The Change Room with Rod & Lesley

In this episode, Rod and Lesley dive into what it is like when you challenge your assumptions.  Lesley is destabilized and Rod does a little happy dance at her expense.  Is he really that mean? No, it was all for show.  The topic this week is based on Lesley's BFF Adam Grant's book think again, which put her into quite the tailspin as she challenged her assumptions.  Rod has years of experience challenging his own thinking and so it was nice for him to see this hypothesis based decision flexibility have its day.

In this episode, Rod and Lesley dive into a slice of Canadiana...saying sorry.  Apologizing for pretty much anything is a common habit many of us have, and Rod is taking aim at it.  While it might be polite, it can get your mind reacting to things that don't deserve the attention, you can give an unintended vibe, and it is an easy way out of taking accountability (ironically enough).  Listen to hear Lesley's sorry stories, and attacks on sorries from Rod.  

In this episode, Rod and Lesley realize they aren't done yet with dealing with the psychology of the pandemic.  They find themselves in another 'reflection' of pandemic now, and what is ahead. This discussion riffs off of an idea around informed optimism (from Adam Grant) that these two turn into choosing optimism.  

In this episode, Rod and Lesley reflect on the year and how we find ourselves in a similar place as we started the year - facing a Covid lockdown. It is Lesley's turn to bring the story and she shares how a potential frustrating anger producing scenario was switched by focusing on the little pleasures that are all around.  Yes, it sounds like a hallmark card, but it is Christmas after all.  These two are taking a holiday season break and will be back in the first week of the new year. Best wishes to all our listeners!!

In this episode, Rod and Lesley talk questions.  After gushing over fandom of audiobook narrators, Rod shares a recent discovery - Change your questions, Change your life: by Marilee Adams.  This book was almost ignored due to the cheesy overpromising awesomeness used in the intro, but it turned out to be a gem.  The book is worth the read (or listen) to learn how you can switch your mindset in the moment through switching the types of questions you ask.  As Lesley points out, it is like switching from the fixed mindset to the growth mindset in the moment, with the turn of a question.  

Listen for some shared tips.  Check our Marilee Adams' book here or at your local library. Yes, there is also gushing over libraries in this episode. 

In this episode, Rod and Lesley talk about Winnie the Pooh.  Using the example of positive Tiger, and negative Eeyore, they talk about the grey area in between.  When is positivity toxic, what you can do when the negativity is dragging you down. Rod and Lesley dive into deep and bring it back at the end with a simple message - choose what energy you'll absorb from others.

In this episode, Rod and Lesley explore what Rod coined as 'the law of round numbers'.  Round numbers can be a good thing to give you something to strive for, but they should never be taken literally, and they discuss common pitfalls when that happens.

In this episode, Rod and Lesley share their version of 'rules to live by'.  Everyone and their uncle has published a set of rules to live by, and these two didn't want to let that go without a little critique, and their sharing their own version.  Some gems on their very short list - Get enough sleep; Choose to be kind; When in doubt - write it out!

In this episode, Rod and Lesley time warp themselves back a couple of weeks to halloween and get a little scary creepy. They talk about how the spectre of death helps bring focus to living your life. Duh duh duuuuun.  Lesley expands on what was putting her into a funk last week and that leads them into the philosophical quotes of wise androids like Data (from Star Trek).  

In this episode, Rod and Lesley put Lesley under the microscope.  What is up with her this week that she has doubt and difficultly making a decision?  The timely situation becomes a good reminder of how to take in, and except the moments in life that put you off your game...with the goal that they don't linger too long and get in the way of the positive change and growth that helps us thrive.