique experiences and learn along with me. I am inquisitive by nature and believe that we can all grow and learn from anyone we meet.
This episode is the conversation I had with Gov. Scott Walker during the summer of 2017. We discuss everything from Star Wars to Barry Manilow as well as his apprecation for teachers. Gov. Walker shares his vision for Wisconsin and his journey from Colorado Springs to becoming the Governor of Wisconsin.

Episode 1 Buffalo v. Cow

This is the premier of The Smart Thinking Podcast. Episode 1 introduces you to the purpose of the podcast and our goals. The podcast ends with a reflective metaphor to allow you to think about your mindset.