Episode 150 - The Real Map of Life with Dr. James Smith

Episode 150 - The Real Map of Life with Dr. James Smith

What if the secret to productivity isn't another to-do list or time‑hack, but a universal map of what it means to be human? In this episode, host Gerald J. Leonard welcomes Dr. James Smith, systems thinker, author of The Real Map of Life, and a man who has lived every corner of his own framework. From delivering newspapers and working on a farm to becoming a hospice chaplain, a banker, and finally earning a PhD, Dr. James discovered four dimensions that underpin every decision, every goal, and every moment of fulfillment. Gerald and Dr. James explore these four universal categories: Energy & Emotions, Human Relationships, Physical Things, and Money. They dive into why energy is the most overlooked pillar of productivity, how a broken rudder sank a battleship (and what that means for your goals), and why focusing only on money makes you lose your soul. Dr. James also shares how leaders can use a simple matrix to transform team dynamics without manipulation or fear – and why creativity and imagination are the true drivers of human development. Additionally, Gerald opens up about his own recovery from severe vertigo and how shifting his focus to energy and relationships attracted unexpected success, including a book deal and a new home. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure which part of your life needs attention first, this episode offers a science‑backed, deeply human compass. Ready to stop drifting and start steering? Listen now and discover your own Real Map of Life. What We Discuss * [00:00] Introduction * [02:01] Meet Dr. James Smith and The Real Map of Life * [04:30] The four universal dimensions of human life * [06:04] What "energy & emotions" really mean * [08:34] Why physical things are separate from energy * [10:20] How Dr. James became "the map of life" * [12:52] Using the four dimensions to prioritize what you need most * [14:34] Advice for overwhelmed professionals * [17:11] Gerald shares his vertigo recovery story * [22:32] Goals as your rudder * [23:56] "Creativity takes a system and manipulates it" – the Rubik's Cube analogy * [28:45] Money as a human system * [31:04] Gerald's lesson to his kids * [33:11] How leaders can use the Real Map matrix * [38:06] Where to find Dr. James and his book * [40:44] Outro Notable Quotes * [05:04] "These are the universal categories in the universe and they're real. They're not fanciful. They give us a sense of: I can do something with this." – Dr. James Smith * [06:04] "There's bioelectric energy in our body, the same as sunlight, the same as a photon and it activates hormones, gives us emotions, and connects synapses for everything that makes our body work." – Dr. James Smith * [16:05] "When we focus only on money, that's when we lose our soul. Your soul is your relationships and your feelings — and your money and your things will follow those." – Dr. James Smith * [21:56] " I didn't call what I had a disability. I called it a constraint because words creates our world." – Gerald J. Leonard * [23:46] "The most important goal is to keep our creativity and imagination alive — because that is the driver of human development." – Dr. James Smith * [25:13] "Create and imagine upon what you want until you have the skills to get what you want. Then there'll be less fear, less uncertainty, less doubt." – Dr. James Smith * [29:19] "Understanding that 99% of people only receive money from other people is the key. We must serve one another — all money comes from other people." – Dr. James Smith * [31:09] "The size of your paycheck is based on the value that you deliver. If you invest in yourself and become more valuable, people will figure out how to keep you around." – Gerald J. Leonard Resource and Links Dr. James Smith * Website: https://foundation-of-unity.org/ [https://foundation-of-unity.org/] * Non‑profit: Foundation of Unity (book purchases may be tax‑deductible) * LLC: I4 Advantage * Book: The Real Map of Life (available via foundation) Productivity Smarts Podcast * Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com [http://productivitysmartspodcast.com] Gerald J. Leonard * Website - geraldjleonard.com [http://geraldjleonard.com] * Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com [http://turnberrypremiere.com] * Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard [http://vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard] Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds [https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds]

Episode 149 - Hold My Beer, I'm Going to Change My Life with Brian Dixon

What happens when you wake up one day and realize you've been asleep for 20 years successful on paper, but dead inside? For Brian "Dixon" Dixon, that realization came after a near fatal pulmonary embolism. But it didn't have to. In this powerful episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Brian Dixon, Colorado based adventurer, speaker, and author of the upcoming book Hold My Beer, I'm Going to Change My Life. Dixon shares his raw, personal journey from decades of misalignment, chasing the wrong career, surrendering his dreams, and becoming a "man zombie," to a life changing breakthrough at age 52, when he finally launched a paraglider off Lookout Mountain, a dream he had buried for 25 years. Gerald and Dixon explore the "provider trap" that causes so many men to lose themselves, the small signals of misalignment we ignore until a crisis hits, and the antidote: Hold My Beer energy, a non negotiable, committed launch toward the one thing that still lights you up. Dixon offers a simple "man zombie test" to check in with yourself, explains why most people never recover their fire, and proves that it's never too late to stop talking about the old days and start living the new ones. Whether you're feeling stuck, burned out, or just vaguely numb, this episode will give you the permission and the push to say, "Hold my beer, I've got something I need to do." Ready to wake up? Listen now and learn how one committed launch can start a positive flywheel that changes everything. What We Discuss * [00:00] Introduction * [02:01] Meet Brian "Dixon" and his upcoming book * [04:39] The "hold my beer" moment that changed everything * [05:35] Living 20 years in misalignment and autopilot * [06:46] Financial collapse and personal reset after 2008 * [07:42] The life-threatening health scare that sparked change * [09:12] Rediscovering a lost dream: paragliding off Lookout Mountain * [10:56] Turning one decision into a life transformation * [13:55] Defining "hold my beer energy" * [14:27] The hidden danger of the provider trap * [17:55] Losing yourself in responsibility and routine * [19:00] Why making time for yourself is essential * [20:52] How to realign your life before a crisis hits * [22:09] The "man zombie test" and self-check questions * [24:05] Tackling misalignment one decision at a time * [25:11] Why commitment, not interest, drives transformation * [26:19] Building a positive momentum flywheel * [27:08] Reigniting passion at any stage of life * [30:13] Signs you're losing your fire and how to reverse it * [31:56] It's never too late: overcoming the "I'm stuck" mindset * [34:35] Where to find Dixon and what's next Notable Quotes * [05:56] "My passion and my fire for life went to sleep, and I call it a man zombie stage. I basically went into autopilot for 20 years." – Brian Dixon * [08:35] "After the pulmonary embolism, I said: I am halfway through my life. I am 44 years old and I have been asleep this whole time." – Brian Dixon * [15:21] "I feel like men can lose themselves inside of that provider ship piece – they don't have any guardrails for their own dreams." – Brian Dixon * [21:56] "The big thing is, it's tough for men to actually know they're asleep. If you're taking a nap in the middle of the night, you don't know you're asleep." – Brian Dixon * [22:23] "When is the last time you did something just for you? Not for your boss, not for your spouse, not for your kids? These check-in questions can help you avoid the hospital." – Brian Dixon * [24:20] "Eat the elephant one step at a time. Find the one thing that's most misaligned. Then hold my beer – non-negotiable. Nothing's going to stop me." – Brian Dixon * [24:44] "When you launch a paraglider, we call it a committed launch. Life or death. That's how you should treat Hold My Beer." – Brian Dixon * [30:56] "If you ever find yourself where most of your conversation is about how things used to be, that's a trigger signal. Your fire is going out. You should be talking about what you're planning on doing right now." – Brian Dixon * [31:35] "You don't quit snowboarding when you get old. You get old because you quit snowboarding." – Brian Dixon * [33:59] "It's never too late if you can kindle that fire again." – Brian Dixon Resource and Links Brian "Dixon" Dixon * Website: www.gowithdixon.com [http://www.gowithdixon.com] * Book: Hold My Beer, I'm Going to Change My Life (coming Fall) Productivity Smarts Podcast * Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com [http://productivitysmartspodcast.com] Gerald J. Leonard * Website - geraldjleonard.com [http://geraldjleonard.com] * Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com [http://turnberrypremiere.com] * Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard [http://vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard] Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds [https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds]

Episode 148 - Rainbow Gold: Building a Business That's Both the Journey and the Destination

Most entrepreneurs chase the fast exit. But what if the real reward is building a company so meaningful you would never dream of leaving? In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with David B. Hampson, acquisition entrepreneur, aviation insurance leader, and award-winning author of Rainbow Gold. David shares hard-earned lessons from a career that spans from launching a restaurant franchise in South Africa to leading a thriving aviation insurance practice in the United States. His journey is anything but a straight line. It includes failure, family mentorship, a life-changing move, and a philosophy that challenges the startup world's obsession with quick exits. Gerald and David explore the power of grit, the butterfly effect of small decisions, and what it takes to build a sustainable, purpose-driven business. David reveals how his parents instilled a growth mindset early on, why he rejected the flip-it-fast mentality, and how his love of flying, as a licensed pilot with his own Cirrus SR22, shapes his approach to risk management, checklists, and leadership. They also dive into the biggest productivity traps in startup culture and how leaders can avoid burnout while building a lasting legacy. Whether you are a first-time founder, a seasoned business owner, or someone looking for a more fulfilling way to lead, this episode will change how you think about success. Ready to build a business you truly love? Listen now and discover why the richest treasure is not always the exit; it is the journey. What We Discuss * [00] Introduction * [02:02] Meet David B. Hampson * [03:06] Gerald's takeaways from Rainbow Gold * [05:18] Why David chose sustainable business over the fast exit * [07:50] Countering the media's "scale and flip" narrative * [08:47] The staff holiday moment that inspired the book * [09:16] Family, mentorship, and how insurance runs in the blood * [12:20] The productivity thread running through David's entire career * [13:37] Learning grit from a restaurant franchise in South Africa * [15:08] Angela Duckworth's concept of grit and how it applies * [15:51] Confidence, intelligence, and the pre-algebra story * [18:30] The butterfly effect: small decisions, massive consequences * [20:13] The biggest productivity traps in startup culture * [21:17] Why chasing growth without building infrastructure fails * [23:23] From birthday gift to licensed pilot: David's aviation journey * [24:47] Flying to clients in his own Cirrus SR22 * [25:27] Aviation principles applied to business: checklists, redundancy, and risk * [27:49] Mindset shifts discovered while writing Rainbow Gold * [30:23] The PRIMER framework for entrepreneurial success * [31:34] A sneak peek at David's next book idea * [32:19] Where to find David and Rainbow Gold * [32:53] Closing remarks Notable Quotes * [07:05] "If you go through, you know, all the hardship of building a business, you take on that risk. You want something you're enjoying while you're doing it." – David B. Hampson * [14:22] "You can either have any difficult experience and kind of say, 'Woe is me,' or you can say, 'Let me think about what I can learn from this and use it to catapult me to something better.'" – David B. Hampson * [19:02] "You think about any little small decisions you've made in your life. If you just made the other decision, it could change everything differently. You can be a butterfly effect moment for good or bad in other people's lives." – David B. Hampson * [21:24] "In startups, they're trying to scale so fast they don't take time to build the infrastructure. They end up wearing too many hats, chasing growth, and burning the candle at both ends." – David B. Hampson * [25:44] "Aviation is all about checklists. Before takeoff, we go through a number of items. That's something you should do in business before you make a decision or hire someone." – David B. Hampson * [28:58] "Every experience, every job, every business you start — even if it's not successful — is going to inform you later on. Realize that any experience can have value." – David B. Hampson * [30:02] "Whether you're just starting out in business or you've failed at something — you can still get into the class and make it work." — Gerald J. Leonard Resource and Links David B. Hampson * Website: www.myrainbowgold.com [http://www.myrainbowgold.com] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbhampson/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbhampson/] * Email: davidlaneinsurance.com [http://davidlaneinsurance.com] * Book: Rainbow Gold [https://www.amazon.com/Rainbow-Gold-Building-Business-Destination/dp/1967458294] Productivity Smarts Podcast * Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com [http://productivitysmartspodcast.com] Gerald J. Leonard * Website - geraldjleonard.com [http://geraldjleonard.com] * Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com [http://turnberrypremiere.com] * Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard [http://vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard] Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds [https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds]

Episode 147 - The PhotoReading Whole Mind System

Did you know you could read a 200-page book in under 10 minutes and actually retain it? In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Dr. Paul Scheele, PhD, a pioneer in accelerated learning and creator of the Photo Reading Whole Mind System. Gerald shares how Dr. Paul's work personally transformed his life, from managing the mental and physical challenges of vestibular imbalance to completing four Ivy League programs simultaneously, while Dr. Paul unpacks the neuroscience and methodology behind one of the most powerful learning systems in the world. Dr. Paul explains how the non-conscious mind processes information at a scale of 10 billion to one over the conscious mind, and how Photo Reading taps into that vast reservoir to help professionals digest complex material in a fraction of the time. From the five core steps: Prepare, Preview, Photo Read, Post view, and Activate, to the power of syntopic reading and speed listening, this episode reveals how to stop fighting overwhelm and start leveraging your brain's true potential. With Photo Reading now published in 19 languages, taught in 43 countries, and even mandated for Supreme Court justices in Mexico, the results speak for themselves. Whether you are a professional drowning in information, a student facing an avalanche of reading, or a creative trying to break into a new field, this episode will show you a smarter, faster, and more joyful way to learn. Ready to stop reading word for word and start learning at the speed of your mind? Listen to the full episode now and discover what your brain has been capable of all along. Let's dive in! What We Discuss * [00:00] Introduction * [02:01] Meet Dr. Paul Scheele, PhD * [03:46] Gerald's personal journey with Photo Reading * [06:21] Origins of the Photo Reading Whole Mind System * [09:42] How Gerald uses Photo Reading to prepare for podcast interviews * [12:21] The non-conscious mind: 10 billion to one over the conscious mind * [15:36] Real-world application: reading podcast guests' books the morning of * [16:40] Neuroscience behind non-conscious acquisition * [18:19] The rods and cones connection: what an optometrist confirmed * [19:53] The five steps of the Photo Reading process * [22:46] How Photo Reading saves you money at the bookstore * [25:44] Spontaneous activation: when knowledge floods in on its own * [27:30] Photo Reading in the age of AI information overload * [28:47] Speed listening and the auditory channel * [31:39] Gerald's Harvard case study experience * [33:24] Syntopic reading: mastering a field in an afternoon * [35:45] Building new practice areas through syntopic reading * [37:24] Addressing skeptics: trusting your brain, not the system * [39:26] The biggest mistake professionals make with learning * [41:35] How to access Photo Reading resources * [43:51] Closing remarks Notable Quotes * [14:10] "The concept of photo reading turns that absolutely upside down and backwards, because we're putting the information in at a page a second." – Dr. Paul Scheele * [13:10] "Your conscious mind's database being a circle of about 12 inches, that circle sits in another circle 11 miles across. That's the difference in the database." – Dr. Paul Scheele * [15:36] "Most of the time, I will photo read the book the morning of the podcast. I sit there for five to ten minutes flipping through pages, and when I start talking with the author, all of this information starts coming up." – Gerald J. Leonard * [19:16] "Your cones are responsible for what your conscious mind sees. The rods are directly connected to your non‑conscious mind." – Gerald J. Leonard (quoting his optometrist) * [26:25] "The brain is built to do this. But nobody ever taught us how to use it. I've created a protocol that allows the unconscious mind to do the heavy lifting for you." – Dr. Paul Scheele * [33:11] "The joy, I really want to underscore this, the idea of making learning a joy, that's what our brains can give us if we follow the right protocol." – Dr. Paul Scheele * [40:28] "The big mistake most people make is they default to their fear rather than saying, 'Wait, there's gotta be a better way to do this.'" – Dr. Paul Scheele * [42:57] "If there's one skill I've learned in my later life that has radically transformed every part of it, it's PhotoReading and the accelerated learning techniques from Dr. Paul." – Gerald J. Leonard Resource and Links Dr. Paul Scheele * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulscheelephd/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulscheelephd/] * PhotoReading Program learningstrategies.com/gerald [https://www.learningstrategies.com/Gerald] * * Book: The Photoreading Whole Mind System [https://www.amazon.com/Photoreading-Whole-Mind-System/dp/0925480525] Productivity Smarts Podcast * Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com [http://productivitysmartspodcast.com] Gerald J. Leonard * Website - geraldjleonard.com [http://geraldjleonard.com] * Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com [http://turnberrypremiere.com] * Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard [http://vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard] Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds [https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds]

Episode 146 - Route 66, Research, and the Writer's Mind: Productivity Lessons from a Lifelong Storyteller

What does it take to stay creatively productive for five decades? In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Annette LaFortune Murray, storyteller, educator, and Route 66 expert, to unpack the habits and mindset behind five decades of prolific, purposeful creativity. Annette shares how she spent years researching the life of Cyrus Avery, the visionary behind America's most iconic highway, and how that deep dive transformed her approach to writing and productivity. From structuring her peak energy hours (8 to 10 AM) to using the BIC (Butt in Chair) method, Annette reveals how she balances disciplined focus with intentional breaks, field trips, and real world inspiration. She discusses overcoming writer's block by "trying on a new hat," using virtual writing communities on Zoom to combat isolation, and organizing research with visual templates borrowed from award winning authors. Annette also emphasizes the power of mentorship, peer critique, and reading work aloud to sharpen its impact. Her four keys, listen and look, write down the thought, stay happy with your work, and read it aloud, offer a practical framework that writers and creators at any stage can apply immediately. Ready to unlock your own prolific creativity? Listen to the full episode now, and put Annette's four keys into action on your very next project.Let's dive in! What We Discuss * [00:00] Introduction * [02:02] Meet Annette Le Fortune Murray * [04:12] Route 66 book and research origins * [05:42] Learning from other researchers * [06:52] Productivity lessons from research * [07:48] Organizing research and writing tools * [08:55] Writing process and book structure * [09:38] Learning during the pandemic * [10:37] Creative prompts and experiential writing * [11:03] Daily writing structure * [12:51] Editing and peer critique * [13:41] Engaging storytelling techniques * [14:11] Maintaining focus and motivation * [16:42] Editing by listening * [18:12] Dealing with writer's block * [20:02] Coping with solitude in writing * [22:18] Balancing passion and discipline * [23:25] Research and outlining methods * [24:39] Virtual writing communities * [26:26] Book marketing and public speaking * [27:41] Mentorship and networking * [29:12] Closing remarks Notable Quotes * [07:14] "Productivity in his world meant go out and explore. Go to the territory, take little field trips." – Annette LaFortune Murray * [10:07] "What you're doing at your desk is important, but also you need to get out in the world and be creative. Go to a park, a museum, a concert, a restaurant you've never been to – and take notes." – Annette LaFortune Murray * [12:19] "I'm disciplined enough and I enjoy it. The writing process, to me, it's fun, it's invigorating." – Annette LaFortune Murray * [15:28] "So many times you're trying to please others. Make sure you're happy with it." – Annette LaFortune Murray * [23:12] "To me, writing is playful. It's experimentation, it's creative." – Annette LaFortune Murray * [25:49] " There's a transfer of consciousness and there's a transfer of energy." – Gerald J. Leonard (on Zoom writing groups) * [28:25] "Don't be afraid to make connections to the people around you who you admire. They can be your mentors and help you get where you want to be." – Annette LaFortune Murray Resource and Links Annette LaFortune Murray * Website: https://annettemurraybooks.com/ [https://annettemurraybooks.com/] * LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annette-lafortune-murray-2a484719/ [http://linkedin.com/in/annette-lafortune-murray-2a484719/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annettemurraywrites [https://www.facebook.com/annettemurraywrites] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@murraymedia111 [https://www.youtube.com/@murraymedia111] * Book: https://annettemurraybooks.com/books [https://annettemurraybooks.com/books] Productivity Smarts Podcast * Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com [http://productivitysmartspodcast.com] Gerald J. Leonard * Website - geraldjleonard.com [http://geraldjleonard.com] * Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com [http://turnberrypremiere.com] * Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard [http://vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard] Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds [https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds]