In this powerful episode of "Everything Why with Mike Martin," Mike sits down with former professional baseball player turned performance coach and author Jim Murphy to discuss his book "Inner Excellence." Jim shares his journey from sports stardom to spiritual seeker, including his transformative "five years in the desert" where he developed his countercultural philosophy on peak performance.Murphy reveals how self-centeredness is our biggest challenge in both performance and life, explaining that "selfless is fearless." Through personal stories and professional insights from coaching Olympic athletes, he unpacks how quieting the mind and achieving what he calls "resonance" can transform not just athletic performance but everyday living.The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Mike shares how Jim's philosophy helped him handle a podcast mishap with grace instead of self-criticism. This real-world example perfectly demonstrates the book's principles in action.With wisdom from Jim's unique background—combining his Japanese mother's samurai lineage with Western sports psychology—this episode offers listeners practical guidance on breaking free from negative thought patterns, living in the present moment, and focusing on who you're becoming rather than what you're achieving.Whether you're an athlete seeking peak performance or simply someone looking to quiet the constant chatter of negative self-talk, this conversation provides a roadmap to what Murphy calls "the best possible life."Inner Excellence is available in bookstores worldwide and has been translated into 24 languages. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michael343.substack.com

I hit record thinking I was the one asking the questions. What actually happened is I sat down with a man—Garrett Glaser—who lived so authentically, so unapologetically, that by the end of our time together, he had gently reversed the polarity of the interview. I started as the host. I ended up as the guy confessing life lessons like a waterfall on a couch. You’ll hear it. It’s subtle, but it’s real.Garrett is an author, a pioneering journalist, and, quite frankly, a walking masterclass in what happens when you don’t run from who you are. He was one of the first openly gay reporters in television news, and his memoir Fairy Boy is as layered, human, and boldly lived as the man himself.As for this episode, we trimmed it down. Why? Because this version is about him. The full conversation—yes, including the part where I start gushing and pontificating like I’m the one being interviewed—is coming soon. But today, you’re getting the centered, clean, grounded version that highlights Garrett's story, where it belongs.Get his book: Fairy Boy by Garrett Glaser — available now on Amazon.It’s a great read. I read it. It’s an amazing journey, that’s for sure. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michael343.substack.com

In this eye-opening conversation with acclaimed author Sharon G. Flake, we discover that behind the misleading media stereotypes of urban neighborhoods lie universal family stories that resonate across all communities.Sharon shares insights from her latest book "The Family I'm In," where characters John John and Caleb navigate the everyday challenges of growing up, seeking parental approval, and finding their identities. Our discussion reveals the surprising similarities between her Philadelphia upbringing and my own neighborhood experiences – the same family dynamics, the same struggles with fathers trying their best, the same teenage awkwardness."I grew up on a very small block in North Philadelphia," Sharon explains, revealing how her community was once named "the cleanest block in Philadelphia," challenging perceptions of urban neighborhoods. Her stories have resonated globally precisely because they capture the universal human experience: "Every character in that first book is Black, but I can't tell you how many Italian, Irish, Puerto Rican, South American kids say this is my story."Join us as we explore how good literature creates space for authentic conversation about family life across all backgrounds, and why media portrayals so often miss the rich, complex reality of our shared experiences.About Sharon G. Flake: For over 25 years, Sharon's books including "The Skin I'm In" have touched millions of readers worldwide with their honest portrayal of young people finding their way. Her ability to capture universal human experiences through specific, authentic characters has made her work a staple in classrooms and homes across the globe. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michael343.substack.com

“A puppet believes he's free if he loves his strings" - this insight from Joseph Finder's latest thriller reflects how deeply this master storyteller understands human psychology and social dynamics.In this revealing conversation, the bestselling author of "Paranoia" and "High Crimes" (both adapted for the big screen) invites us into his meticulous research process. Did you know a sleeping bag makes you "a bear's taco" in the wilderness? Or that building a fire against a rock face essentially creates a spotlight that broadcasts your location? These fascinating details come from Finder's direct work with survival experts who taught him how his character could vanish in the forests of New Hampshire.The conversation explores a compelling modern question: Is it still possible to disappear in our hyper-connected surveillance society? Surprisingly, yes - but the method has inverted. While people once disappeared into crowded cities, today's fugitive would find better anonymity in small towns without camera networks. And whatever you do, Finder's experts warn: never fake your death. The investigation will never stop.From insights about character psychology to the unexpected research behind "smoky eye" makeup techniques, this conversation reveals how great fiction emerges not just from imagination but from deep engagement with real-world expertise. Join us for a master class in how writers transform research into the stories that keep us turning pages late into the night.Connect with Joseph Finder and explore his seventeen novels, including his latest thriller "The Oligarch's Daughter," at josephfinder.com or find him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michael343.substack.com

What does 26 million books really mean? For bestselling author Steve Berry, it represents 29,000 years of readers' time - a perspective that even surprised him. In this candid conversation, Berry shares his journey from small-town trial lawyer to master storyteller, including the 12-year, 85-rejection road to his first publication.Berry reveals the meticulous craft behind his Cotton Malone series - from taking 500 photos per research trip to juggling three books simultaneously in his mind. He shares fascinating discoveries, including the Vatican's 500-year-old intelligence agency, and explains how he creates such vivid "movies for the mind" that readers can walk his same paths in real life.But beyond the craft lies a deeper story about persistence. "If it was easy, everybody'd do it," Berry notes, describing his daily discipline of 1,000 words and six to eight hours of writing. His latest book "The Medici Returns" showcases this dedication, while his upcoming release "The List" - written 30 years ago and rewritten during the pandemic - proves it's never too late for a story to find its moment. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michael343.substack.com

In this re-run we have an illuminating conversation with listening expert Dr. Graham Bodie, we dive deep into why listening - despite being crucial to every aspect of our lives - remains the "Cinderella skill," overlooked and undertaught. From discovering why babies are pre-programmed to listen, to understanding how our brains process information differently, to learning practical strategies for better listening, this episode reveals the profound impact of true listening on our relationships, work, and society.Dr. Bodie shares insights from his groundbreaking research and teaching experience, challenging our assumptions about what it means to really listen. Whether you're a parent wanting to connect better with your children, a professional seeking to improve workplace communication, or someone trying to navigate difficult conversations in our polarized world, this episode offers practical wisdom for becoming not just a better listener, but a more present and aware human being.Join us as we explore why listening isn't just about staying quiet until it's your turn to speak - it's about curiosity, understanding, and the courage to truly hear another person's story. Discover why the path to better listening starts with quieting our own minds and how this overlooked skill might be the key to transforming our relationships and our world. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michael343.substack.com

Join me for a fascinating conversation with bestselling author TJ Klune, where we explore the magic of storytelling through an unexpected lens. After discovering "The Bones Beneath My Skin" just days before our interview, I experienced something profound - how carefully crafted words transform into vivid mental cinema. Klune reveals his approach to creating these "technicolor" worlds in readers' minds, shares insights about his collaboration with narrator Kirt Graves, and discusses how his journey from a six-year-old with notebooks to an acclaimed author was shaped by two inspirational teachers. In just 15 minutes, we dive into the craft of bringing stories to life and touch on larger themes about society's misplaced values.Catch TJ Klune on his current book tour:- Feb 4: Seattle, WA - Seattle Public Library (6:30 PM PT)- Feb 5: Kansas City, MO - Unity Temple on the Plaza (7:00 PM CT)- Feb 6: Oak Brook, IL - Barnes & Noble Oakbrook Center (6:00 PM CT)- Feb 7: Franklin, IN - Johnson County Museum (6:30 PM CT)- Feb 8: Minneapolis, MN - Queermunity MN (6:00 PM CT)- Feb 10: Milwaukee, WI - UW-Milwaukee Student Union (6:30 PM CT)- Feb 11: Cleveland, OH - Parma-Snow Library Branch (7:00 PM ET)"The Bones Beneath My Skin," originally published in 2018, is being republished by Tor Publishing, bringing this thrilling and thought-provoking story to a wider audience. Whether you're a writer, reader, or someone who loves getting lost in a good story, this conversation offers fresh insights into how words create worlds. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michael343.substack.com

From wiping butts to spiritual revelations, inventor Michael Martin shares raw, transformative stories from his four tours of hospice care and current journey supporting a friend in a nursing home. Through practical wisdom (like why you should skip the bedpan) and profound insights about death itself, Martin challenges our cultural fears around dying while exposing the hidden realities of end-of-life care. Whether you're caring for aging parents, working in healthcare, or simply mortal, this episode offers an unflinching yet deeply hopeful look at how we face our final transitions. Learn why nursing home CNAs deserve more than $17/hour, why being a "burden" isn't what you think, and how death might just be "the greatest day of your life." This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michael343.substack.com

While many consider space or the ocean to be humanity's final frontier, I've discovered through my journey that the true unexplored territory lies between our ears. In this episode, I share and break down my poem "The Human Race," born from moments of genuine presence after learning to quiet what is call the "monkey mind."From the chaotic rat race of modern society to the profound realization that all 8 billion of us stand shoulder-to-shoulder facing an unknown future, this exploration reveals what happens when we pause our rushing thoughts and truly look within. Through personal experiences, including a recent reading at Houston's Poetry Lounge, I examine how our internal landscape shapes our collective destiny.Drawing parallels from Alexander the Great to present-day conflicts, I challenge us to consider: What if we've been looking for answers in the wrong direction? What if the solution to breaking cycles of violence and division isn't out there, but within our own minds? By learning to quiet our thoughts and recognize our fundamental interconnectedness, we might finally discover what we've never tried before - true unity and peace.Join me as I explore how simple acts like mindful breathing and facing our own reflection (the ultimate "truth-teller") can transform not just our individual understanding, but our collective future. Whether you're interested in poetry, meditation, human nature, or finding peace in our fast-paced world, this episode offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be part of the human race.Watch me perform "The Human Race" live at Houston's Poetry Lounge: https://youtube.com/shorts/yEi6Bpf29QI?feature=share[Include poem text] © 2024 CapitalismToCause All Rights Reserved This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michael343.substack.com

Here's a podcast bio for your guests:GUEST BIOS:Lucia Knell and Gabriel Reilich are the driving forces behind some of the most uplifting content on the internet. For over a decade, they've been part of Upworthy, reaching 100 million people monthly through their mission of sharing stories that showcase the best of humanity. Their Instagram platform alone touches 50 million people each month with stories of kindness, connection, and human decency. Both are co-authors of "Upworthy Good People: Stories from the Best of Humanity," a collection of over 100 true stories that restore faith in human goodness. Lucia, a former Spanish literature major and dance minor, brings her creative background to finding and sharing these stories, while Gabriel's insights into human nature help curate content that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide.SUBSTACK SUMMARY:Title: Finding Light in the Stories Around Us: A Conversation with Upworthy's StorytellersIn this episode of Everything Why, we dive deep with Lucia Knell and Gabriel Reilich, the minds behind Upworthy's mission to share the best of humanity. What started as a simple desire to bookmark acts of human decency has grown into a movement reaching millions, culminating in their book "Upworthy Good People: Stories from the Best of Humanity."Through personal stories, including tales of community support during illness and unexpected connections in everyday moments, we explore how small acts of kindness create ripple effects that transform lives. Our conversation reveals how these stories aren't just feel-good moments – they're powerful reminders of our shared humanity in an increasingly divided world.From a chance encounter over a "Curly Fries" t-shirt that changed a soldier's life to worldwide support for a grandmother in recovery, these stories remind us that goodness isn't just alive in the world – it's thriving. Join us for a conversation about how sharing these moments of connection and compassion isn't just about feeling good – it's about changing how we see and interact with the world around us.CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS:* Visit Upworthy.com for daily stories of goodness and hope* Follow @Upworthy on all social media platforms* Find "Upworthy Good People: Stories from the Best of Humanity" wherever books are sold This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michael343.substack.com