The Mickey Welde Podcast

Ep. 53 – We've All Been Here Before

HAPPY NEW YEAR! In this episode I rant about 2020. Obviously it was an unexpected and crazy year, but there were also many positive memories that I don't want to forget. Thank you for checking in with me! 

Ep. 52 – Fifty-Two Weeks In A Year

In August 2020 I experienced one of the most blissful weeks in recent memory. I felt connected and engaged. Inner peace was present in each moment. The minor details of life felt important and purposeful. I was reminded not to be distracted by busyness, and to give meaning to the experiences I go through.

In Seneca’s essay on tranquility, he uses the Greek word euthymia, which he defines as “believing in yourself and trusting that you are on the right path, and not being in doubt by following the myriad footpaths of those wandering in every direction.”

Ep. 51 – What To Do When You Don't Know What To Do

Powerless. Uncertain. Agitated. I don't know what to do... I'm learning that the best thing to do when I don't know what to do is get back to the basics. Work on fixing my brokenness, disarm my ego, strive to understand other people's experiences. In this episode I talk about recent feelings of frustration and what I'm doing to overcome stagnation. 

Ep. 50 – Patience, My Friend

We all go through times when we wish we were further along in our journey. In this episode I talk about patience, persistence, and the benefit of incorporating these two words into my life. I believe patience is the best gift we can give to ourselves, and when balanced with persistence we can learn and accomplish anything. One of the best lessons I’ve learned is that I will never stop learning lessons. Thanks for listening!

Ep. 49 – Insanely Intentional

I realized that I was not loving to do the things that I love to do! (Does that make sense?) Fortunately I caught myself feeling overwhelmed and was able to flip the switch. Being insanely intentional about generating gratitude and positivity during moments of stress is proving to a great way to stay connected. I'm excited to discuss ways to continue to love what we love while also taking on more responsibility in an organized and structured way.

Ep. 48 – Life Update #2

I trash picked a basketball net, started watching The Wire, and busted out my N64. These are just a few of the activities that I've been up to the last month. This update covers what quarantine has been like and how I'm hoping to use my time moving forward. Thanks for listening. Stay safe!

Ep. 47 – My Daughter Turned One

One month ago my daughter Quinn turned one! This episode is dedicated to her and all the great memories and lessons from her first year on Earth. It's impossible to express how much I love her and how proud I am to be her dad. This has been the best year of my life and I know they will only get better. I love you Quinn!

Ep. 46 – My (Almost) Daily Habits

Being intentional about forming healthy habits has been a priority of mine in the last few years because I believe my habits determine my life. Everyday is an opportunity to make an effort and right now I can feel momentum building. I'm not as consistent as I want to be but I keep the practice going. Thanks for checking in with me. Hope you're doing well. 

Ep. 45 – Happy Birthday Julie

April 2nd is a special day in the Welde household. This year we celebrated Julie's birthday at home but many of our friends and family did a drive-by to say hi! I'm so thankful for my amazing wife and all the support she gives me. In this episode I talk about one of the proudest moments of our relationship and share some fun travel stories. I'm looking forward to having her on the show to discuss these stories in more detail. 

Ep. 44 – Just For Fun

During this time of social distancing I realized that certain situations require us to decide to have fun. Despite the seriousness of this scenario, there is only so much that most of us can do: Stay inside, social distance, donate to causes that can help, try to be productive, focus on gratitude, and have fun. We’re all responsible for our actions, so rather than isolate ourselves and quarantine our positivity... text, call, or Face Time a friend to have some fun! It could change your entire week. What activities do you do just for fun? 

Ep. 43 – Walking On Eggshells

Certain situations cause us to experience the unpleasant feeling of walking on eggshells. I've grown through many scenarios and relationships in my life that included this exhausting sensation. In this episode I discuss those seasons and the one I'm currently in which includes feelings of walking on eggshells around myself. (*During the recording I wrongfully said "Welcome to Episode 42" when in fact this is Episode 43) Thanks for listening!

Ep. 42 – This Is What I'm Doing Now

"This is what I'm doing now" has become my go-to reminder to bring awareness to the present moment. I know that many recent episodes have been about presence and slowing down to appreciate life, but this episode was recorded during a time that I'm struggling to find joy. So my hope is that I'll take my own advice, begin to practice this method more intentionally, and get reconnected to life. 

Ep. 41 – Thankful To Be Alive

I've become thankful for life by thinking about death. Knowing and accepting that I will die is a gift that helps me be more present and intentional. One day will be my last, which makes every day I'm alive a chance to humbly serve others and do my part to experience love and share love. So yeah, I’ve been thinking about death recently, and I figured I could share my thoughts with you.

Ep. 40 – I Am So Frustrated

Everyone has tough days and difficult weeks. The reason it’s worth talking about these frustrating times is because maybe we can offer each other new perspectives for the next time we’re fed up and feeling annoyed. Right now I believe that I need to seek clarity in order to generate gratitude and enthusiasm for where I'm at. Hopefully this episode doesn't make me sound ungrateful or unaware of my privilege to be alive – I just felt like I needed to get this off my chest. And I think it helped. 

Ep. 39 – Slow Down. Zoom Out. Be Present.

Realizing that you are the silent observer of your thoughts will begin the process of accepting what is and living in the moment. 

"When you honor, acknowledge, and fully accept your present reality ­– where you are, who you are, what you are doing right now – when you fully accept what you have got, you are grateful for what you have got, grateful for what is, grateful for Being. Gratitude for the present moment and the fullness of life now is true prosperity." – The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

Ep. 38 – Optimism is a Decision

I don’t want to tell you how to live, what to do, or why certain ways are better than others, but I do want to offer you a chance to contemplate how your decisions are impacting your happiness. I believe optimism is a decision and that being optimistic can cure many of life’s issues. Sometimes all you need is hope that things will turn out good. Feeling secure is the first step to reaching peace, and security is found through surrendering what you can't control and cultivating an optimistic perspective toward all of life's challenges. 

Ep. 37 – Acts of Kindness and Paying It Forward

The fact that you woke up today is enough of a gift to now pay it forward! Sharing positivity and being kind are things that I want to take full advantage of while I'm alive. My friend Dan recommended I discuss this topic and it gave me a chance to evaluate my habits and realize that I need to be more intentional about listening to the voice in my head that encourages me to do little acts of kindness. You should too!

Ep. 36 – I Know Nothing

I talk about a wide range of topics on this podcast and this episode is to clarify one thing: I KNOW NOTHING! This was a tough one for me to post but in the spirit of full transparency and vulnerability I figured it was worth letting you know that I don't expect others to always agree with my thoughts and methods for living a meaningful life. My experience with anxiety, addiction, and self-loathing aren't exactly the same as yours but that doesn't discredit each other's insights. I love having the chance to contemplate what it means to be human and I appreciate you being on this journey with me.

Ep. 35 – Creating vs. Consuming

I'm sorry the audio is so messed up ... However this episode is filled with some of my most passionate moments on this podcast yet. 

I’m going to be a creator throughout my life because it's what brings me life and fulfillment, and although consuming content can be a relaxing use of time I often find myself using consumption to numb feelings of dissatisfaction. Let's talk about it.

Ep. 34 – Learning By Doing

Be the reason that someone smiles today! In this episode I discuss my experience with creative expression and sharing content online. I go in-depth regarding the concept of documenting my life through video and written word, plus I talk about the lessons I’ve picked up along the way, most of which I've learned through failure. Finally, I reflect on the different stages I’ve gone through including the good, the bad, and the cringe-y.

Ep. 33 – Momentum Maintenance

Whether it’s at the gym, writing a paper, reading a book, or building a business – momentum is built through recognizing accomplishments; especially the little wins that no one sees. I'm finally starting to understand the consistent work needed to generate momentum toward a goal. This new mindset of "showing up" even when I don't feel like it is cultivating patience and appreciation of the process. 

Ep. 32 – Documenting Life Through Stories

If money didn't exist and I was free to spend my time doing whatever I wanted, I would choose to document. Filming videos, capturing pictures, recording audio, and writing down ideas in order to tell a story is my greatest passion. It's what I want to do for the rest of my life. In this episode I scratch the surface about the importance of creating a narrative while documenting your life.

Ep. 31 – Lucid Dreaming and Sleep Paralysis

Lucid dreaming and sleep paralysis are two sleep related conditions that I’ve experienced over the years and I want to share my stories with you. If you've experienced either of these I would love to hear your stories! Send me a message on Instagram @mickeywelde

[BONUS] – We Talking About Practice (2017)

This bonus content is a podcast episode I recorded in 2017 called "We Talking About Practice." I'm glad I recorded this moment from three years ago and am now able to listen back. Life is a long journey that requires patience. I've been documenting my story for a long time and it's fun to release this stuff. Have a great day :)

Ep. 30 – My Thoughts About Turning 30 (Part 1)

2020 is the year I turn 30! I've decided to share my thoughts about turning 30 with you over the course of this year. Although I still feel young and don't think of 30 as being old, there is definitely a shift happening that I find interesting. In this first part of the conversation I talk about the new respect that I'm becoming aware of as I get closer to this new age bracket. I look forward to continuing to share my ideas about this as I close out my 20s.

Ep. 29 – Working Out Changes How I Think

The most important benefit that I've experienced from working out is mental strength and self-belief. When I first began my health and fitness journey I was focused on the physical changes that I could achieve, but over time I learned it's more about the mental shift that's occurred. No matter where you're at in your journey, experiencing this new mindset can influence all areas of your life.

Ep. 28 – No Alcohol For One Year

I made it 100 days without drinking! In October 2019 I decided I wanted to challenge myself by not drinking for an entire year. My plan was to stop on November 14, 2019 (my 29th birthday), and not drink again until November 14, 2020 (my 30th!). In this episode I talk about my decision to take a break from booze and the perspective of disciplined decision-making that I hope to gain. Cheers!

Ep. 27 – What Happens When You Die?

Tragic events often leave us with questions. In this episode I discuss what happens when we die and what we can do to make the most of our time on Earth.

Ep. 26 – Being Social In 2020

One piece of advice that I forgot to mention in this episode is this – Don't change who you are to try and fit in. Time will change what your social life looks like. Focus on being yourself. Self-awareness is the ultimate confidence boost and it will transform your social interactions by relieving anxiety and awkwardness. We go through many stages; stay focused on the one you're in now and have fun being you! 

Ep. 25 – My Soulmate Left Me

Hey everyone! Thanks for being part of this journey with me. This episode is about my first time as a solo parent while Julie was away in California for five nights. I learned so much during this experience and am excited to share it with you. 

Ep. 24 – A Book I Love: The War of Art

A book that has changed my perspective about the creative process is 'The War of Art' by Steven Pressfield. If you've read it, you know how powerful it's pages are. If you haven't, I encourage you to check it out. 

Ep. 23 – People Are Not Your Enemy

When we hear the word 'enemy' we think of the people we don't like. But I believe it's important to realize that it's not the person that's your enemy, it's certain traits and behaviors that put us at odds with others.  So rather than hating someone else, you should be at war against gossip, greed, judgement, selfishness, and all the other negative stuff that humans are capable of.

Ep. 22 – Avoidable Insecurity

Being insecure is a painful feeling. Often it takes away the joy of life and leaves us feeling lost. In this episode I discuss my personal experience with insecurity and recall a memorable note written to me by one of my favorite college professors. 

Ep. 21 – The Legend of Mrs. Beefy

A dead goose, a bag of brownies, and a helpless kitten lost in the woods.

In this episode I retell the legendary story of the weekend that we found our cat daughter, Mrs. Beefy. Listening back I wish I told the story with more energy but nonetheless, I think you will enjoy. It's an epic tale that most everyone will find amusing.

Ep. 20 – Life Update

There's a lot going on in my life, and I realized that, and I said to myself, 'You know what... share it with em' Mick! Let em' know! Keep em' in the loop with what's happening and how you're truly feeling.'

So that's it! Here is a life update about my marriage, our daughter, my family, my church, my job, my health, my goals, this podcast, my perspective, and my routine!

Enjoy!

Ep. 19 – Finding My Balance

I appreciate you taking time to listen to me discuss the importance of self-belief and learning when to pivot. These two lessons have helped me experience a calmness and balance in my life. I hope that you've found your own way to honor the present moment and allow life to flow with joy and ease.

Ep. 18 – Can Hobbies and Hustle Coexist?

In this episode I talk about my optimistic perspective that anyone can turn their passion into a career without getting burnt out. However it's also important to maintain hobbies that we do just for fun. The conversation was inspired by this tweet:

@kashia · 11:02 AM · Dec 31, 2019

i feel like my generation lost hobbies.

 

everything doesn’t have to be a hustle, side hustle, or money making enterprise. sometimes it’s just fun to do something because it brings you joy, peace, relaxation, or allows you to be creative.  

 

let’s rediscover hobbies in 2020.

 

*CORRECTION: In the episode I say this tweet is from 2009, but I meant to say 2019.

Ep. 17 – I'm Focused on Courage

My wife Julie encouraged me to pick a word to focus on for the year so I decided that my word for 2020 is courage. Courage to be myself. Courage to believe in myself. Courage to create a life filled with the things I love. This episode gets a bit off topic but I'm sharing it with you because we're on this journey together. This is a process.

Thanks for taking the ride with me. God bless you in 2020. Keep your head up and your mind clear. I love you.

Ep. 16 – How to Fulfill Your Purpose

“Your problem is that you equate your purpose with goal-based achievement. The Universe isn’t interested in your achievements… just your heart. When you choose to act out of kindness, compassion, and love, you are already aligned with your true purpose. No need to look any further!” from Note to Self.

Thanks for listening as I discuss our ability to fulfill our purpose and determine our future.

[BONUS] – Please Just Be Yourself (2017)

This bonus content is a podcast episode I recorded in 2017 called "Please Just Be Yourself." I'm glad I recorded this plea to myself three years ago and can listen back. Life is a long journey that requires patience. I've been documenting my story for a long time and it's fun to release this stuff. Let me know if you want to hear more! Have a great day :)

Ep. 15 – Express Yourself

Aww snap! It's been two weeks since I uploaded an episode. The end of December is a busy time for us all BUT I'M BACK to talk about self-expression. What a gift we have as human beings to express ourselves and be what we want to be. This is just the beginning of my journey and I'm excited to have you here with me.

IG @mickeywelde // Email: mickeywelde@gmail.com

Ep. 14 – Consistent Self Belief

"If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves." – Thomas A. Edison ... Today I go off script and discuss the importance of consistency and strengthening self belief through momentum. Episodes like this remind me why I started this project. 

Ep. 13 – Romantic Relationships Change You

Every stage of a relationship contains its good times and its bad times. Follow along as I discuss the major stages of romantic relationships and how loving someone changes us. 

Ep. 12 – Don't Judge Me

When you judge people your mind convinces you that the other person needs to change their behavior but the truth is that you need to change your way of thinking. Becoming aware of when you're judging others or yourself is the first step toward eliminating it. In this episode I discuss the tactic I use to recognize when I'm being judgmental and my attempt to consistently remind myself that I know very little about other people's life situations.

Ep. 11 – The Cure for Stress

Bear with me as I list off the stressful situations in my life and discuss theories about how to cure stress. I know, without a doubt, some of you are experiencing the same type of stress, or, everything I'm going through doesn’t compare to the real stresses you’re facing, but I’ve found that when I take time to think through my stressful situations I get some clarity about how to move forward.

Ep. 10 – Countdown to 2020

It’s easy for us to miss out on important situations or interactions in life when we’re too focused on an event that hasn’t come yet. This countdown can cause us to gloss over what’s currently happening, and even worse this countdown can trick us to thinking that everything will be better when it ends. In this episode I tell a funny story about being sacked 20+ times in a single football game and how every countdown has a lesson.

Ep. 9 – Why We Do What We Do

Recently I've spent my time considering 'Why I do the things I do.' So far I don't have a definite answer but my understanding that emotions play a role in my actions has helped me find clarity. Right now my focus is on pursuing my purpose and I'm prepared to raise my energy level to meet the needs of my calling. 

Ep. 8 – Life Goes On

In this episode I talk about my car problems and how I deal with frustrating situations. Life is bigger than our problems or the hardships we face. This doesn't diminish their impact on us or their importance, but it give us an opportunity to step outside the situation and realize it doesn't have the power to steal our peace. 

Ep. 7 – My Opinions on Opinions

Yeah, well... you know, that's just like, uh, your opinion, man. This was a difficult episode to record. Of course we need to stand firm about what we believe in, but it's important for us to understand that not everyone is going to agree. In fact, if you think about it, there's nothing in this world that can be described as 'for everyone.' Or is there... Thanks for listening!

Ep. 6 – I Made It Up

Well, this was interesting. I recorded this episode without an outline. Some moments are entertaining but overall it's nonsense. Here are a few memorable quotes from the show: 

“What the heck am I talking about?”

“I can’t even think of words. I don’t think that’s a good thing.”

“You don’t have to continue listening to me be… you know… speak nonsense…. and, and have a hard time forming sentences.”