As the holidays approach, I hear the same question again and again:
How do I hold it all together when everything feels like a priority?
In this episode, I share gentle, practical encouragement for navigating holiday stress, overwhelm, and busy seasons — without trying to do more or chase perfection.
I talk about:
I also share a personal story from recent travel and family time, and how the practices I teach helped me stay grounded, present, and resilient — even when schedules were full, routines were disrupted, and my energy wasn’t perfect.
If you’re feeling stressed, scattered, overwhelmed, or burned out during the holidays, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to do everything to be effective or well.
Grace, clarity, and forward motion still count — especially in full, demanding seasons like this.
Episodes to support what you need right now:
If joy feels buried under pressure → More Joy, Less Pressure [Episode 32]
If you need a mental reset → A Quick Path to Stress Relief [Episode 33]
If stress is running the show → Effects of Stress and How to Deal With It [Episode 21]
If your mind is stretched or scattered → Improving Your Mental Performance in a Snap [Episode 34]
If family time makes you feel like an outlier → Getting Comfortable with Being Different [Episode 28]
If holiday conversations turn political → Seize This Superpower [Episode 31]
If you want conversations to be calmer and more effective → The Neuroscience of Motivation [Episodes 36, 37, 38]
If you’re carrying too much and need support → Master the Art of Asking [Episode 43]
If healthy habits feel harder than usual → Keep Your Mental Energy High During the Holidays [Episode 15]
If this episode resonates, follow the show for more conversations on leadership, health, and sustained performance.
Keywords
holiday stress, overwhelm, burnout, prioritization, mental energy, leadership, self-care, healthy habits, stress management, high performers
I’m taking you with me outdoors — footsteps, breath, birds, hills and all — to talk about something deeply personal and incredibly important:
Your current mental patterns are not your only option.
You can train your brain to think differently. You can become who you want to be.
After a decade of intense stress living between Washington DC, Silicon Valley, and Los Angeles…
after waking up for years in anxiety, dread, and worry…
I realized something imperative:
My circumstances had improved — but my brain hadn’t caught up yet.
In this walking episode, I share:
The psychological concept of mirroring and how the people around you shape your habits
The moment I realized I needed to retrain my brain
What 11 years of financial and emotional strain taught me
How I broke the pattern of starting my day in a despair-filled state
The simple tools that shifted my baseline mindset
Why brain training matters for leaders, parents, creators — anyone seeking more joy and resilience
Why the holidays (the busiest time of year) are actually the perfect training ground
If you're waking up in stress, anxiety, or autopilot…
if you’ve ever felt like “this is just how I am”…
this episode will show you something different.
Because you can change.
You can become who you want to be.
And it can start with one small step — literally.
If you’d like to go deeper into this work — with extended conversations, behind-the-scenes mindset training, and a community of people walking the same path — check out the Exclusives Membership here.
Why do smart, talented people self-sabotage—especially when they want success?
In this powerful conversation, psychologist and veteran Manhattan talent agent Dr. Albert Bramante breaks down the real reason so many high achievers struggle with fear of success, self-doubt, internal identity conflicts, and the subconscious habits that hold them back.
Albert has spent more than 20 years helping performers book major roles, while also earning a PhD in psychology and certifications in NLP. His unique blend of frontline industry experience and deep psychological expertise gives him rare insight into what truly drives (or derails) confidence and high performance.
Inside this episode, we explore:
Why smart people self-sabotage without realizing it
The hidden fear of success and why it shows up in high performers
How identity, self-talk, and subconscious “scripts” shape your results
The psychology behind imposter syndrome
How childhood messaging forms your money mindset
Why your brain resists change—even when the change is good
How to reframe nervousness as excitement
What it takes to build genuine, internal confidence
Why your environment and peer group matter more than motivation
Practical tools to break long-standing patterns and take action
Albert also shares insights from his book Rise Above the Script, based on his doctoral research in self-defeating behavior. Whether you lead, perform, create, or simply want to understand your own patterns, this episode will give you a clearer lens on your psychology—and a path to breaking through.
🎧 Listen to the full episode to dive deeper.
Find Albert and his hypnosis recordings here: www.albertbramante.com
Find Albert on Instagram: @dralbramante
Albert's Book Rise Above the Script: https://a.co/d/i9uslKG
Leadership, Life, Health and Happiness Membership is open now! For a limited time, there's a special offer for founding members. See more at: https://www.lucigabel.com/podcast-membership
Takeaways
Sound bites
"Self-belief plays a huge role in success."
"The language we use to ourselves matters."
"You must take action today, not someday."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Albert Bramante
01:46 Understanding Self-Sabotage
08:19 New Membership
09:07 Rise Above the Script—Albert's Book
10:41 The Role of Identity and Self Perception
15:17 Understanding the Fear of Success
22:03 Uncovering Self-Sabotage and Taking Action
Keywords
self-sabotage, growth mindset, performance, language, self-talk, identity, fear of success, self-criticism, personal development, coaching
Bill Bishop helps leaders and entrepreneurs break free from outdated business models with New Factory Thinking—a powerful framework for leadership, innovation and growth in today’s fast-changing world.
In this episode, Bill shares several of his “brain-changer” techniques that help you:
✅ Overcome status-quo bias and think creatively
✅ Develop an innovative, entrepreneurial mindset
✅ Discover your own pathway to success and fulfillment
You’ll hear fascinating stories about how “small thinking” led to big-industry failures (like Kodak), how the “hot-dog trap” blocks personal and business growth, and how to shift your mindset to unlock your big ideas.
💡 You’ll leave inspired and equipped with practical tools to transform the way you think—so you can create more profit, more joy, and more freedom in your leadership and life.
Key Takeaways
• New Factory Thinking helps leaders envision a better future.
• Overcoming status quo bias is essential for innovation.
• Mindset shifts can drive creativity and new business growth.
• Real-life success stories reveal how transformation starts with one new idea.
If you’re ready to challenge conventional wisdom and elevate your leadership, this conversation will show you how to innovate, adapt, and thrive—without burning out.
Schedule a free 60-minute BIG Idea Conversation with Bill Bishop using this link:https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=15047359&appointmentType=5452143
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to New Factory Thinking
07:53 Transitioning from Old Factory to New Factory
14:51 Overcoming Status Quo Bias
19:57 The Power of Simple Brain Changers
25:08 Leveraging Technology for Business Innovation
30:09 Real-Life Success Stories and Lessons Learned
Keywords
leadership, new thinking, business transformation,creativity, innovation, marketing strategies, overcoming bias, success stories,personal development, entrepreneurial mindset
Rewire your brain for success.
Your subconscious beliefs quietly steer your confidence, performance, and health.
In this episode of Leadership, Life, Health & Happiness, I sit down with Ravinder Taylor — mind-science researcher, psychotherapist, and author of Mind Training — to explore the science behind positive thinking, self-talk, and how to train your mind for greater happiness and success.
You’ll discover:
🔹 How self-talk and subconscious patterns shape your thoughts, emotions, and results
🔹 Why optimism and positive thinking can literally boost your health
🔹 How words, beliefs, and micro-cues influence leadership and relationships
🔹 The surprising mind-body link between facial expression and mood
🔹 Simple daily rituals to rewire your brain for clarity, calm, and confidence
This inspiring conversation bridges psychology, mind training, and leadership strategy — giving you practical tools to think better, lead better, and live better.
💡 If you’ve ever wondered how to overcome self-doubt, reprogram limiting beliefs, or turn positivity into a performance advantage — this episode is for you.
Connect with Ravinder Taylor: Get more information on Mind Training, the book, as well as other helpful products at https://ravindertaylor.com
#MindsetMatters #RewireYourBrain #LeadershipPodcast
Keywords: mindset training, positive thinking, self-talk, subconscious mind, leadership development, personal growth, high performance, emotional intelligence
Lately, I've been burning the candle at both ends—a practiceI usually avoid for a healthy brain and body. Yet, sometimes pushing ourselves to that edge is necessary for growth.
During one of my intense work periods, I started feelingquite uncomfortable, and I couldn’t figure out why. Until I realized it was fear.
This brought me to explore how fear so often accompanies growth. In this episode I share some insights on navigating fear. I give two key ideas to keep in mind when you’re having that fear, and four questions, that’ll help you move forward when fear threatens to stall your progress.
The most important thing about work sprints, is that you need to make sure you have planned rest, to maintain optimal health and brain power.
If you’ve been sprinting too long, I’ve got something in the works that could help.
Listen for more!
And link up with me on email here to know when the program is out: https://www.lucigabel.com
#GrowthMindset #OvercomingFear #PersonalDevelopment
Keywords
growth mindset, leadership, risk management, work-lifebalance, personal development, coaching, speaking, overcoming fear, sustainable energy, self-improvement
Have you heard about red light therapy?
Have you wondered if it works? If so, how does it work?
On this episode, I have the perfect person to answer thesequestions about red light therapy and what we know about how it works today.
Dr. Carl Rothschild is a pioneer researcher in infraredlight therapeutic technology, a leading authority in the field with over 20 years in research and innovation. His pioneering work led to the development of numerous LED products for various companies, ultimately developing his own advanced LED, infrared light bed, and pad systems at Trifecta Light Technologies. He's been recognized as one of the world's foremost thought leaders in this science.
In this conversation, Dr. Rothschild discusses thetransformative potential of infrared light therapy. He shares his journey into the field, the science behind how infrared and red light therapy works, and the significant health benefits it offers. Dr. Rothschild emphasizes the importanceof mitochondrial health, fat loss mechanisms, and the overall enhancement of quality of life through non-invasive treatments. He also provides insights into choosing the right equipment for effective therapy and shares real-life successstories of patients who have experienced remarkable improvements in their health.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Carl Rothschild and Trifecta LightTechnologies
02:22 The Journey into Red Light Therapy
09:59 The Science Behind Red Light Therapy
16:29 Understanding Mitochondria and Energy Production
19:36 Mechanisms of Fat Loss and Overall Health
25:39 Quality of Life and Preventative Health
28:10 Choosing the Right Red Light TherapyEquipment
Dr Rothschild’s Links: https://linktr.ee/trifectalightofficial
Trifecta Light Locations: https://trifectalight.com/contact/
Illuminated Healing Book: https://www.amazon.com/Illuminated-Healing-Unraveling-Mysteries-Therapy/dp/B0C9GG2ZYV
Are you comfortable with asking for what you need? For what you want? Or even, for what you most desire in life?
There will inevitably be times when you need to ask for something. And without practice, or a framework for doing it well, asking people for things can be messy, ineffective, or downright regrettable.
In my personal experience, most people struggle to ask for what they need, want, or deeply desire.
If you're someone who typically doesn't ask for anything, it's most likely because you don't want to make waves, don't want to inconvenience people, or you don't want to come across as weak.
But when you don't ask for what you need or want or desire, opportunities get left on the table, relationships go undernourished, and you miss on some of the greatest experiences of life.
The opposite side of the spectrum from not asking, is being pushy, bullying, making demands, requirements, or giving ultimatums. It's a way of compensating for not knowing how to ask effectively.
Asking for what you need and want is a skill. Like any skill of effective communication, it can be learned.
In this episode we're exploring how to ask confidently, clearly, and in a way that’s relationship-building instead of straining. We dive into how to ask so you get what you need and want, whether it's help with a project, or your deepest personal desires.
You'll be showing up in a way that's true to yourself, and as the person you aspire to be, not someone who's fumbling, or failing, or coming across as weak. And also not someone who's demanding, controlling or bullying.
To help you succeed, I share my three-step framework to asking confidently and effectively for anything, both in your personal and professional life. I give some examples too, as a real-world idea of what it can sound like when done well.
Tune in and learn how to step past the discomfort of not knowing how to ask for things, and step into another level of personal growth, leadership, and living your greatest life.
For a deeper dive, see these episodes:
The Neuroscience of Motivation: Episodes 36, 37, 38
How do You Influence People to Follow? Episode 26
Communication Myths and Misinformation: Episode 24
Healthy Conflict Culture: Episode 10
Difficult Conversations: Episode 5
In today's competitive job market, standing out is more crucial than ever.
Join us as we explore effective career strategies and leadership development with HR expert Kyle Smith. He shares insights on navigating the complexities of job applications and interviews, and how to leverage your unique strengths for career advancement.
You'll discover how to craft compelling narratives about yourself and utilize networking to your advantage in securing new job opportunities and building professional relationships.
Whether you're a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, this episode offers valuable tips for professional development that'll help you advance your career and secure your next opportunity.
Key Topics:
Connect with Kyle: www.hrkyle.com | hrkyle@me.com | 330-541-5533
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thehrkyle/
To try Dry Brew go to DryBrew.com and use code Luci20
⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of a school-related trauma and threat of violence.
After a traumatic school incident, mindset coach Kate McCauley realized the system she loved could no longer hold the kind of transformation she knew was possible.
In this episode, I sit down with Kate—speaker and founder of The Champion Within—to talk about leaving a beloved role, building from the ground up, and creating lasting change in young people, one “village” at a time.
Kate is doing incredible work to uplift the teens and youth of America—not with quick fixes or surface-level motivation, but with practical tools, deep care, and a commitment to helping kids discover their own greatness.
We talk about:
✅ A traumatic school event that started a six-year internal shift
✅ The difference between competition and shared success in women
✅ Fun examples of how she helps high school athletes find their inner greatness
✅ Why failure is messy—but still a gift
Whether you’re facing a leap of faith or leading others through change, this episode is a fun conversation to listen in on—and a powerful reminder that real leadership starts from within.
✨ This episode's especially great for women leaders, coaches, and parents of teenage girls.
🎧 Listen + Subscribe for more on leadership, wellness, and building purpose-driven success.
You can find Kate Here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-mccauley-danu/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.champion_within
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hid8F2L0Y3zDz1UZFNzQC?si=7fb90919ff254ad0
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KateMccauley-thechampionwithin
Do you want to learn how to time your coffee for peak focus, better sleep, and long-lasting energy?
In this episode, I’m sharing how to do it smarter.
As someone who's taught nutrition at GWU’s School of Medicine and written the book Eat to Lead, I get asked a lot about coffee. Questions like:
– Should I switch to tea for antioxidants?
– How much is too much?
– Is coffee actually making me feel happier?
I’ll answer all of those questions and more—including how coffee works with your brain chemistry, genetics, and natural energy rhythms. We’ll talk about something I call strategic coffee drinking—a way to use coffee intentionally so you stay sharp, energetic, and clear-minded all day, without overdoing it, causing the jitters or wrecking your sleep.
At the end, for the nutri-curious, I’ll also share a short physiology lesson on how caffeine keeps you awake, sharpens your mind, and even influences your mood.
☕ This episode is sponsored by Dry Brew Coffee—my favorite travel-friendly caffeine hack. You’ll hear more about it in the episode, and you can get 20% off your first order at http://www.drybrew.com/discount/lucigabel20
or simply go to DryBrew.com and use code lucigabel20.
Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or just someone who loves their daily brew, this episode will help you upgrade your coffee routine into a real performance tool.
☕ Ready to level up your latte? Let’s go.
After you listen, let me know if you have a favorite coffee trick—I'd love to hear from you!
Topics covered in this episode:coffee, caffeine, strategic coffee drinking, focus, sleep, energy, mood, caffeine and brain chemistry, coffee and performance, caffeine timing, leadership energy, Luci Gabel, Eat to Lead
Sources:
We’re in a season of deep transition.
Companies are tightening up. Teams are being restructured. People—at every level—are trying to find their footing amid shifting roles, uncertain futures, and tough calls.
This episode of Leadership, Life, Health & Happiness speaks directly to those moments.
I’m joined by Enrique Acosta Gonzalez—CEO of Triad Leadership Solutions, award-winning author, and podcast host—for a conversation about how to lead yourself and others through change with strength, compassion, and a steady sense of self.
We explore:
✅ How he broke the chain of creating “battered employees”
✅ The illuminating “dinner table” question that can guide you to being your best with others
✅ How to let people go with empathy, dignity, and care
✅ The mindset shift that transforms how you master transition
Whether you’re leading a team, a company, or your own next chapter—this conversation offers grounded insights to help you stay clear, connected, and human in the midst of it all.
🎧 Tune in now and discover what it really means to show up when it matters most—and share this with a leader who needs it.
Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/enriqueacostagonzalez
#Leadership #LeadershipPodcast #CareerDevelopment
In times filled with political and personal uncertainty, understanding subconscious motivations is vital not only for effective leadership but also for personal growth.
This episode reveals how instinctive brain responses shape our interactions both at work and at home.
Understanding these neuroscience concepts will empower you to navigate all kinds of challenges with greater insight and effectiveness.
Tune in to leverage these insights and create environments that enhance motivation, improve collaboration, boost productivity, and enrich personal relationships.
References:
Dissociable Medial Prefrontal Contributions to Judgments of Similar and Dissimilar Others Mitchell, Jason P. et al. Neuron, Volume 50, Issue 4, 655 - 663
Chamine, S. (2012). Positive intelligence: Why Only 20% of Teams and Individuals Achieve Their True Potential and how You Can Achieve Yours. Greenleaf Book Group.
Rock, David. SCARF: a brain-based model for collaborating with and influencing others. (2008). In Neuroleadership Journal. Neuroleadership Institute.
Tabibnia, G, and Lieberman, M.D. (2007), Fairness and Cooperation Are Rewarding. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1118: 90-101. https://doi.org/10.1196/annals.1412.001
The lethality of loneliness: John Cacioppo at TEDxDesMoines. https://youtu.be/_0hxl03JoA0?si=nDAm5DdoOJgrgNuW
Zak PJ, Kurzban R, Matzner WT. Oxytocin is associated with human trustworthiness. Horm Behav. 2005 Dec;48(5):522-7. doi: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2005.07.009. Epub 2005 Aug 18. PMID: 16109416.
Hashtags:
#motivation #leadership #mindsetmotivation #relationships #success #brain #neuroscience
Ever find yourself awake at night, plagued by restless thoughts, even when everything seems fine? You're not alone. Especially today.
In my latest episode, I dive into the neuroscience behind our need for certainty, and how it impacts our motivation and mental well-being.
Discover how uncertainty triggers our 'fight, flight, freeze' response, and learn practical tips to create a sense of certainty in your life and leadership.
Tune in to understand the ancient mechanisms driving our brains and maximize your potential both personally, and in a leadership role.
If you'd like a transcript of this or the last episode so you can have it for reference, let me know at https://www.Lucigabel.com/contact
Sign up to get my emails about these broadcasts and other insights at https://www.lucigabel.com/leadership
Related Episodes:
A quick Path to Stress Relief | Episode 33 (has two meditations for you)
Stress Effects and How to Deal with It | Episode 21
Healthy Conflict Culture? | Episode 10
References:
Chamine, S. (2012). Positive intelligence: Why Only 20% of Teams and Individuals Achieve Their True Potential and how You Can Achieve Yours. Greenleaf Book Group.
Rock, David. SCARF: a brain-based model for collaborating with and influencing others. (2008). In Neuroleadership Journal. Neuroleadership Institute.
#motivation #leadership #mindsetmotivation #relationships #success #brain #neuroscience
There are several primal, neurological systems in the brain that determine whether someone is going to be attracted to what you have to say, or put off by it, and it takes 1/5 of a second for that decision to be made.
If you ever want to influence someone, motivate someone, or help someone, heck, if you just want to have a good relationship with someone, it’s really good to know this information.
In this episode you'll hear how you can have better conversations, and have conversations go the way you intend them to go (instead of having them go sideways or off the rails by accident).
You’ll be better positioned to leave someone with the impression you intended, understanding clearly what you said, and why you said it.
And, you'll be able to create an environment where people want to listen, want to collaborate, and want to do great things with you.
Even better—people will like you.
Listen in for more!
Would you like a transcript of this episode so you can review it later? Let me know here and I'll send you one: https://www.LuciGabel.com/contact
References:
Izuma K, Saito DN, Sadato N. Processing of social and monetary rewards in the human striatum. Neuron. 2008 Apr 24;58(2):284-94. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2008.03.020. PMID: 18439412.
Chamine, S. (2012). Positive intelligence: Why Only 20% of Teams and Individuals Achieve Their True Potential and how You Can Achieve Yours. Greenleaf Book Group.
SCARF: a brain-based model for collaborating with and influencing others. (2008). In Neuroleadership Journal. Neuroleadership Institute.
Harvard Business Review, The Ideal Praise to Criticism Ratio, Zenger Folkman. March 15,2013. https://hbr.org/2013/03/the-ideal-praise-to-criticism
#motivation #leadership #mindsetmotivation #relationships #success
Gary Chupik is internationally recognized as one of the top mental performance coaches in the world, who has worked with the likes of Seattle Seahawks, US figureskating, Crossfit Olympics, National Motorcross Association, Stanford University, Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, the FBI, police and fire people, and many more.
What's his message? You have to know how to lead yourself first before you can lead anyone else.
There are many techniques to doing that. Join us as we talk about a few in this episode such as:
For your special gift from Gary, go to EliteMindsetAssessment.com and use code ELITE100 for your assessment.
Gary's website is EliteMindsetNation.com where you can also sign up for his Monday Morning Motivations.
Let us know if what this episode made you think about, or if you had any great takeaways!
#mindset #mentalperformance #leadership #success
How we perform best mentally is different from what most of us think—and the opposite of what our culture has been telling us and pushing us to do which is: do as much as you can, all at once, all the time.
Research shows we can't focus on more than one thing at a time. Even if you think you are, what you're really doing is juggling thoughts—touching on one for a moment and then switching.
Studies have found that the more we try to "multitask," the more we risk impairing our cognitive control and even reduce our grey matter. Not to mention, when we force ourselves to think about too many things at once and act with extreme speed, we increase the risk of making serious mistakes.
This episode offers several powerful tips on how to quickly improve your mental performance, instead of diminish it.
I got a potent reminder of this concept during the LA fires last month—I've included some of my personal stories here too.
#brain #mentalperformance #mentalhealth
Contrary to popular belief, consistent, high levels of stress aren't conducive to high-performance.
Science now shows that being able to lower your stress in-between stressful sprints, improves your mental and physical performance, enhances resilience, creativity, and problem solving skills, and improves your mental and physical health.
Reducing stress doesn't require you give up your job, or spend hours on meditation. Here I share easy-to-implement exercises that can immediately lower your blood pressure, heart rate, and stress hormones like cortisol. When practiced regularly, you can train your body to relax more quickly and eventually, on-command, so you can function better during the day and sleep better at night.
The nice thing is, these techniques are always available to you.
Join me to reduce your stress and enhance your overall well-being.
Related Episodes:
More Joy Less Pressure: Episode 32
What Leaders can Learn from Top Athletes: Episode 27
Stress Effects and How to Deal with it: Episode 21
#stress #stressmanagement #stressrelief #leadership #health
Holidays are filled with emotions: hopes and dreams, and also pressure, even fear or dread.
Here are three things I do, to dramatically and immediately reduce my stress, bring me into focus at any current moment , elongate, and extend the amount of time that I spend in the blissful positivity state, and help my brain and body maintain optimal health and performance.
The ability to pause and question assumptions is a superpower.
It allows you to engage the executive functioning frontal lobe of your brain, rather than relying solely on the fight flight freeze response which will frequently lead you down the wrong road when it comes to making important, impactful decisions.
In this podcast I give you three steps to breaking free of assumptions and the fight, flight freeze response that causes them.
Letting go of assumptions is about unlocking your potential, not just about avoiding mistakes. When you challenge assumptions, you gain clarity, strengthen relationships, and make smarter decisions.
Imagine the freedom and power you get from acting based on reality, rather than the stories your mind has created.
This skill is part of what makes meaningful relationships, good decision making, and great leadership. But it's rarely practiced.
Referenced episodes for more mastery of this skill:
Episode 21: The Effects of Stress and How to Deal With It
Episode 10: Healthy Conflict Culture
Episode 30: Aging 2.0: Research Breakthroughs that are Redefining Your Future
#leadership #health #healthylifestyle #stress #mindset