Just One Thing
138 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★ - 4 ratingsA weekly discussion of small behaviors you can embrace to 1. Enhance your relationships, 2. Improve your heath, 3. Manage your stress, and 4. Just be happier. Your hosts Brad and Lisa Stearns have decades of experience working with folks like you to dramatically improve their lives with step-by-step changes.
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Episodes
You Are Always Enough
March 18, 2024 19:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MBMany times, our efforts just don't match up to our own expectations, or those of our friends and family. This week, Lisa and Brad discuss how to accept that "you are always enough," even when it may not seem so. Feeling overwhelmed by the relentless pursuit of perfection? You're not alone. Join us, Brad and Lisa Stearns, as we unpack the liberating concept of radical self-acceptance in our transformative heart-to-heart chat. We shed light on the personal struggles and societal pressures...
Having Deeper Conversations
March 12, 2024 16:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MBStudies have shown that the true secret to lifetime happiness is the quality of your connections. This week, Lisa and Brad explore how having deeper conversations can enhance the quality of your connections. Have you ever found yourself trapped in a cycle of monotonous small talk, yearning to break free and forge genuine connections? Our conversation today is a treasure trove of strategies for anyone eager to transform their chit-chat into memorable interactions that resonate on a deeper l...
Transitions Are Hard
February 27, 2024 18:00 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MBMajor life transitions are frequent and usually difficult. This week, Lisa and Brad explore life transitions and discuss ways to more effectively navigate them, maintaining more equanimity and acceptance. As we traverse the ever-shifting landscape of our lives, each transition carves into our identity like water shapes the earth. Today, we share a raw and intimate conversation about wrestling with the loss of youth and the dawning of older age, a topic that deeply resonates with many. We p...
Smart Choices Taste Like Broccoli
February 19, 2024 16:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MBSmart choices are usually hard choices, think going to the gym instead of Netflix or broccoli instead of cake. This week, Lisa and Brad explore why our best choices are usually somewhat unpleasant and how to overcome this dilemma , at least some of the time. Ever wondered why it's just so hard to pass up a slice of cake for a stalk of broccoli? Join us and our co-host Lisa as we get real about the challenges of making smart, healthy choices in a world teeming with tasty temptations. We're ...
Improve Your Morning Routine
February 13, 2024 16:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MBHaving a solid morning routine can greatly improve your life. This week, Lisa and Brad explore how to construct a morning routine that will make a positive difference. When I was grappling with the darkest period of my life, suffocating under the weight of ill health, it was the discovery of a morning routine that breathed new life into my days. Inspired by Hal Elrod's "The Miracle Morning," I embraced the S.A.V.E.R.S. philosophy, and it's this journey of transformation that I'm thrilled t...
Dealing With Rumination
February 06, 2024 02:00 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MBRumination can be very difficult to deal with and can negatively impact your day to day happiness. This week, Lisa and Brad discuss how to recognize rumination and how to better cope with it, when it appears. Ever found yourself trapped in a whirlwind of thoughts that just won't quit? That's the rumination rollercoaster, and it's a ride many of us know all too well. Join us as we dissect this sneaky cognitive loop that masquerades as problem-solving but actually hinders our mental health ...
Don't Keep Score
January 23, 2024 18:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MBIt's human nature to want to keep score and, at the same time, doing so is almost certainly damaging your relationships. This week, Lisa and Brad discuss how to recognize when you're keeping score, how to break the habit , and build better more trusting relationships. Have you ever found yourself silently tallying who does more in your relationship? It's a battle I've fought too, and this week, we're peeling back the layers on the delicate topic of scorekeeping in partnerships. In a candid...
The Power Of Your Breath
January 16, 2024 19:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MBImproper breathing can actually cause poor health and magnify anxiety. This week, Lisa and Brad explore what a healthy breath feels like and how learning to breath correctly can be your first step on the path to health, happiness, and more mindful living. Discover the unexpected key to serenity that's been with you all along—your breath. Within this heartfelt discussion, we delve into how something as intrinsic as the way we breathe can have a profound impact on our stress levels and menta...
You Don't Have To Be Right
January 09, 2024 17:00 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MBThe need always be right has a negative impact on all of your relationships. This week, Lisa and Brad discuss this incessant need to be right, exploring why it is so harmful and examining ways, with awareness and practice, it can be overcome. Imagine a recent evening spent with friends, laughter echoing around the room, until a dispute over a game rule brings a sudden chill. We've all been there, right? That's the springboard for our heartfelt discussion on why prioritizing harmony in our...
Not Everyone Shares Your Talents
December 26, 2023 17:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MBEveryone has a different set of talents and recognizing that fact can go a long way in improving your relationships. This week, Lisa and Brad explore exactly what talents are, and provide examples that you can use to understand why unrecognized talent disparity can cause so many relationship problems. Ever marveled at someone's effortless charisma or envied another's punctuality? This week's episode peels back the layers of human talents, examining the rich variety that makes each of us ex...
Get Your Mom's Voice Out of Your Head
November 21, 2023 16:00 - 17 minutes - 11.9 MBFor better or worse, your parents establish social and relationship expectations that become a long list of "should do's" in your subconscious. This week, Lisa and Brad explore this "voice in your head" and discuss the ways you can break free. Ever felt burdened by the weight of expectations, especially those ingrained by our mothers? Dive headfirst into this riveting exploration as we, Brad and Lisa Stearns, guide you through the maze of societal and familial expectations, often color...
Take a Mindful Staycation
November 07, 2023 16:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBA mindful staycation is the perfect solution for dealing with burnout and stress. This week, Lisa and Brad discuss the benefits of a mindful staycation and present several activities that can make it both healing and enjoyable. Are you ready to shake up your life and cultivate a more mindful existence, all within the comfort of your own home? This episode is brimming with enlightening strategies to create a rejuvenating and invigorating staycation. We'll share the benefits of such a break ...
Stress and Day-To-Day Forgiveness
October 24, 2023 16:00 - 17 minutes - 12 MBWhat seem to be negative encounters are unavoidable, as we go about our daily business, and each will elicit an almost uncontrollable stress response. This week, Lisa and Brad explore these constant social stressors and discuss a few techniques to get yourself out of the resultant negative thought loops. Ever wonder why something as petty as someone cutting the line at Panera can send you spiraling into a stress response? Get ready to expose and explore the biology behind our fear respon...
The Illusion of Control
October 17, 2023 15:00 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MBAll humans crave control in their lives, especially in volatile times. This week, Lisa and Brad explore just how little control we really have and discuss strategies for dealing with this uncertainty. Ever wondered why we constantly crave control, even when life continually proves how unpredictable it can be? Buckle up for a profound exploration into the 'illusion of control' that we're all subconsciously wired to believe. We dissect our deep-seated need for control, tracing it back to ...
My Mind Won't Stop Racing
October 10, 2023 15:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MBThere are times when your mind just won't stop racing. This week, Lisa and Brad explore this unpleasant experience and describe techniques you can use to alleviate your distress. Ever wake up at the bewitching hour of 4 or 5 in the morning with your mind spiraling out of control? Fear not, we've been there too, and it's not as scary as it seems. This episode is all about our personal struggle with these racing thoughts, a phenomenon possibly tied to biarrhythms, and how we've learned to ma...
Dealing With Setbacks
September 25, 2023 20:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MBFacing setbacks is inevitable, and learning how to deal with them is a major factor in your overall level of happiness and life satisfaction. This week, Lisa and Brad discuss a 3 step process for dealing with setbacks, whether big or small. Support the show
A Great Relationship Sounds Like This
April 11, 2023 15:00 - 18 minutes - 12.5 MBGood, healthy relationships are filled with positive comments and supportive dialogue, This week, Lisa and Brad explore the many phrases and conversations that give a great relationship a specific sound. Support the show
Exploring Alternative Medicine, Part 2
April 04, 2023 15:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBThis week, Lisa and Brad continue the discussion of alternative medicine and take a deeper dive into some of the modalities that they have found useful. Support the show
Exploring Alternative Medicine
March 28, 2023 15:00 - 16 minutes - 11 MBThere are many valid healing modalities within the overall sphere of alternative medicine. This week, Lisa and Brad talk about their own experiences within the realm of alternative medicine, focusing on acupuncture, trigger point therapy, and deep tissue massage. Support the show
Too Much Noise, Too Little Silence
March 21, 2023 19:00 - 14 minutes - 9.96 MBNoise can be a powerful source of stress and silence can be an extremely healing experience. This week, Lisa and Brad explore the many ways that too much noise and too little silence can effect your life and your overall well being. Support the show
Get Better Sleep
February 28, 2023 20:00 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MBQuality sleep can improve you overall health and vitality as well as actually extend your life. This week, Lisa and Brad discuss the many ways in which you can get a better night's sleep. Support the show
It Will Take Longer Than You Think
February 21, 2023 20:00 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MBTasks and projects invariably take longer than you think they will. This week, Lisa and Brad explore this reality and discuss ways to deal with it and keep yourself on track. Support the show
If It's Important to You, Schedule It
February 14, 2023 20:00 - 11 minutes - 8.2 MBWe all have so many competing activities in our lives, that it's often hard to really accomplish the things that are of highest priority. This week, Lisa and Brad discuss how to use your schedule/calendar to make sure you get those most important tasks completed and keep yourself moving toward your best life. Support the show
You May Be Feeling Grief
October 26, 2022 15:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBThe last three years have produced profound loss, and a resultant sense of grief, in almost everyone. This week, Lisa and Brad explore this societal grief and discuss how you might begin to take the steps necessary for healing. Paradoxically, most don't even recognize that what they are feeling is grief. Support the show
Better Goal Setting, Part 2
October 18, 2022 19:00 - 15 minutes - 10.6 MBThis week, Lisa and Brad continue the discussion about setting better goals, focusing on prioritizing, identifying smaller enabling goals, and making sure that your goals don't conflict with one another. Support the show
Better Goal Setting
October 04, 2022 15:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MBSetting and achieving your goals is the best way to get what you want in life. Unfortunately, setting appropriate goals is easier said than done. This week, Lisa and Brad begin the exploration of how to set better goals, goals that are achievable and that will guide you toward the life you desire. Support the show
Do Some Art
September 28, 2022 15:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MBEngaging in any kind of artistic activity can dramatically increase your moment to moment happiness and reduce stress, if you embrace the right mindset. This week, Lisa and Brad discuss how to "do some art" in such a way that you not only increase your joy, but you'll also be quite pleased with the result. Support the show
A Reminder to Be Kinder
August 29, 2022 19:00 - 12 minutes - 8.88 MBKindness has a positive ripple effect that can greatly improve society and make you happier. This week, Lisa and Brad discuss how to incorporate kindness into your day and explore the societal and personal benefits that can accrue. Support the show
Having Better Conversations
August 15, 2022 19:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MBFew things will improve your social connections as much as improving your conversation skills. This week, Lisa and Brad discuss how to go about improving your conversations skills and explore why it is so important to do so. Support the show
Balancing Me Time and We Time
August 08, 2022 19:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MBBuilding a successful long-term relationship requires finding an optimal balance between the time you spend doing things for yourself, and by yourself, and the time you spend doing meaningful things together as a couple. This week, Lisa and Brad explore how to recognize that you need both Me Time and We Time and then how to find the right balance between the two as your relationship evolves. Support the show
Are You Addicted to Anxiety?
July 20, 2022 15:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBThe reward centers in your brain can cause you to actually become addicted to anxiety. This week, Brad and LIsa explore how you might fall victim to the anxiety habit and how you can begin to break this unpleasant cycle. Support the show
Rainy Day Mindfulness
July 12, 2022 18:00 - 14 minutes - 9.79 MBA rainy day offers a perfect opportunity to explore various aspects of mindfulness. In this episode, Brad and Lisa discuss the many ways you can leverage a rainy day to begin embracing a more mindful way of living, finding the joy in moment-to-moment experience. Support the show
Cultivate Curiosity
July 06, 2022 19:00 - 17 minutes - 11.7 MBCuriosity is one of the primary sources of both increased happiness and greater agency. This week we discuss the various types of curiosity, how it can promote greater joy, and how to become more curious. Support the show
Co-Triggered and Trigger Repair
June 27, 2022 19:00 - 17 minutes - 11.7 MBThis week we continue the discussion of triggering by focusing on the topic of co-triggering, between couples, and how to begin doing trigger repair. We are convinced that recognizing and learning to effectively deal with triggers, is one of the most powerful things a couple can do to improve their relationship. Support the show
Learn to Pause When You're Triggered
June 13, 2022 19:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MBThe first step in learning to move from triggered to tranquil is to quickly detect when you are being triggered, and pause. This week Lisa and Brad exploree how to identify your predominant trigger signature and learn to pause and regulate your out of control emotions. Support the show
Triggered
May 23, 2022 16:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MBWe begin the fourth season of "Just One Thing" with an exploration of what it means to be triggered. Everyone gets triggered, probably every day. It's what you do after you're triggered that makes the difference. In our next few episodes we'll help you move from "triggered to tranquil." Support the show
When To Take a Break
September 16, 2021 20:00 - 16 minutes - 11 MBWe all need to take periodic breaks to be at our best. Whether we are doing something physically or mentally, we cannot just keep pushing forever without adverse consequences. This week, Lisa and Brad discuss how to tell when you need a break, and most importantly, how to give yourself permission to take it. Support the show
Find Alternative Stories
August 06, 2021 16:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBYou can turn an unhappy situation around by learning to develop alternative stories about what's going on. We almost never know what's actually going on in someone else's mind so, this week, Lisa and Brad, explore the benefits of learning to consistently develop more positive explanations of people's behavior. Support the show
Cultivating Beginner's Mind
August 05, 2021 15:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBApproaching life with Beginners Mind is one of the real secrets of greater happiness. This week, Lisa and Brad define Beginners Mind and explore how you can cultivate it for greater joy. Support the show
Affirmations Revisited
July 28, 2021 18:00 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MBAffirmations may seem like new age voodoo, but they really do work. This week, Lisa and Brad take a deeper dive into affirmation magic, exploring their own experience and how you too can employ affirmations to improve your life. Support the show
It's a Compassionate World
July 21, 2021 18:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MBMost people are good and compassionate, given the chance. This week, Lisa and Brad explore how your entire world can change for the better when you approach others with a spirit of compassion. Support the show
Two Questions to Increase Your Joy
July 14, 2021 19:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MBReframing your situation is a quick and proven way to provide more joy in your life. This week, Lisa and Brad explore two questions that can be used to reframe everyday challenges. Support the show
Write Your Own Happiness Script
July 07, 2021 19:00 - 17 minutes - 12.4 MBNo two people attain happiness in the same way. This week, Lisa and Brad discuss how to go about composing your own unique script for finding joy. Support the show
Take The Day Off
June 30, 2021 17:00 - 17 minutes - 11.9 MBEvery once in a while, you can learn a lot by taking a break from all of your routines and listening to what your inner voice is telling you. This week, Lisa and Brad explore the value taking a compete day off and using it as a learning experience to enhance your happiness and long-term well being. Support the show
Overcoming Beginner's Frustration
June 23, 2021 16:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBBeginning any new activity is rarely easy. Yet learning new skills and mastering new knowledge is one of the surest paths to increased well being. This week, Lisa and Brad discuss how you can overcome the frustration that often attends learning new skills and and gaining new competencies. Support the show
Overcoming Beginner's Frustration
June 23, 2021 16:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBBeginning any new activity is rarely easy. Yet learning new skills and mastering new knowledge is one of the surest paths to increased well being. This week, Lisa and Brad discuss how you can overcome the frustration that often attends learning new skills and and gaining new competencies.
Competitiveness: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
June 16, 2021 20:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBSometimes competitiveness can take you where you want to go and at other times it can destroy relationships. This week, Lisa and Brad discuss when competitiveness is good, when it's bad, and when it's just plain ugly. Beware. Support the show
What is Non-Attachment?
June 09, 2021 21:00 - 18 minutes - 12.6 MBMost mindfulness practices talk about non-attachment as a way to greater well-being. This week, Lisa and Brad discuss what non-attachment actually is, why it is a part of achieving more happiness, and most importantly, how you can start to develop it.. Support the show
Escaping Negative Thought Loops.
June 02, 2021 19:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBAlmost everyone is vulnerable to negative thought loops that can dramatically impact their well being. This week, Lisa and Brad explore how to identify these dangerous thought patterns and overcome them. Support the show
Mindful Eating
May 26, 2021 20:00 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MBEating mindfully is both a perfect way to introduce mindfulness into your life and a method for improving your eating habits. This week, Lisa and Brad explore how to go about incorporating mindful eating into your mealtimes. Support the show