Brain Storms

Brain Storms Ep 19: Are you a Narcissist?

In this engaging episode of Brainstorms, host Rich is joined by the insightful Alyssa as they delve into the intriguing topic of narcissism. Together, they explore the nuances of narcissistic behavior, questioning whether everyone might exhibit narcissistic tendencies to some degree.
Rich and Alyssa discuss the prevalence of narcissism in society, examining the statistics that suggest it affects a small percentage of the population. They ponder why it seems more widespread and consider whether the numbers might be miscalculated. Through personal anecdotes and observations, they reflect on encounters with narcissistic individuals and the impact of such relationships.
The episode also touches on common signs of narcissistic behavior, including playing favorites, seeking validation, shifting blame, and projecting insecurities onto others. Rich and Alyssa share their thoughts on the importance of self-awareness, setting boundaries, and the challenges of dealing with narcissistic personalities.
Join the conversation as Rich and Alyssa navigate the complexities of narcissism, offering insights and reflections on this fascinating aspect of human behavior.

Brain Storms Ep 18: Manifesting Reality: From Dreams to Action

Welcome back to Brainstorms! In this episode, host Rich and co-host Alyssa dive into the intriguing topic of manifestation. They explore how turning dreams into reality begins with a shift in mindset and the power of positive self-talk.
Rich shares his journey of starting a podcast, emphasizing the importance of setting goals and taking actionable steps towards achieving them. Alyssa discusses the balance between conscious and subconscious efforts in manifesting desires and the significance of perseverance in the face of setbacks.
The hosts also tackle the concept of negative manifestation, sharing personal anecdotes that highlight the impact of negative self-talk and the necessity of being mindful about what we project into the universe.
Join Rich and Alyssa as they navigate the complexities of manifestation, offering insights and practical tips for harnessing the power of positive thinking to transform aspirations into accomplishments.

Aftercast: Ep 16 the Anxious Generation

In this inaugural "aftercast" episode of Brainstorms, host Rich delves into the themes presented in Jonathan Haidt's book, "The Anxious Generation." Without co-host Alyssa, Rich explores the evolution of childhood from the 1980s to the present, focusing on the transition from play-based childhoods to phone-based ones.

Rich discusses the impact of 24-hour news cycles and social media on parenting styles, highlighting the rise of helicopter parenting and the decline of unstructured playtime. He examines how these changes contribute to increased anxiety and fear in both parents and children, despite statistically safer times.

The episode also touches on the implications of digital media on social development, comparing asynchronous online interactions with the synchronous, trust-building activities found in sports and other group endeavors. Rich reflects on the importance of discovery mode over defend mode for healthy childhood development, offering insights into how parents can navigate the challenges of raising children in a digital world.

Join Rich as he brainstorms solutions and shares personal anecdotes, aiming to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the modern childhood landscape.

Brain Storms Ep 17: The Overshare

Welcome to another episode of Brainstorms, where your hosts Rich and Alyssa dive into the nuances of oversharing and undersharing in daily life. Rich candidly shares his personal experiences with oversharing, often driven by the excitement of making connections, and how he navigates conversations with deliberate pauses to maintain context. Meanwhile, Alyssa explores her tendency to undershare, driven by the fear of saying too much, and the challenges of finding the right balance.
Join the discussion as they unpack the complexities of social interactions, the impact of neurodivergence on communication styles, and the importance of authenticity in building meaningful connections. From anecdotes of retail encounters to childhood stories, this episode offers a thoughtful exploration of how we share our lives with others.
Tune in for a lighthearted conversation filled with relatable moments, and discover insights into managing the delicate balance between saying too much and too little. Plus, look forward to next week's episode on narcissism!

Brain Storms Ep 16: The Anxious Generation

In this episode of Brainstorms, host Rich and guest Alyssa dive into a thought-provoking discussion about modern parenting challenges and the impact of technology on today's youth. Alyssa shares her recent experience at her mom's wedding, leading to a broader conversation about family dynamics and the importance of staying connected.

Rich introduces a compelling book, "The Anxious Generation," which explores the effects of technology and social media on children. Together, they examine how parenting styles have evolved, the role of anxiety in shaping parental decisions, and the societal changes contributing to the increased pressures faced by today's young people.

Through engaging dialogue, Rich and Alyssa highlight the need for unstructured play, emotional growth, and finding balance between technology and real-life interactions. Tune in to explore the complexities of raising children in an ever-changing world and discover strategies to foster healthier, happier futures for the next generation.

Brain Storms Ep 15: Breaking the Cycle

Hi, folks. Welcome back to Brainstorms. I'm your host, Rich. I'm here once again with the amazing Alyssa. Hi, Alyssa. Hello. It's great to be back. Today, I wanted to talk about breaking the cycle. I've been thinking a lot lately about fathers and husbands, about how we learn how to be a father and husband from our fathers. If we have a poor example, we'll often perpetuate that cycle. This affects the whole household, including the relationship with a spouse or significant other.
We discuss the impact of rigid thinking and inflexibility, how old discipline models don't always work, and the importance of showing care and love through discipline. Alyssa and I share personal stories and strategies for breaking cycles, such as overreacting and the importance of controlling emotions. We also delve into how moods set the tone for the household and the importance of creating new experiences to break the monotony in relationships.
We explore indicators that you're in a cycle, such as defensiveness and feeling forced into activities. We discuss the importance of introspection and accepting feedback. Additionally, we touch on the impact of over-scheduling kids and the value of boredom for creativity. Join us as we reflect on breaking cycles, improving self-esteem, and embracing new experiences.

Brain Storms Ep 14: Deep Intimacy and Men

Welcome back to Brainstorms! In this captivating episode, host Rich and guest Alyssa dive deep into the intriguing topic of whether men crave deep intimacy. The conversation begins with defining intimacy and exploring its various connotations, from romantic to physical to emotional connections.

Rich and Alyssa share their personal insights on what deep intimacy means to them, emphasizing the importance of safety, honest communication, and feeling truly seen and understood by a partner or friend. They discuss societal perceptions of male stoicism and the challenges men face in expressing their need for connection.

The episode features a poignant poem by Larson Langston, which beautifully captures the silent desires and emotional depths of men. Alyssa and Rich reflect on the poem's themes and discuss how societal expectations shape men's ability to seek and express intimacy.

The conversation also covers the dynamics of rejection in relationships, the impact of traditional gender roles, and the importance of asking questions to foster deeper connections. Alyssa offers a unique perspective on women’s experiences with intimacy and highlights the significance of effort and quality time in relationships.

Tune in to explore the complexities of deep intimacy, the shared human need for connection, and practical steps to enhance your relationships. Whether it's through meaningful conversations or small gestures, this episode provides valuable insights into building and maintaining intimate bonds.

Brain Storms Ep 13: The Fixer

Welcome to episode 13 of Brainstorms, hosted by Rich and featuring the amazing Alyssa. In this episode, Rich and Alyssa delve into the concept of being a "fixer"—someone who has a natural inclination to solve problems for others, whether in friendships, work relationships, or personal relationships.

Rich shares his personal experiences and struggles with the fixer mentality, including the challenge of knowing when to simply listen rather than offer solutions. Alyssa provides insights into the broader implications of this personality type, exploring how it relates to empathy, personality traits, and the need for boundaries.

The conversation also touches on the importance of allowing others to face their own challenges and the value of being present and supportive without always stepping in to fix things. They discuss the discomfort of confrontation, the necessity of embracing failure, and the significance of persistence in achieving success.

Join Rich and Alyssa as they navigate these complex topics with humor and honesty, offering valuable advice for anyone who identifies as a fixer or knows someone who does. Tune in and discover how to balance the impulse to help with the need to respect others' autonomy and growth.

Brain Storms Ep 12 Self-Sabotage: Can't Stand It...

Welcome back to Brainstorms! In this episode, hosts Rich and Alyssa dive deep into the intricacies of self-sabotage. They start with a heartfelt tribute to the late James Earl Jones, sparking a discussion on how we often derail our own success.
Rich and Alyssa share personal anecdotes and explore the common forms of self-sabotage such as negative self-talk, procrastination, and perfectionism. They also discuss how these behaviors manifest in various aspects of life, including work, school, friendships, and romantic relationships.
Listeners will learn the importance of recognizing self-sabotage early, the benefits of seeking accountability, and practical steps to shift one's mindset. Alyssa underscores the value of therapy in overcoming these destructive patterns, making this episode a must-listen for anyone struggling with self-sabotage.
Join us for an enlightening conversation that offers both insights and actionable advice on how to break free from self-sabotaging behaviors and live a more fulfilling life.

Brain Storms Ep 11: Love Hard, Love Honestly

Welcome back to Brainstorm! I'm your host, Rich, joined once again by the amazing Alyssa. In today's episode, "Love Hard, Love Honestly," we dive into the emotional landscapes of teaching, relationships, and self-reflection.
We discuss the importance of loving deeply and genuinely, whether in the classroom as a teacher or in personal relationships. We explore how shifting your mindset and setting clear expectations can transform interactions and create stronger connections. Alyssa shares insights on accepting compliments and the power of emotional intelligence, while Rich reflects on the impact of words and the necessity of self-care.
Join us as we navigate the complexities of love, communication, and emotional growth. Whether you're a teacher, a parent, or just someone looking to improve your relationships, this episode is filled with valuable advice and heartfelt discussions.
Tune in and remember, love hard and love honestly!