In this episode, Aaron and Aja discuss their parenting journey, reflecting on their initial expectations versus the reality of raising two children. They share insights on the challenges of maternity leave, the impact of COVID-19 on their family dynamics, and the ongoing debate about schooling for their kids. The couple emphasizes the importance of communication, trust, and adapting their parenting styles to meet the unique needs of each child. They conclude with a commitment to fostering an open and supportive environment for their children as they navigate the complexities of parenting.

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Youtube: @our.two.cents.podcasting

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Parenting Perspectives

10:12 The Maternity Leave Crisis

16:05 Shifting Priorities During COVID-19

32:39 Lessons from Competitive Golf

38:59 Parenting Styles and Authority

45:57 Setting High Standards for Kids

51:17 The Importance of Communication in Parenting

Takeaways

• Parenting expectations often differ from reality.
• Maternity leave can lead to unexpected challenges.
• COVID-19 shifted priorities for many families.
• Flexibility in parenting is crucial for family dynamics.
• Deciding on schooling involves weighing various factors.
• Communication is key in understanding children's needs.
• Every child is unique and requires different approaches.
• Building trust with children starts early in parenting.
• Parents should strive to be a safe space for their kids.
• Parenting styles evolve as children grow and develop.

In this episode, Aja and Aaron discuss the importance of mentorship in personal and professional growth. They share their experiences with mentors, the value of being open-minded, and how mentorship can come from various sources. The conversation highlights the significance of seeking guidance, the fulfillment of mentoring others, and the role of passion in attracting mentors. They also explore how books and podcasts can serve as valuable resources for learning and growth.

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Instagram: @ourtwocentspod_ / @ajajanene_ / @aaron_pauls

Youtube: @our.two.cents.podcasting

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Recent Guests

05:50 Personal Experiences with Mentors

12:01 The Role of Mentorship in Personal Growth

18:06 Finding Mentorship in Unconventional Ways

24:00 Books and Resources as Mentors

32:30 Empowering Through Mentorship

37:36 The Importance of Credibility in Mentorship

47:56 The Joy of Mentoring

Takeaways

• Mentorship can come from various sources, including parents and peers.
• Being a mentor is as valuable as being mentored.
• Open-mindedness is crucial for effective mentorship.
• Experience often outweighs formal credentials in mentorship.
• Books and podcasts can serve as valuable mentors.
• Mentoring others can be fulfilling and rewarding.
• Passion is key to attracting mentors.
• Mentorship is a two-way street; both parties learn.
• The journey of mentorship can lead to personal growth.
• Sharing experiences can help others navigate their paths.

In this conversation, Aaron and Aja discuss with Roger Friesen the intricacies of performance psychology, its evolution from sports psychology, and its application across various fields. Roger shares insights on managing emotions, the importance of focus, and the role of silence in communication. He emphasizes the significance of empowering others through guidance rather than simply providing answers. The discussion also touches on the characteristics of high performers and the unique experiences at the Olympics, highlighting the cultural exchange and personal growth that comes from such events.

Roger Friesen has been working as a mental training consultant for the past 20 years with many National level and Olympic teams and athletes. This has involved working with athletes in preparation for Olympic, Commonwealth and Pan Am Games as well as many world championships. Over the years, Roger’s work as a sport psychology consultant has also included work with those in the performing arts – musicians, actors and ballet. Roger also taught the sports psychology stream of courses he developed at the University of the Fraser Valley for over 2 decades.

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Instagram: @ourtwocentspod_ / @ajajanene_ / @aaron_pauls / @rogerfriesen

Youtube: @our.two.cents.podcasting

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Performance Psychology

05:46 Managing Emotions in Sports

11:52 Task Focus vs. Outcome Focus

17:58 The Importance of Team Dynamics

39:35 The Power of Silence in Conversations

45:07 Empowering Through Guidance, Not Answers

50:13 Characteristics of High Performers

57:18 The Olympic Experience: Unity in Diversity

Takeaways

• Performance psychology includes mental and emotional training.
• Managing emotions is crucial for optimal performance.
• The pre-shot routine in sports starts before the action.
• Focus on tasks rather than outcomes to avoid choking.
• Silence can facilitate deeper conversations.
• Empowering others involves guiding them to find their own answers.
• High performers often share traits like discipline and passion.
• The mundanity of excellence is essential for success.
• The Olympics serve as a platform for cultural understanding.
• Traveling enhances appreciation for diverse cultures.

In this engaging conversation, Taylor Callens shares his unique experiences from competing on The Amazing Race Canada with his sister, the challenges they faced, and how it strengthened their bond. He discusses the behind-the-scenes aspects of the show, the cultural shocks encountered during their travels, and the lessons learned from the competition. Taylor also reflects on his career in policing, emphasizing the importance of mental health support for first responders and the value of open communication in resolving conflicts. The discussion highlights personal growth, teamwork, and the impact of life experiences on shaping one's perspective.

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Instagram - @ourtwocentspod_ / @ajapauls_ / @aaron_pauls

Youtube - @our.two.cents.podcasting

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:11 The Amazing Race Canada Experience

07:41 Training and Preparation for the Race

11:30 Team Dynamics and Challenges

17:14 Cultural Experiences and Language Barriers

20:00 Adventures with Snakes and Wildlife

22:59 The Thrill of Competition

24:02 Final Challenges and Unexpected Twists

28:58 Behind the Scenes of Reality TV

34:07 Insights from Law Enforcement

36:30 Awareness and Desensitization in Law Enforcement

39:11 The Art of De-escalation

41:49 Communication as a Conflict Resolution Tool

45:27 Learning Through Experience

51:50 Coping Mechanisms for First Responders

Takeaways

• Taylor and his sister applied for The Amazing Race Canada on a whim.
• The application process involved a video submission and in-person interviews.
• Competing on the show was a unique experience that strengthened their bond as siblings.
• The challenges faced during the race tested their teamwork and communication skills.
• Cultural shocks were significant, especially during their time in Indonesia.
• The final challenge was intense and took place in Banff, Canada.
• Taylor's experience in policing has shaped his perspective on life and communication.
• Mental health support is crucial for first responders, and Taylor advocates for it.
• Confrontation doesn't have to be negative; open communication can resolve issues.
• Taylor emphasizes the importance of talking to people to understand their perspectives.

In this conversation, Aaron and Aja discuss various life hacks that have helped them navigate personal and professional challenges. They explore the importance of self-care, the impact of environment on personal growth, the significance of community, and the necessity of choosing the right partner. They also touch on the power of saying no, leveraging resources for efficiency, and integrating life with business to create a fulfilling lifestyle.

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Instagram: @ourtwocentspod_ / @ajajanene_ / @aaron_pauls

Youtube: @our.two.cents.podcasting

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Life Hacks Overview

01:00 Self-Care and Daily Routines

05:59 Changing Your Environment for Growth

11:03 Finding Your Community

13:57 Choosing the Right Partner

19:59 Setting Boundaries and Saying No

25:11 Using Leverage in Life

26:01 Leveraging Efficiency for Success

38:21 Integrating Life and Business

44:49 Conclusion and Future Conversations

Takeaways

• Getting ready every day boosts self-confidence.
• Changing your environment can facilitate personal growth.
• Finding a supportive community is essential for expansion.
• Choosing the right partner significantly impacts your life.
• Learning to say no can lead to inner peace.
• Leveraging resources can save time and increase efficiency.
• Integrating life and business can enhance fulfillment.
• Self-care is crucial for maintaining mental health.
• Healthy relationships are a determinant of happiness.
• Efficiency allows for more effective use of time.

In this episode, Aja and Aaron discuss their busy lives, the challenges of pursuing goals while balancing family responsibilities, and the importance of maintaining a calm mindset. They explore the role of AI in everyday tasks, its potential impact on health and education, and the significance of delayed gratification. The conversation also touches on the value of reading and learning together, emphasizing the need for focus and overcoming mental barriers in the pursuit of success.

Follow along with us!

Instagram: @ourtwocentspod_ / @ajajanene_ / @aaron_pauls

Youtube: @our.two.cents.podcasting

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Busy Lives

03:10 Pursuing Goals and Finding Balance

05:48 The Importance of Focus and Activity

08:58 Delayed Gratification and Family Dynamics

11:48 Emotional Challenges in Pursuing Success

14:54 The Role of AI in Everyday Life

27:00 AI's Impact on Education and Future Prospects

34:57 Navigating the Challenge Point in Learning

39:24 The Role of Technology in Education

44:04 Finding Balance: Silence and Overstimulation

46:57 Exploring Financial Markets and Global Economics

Takeaways

Aja feels calm about her current goals despite the busyness.

The couple has been busy but finding a good groove together.

Balancing family time with work commitments is challenging but necessary.

Delayed gratification is a recurring theme in their discussions.

Overcoming mental barriers is essential for personal growth.

AI can significantly enhance everyday tasks and creativity.

Cooking with AI can save time and inspire new recipes.

AI has potential health benefits by personalizing care.

Education may evolve with AI, adapting to individual learning needs.

Reading together fosters understanding and growth in their relationship.

In this episode of the Our Two Cents Podcast, hosts Aaron and Aja discuss their personal values and how these principles guide their lives and decision-making. They explore topics such as health, relationships, family, lifelong learning, and the importance of courage and discipline. The conversation emphasizes the significance of investing in experiences and supporting one another in their goals, while also touching on the values they wish to instill in their children. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to reflect on their own values and share them with the community.

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Instagram - @ourtwocentspod_ / @ajajanene_ / @Aaron_pauls

Youtube - @Our.Two.Cents.Podcasting

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Milestone Reflection

01:10 Exploring Personal Values and Their Importance

04:22 The Value of Health and Relationships

06:51 The Importance of Exploration and New Experiences

11:24 Family Values and Decision Making

12:11 Aaron's Values and Principles

13:51 Health as a Core Value

19:29 The Role of Supportive Partnerships in Health

21:39 Courage and Risk-Taking

24:30 Discipline as a Foundational Value

28:38 Lifelong Learning and Curiosity

30:05 The Lifelong Journey of Learning

31:53 Exploring Family Values

34:56 Investing in Experiences and Future

38:00 The Importance of Support in Relationships

40:39 Creating Individual Connections

52:00 Fostering Transparency and Honesty

Takeaways

• Health encompasses more than just physical well-being.
• Strong social relationships contribute to overall happiness.
• Values guide decision-making and help clarify choices.
• Exploration and travel are vital for personal growth.
• Investing in experiences creates lasting memories.
• Support and flexibility in relationships are essential.
• Transparency fosters open communication within families.
• Discipline is crucial for achieving personal goals.
• Lifelong learning keeps the mind engaged and curious.
• Family values shape the upbringing of children.

In this episode of Our Two Cents Podcast, Aaron and Aja sit down with Dr. Mark Guadagnoli, a Professor of Neuroscience & Neurology at UNLV Medical School and an expert in performance optimization. Mark has spent over 25 years advising executives, coaching high performers, and developing learning strategies used by top organizations like Google, Zappos, and Ford. He’s also the founder & CEO of Triad Consulting and has worked as a mental training consultant for the UNLV men’s golf team for 24 years.

The conversation explores the impact of childhood experiences, the role of life coaching, and why values, gratitude, and curiosity are essential for growth. Mark introduces the Challenge Point Framework, explaining how optimal challenges fuel learning and development. He also shares insights from his books—Human Learning: Biology, Brain, and Neuroscience and Practice to Learn, Play to Win—and offers practical strategies for improving performance. The episode wraps up with actionable advice for anyone looking to elevate their personal growth and a list of must-read books that have shaped their journeys.

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Instagram - @ourtwocentspod_ / @ajajanene_ / @aaron_pauls

Youtube - @our_two_cents_podcasting

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Personal Growth

01:11 Understanding Personal Growth and Life Coaching

05:17 The Impact of Childhood on Personal Development

11:07 Fundamental Principles of Personal Growth

13:08 The Role of Gratitude in Personal Growth

22:03 Judgment vs. Curiosity in Self-Improvement

31:09 The Importance of Values in Personal Growth

32:09 Understanding Values and Their Impact

38:59 The Importance of Family and Experiences

43:55 Navigating Failure and Resilience

51:46 Optimal Challenge and Personal Growth

54:46 Starting Your Journey in Personal Development