Winter Wind-Down: Podcasts, Books, and the Pursuit of Health and Happiness
Cozy up with my latest podcast episode as we embark on a winter wind-down filled with my favourite podcast and books recommendations, including …
🎁 From the laughter-inducing “Older and Wider” to thought-provoking interviews on “Wiser Than Me” with Julia Louis-Dreyfus, there’s something for everyone.
🎁 If you’re looking for inspiration, my personal favorite, “For the Love of Kindness” podcast, is a true beacon.
🎁 Explore the pursuit of health and happiness through must-reads like “The Good Life” by Robert Waldinger and “The Well-Lived Life” by Dr. Gladys McGarry, drawing on scientific studies and a 102-year-old doctor’s wisdom.
Join me for a perfect blend of entertainment, knowledge, and kindness.
Show Notes:
Hey there, welcome back. It’s winter, and I’m officially in hibernation mode in the evenings. I have a pile of books next to my bed and a list of podcasts lined up. I love reading my books for about 45 minutes to an hour before bed; it’s my wind-down routine. In the morning, I listen to podcasts while getting ready for the day and packing up my lunch.
I’m playing a few reruns of this podcast for December, featuring some of the most popular episodes. This allows me to prepare for new and exciting things coming down the pipeline. I have a course coming out, and some amazing guests are lined up for the show. We’re ramping it up a bit here, and I need a little time in between.
That’s why I want to leave you with a few good finds. You can listen to my episodes in December, where I’ll replay a few that you might have missed. I’ll also add my current favorite books and podcasts for you to check out. No judgment here; if you don’t like them, it’s okay. But right now, they’re really hitting the spot. So here we go, let me fill your reading and listening list.
Podcasts? Okay. One that Hailey has sent me and I love is “Wiser Than Me” with Julia Louis-Dreyfus. She is the Seinfeld Elaine, whom I love and can watch reruns nonstop. Now, she has a podcast where she interviews women over 70, including Jane Fonda, another hero of mine. There are lots of laughs, and the topics range from personal triumphs to moments of embarrassment.
Another podcast on my list that I listen to religiously is the “Huberman Lab Podcast.” Dr. Huberman discusses science and science-based tools for everyday life, offering great tips on promoting health in different areas—fitness, brain, sleep hacks, you name it.
This next one came from Hailey, and it’s a funny one. It’s British writers and comedians, Jenny Eclair and Judith Holder, in “Older and Wider.” They helped create the television series “Grumpy Old Women,” and their podcast is sometimes raunchy, sometimes rambling, but always filled with laughter and conversations that range from personal anecdotes to news headlines.
Almost forgot to mention, my most favorite podcast is a new one about kindness. It’s full of stories and amazing guests that will inspire and motivate you. Since I’m a kindness enthusiast, I’m also the co-host. The podcast is called “For the Love of Kindness,” with Bill Pratt and myself. Please check it out for the inspiration and motivation we all need in today’s world.
Now, a few books to keep you going. One is by Robert Waldinger, titled “The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness.” This book answers what makes for a happy and fulfilling life based on the Harvard study of adult development, the longest scientific study of happiness ever conducted. The personal stories of hundreds of participants over their entire adult lives make it a compelling read.
The other book is “The Well-Lived Life” by Dr. Gladys McGarry, a consulting physician at the age of 102 and co-founder of the American Holistic Medical Association. The book outlines her approach to life in six lessons, providing secrets to health and happiness at every age. It’s a great read, not what you would expect.
I think this is enough to get you through the next month. As I’m talking, I realize the theme is definitely around health and happiness, a perfect fit with the money podcast—the balance we all need to be financially healthy. That’s it for today. Stay tuned for exciting stuff coming out—an online course and our new guest lineup. We’re kicking it up a notch here. Until then, take care, and don’t forget to send me a note at astrafinancial.ca.
