The Gratitude Podcast

Embrace Every Compliment: Turning Appreciation into Personal Growth - Laura Baxter (ep. 976)

Welcome to another episode where we dive deep into the habits, stories, and mindsets that keep successful people thriving.In today’s episode we sit down with Laura Baxter, an award‑winning opera singer turned performance coach, speaker, and author living in Germany. Laura shares the pivotal moment that reshaped her whole approach to gratitude: singing at a noble‑family wedding in a medieval chapel and realizing that being “grateful in the moment” is far more powerful than simply feeling grateful.From the highs of touring the U.S. with a national opera company to the challenges of restarting her career from scratch in Germany—auditions, a new family, and the sting of stage fright—Laura explains how a simple prayer before each performance kept her grounded. She reveals the tools that keep her centered, from the mantra “I choose love” taught by her mentor Nan Burt, to a compliment journal that transformed the way she receives praise.Resources:Laura's website: https://www.voice4leadership.de/us/Head to https://AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code GRATITUDE to get UP TO $300 off today!Thank you so much for listening to The Gratitude Podcast! Please rate and review us everywhere you listen to podcasts, including Spotify & Apple Podcasts.Timestamps:03:37 – Why gratitude is the top emotion of successful leaders04:46 – Laura shares a pivotal gratitude moment in her life05:25 – Career shift: from a busy U.S. opera schedule to restarting in Germany06:52 – Wedding performance invitation and the noble‑family setting07:38 – Realization: be grateful in the moment; promise to pray before each singing gig08:29 – Recent concerts: reviving Copland’s “In the Beginning” and feeling gratitude09:13 – Details of the challenging a‑cappella piece and its difficulty09:45 – Finding the right choir (Volcante) despite doubts10:21 – Reflection on privilege and gratitude for rare performance opportunities10:39 – Gratitude applies to all professions, not just singers11:29 – Universal gratitude: from factories to farms, recognizing the gift of work12:31 – Influence of Emmett Fox’s positive‑thinking “seven‑day diet” on Laura’s mindset13:51 – Struggles to stay grateful during hard times; importance of pausing14:47 – Contextual gratitude amid global issues (refugees, daily life)15:15 – Encouragement to cultivate a habit of gratitude despite imperfections16:18 – Trigger: noticing complaints → instantly shift to gratitude16:42 – Habitual practice to overcome moments when gratitude feels hard17:09 – Question about a time Laura wasn’t truly grateful17:49 – Answer: being caught in the “rat race” and missing present‑moment gratitude18:30 – Stress of constant responsibilities and self‑doubt in a performance career19:01 – Description of the ultra‑difficult Copland piece and its history19:28 – Stage fright confession and its impact20:11 – Introduction to mentor Nan Burt (92‑year‑old “rocking chair” wisdom)20:38 – Nan’s gifts: books, “Love is Letting Go of Fear,” and the “I choose love” mantra22:34 – Mantra “I choose love” explained and its power23:03 – Using the mantra during the concert; inner transformation on stage24:07 – Realization of love’s role in performance confidence24:25 – Prompt: recall a moment lacking gratitude24:47 – Advice to younger self: live fully in the present, enjoy each minute25:42 – “Youth is wasted on the young” – savor the moment now26:03 – Call to be present, aware, and grateful in every instant26:42 – Book focus: Dealing with Divas – helping readers stay calm, centered, focused27:31 – Coaching executives on voice, body language, and inner presence28:06 – “Divas” as difficult personalities that disrupt our center28:47 – Four powerful states: forgiveness, love, play, gratitude29:27 – Personal anecdote: moving from scattered to centered power30:28 – People Laura is grateful for: Nan Burt, parents, collaborators, listeners31:19 – Quote: gratitude creates joy, not the reverse31:55 – Gratitude fuels success; without it success feels hollow32:44 – Contrast: highly successful yet unhappy people lack gratitude33:17 – Practical gratitude tools: stop complaining, imagine life without the annoyance34:05 – Journaling habit: daily reflections and a “compliment journal”35:08 – How recording every compliment reshaped Laura’s mindset36:37 – Importance of truly receiving compliments as gifts37:18 – Rewiring focus from negativity to positive acknowledgment38:08 – Book launch details: Kindle version free 8‑22 May 202438:33 – Offer explanation: free download, then paid physical/Kindle release39:16 – Redefining “diva”: relative to personal perception, not just dominant traits40:16 – Book structure: first half = inner strength; second half = understanding others & building bridgesExperience more abundance on georgianbenta.com/abundanceAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

From Alcoholic Family Roots to Fearless Leadership - Peter Scott IV (ep. 975)

In today’s episode we sit down with one of the most compelling voices in the world of mindset, fitness, and entrepreneurship—Peter Scott IV, founder of the Fearless Life Academy and bestselling author of Fearless Mindset. Peter’s story is a raw, powerful illustration of how the pain of our past can become the fuel for unstoppable growth—if we choose gratitude over victimhood.We’ll hear the pivotal moments that shaped his journey: a courtroom showdown at age 10 confronting his mother’s alcoholism, the heart‑breaking loss of his father to fear‑driven self‑destruction, and the profound realization that “the pain of our past produces so much power if we choose it to be.” From there, Peter shares how he shattered the limiting belief that love must be earned and rewired his life with gratitude, responsibility, and action.You’ll walk away with concrete tools Peter lives by every day:“Measuring Back” – slowing down to celebrate how far you’ve come before chasing the next goal.A daily gratitude habit – sending love to three people each morning and truly feeling each gratitude.Focused action over control – delegating what you don’t love, embracing movement to shift physiology, and serving others even when resources feel scarce.If you’re ready to transform fear into fearless gratitude, tap “follow,” settle in, and let this conversation inspire you to own your story, celebrate the journey, and become unstoppable.Stay grateful, stay fearless.Befor you hit play, a quick apology—I’m aware the mic isn’t sounding its best today, so thanks for bearing in with me.Resources:Peter's website: https://www.peterscott4.com/Head to https://AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code GRATITUDE to get UP TO $300 off today!Thank you so much for listening to The Gratitude Podcast! Please rate and review us everywhere you listen to podcasts, including Spotify & Apple Podcasts.Timestamps:01:18 – Synchronicity story: meditation vision leads to meeting Peter on Instagram.02:22 – Mutual awe at the “magic” of the connection.03:20 – Peter’s childhood trauma: courtroom testimony about his mother’s alcoholism.04:32 – Resulting limiting belief – truth‑telling = loss of love; fear‑driven approval‑seeking.05:00 – Father’s hospice moment – fear as the root of his death.05:33 – Decision to never let fear control his life (or anyone’s).06:33 – Shift from blame to responsibility; cultivating compassion for his parents.07:07 – Gratitude transforms painful past into unstoppable power.08:10 – Rejecting “destiny” predictions; choosing freedom over fatalism.09:18 – Gratitude + action = change; don’t accept limiting forecasts.09:59 – Definition of gratitude: celebrating every moment, being present.10:28 – Gratitude for high‑achievers: detach from outcomes, enjoy the journey.11:33 – Escapism warning: alcohol, drugs, porn as avoidance of ungratefulness.12:44 – No “bad” emotions—feel them fully, learn the lesson, then release.13:04 – Pain is inevitable; suffering is a story we choose to tell.13:57 – Focus on what you can control; release the rest to avoid depression.14:43 – Delegation: let others handle tasks so you can work in your unique strength.15:30 – Others may love the tasks you dread—empower them, it’s a win‑win.15:59 – “Measuring back”: pause, look back, appreciate how far you’ve come.16:51 – Use that gratitude as fuel for the next goal.18:18 – Cliché wisdom: appreciating what you have attracts more of it.19:30 – Fitness joy vs. willpower: do activities you love for sustainable habit.20:42 – When gratitude feels hard: morning meditation + sending love to three people.21:30 – Visual “measuring back” (old videos), then move your body to shift physiology.22:23 – Exercise (CrossFit, running, surfing) creates endorphins that lift gratitude.23:19 – Deep gratitude practice: truly feel each item on your list, don’t just check boxes.24:55 – “Focus out”: help others → boost your own gratitude and abundance.25:12 – Turning financial scarcity into abundance by serving someone in need.26:59 – Feeling like a fraud? Serve those a few steps behind you; you still add value.27:43 – Offer help in areas where you excel, even if the person’s biggest need is elsewhere.28:46 – Always ask permission before giving advice; respect others’ boundaries.30:12 – Podcast mastermind experiment → realized his own hidden value (the “curse of knowledge”).31:46 – Sharing knowledge validates its worth; encourages others to do the same.33:22 – Road‑trip with Shawn Stevenson: “gratitude for the pain” – the mess contains the message.35:54 – “Diamond in the rough” metaphor: painful experiences become shining value.37:24 – Travel gratitude: witnessing basic comforts magnifies appreciation for them.40:06 – Advice to younger self: enjoy the journey, be present, cherish breakdowns as lessons.42:04 – Constant presence & appreciation prevents future‑focused burnout.43:09 – Daily gratitude habits: meditation, sending love, gratitude list (felt), fitness, learning, outreach.44:19 – People who shaped him: his grandfather, Shawn Stevenson (mentor), girlfriend Amy.Experience more abundance on georgianbenta.com/abundanceAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Learning to Walk Again: A Grateful Perspective on Recovery and Resilience - Annabel Abbs (ep. 974)

In today’s episode we sit down with Annabel Abbs, a former corporate marketing consultant turned writer, researcher, and gratitude‑champion.After selling her consultancy and raising four children, Annabel discovered her “first love” – literature – and, more importantly, a profound sense of gratitude that reshaped her whole worldview. She recounts how immersing herself in the life of a young Irish‑born dancer in 1920s Paris sparked the realization that many of the comforts we take for granted – electricity, central heating, the freedom to choose our own paths – are true gifts.A life‑changing head injury in the hospital forced Annabel to confront vulnerability head‑on. Watching strangers walk by a window, she promised herself to cherish every step she could take again. That promise led her into a deep dive of gratitude research from Harvard and American universities, revealing that intentional gratitude can reduce pain, boost happiness, speed recovery, and even improve sleep.Annabelle didn’t stop at personal practice. She introduced a simple gratitude ritual at her family table – one thing each person shares before meals – and watched it ripple out to friends, guests, and even strangers she’d never met. She shares why public expressions of thanks often feel more powerful than private journals, how imagination and acting can help us “step into another’s shoes,” and why cultivating gratitude is especially vital for the British tendency to focus on what’s lacking.In this episode you’ll hear:The pivotal moment that shifted Annabel from corporate to creative life.How imagining a historic figure opened the door to everyday thankfulness.The science behind gratitude’s health benefits and how to make the practice tangible.A family‑wide gratitude ritual that turned meals into moments of connection.Heart‑warming stories of strangers and hospital companions who reminded her of her own luck.Whether you’re wrestling with a tough day, looking for a simple habit to boost your wellbeing, or just curious about how gratitude can transform both mind and body, Annabel's journey offers both inspiration and practical tools. Stay tuned—because today’s conversation might just be the spark you need to start seeing the world through a more grateful lens.Hit play, and let’s begin the gratitude adventure together.Resources:Annabel's website: https://www.annabelabbs.comHead to https://AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code GRATITUDE to get UP TO $300 off today!Thank you so much for listening to The Gratitude Podcast! Please rate and review us everywhere you listen to podcasts, including Spotify & Apple Podcasts.Timestamps:01:57 – From Corporate to Creative: Annabelle’s career shift and the firstrings of gratitude.02:45 – Historical Research: Discovering a 1920s Parisian girl’s story highlights Annabelle’s growing awareness of her own privilege.03:00 – British Gratitude Culture: Observation that the UK is less outwardly grateful than the US.03:45 – Modern Conveniences: Realizing how lucky we are to have electricity, heating, supermarkets, etc.04:33 – Power of Empathy: Imagining others’ lives uncovers gratitude for everyday comforts.05:09 – Dark History: A sister locked in an asylum underscores Annabelle’s gratitude for freedom.05:47 – Creative Life Enabling Gratitude: Leaving corporate life made gratitude easier to feel.06:39 – Brain Wiring: Evolutionary bias toward negativity; gratitude rewires the brain.07:29 – Everyday Issues: Simple plumbing problems illustrate how easily we overlook blessings.08:45 – Host Meets Guest: Host reads Annabelle’s article and invites her onto the show.08:59 – Accident & Hospital: Annabelle’s severe head injury and the start of her conscious gratitude practice.10:28 – Window View & Envy: Watching others walk fuels her promise to cherish walking again.11:23 – Gratitude Commitment: Vows to thank herself each day she can walk.11:53 – Research Findings: Harvard & US studies link gratitude to health, longevity, and faster recovery.13:19 – Tangible Practices: Writing, rituals, and letters make gratitude “real.”13:36 – Family Gratitude Ritual: Introducing a pre‑meal gratitude habit with partner and children.15:00 – First Family Meal: Everyone shares one thing they’re grateful for; initial awkwardness turns positive.15:48 – Routine Established: Gratitude before every family meal becomes a lasting tradition.16:34 – Ripple Effect: Public gratitude spreads to others and amplifies its impact.17:05 – Millionaire Insight: Gratitude improves relationships and personal ease.17:46 – Gratitude Letters: Writing specific thank‑you notes to people reinforces the practice.18:21 – Dark Days & Sharing: In low‑gratitude moments, hearing others’ gratitude lifts you out.19:27 – Journals vs. Public Sharing: Annabelle prefers outward expression over private journaling.20:13 – Feeling Over Writing: Speaking gratitude aloud or as a mantra creates stronger emotion.21:26 – Family Acceptance: Partner and kids embraced the practice with ease.22:27 – Long‑Term Benefits: Hope that gratitude becomes a lasting family value.23:08 – Rewiring for Positivity: Consistent positive experiences reshape the brain’s threat response.24:15 – Book Mention: Hardwiring Happiness (American authors) on gratitude science.24:44 – Cultural Contrast: US embraces gratitude more readily than the UK.25:22 – Weather & Reframing: Using rain‑rich scenery to shift perspective from gloom to gratitude.26:42 – Habitual Focus: Continuous attention to positives yields lasting happiness.27:32 – Neural Pathways: Building new brain routes to view life differently requires practice.28:12 – Free Health Tool: Gratitude is a low‑cost intervention with huge potential impact on public health.29:04 – Advice to Younger Self: Early exposure to gratitude (family meals, notes) could have accelerated her journey.30:08 – Podcast Purpose: Sharing real gratitude stories to inspire listeners early in life.31:18 – Ongoing Discovery: Even after many interviews, Annabelle continues learning about gratitude.32:24 – Gratitude to Strangers: Thanking unknown people for small acts like smiles.33:19 – Hospital Kindness: Two single‑mother patients uplifted her during recovery.34:36 – Small Gestures Matter: Recognizing everyday kindnesses that we often overlook.35:27 – Reduced Fight/Flight: Gratitude lessens threat perception, fostering kinder behavior.36:22 – Conscious “Thank You”: Saying thank you with feeling deepens the gratitude experience.37:41 – Closing & Contact: Annabelle’s websites (www.annabellabs.com, www.kaleandcoco.com) for more resources.Experience more abundance on georgianbenta.com/abundanceAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Turning Winter Into Spring With Gratitude - Jason Morris (ep. 973)

In this inspiring episode we sit down with Jason Morris, a thriving real‑estate entrepreneur from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, who’s turned the toughest “winters” of his life into the spring of his success. From building a high‑performing real‑estate team, authoring two Amazon best‑sellers, and growing a bustling Facebook community of agents, to welcoming his first child, Parker Claire, Jason shares how gratitude became his secret weapon.Together we explore:The “Winter‑Spring” metaphor – why every hardship (the cold, the divorce, market crashes) is the soil that nurtures growth.From hustle to purpose – how Jason shifted from grinding 24‑hour days to designing low‑overhead systems that let him coach agents across the country.Practical gratitude habits – daily gratitude lists, affirmation routines, and the power of the Reticular Activating System (RAS) to rewire your focus.Lessons from the past – the impact of family loss, the importance of savoring small moments, and advice he’d give his younger self.Actionable takeaways for anyone feeling stuck, whether you’re an agent, a budding entrepreneur, or simply seeking more joy in everyday life.If you’ve ever felt trapped in a personal or professional “winter,” Jason’s story reminds us that the next spring is waiting—if we stay connected to gratitude, adjust our mindset, and keep moving forward. Tune in, take notes, and discover how to turn your own challenges into a catalyst for growth.Resources:Jason Morris' books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jason-Morris/author/B072QKZ9WQ?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=trueHead to https://AirDoctorPro.com  and use promo code GRATITUDE to get UP TO $300 off today!Thank you so much for listening to The Gratitude Podcast! Please rate and review us everywhere you listen to podcasts, including Spotify & Apple Podcasts.Timestamps:02:39 – New parent milestone: Jason shares the birth of his daughter Parker Claire and reflections on timing of parenthood.04:22 – “Winter” lesson & divorce: Jason recounts losing his award‑winning team after divorce, realizing true profit wasn’t where he thought it was.05:46 – Seasons of life analogy: Winter strengthens us; using that adversity to redesign his business with low overhead and better systems.07:50 – Staying stuck in winter: People often remain in hardship; importance of inventorying gratitude during low points.08:38 – Gratitude‑list exercise: Jack Canfield’s recommendation to write a daily gratitude list, even for small things (sunny days, rainy days).09:57 – Real‑estate market crash (2008‑10): Agents who survived the crash still “live in” that winter, missing today’s boom.13:36 – Defining gratitude: Jason lists big (new baby, parents) and tiny (sunshine, rainy days) things he’s thankful for.15:13 – When gratitude feels hard: Turn to motivational speakers (Zig Ziglar, Jim Rohn, Tony Robbins) and the gratitude‑list to shift perspective.16:36 – Favorite gratitude quotes: Tony Robbins: “Without gratitude you’ll never know fulfillment” & “When you’re grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.”18:17 – Power of content creation: Consistent free YouTube videos built authority, referrals, and coaching demand.20:56 – Giving ≠ receiving paradox: Sowing massive free content leads to abundant returns (speaking gigs, podcast invites).23:16 – Writing books for impact: Low‑priced Kindle books generate modest income but huge influence and credibility.26:22 – Personal turning point: Grandfather’s death and subsequent family losses sparked deep appreciation for life’s fleeting moments.33:36 – Advice to younger self: Don’t worry; hardships are temporary—spring follows winter.34:25 – Scaling problems: Tim Ferriss’s “1‑10 life‑changing scale” to keep perspective on today’s challenges.36:58 – Daily routine & affirmations: Morning affirmations (abundance, gratitude) program the RAS to notice more of what matters.40:56 – Final gratitude roll‑call: Jason thanks Laura, baby Parker, parents, grandparents, agents, friends, authors, and the podcast hostExperience more abundance on georgianbenta.com/abundanceAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

How Gratitude and the Miracle Morning Turn Rock Bottoms into Life‑Changing Success - Hal Elrod (ep. 972)

Welcome back, Gratitude Seekers! In today’s episode we sit down with the man who turned a near‑fatal car crash into a global movement—Hal Elrod, creator of The Miracle Morning. Hal’s story is nothing short of cinematic: at 20, he survived a head‑on collision that left him clinically dead for six minutes, broke 11 bones, and was told he might never walk again. Through relentless gratitude, visualization, and a commitment to what he wanted—not just what he could accept—Hal not only walked again but rewired his entire life.We’ll unpack how that turning point birthed the SAVERS—Silence, Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Reading, and Scribing—six timeless practices that world‑class performers have used for centuries. Hal shows us how you can compress them into a 30‑to‑60‑minute morning ritual (or even a six‑minute “quick‑fire” version) and how they can transform everything from income to health to relationships.Along the way we’ll hear about:The three “rock bottoms” that shaped Hal’s resilience, from a catastrophic crash to the 2008 financial collapse.The science behind gratitude, meditation, epigenetics, and neuroplasticity that turned his body into a healing miracle.Practical, battle‑tested strategies for beating the snooze button, hydrating first thing, and building unstoppable 30‑day habit loops.Real‑world success stories—people who went from “not a morning person” to thriving entrepreneurs, athletes, and even couples whose marriages were saved.Whether you’re a sunrise enthusiast or a self‑confessed night‑owl, this conversation will give you a roadmap to redesign your mornings, cultivate a habit of gratitude, and start living the life you’ve always imagined.Grab your headphones, take a deep breath, and get ready to dive into a story of survival, mindset mastery, and the everyday rituals that can turn ordinary days into extraordinary ones. Let’s begin!Resources:Hal's website: https://halelrod.com/Head to https://airdoctorpro.com and use promo code GRATITUDE and depending on the model, you’ll receive UP TO 39% off or UP TO $300 off! Thank you so much for listening to The Gratitude Podcast! Please rate and review us everywhere you listen to podcasts, including Spotify & Apple Podcasts.Timestamps:02 :29 – Hal explains why gratitude is the core of his life.03 :15 – First rock‑bottom: the 1999 car crash that left him clinically dead.05 :38 – Acceptance of what can’t be changed & focus on gratitude.07 :15 – Visualization & prayer toward walking again; the “miraculous” recovery.08 :11 – Science behind gratitude: epigenetics & neuroplasticity.09 :14 – Second rock‑bottom: 2008 financial crash and loss of income & home.10 :33 – Hal’s search for “world‑class” daily rituals and discovery of morning routines.11 :19 – The premise: “Win the morning, win the day.”12 :15 – Epiphany: combine all six practices into one “Miracle Morning.”13 :04 – Creating excitement for the next morning to rise early.13 :22 – First 5‑am Miracle Morning: stumbling through all six practices.14 :07 – Results in two months – doubled income, ultramarathon, depression lifted.14 :46 – Teaching the routine to coaching clients; transforming “non‑morning” people.15 :54 – Decision to write The Miracle Morning book.16 :12 – Book release (12‑12‑12) and massive sales/ratings worldwide.16 :58 – Announcement of the Miracle Morning documentary premiering June 2.18 :39 – Advice for listeners who aren’t “morning people.”19 :30 – Survey result: 72 % of the community never were morning people.20 :22 – Five‑step “snooze‑proof” wake‑up strategy (alarm across the room, intention, etc.).23 :07 – Bed‑time intention script & free download at tmmbook.com.24 :33 – Immediate water intake on waking – why hydration matters.25 :37 – Full SAVERS overview (Silence, Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Reading, Scribing).27 :40 – Truth‑based affirmations that drive action.28 :07 – Visualization as action‑oriented mental rehearsal.28 :44 – Morning exercise tip: Seven‑Minute Workout app.29 :03 – Reading: “one book away” from transformation; small daily increments.30 :05 – Scribing (journaling) – using the 5‑Minute Journal.31 :22 – Robert Kiyosaki endorsement of the SAVERS routine.32 :26 – Importance of habit formation vs. knowledge.34 :02 – 30‑day habit‑building framework: Unbearable → Uncomfortable → Unstoppable.38 :12 – Hal’s personal gratitude list – wife, children, family.39 :30 – How to access the book, free chapters, video & audio resources.40 :45 – Closing remarks – call to share gratitude and keep seeking it.Experience more abundance on georgianbenta.com/abundanceAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy