The Kintsugi Podcast - Stories of Connection

It’s that time of year again when Spotify Wrapped shows us what we listened to most, and it got me thinking: what if there was a Wrapped for our lives? While Spotify shows us how we spent our time listening, it doesn’t capture where our true attention went. In this episode, I dive into the idea that attention, not time, is our most precious resource. Inspired by my own Wrapped stats (and some thought-provoking reflections), we’ll explore how distractions shape us and how intentional focus can reconnect us. As we wrap up 2024, let’s consider: what truly brought you joy? And how will you direct your attention in 2025? Key moments of this interview: 0:30 Spotify Wrapped 2:33 Time isn’t our most precious resource 5:05 Reclaiming your attention 8:39 Listen to your body 12:50 Attention is connection Thank you for tuning in to The Kintsugi Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on your favorite platform. Your support helps us spread more stories of resilience and transformation. Join our Pause Breathe Reflect community by downloading our app from the Apple Store or Google Play today. For the first year, you can Name Your Price and discover how to navigate life with more ease and prevent a bad moment from turning into a bad day. Attention is your gateway to connection - Take my FREE Smartphone Wellness Check [https://form.jotform.com/PauseBreatheReflect/phonewellnesscheck] and discover practical ways to reclaim your attention. Social Media & Contact Information : Instagram: Pause Breathe Reflect https://www.instagram.com/pausebreathereflect [https://www.instagram.com/pausebreathereflect] LinkedIn: Michael O'Brien https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelobrienpelotoncoaching/ Websites: Discover more at www.michaelobrienshift.com [http://www.michaelobrienshift.com] (http://www.michaelobrienshift.com)  Sponsors : Pause Breathe Reflect Meditation and Gratitude App To discover more about bringing mindfulness into your daily life, download the Pause Breathe Reflect App today!

This week on the Kintsugi Podcast, I discussed the new chapter of the podcast and a deeper conversation about resilience, healing, and embracing our imperfections. Reflecting on the journey so far, I shared the joys, challenges, and lessons that have shaped this space, including the moments when I almost walked away. Life, like Kintsugi, teaches us that the cracks in our stories are what make them beautiful. As I look ahead to Chapter 3 of the Kintsugi Podcast, I’m shifting gears to shorter, impactful episodes designed to inspire transformation, not just transaction. Let’s rediscover hope, breathe deeply, and create ripples of change together.  Thank You for being here and giving your attention to the podcast over the last two chapters.  Key moments of this interview: 1:00 Discovering Shared Humanity 3:20 The Decision to Restart the Podcast 6:00 The Challenges of Podcasting 10:00 Introducing Chapter 3 12:00 Shifting the Conversation Within Thank you for tuning in to The Kintsugi Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on your favorite platform. Your support helps us spread more stories of resilience and transformation. Join our Pause Breathe Reflect community by downloading our app from the Apple Store or Google Play today. For the first year, you can Name Your Price and discover how to navigate life with more ease and prevent a bad moment from turning into a bad day. Attention is your gateway to connection - Take my FREE Smartphone Wellness Check [https://form.jotform.com/PauseBreatheReflect/phonewellnesscheck] and discover practical ways to reclaim your attention. Social Media & Contact Information : Instagram: Pause Breathe Reflect https://www.instagram.com/pausebreathereflect [https://www.instagram.com/pausebreathereflect] LinkedIn: Michael O'Brien https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelobrienpelotoncoaching/ Subscribe to my newsletter - The Ripple Effect www.michaelobrienshift.com [http://www.michaelobrienshift.com/] (http://www.michaelobrienshift.com)

This week on the Kintsugi Podcast, I sat down with Kelly Cervantes, a mother, advocate, and author of Normal Broken. Kelly opened up about her journey through the unimaginable loss of her daughter, Adelaide, who was diagnosed with a rare and devastating epilepsy syndrome. Her story is one of heartbreak, love, and unyielding resilience. Kelly shares how grief isn’t something you “get over” but a testament to the depth of love you’ve known. This conversation is raw, profoundly human and a reminder that through the cracks of life’s greatest challenges, we can find light, connection, and purpose. Key moments of this interview: 5:00 About Kelly Cervantes 15:00 Adelaide’s Diagnosis and Journey 24:20 Navigating Loss and Finding Purpose 30:55 Balancing Joy and Suffering 36:00 Grieving Differently as a Couple 39:39 The Strength Found in Community 50:00 Healing Through Vulnerability Thank you for tuning in to The Kintsugi Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on your favorite platform. Your support helps us spread more stories of resilience and transformation. Join our Pause Breathe Reflect community by downloading our app from the Apple Store or Google Play today. For the first year, you can Name Your Price and discover how to navigate life with more ease and prevent a bad moment from turning into a bad day. You can connect with me by receiving my inspirational text messages throughout the week by texting ‘kintsugi’ to 503-487-5957 and downloading My Better Life Workbook at www.michaelobrienshift.com ( http://www.michaelobrienshift.com [http://www.michaelobrienshift.com] ) Social Media & Contact Information : Instagram: Pause Breathe Reflect https://www.instagram.com/pausebreathereflect [https://www.instagram.com/pausebreathereflect] LinkedIn: Michael O'Brien https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelobrienpelotoncoaching/ Websites: Discover more at www.michaelobrienshift.com [http://www.michaelobrienshift.com] (http://www.michaelobrienshift.com) Sponsors : Pause Breathe Reflect Meditation and Gratitude App To discover more about bringing mindfulness into your daily life, download the Pause Breathe Reflect App today!

In this heartfelt (and oddly on-brand) episode of The Kintsugi Podcast, I sit down with Miya Smith, an incredible Kintsugi artist whose story is as golden as the art itself. Miya takes us on a journey from her roots in Japan to her life in California, sharing how she mastered the intricate art of mending broken pottery with gold. Together, we dive into the beautiful philosophy of Kintsugi; embracing imperfections, celebrating scars, and turning life’s cracks into art. Honestly, it’s like my podcast title finally earned its keep! Tune in for inspiration, laughs, and maybe even a little golden repair for your soul. Key moments of this interview: 3:30 A Charming Tale of How Miya Met Her Husband 7:30 Miya’s Journey to Becoming a Kintsugi Artist 13:30 The History and Origins of Kintsugi 25:30 The Process of Traditional Kintsugi 35:30 Emotional Reactions to Kintsugi 46:12 Modern vs. Traditional Kintsugi 49:00 The Message of Kintsugi for Today’s Society Thank you for tuning in to The Kintsugi Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on your favorite platform. Your support helps us spread more stories of resilience and transformation. Check out and follow Miya Smith on Instagram @miyasilversmith For Modern kintsugi workshop inquiries and kintsugi commissions, please email miyasilversmith@gmail.com For a limited time (until the end of Jan 2025), the special traditional Japanese craft boutique “POJ Studio” from Kyoto, Japan is having a pop up store in Los Angeles (Echo Park neighborhood). Miya is teaching traditional kintsugi classes there, for those who want to learn the authentic mending techniques using real urushi. Check out her classes and art collection: https://pojstudio.com/collections/kintsugi-in-studio-la _____________________________ Join our Pause Breathe Reflect community by downloading our app from the Apple Store or Google Play today. For the first year, you can Name Your Price and discover how to navigate life with more ease and prevent a bad moment from turning into a bad day. You can connect with me by receiving my inspirational text messages throughout the week by texting ‘kintsugi’ to 503-487-5957 and downloading My Better Life Workbook at www.michaelobrienshift.com ( http://www.michaelobrienshift.com [http://www.michaelobrienshift.com] ) Social Media & Contact Information : Instagram: Pause Breathe Reflect https://www.instagram.com/pausebreathereflect [https://www.instagram.com/pausebreathereflect] LinkedIn: Michael O'Brien https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelobrienpelotoncoaching/ Websites: Discover more at www.michaelobrienshift.com [http://www.michaelobrienshift.com] (http://www.michaelobrienshift.com) Sponsors : Pause Breathe Reflect Meditation and Gratitude App To discover more about bringing mindfulness into your daily life, download the Pause Breathe Reflect App today!

In this episode, I had the absolute privilege of sitting down with Adam Pearce, last year’s CNN Hero of the Year, to talk about the profound journey he and his family took after his brother Kevin, a rising professional snowboarder, sustained a traumatic brain injury that changed their lives forever. Adam opened up about their powerful experience navigating brain injury, resilience, and building the Love Your Brain foundation, which now supports countless others facing similar challenges. Our conversation dives into the essence of resilience, the strength of community, and the lifelong journey toward healing and acceptance. You’ll be moved by Adam’s story, his insight, and the beautiful mission of Love Your Brain. Key moments of this interview: 1:30 Introduction of Adam Pearce 8:00 The accident that changed everything 15:00 How Kevin learned about acceptance 31:00 Launching Love Your Brain Foundation 37:00 The transformative power of yoga and mindfulness 41:00 How important connection is during recovery 47:00 CNN Hero of the Year Connect with Adam and Love Your Brain via Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/loveyourbrain/] and Web [https://www.loveyourbrain.com/our-story] Thank you for tuning in to The Kintsugi Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on your favorite platform. Your support helps us spread more stories of resilience and transformation. Join our Pause Breathe Reflect community by downloading our app from the Apple Store or Google Play today. For the first year, you can Name Your Price and discover how to navigate life with more ease and prevent a bad moment from turning into a bad day. Social Media & Contact Information : Instagram: Pause Breathe Reflect https://www.instagram.com/pausebreathereflect [https://www.instagram.com/pausebreathereflect] LinkedIn: Michael O'Brien https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelobrienpelotoncoaching/ Websites: Discover more at www.michaelobrienshift.com [http://www.michaelobrienshift.com] (http://www.michaelobrienshift.com) Sponsors: Pause Breathe Reflect Meditation and Gratitude App To discover more about bringing mindfulness into your daily life, download the Pause Breathe Reflect App today!