Optimal Living Daily - Personal Development and Self-Improvement
Health, Home & Life
Join award-winning audiobook narrator Justin Malik in this personal growth accelerator, delivering bite-sized episodes each day that are rich with wisdom and practical advice. Optimal Living Daily features a carefully selected mix of articles from some of the most influential voices in self-help, covering topics like minimalism, productivity, mental health, and personal development. Each episode is thoughtfully narrated to not only inform but also inspire you to make meaningful changes in your life. Whether you're seeking motivation, clarity, or strategies to enhance your daily life, Optimal Living Daily is your go-to source for personal development. It’s not just a podcast; it’s a daily habit that empowers you to live your best life, one insightful and uplifting episode at a time. Dive into episodes that cover the essence of self-help, minimalism, and self-improvement, offering actionable steps to foster personal development. This podcast is designed for those passionate about personal development and minimalism, looking to integrate self-help strategies and self-improvement techniques into their daily routines. By focusing on personal development, each episode provides you with the tools needed for self-improvement and minimalism, transforming your life with every listen. Listen now, and become an OLD friend--your optimal life awaits...
Location:
Orange County, CA
Description:
Join award-winning audiobook narrator Justin Malik in this personal growth accelerator, delivering bite-sized episodes each day that are rich with wisdom and practical advice. Optimal Living Daily features a carefully selected mix of articles from some of the most influential voices in self-help, covering topics like minimalism, productivity, mental health, and personal development. Each episode is thoughtfully narrated to not only inform but also inspire you to make meaningful changes in your life. Whether you're seeking motivation, clarity, or strategies to enhance your daily life, Optimal Living Daily is your go-to source for personal development. It’s not just a podcast; it’s a daily habit that empowers you to live your best life, one insightful and uplifting episode at a time. Dive into episodes that cover the essence of self-help, minimalism, and self-improvement, offering actionable steps to foster personal development. This podcast is designed for those passionate about personal development and minimalism, looking to integrate self-help strategies and self-improvement techniques into their daily routines. By focusing on personal development, each episode provides you with the tools needed for self-improvement and minimalism, transforming your life with every listen. Listen now, and become an OLD friend--your optimal life awaits...
Twitter:
@OLDPodcast
Language:
English
Website:
http://oldpodcast.com/
Episodes
3597: 3 Ways People Become Stuck, Undeveloped, and Unsuccessful by Benjamin Hardy on Personal Development
5/14/2025
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3597: Dr. Benjamin Hardy challenges the belief in a "fixed" personality, explaining how trauma, lack of peak experiences, and cultural myths about identity can leave us emotionally and mentally frozen. By healing past wounds, seeking transformative experiences, and embracing change, we can continually evolve into new, more fulfilled versions of ourselves. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://medium.com/@benjaminhardy/do-you-have-a-frozen-personality-if-so-here-are-3-possible-reasons-ef949c0464c0 Quotes to ponder: "Your memory can get stuck, and then you get stuck." "You need to stop living in the past. This isn’t easy. Eventually, you can get to the point where you see the past experience as the past." "Personality is DEVELOPED. And it never has to stop developing." Episode references: The Power of Moments: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Moments-Certain-Experiences-Extraordinary/dp/1501147765 The Body Keeps the Score: https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:12:09
3596: Trust Yourself, Not the Experts AND What's Your Optimism Ratio? by Steve Pavlina
5/13/2025
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3596: Steve Pavlina challenges readers to shift their mindset from dependency on external authority to self-reliance, urging them to trust their intuition and life experience over conventional expert advice. He also introduces the concept of the “optimism ratio” as a personal barometer for growth, emphasizing how cultivating more optimistic thoughts can directly shape reality and accelerate personal development. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/06/trust-yourself-not-the-experts/ & https://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/02/whats-your-optimism-ratio/ Quotes to ponder: "Your own reasoning ability is vastly more important than the consensus of expert opinion." "If you blindly follow the advice of experts, you’ll never learn to think for yourself." "When your optimism ratio is positive, it means you’re giving more energy to what you want than to what you don’t want." Episode references: Think and Grow Rich: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Rich-Landmark-Bestseller/dp/1585424331 The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:11:59
3595: The Single Easiest Habit Change to Improve Your Life Forever by Joshua Becker of Becoming Minimalist
5/12/2025
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3595: Joshua Becker highlights one transformative habit that requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum impact: watching less television. By cutting back on screen time, we gain more hours for meaningful connection, creativity, and healthier routines, an intentional shift that leads to deeper satisfaction and personal growth. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.becomingminimalist.com/watch-less/ Quotes to ponder: "Life change can be hard - really hard." "Television is a self-propagating habit. It promotes its own self-interests by boldly declaring the Best New Show, Most Watched Network, Can’t Miss Episode, or Game of the Year." "Not only are the negative effects of TV detrimental to our lives, the opportunity cost is great." Episode references: Journal of Economic Psychology: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-of-economic-psychology Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:12:02
3594: There Is No Expert on You by Lori Deschene of Tiny Buddha on Inner Wisdom and Self-Trust
5/11/2025
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3594: Lori Deschene challenges the idea that experts always know best by reminding us that personal decisions often require self-trust, not outside validation. Through relatable stories and psychological insight, she highlights how relying too heavily on authority figures can obscure our inner wisdom and hinder authentic decision-making. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://tinybuddha.com/blog/there-is-no-expert-on-you/ Quotes to ponder: "Sometimes in looking for emotional back up, we give our power away, and oftentimes to people who know far less about what we need than we think." "The experts don’t have all the answers. Sometimes there aren’t any absolute answers." "We want there to be far more absolutes than there are, and we don’t want to have to carry the weight of our choices alone." Episode references: Sway: The Irresistible Pull of Irrational Behavior: https://www.amazon.com/Sway-Irresistible-Pull-Irrational-Behavior/dp/0385524382 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:11:23
3593: Does Remodeling Pay Off - Probably Not by Sam of Financial Samurai on Real Estate Investing
5/11/2025
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3593: Sam from Financial Samurai dismantles the myth that remodeling guarantees a return on investment, explaining that most renovations recoup only about 65% of their cost. He emphasizes that true profit comes from expansion, not remodeling, and encourages homeowners to remodel for personal enjoyment rather than profit, unless increasing livable square footage is the goal. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialsamurai.com/does-remodeling-pay-off-make-money/ Quotes to ponder: "Almost all property remodeling does not recoup the cost spent remodeling based on national averages." "Remodeling is a lifestyle choice with generally negative returns." "Increase the livable square footage of the home, and you increase the home’s selling price. It’s that simple." Episode references: 2023 Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling Magazine: https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2023/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:13:42
3592: The Life-Changing Power Of Having Fun: A Thought Experiment by Michael Blankenship of Get Your Gusto Back
5/10/2025
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3592: Michael Blankenship challenges the idea that joy should be reserved for leisure by showing how embracing fun, even during life’s messiest, most mundane moments, can transform your entire experience. By replacing judgment with curiosity and light-heartedness, you're not avoiding responsibility, you're reclaiming joy as your most powerful, practical tool for everyday living. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getyourgustoback.com/the-life-changing-power-of-having-fun-a-thought-experiment/ Quotes to ponder: “It’s hard to be fully present and have fun when a part of you is getting lost in a mental maze.” “You’re too busy thinking negative thoughts to enjoy the good, the bad, or the shit-stained!” “When fun flourishes, judgment dies.” Episode references: Tiny Buddha: https://tinybuddha.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:10:45
3591: How to Downsize Your Life from Negative People by Renee Benes of The Fun Sized Life
5/9/2025
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3591: Renee Benes emphasizes the powerful impact that negative people can have on our mental and physical well-being, comparing emotional toxicity to the clutter we often strive to remove from our homes. By recognizing the reasons we hold onto harmful relationships and setting clear, loving boundaries, we can reclaim peace, clarity, and emotional freedom in our daily lives. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.thefunsizedlife.com/how-to-downsize-your-life-from-negative-people/ Quotes to ponder: "You can’t save anyone." "Whenever you say 'no' to something, you are saying 'yes' to something else." "Saying 'no' to a relationship doesn’t mean you have to stop loving a person." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:11:44
3590: Your Life is Always Just Beginning by David Cain of Raptitude on Personal Growth and Development
5/8/2025
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3590: David Cain reminds us that life is never truly stuck; every moment offers a chance to begin anew, no matter how entrenched we feel in our routines or past mistakes. His perspective empowers listeners to let go of old narratives and embrace the infinite fresh starts available at any moment. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.raptitude.com/2015/10/your-life-is-always-just-beginning/ Quotes to ponder: "Your life is not on a path, and you can always start fresh." "The past is only alive in your mind right now, and nowhere else." "Today is the beginning of your life, and so is tomorrow." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:11:26
3589: Create a Daily Routine with Calendar Time Blocking (+ 7 Pro Tips) by Kyle Kowalski of Sloww
5/7/2025
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3589: Kyle Kowalski challenges the traditional approach of cramming more into each day and instead advocates for "better is better" through calendar time blocking. By intentionally scheduling tasks and aligning them with personal priorities and energy levels, time blocking boosts efficiency, reduces mental clutter, and fosters meaningful progress. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.sloww.co/time-blocking/ Quotes to ponder: "What gets scheduled gets done." "Time blocking is one of the best ways of turning good intentions into action." "What's important now? After a moment of reflection I realized that until I knew what was important right now, what was important right now was to figure out what was important right now!" Episode references: Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown: https://www.amazon.com/Essentialism-Disciplined-Pursuit-Greg-McKeown/dp/0804137382 Chasing Slow: Courage to Journey Off the Beaten Path by Erin Loechner: https://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Slow-Courage-Journey-Beaten/dp/0310345677 When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by Daniel Pink: https://www.amazon.com/When-Scientific-Secrets-Perfect-Timing/dp/0735210624 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:10:14
3588: Productivity and the Goose that Laid the Golden Eggs by Jacob Lund Fisker of Early Retirement Extreme
5/6/2025
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3588: Jacob Lund Fisker challenges traditional views of productivity by emphasizing that true output isn't about managing time, but about wisely using finite reserves of creative, physical, and social energy. By likening productivity to a goose that can only lay one golden egg per day, he highlights the critical importance of balancing extraction, maintenance, and expansion to sustain long-term success without burnout. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://earlyretirementextreme.com/productivity-and-the-goose-that-laid-the-golden-eggs.html Quotes to ponder: "Productivity is not about maximizing extraction. The rate of extraction must not be maximized. Maximizing extraction is bad." "If a person creates a lot of value in a single day, you can rest assured that very little of the same kind of value will be produced the next day." "Productivity, therefore, is not about expending time more efficiently - it’s not about expending more energy either. It is about expending energy most efficiently." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:10:18
3587: Identity Clutter (this type of clutter is preventing your personal growth) by Shawna Scafe of Simple on Purpose
5/5/2025
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3587: Shawna Scafe explores how "identity clutter," the physical and emotional baggage tied to who we think we should be, prevents us from living authentically in the present. She shows how minimalism and an abundance mindset can help clear space for genuine growth and help us step confidently into the people we truly are today. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://simpleonpurpose.ca/identity-clutter/ Quotes to ponder: "I wanted to be this person who makes bird food bread. But I never made it a priority." "When we fill up our space with ‘aspirations,’ we can’t use our space for actual, present moment LIVING." "Decluttering the excess ALLOWS us to change and grow." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:12:58
3586: How to Let Your Purpose Find You by Cylon George of Spiritual Living for Busy People
5/4/2025
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3586: Cylon George explores how finding your purpose doesn't have to be a monumental quest but instead can unfold through small daily actions and reflections. He offers practical strategies for tuning into what matters most, helping you align your life with deeper meaning and fulfillment. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.spirituallivingforbusypeople.com/purpose Quotes to ponder: "Finding your purpose doesn’t have to be a massive project or a huge commitment." "Small steps taken consistently over time can lead to a profound sense of purpose." "Paying attention to what energizes you and what drains you is a simple way to get clues about your purpose." Episode references: Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life: https://www.amazon.com/Ikigai-Japanese-Secret-Long-Happy/dp/0143130722 VIA Character Strengths Survey: https://www.viacharacter.org/survey/account/register The Purpose Driven Life: https://www.amazon.com/Purpose-Driven-Life-What-Earth/dp/031033750X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:12:07
3585: Play Time and Why You Need It by Nia Shanks on How to Improve Mental Health and Resilience
5/4/2025
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3585: Nia Shanks emphasizes the transformative power of incorporating more "play" into daily life, showing how intentional moments of fun can boost creativity, mental health, and resilience. She encourages readers to rediscover activities that spark genuine joy and explains how prioritizing playful experiences leads to a more energized and fulfilling life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://niashanks.com/play-time-and-why-you-need-it/ Quotes to ponder: "Play is any activity that brings you joy just for the sake of doing it." "Play helps relieve stress, boost creativity, improve relationships, and make life more enjoyable." "Make time for the activities that make you lose track of time, that make you smile and laugh, that leave you feeling lighter and happier." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:13:24
3584: AFGO - The Best Personal Growth Mantra of All Time by Shana Olmstead on How to Cultivate Awareness
5/3/2025
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3584: Shana Olmstead shares a powerful mantra from her 98-year-old great aunt: AFGO, "another f*ing growth opportunity," reminding us that every challenge is a chance to expand our consciousness and evolve. With practical advice on cultivating awareness, reframing challenges, and trusting the universe’s plan, Shana invites us to see life not as a series of problems, but as an ongoing, loving curriculum for personal growth. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://shanaolmstead.com/2018/09/11/afgo-the-best-personal-growth-mantra-of-all-time/ Quotes to ponder: "Every annoying person or long line or painful experience, it’s all here to teach us and help us grow." "There are no problems, I am not a victim, life is a teacher, and I am a student." "Surrender, surrender, surrender. When you feel you’ve surrendered enough, keep surrendering." Episode references: The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:11:40
3583: Finding Zen In Everyday Life by Melani Schweder of A Brighter Wild on How to Reduce Stress
5/2/2025
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3583: Melani Schwayder explores how we can reclaim peace and purpose by infusing our chaotic, fast-paced lives with the principles of zen. From single-tasking to mindful decluttering, this piece offers practical steps to create spaciousness, reduce stress, and reconnect with the calm that already resides within us. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.abrighterwild.com/blog/zen-in-everyday-life Quotes to ponder: "When eating, eat. When walking, walk." "Zen cannot exist where there is clutter." "You see, zen is something that already exists innately within us. We are born in perfect peace, at ease with our world and with ourselves." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:12:11
3582: The Art of Holding Paradox by Kathy Robinson of Athena Wellness on Being Open-Minded and Creative Problem Solving
5/1/2025
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3582: Kathy Robinson explores the transformative power of paradoxical thinking as a tool for navigating today’s complex, often divisive world. By embracing a both/and mindset instead of binary either/or thinking, we open ourselves to deeper understanding, reduced emotional reactivity, and more peaceful, creative decision-making. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://athenawellness.com/blog/2022/4/1/the-art-of-holding-paradox Quotes to ponder: "The practice of considering a both/and view doesn’t ask that we agree with opposing views, but it does ask us to allow the space for multiple experiences, opinions, and possibilities." "Paradoxical thinking gives us the opportunity to approach our challenges from different angles instead of one perspective for a deeper understanding and more inclusive resolution." "What we find when we hold a paradox is that what’s on the other side is insight." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:12:16
3581: Life Invaders 3: Return of Responsibility by Greg Audino on How to Cultivate Deeper Self-Awareness
4/30/2025
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3581: Greg Audino redefines what it means to be responsible by blending real-life growth stages with mind-bending concepts from Robert Scheinfeld’s Busting Loose From the Money Game. By challenging conventional thinking and viewing life as a personal video game of cause and effect, Audino makes the case for radical responsibility as a path to freedom, empowerment, and deeper self-awareness. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://medium.com/invisible-illness/life-invaders-3-return-of-responsibility-fbb9d06baa9e Quotes to ponder: "Responsibility is one of those concepts whose meaning changes drastically as life goes on." "You see, we like responsibility within reason. It feels nice to tell ourselves we’re responsible. But transcending that is not what most people sign up for." "Taking deliberate responsibility for things that aren’t a part of your plan gets you comfortable with the uncomfortable." Episode references: The Egg - A Short Story (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6fcK_fRYaI The Martian by Andy Weir: https://www.amazon.com/Martian-Andy-Weir/dp/0553418025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:12:10
3580: Rest and Recovery by Chris Guillebeau on Productivity and Long-Term Success
4/29/2025
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3580: Chris Guillebeau explores the often-overlooked power of intentional rest as a crucial element of productivity and long-term success. By reframing rest as a proactive strategy rather than a reward or weakness, he offers a refreshing approach to avoiding burnout and sustaining creative energy. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://chrisguillebeau.com/rest-and-recovery/ Quotes to ponder: "Rest is not a reward for hard work; it’s part of the work itself." "When we plan for rest and recovery in advance, we make better decisions and live better lives." "Rest is a strategy. It’s a way to gain clarity, increase your creative energy, and avoid burnout." Episode references: Essentialism: https://gregmckeown.com/books/essentialism Atomic Habits: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:10:33
3579: Simple Tricks to Begin Your Minimalist Lifestyle by Rachel Jones of Nourishing Minimalism
4/28/2025
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3579: Rachel Jones offers a refreshingly simple approach to beginning a minimalist lifestyle by asking one essential question: “Is this stuff helping you live the life you want to live?” Her practical advice cuts through guilt and indecision, empowering you to clear the clutter and free your mind, one intentional choice at a time. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://nourishingminimalism.com/simple-tricks-begin-minimalist-lifestyle/ Quotes to ponder: "Is this stuff helping you live the life you want to live?" "You can’t organize your way out of a clutter problem: you need to eliminate most of the items." "When the clutter is gone, it’s easy to organize what’s left." Episode references: Mini Habits: https://www.amazon.com/Mini-Habits-Smaller-Bigger-Results/dp/1494882272 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:09:58
3578: Taking Control of Time and Life by JD Roth of Money Boss on Living with Intention
4/27/2025
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3578: J.D. Roth shares how reclaiming control over your time is the key to living with intention. By understanding where your hours go and aligning your actions with your values, you can craft a more meaningful, less reactive life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/taking-control-of-time-and-life/ Quotes to ponder: "Time is your most valuable resource. You can always make more money, but once time is gone, it's gone." "I wasn't choosing how to spend my time. I was letting life happen to me, and reacting to it." "Freedom comes when your choices align with your values." Episode references: Your Money or Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Money-Life-Transforming-Relationship/dp/0143115766 The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin: https://gretchenrubin.com/books/the-four-tendencies/ RescueTime: https://www.rescuetime.com/ Toggl: https://toggl.com/ 168 Hours by Laura Vanderkam: https://www.amazon.com/168-Hours-You-Have-Time/dp/159184410X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Duration:00:12:34