What's on Your Bookshelf?

Епизоде

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  176 The Let Them Theory: When Grown-Ups Throw Tantrums 16.09.2026 29мин

  In this episode of What’s on Your Bookshelf, Sam Powell and Denise Russo continue through Mel Robbins’ The Let Them Theory with a question that shows up everywhere—from the office to the sidelines to our closest relationships:What do you do when a grown-up throws a tantrum?The answer isn’t to manage their emotions for them. It’s learning to let other people have their reactions while getting much better at managing your own.In this episode we discuss:* Why guilt trips, outbursts, passive aggression, and other emotional reactions can quietly start dictating our choices.* The difference between compassionately allowing someone to feel their emotions and jumping in to rescue, fix, or smooth things over for them.* Why you can’t change another person—but you can decide what you’ll engage with, where you’ll set boundaries, and what you’ll say yes or no to.* The uncomfortable flip side of the conversation: What if sometimes you’re the grown-up throwing the tantrum?* How Sam’s Read → Reset → Respond™ framework creates space between feeling an emotion and reacting to it.One Big TakeawayYou are allowed to let someone else be upset. And you’re allowed to feel upset yourself. The skill is learning that neither emotion has to dictate what you do next.A Question to ConsiderThink about a relationship where you regularly adjust yourself to avoid someone else’s reaction.What would you choose differently if managing their emotions wasn’t your responsibility?Coming NextNext week, Sam and Denise take on an even harder question:What happens when the right decision feels wrong?Because sometimes the choice that’s best for you can still hurt your heart, challenge a relationship, or require you to walk away from something familiar.📖 Buy the book and come along on the adventure with us. We’re so excited you’re here and would love to hear from you.How to reach us:Denise: LinkedIn | Substack | School of Thoughts LinkedIn Sam: LinkedIn | Substack | LeadtheGame’s Locker Room | WebsiteSubscribe and Review on Apple and Spotify.Subscribe to our YouTube channel. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit woyb.substack.com
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  175 The Let Them Theory: How to Love Difficult People 12.08.2026 31мин

  In this episode of What’s on Your Bookshelf, Sam Powell and Denise Russo explore one of the most emotionally challenging chapters in Mel Robbins’ The Let Them Theory: How do you love difficult people — especially when they’re family?From parents and siblings to in-laws and blended families, this conversation dives into the tension between accepting people as they are and protecting your own well-being. It’s a chapter about grace, boundaries, expectations, and choosing peace without pretending the hurt isn’t real.In this episode we discuss:* Why the people closest to us often have the strongest opinions — and why those opinions can hurt the most.* The difference between understanding someone’s behavior and excusing it.* How leading with curiosity instead of unsolicited advice can transform relationships.* Why expectations often create disappointment, especially within families and across generations.* How to decide when to strengthen a relationship, create healthy boundaries, or lovingly let go.One Big TakeawayYou can’t control how the people you love show up.But you can choose how you respond — and whether you continue carrying the weight of their opinions.Why This Episode MattersFamily relationships are rarely simple.The people who know us best can also challenge us the most.This episode is a reminder that loving someone doesn’t require agreeing with them, and protecting your peace doesn’t require abandoning your values.A Question to ConsiderIs there someone in your life you’re hoping will become a different person... when what might actually bring you peace is accepting who they are today?What Stood Out MostOne of the most powerful ideas from this chapter is that people can only meet you as deeply as they’ve met themselves.That perspective doesn’t erase the pain — but it can create the compassion needed to stop carrying it.Coming NextNext week, Sam and Denise tackle another difficult reality:What do you do when someone else’s emotional reactions become your burden?It’s a conversation about emotional responsibility, boundaries, and learning not to carry feelings that don’t belong to you.📖 Buy the book and come along on the adventure with us. We’re so excited you’re here and would love to hear from you.How to reach us:Denise: LinkedIn | Substack | School of Thoughts LinkedIn Sam: LinkedIn | Substack | LeadtheGame’s Locker Room | WebsiteSubscribe and Review on Apple and Spotify.Subscribe to our YouTube channel. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit woyb.substack.com
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  174 The Let Them Theory: Let Them Think Bad Thoughts about You 05.08.2026 29мин

  In this episode of What’s on Your Bookshelf, Sam Powell and Denise Russo unpack one of the most freeing — and uncomfortable — chapters of Mel Robbins’ The Let Them Theory: What if you stopped living your life around other people’s opinions?Whether it’s changing careers, raising your kids differently, making a bold life decision, or simply choosing a path that’s true to you, this conversation explores why fear of judgment often keeps us from living the life we actually want.In this episode we discuss:* Why other people’s opinions are often projections of their own fears, experiences, and limiting beliefs.* How worrying about judgment can quietly lead to self-rejection instead of self-confidence.* The difference between thoughtfully considering advice and allowing someone else’s opinion to direct your life.* Why trying to make everyone happy rarely works — and often leaves you disappointing yourself.* How living boldly means accepting that someone, somewhere, will always disagree with your choices.One Big TakeawayYou can’t build a life you’re proud of if you’re constantly editing it for someone else’s approval.Why This Episode MattersMost of us don’t miss opportunities because we lack ability.We miss them because we spend too much time worrying about what other people might think.This episode is an invitation to stop giving away that kind of power.A Question to ConsiderIs there a decision you’ve been delaying... not because it’s wrong for you, but because you’re worried about how someone else will react?What Stood Out MostOne of the most powerful ideas in this chapter is that trying to avoid disappointing everyone else often leads to disappointing yourself.And that’s a price far too many people pay for approval they’ll never fully earn.Coming NextNext week, Sam and Denise shift from fearing judgment to navigating relationships with the people closest to us.How do you love difficult people without losing yourself in the process?📖 Buy the book and come along on the adventure with us. We’re so excited you’re here and would love to hear from you.How to reach us:Denise: LinkedIn | Substack | School of Thoughts LinkedIn Sam: LinkedIn | Substack | LeadtheGame’s Locker Room | WebsiteSubscribe and Review on Apple and Spotify.Subscribe to our YouTube channel. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit woyb.substack.com
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  173 The Let Them Theory: Let Them Stress You Out 29.07.2026 32мин

  In this episode of What’s on Your Bookshelf, Sam Powell and Denise Russo continue through Mel Robbins’ The Let Them Theory with one of the book’s most practical chapters:How do you handle a job that’s stressing you out?Rather than focusing on changing your boss, your company, or your circumstances, this conversation explores the one thing you always have control over: your next move.In this episode we discuss:* Why work is one of the biggest sources of stress—and why your relationship with your job matters as much as the job itself.* The difference between waiting for your circumstances to change and deciding to change your response.* Why coaching, books, and mentors don’t change your life — you do.* The danger of staying stuck, waiting for the “perfect” decision instead of simply taking the next step.* How the “Let Them” mindset shifts your focus from what others should do to what you can do next.One Big TakeawayYou may not control your current situation. But you always control your next move. And that next move is where your power lives.Why This Episode MattersMany people feel trapped by a difficult boss, a frustrating workplace, or a career that no longer fits.This episode is a reminder that while you can’t always change your circumstances overnight, you can always choose your response — and begin moving toward something better.A Question to ConsiderWhere in your life have you been waiting...instead of choosing?What’s one small step you could take today that moves you forward?What Stood Out MostOne of the most powerful ideas in this chapter is that being stuck is often a decision we don’t realize we’re making.Progress doesn’t require having every answer — it starts with making the next choice.Coming NextNext week, Sam and Denise tackle one of the hardest parts of the Let Them Theory:How do you let go when the opinions that hurt most come from the people you love?It’s a conversation about approval, relationships, and finding the courage to live your own life.📖 Buy the book and come along on the adventure with us. We’re so excited you’re here and would love to hear from you.How to reach us:Denise: LinkedIn | Substack | School of Thoughts LinkedIn Sam: LinkedIn | Substack | LeadtheGame’s Locker Room | WebsiteSubscribe and Review on Apple and Spotify.Subscribe to our YouTube channel. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit woyb.substack.com
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  172 The Let Them Theory: Shocker: Life is Stressful 22.07.2026 29мин

  In this episode of What’s on Your Bookshelf, Sam Powell and Denise Russo continue through Mel Robbins’ The Let Them Theory with a chapter that feels especially relevant:Life is stressful. Now what?Instead of trying to eliminate stress, this conversation explores how to stop giving it more power than it deserves—and how a simple shift in perspective can help you protect your peace.In this episode we discuss:* Why most stress doesn’t come from one major event, but from a “death by a thousand cuts” of everyday frustrations.* How other people’s behavior can steal your attention, energy, and peace—if you let it.* The science behind stress and what happens in your brain when you’re constantly triggered.* Why creating a pause between a trigger and your response is one of the most important leadership skills you can develop.* Practical ways to protect your energy, from taking a deep breath to choosing a response instead of an automatic reaction.One Big TakeawayStress is unavoidable.Suffering isn’t.The power isn’t in controlling what happens around you.It’s in controlling what happens next.Why This Episode MattersMost of us spend our days reacting.To emails.To traffic.To difficult people.To unexpected problems.This episode is a reminder that your greatest source of peace isn’t a calmer world—it’s a calmer response.A Question to ConsiderThink about something that frustrated you this week.Did it actually deserve that much of your energy... or did you simply give it permission to stay with you?What Stood Out MostOne of the most powerful ideas in this chapter is that protecting your peace is an active choice.Every time you pause before reacting, you reclaim a little more control over your life.Coming NextNext week, Sam and Denise tackle a topic that hits close to home for many professionals: When your job is the source of your stress.They explore what it really means to “let them stress you out” and how to navigate chronic workplace stress without losing yourself in the process.📖 Buy the book and come along on the adventure with us. We’re so excited you’re here and would love to hear from you.How to reach us:Denise: LinkedIn | Substack | School of Thoughts LinkedIn Sam: LinkedIn | Substack | LeadtheGame’s Locker Room | WebsiteSubscribe and Review on Apple and Spotify.Subscribe to our YouTube channel. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit woyb.substack.com
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  171 The Let Them Theory: Getting Started: Let Them + Let Me 15.07.2026 34мин

  In this episode of What’s on Your Bookshelf, Sam Powell and Denise Russo continue their discussion of Mel Robbins’ The Let Them Theory by exploring the second half of the equation: “Let Me.”If “Let Them” is about releasing control of other people, “Let Me” is about taking responsibility for yourself. This conversation dives into the science, psychology, and leadership lessons behind why that shift is so powerful.In this episode we discuss:* Why comparison, jealousy, exclusion, and insecurity often reveal more about us than the people we’re focused on.* How social media can trigger feelings of being left out — even when nothing was actually done to us.* The connection between control, safety, discomfort, and the stories we create in our minds.* Why “Let Them” creates space, but “Let Me” creates responsibility.* How leadership, parenting, coaching, and personal growth all begin with owning your own reactions rather than trying to manage everyone else’s.One Big TakeawayMost of the growth isn’t in what other people are doing. It’s in what their behavior reveals about you.Why This Episode MattersIt’s easy to spend energy wishing people would change.It’s much harder — and much more powerful — to ask: Why am I reacting this way?That’s where the real work begins.A Question to ConsiderThe next time someone frustrates, disappoints, excludes, or triggers you...Instead of asking, “Why did they do that?”Try asking: “What is this revealing about me?”What Stood Out MostOne of the most powerful ideas in this chapter is that discomfort isn’t something to immediately eliminate.Sometimes discomfort is information.And if we’re willing to sit with it, it can point us toward the work we need to do on ourselves.Why This Chapter Feels DifferentThis isn’t a book about becoming passive. It’s a book about becoming intentional. Releasing what isn’t yours to control. Owning what is.Coming NextNext week, Sam and Denise tackle Chapter 3 and explore one of the biggest challenges in modern life: Stress.Where it comes from, why we struggle with it, and how the principles of The Let Them Theory can help us navigate it differently.📖 Buy the book and come along on the adventure with us. We’re so excited you’re here and would love to hear from you.How to reach us:Denise: LinkedIn | Substack | School of Thoughts LinkedIn Sam: LinkedIn | Substack | LeadtheGame’s Locker Room | WebsiteSubscribe and Review on Apple and Spotify.Subscribe to our YouTube channel. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit woyb.substack.com
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  170 The Let Them Theory: Stop Wasting Your Life on Things You Can’t Control 08.07.2026 33мин

  In this episode of What’s on Your Bookshelf, Sam Powell and Denise Russo dive into Chapter 1 of Mel Robbins’ The Let Them Theory and explore a question that sits at the heart of so much stress, frustration, and disappointment:How much of your energy is being spent trying to control things you can’t control?This conversation moves beyond the book’s viral title and into the deeper truth behind the theory: learning to release the need to manage other people so you can focus on your own life, growth, and peace.In this episode we discuss:* Why people-pleasing often looks different than we think — and how many of us are still trying to earn approval, understanding, or agreement from others.* The hidden cost of constantly trying to change, fix, convince, or manage other people.* Why humans are naturally wired for connection, belonging, safety, and control — and how that wiring can sometimes work against us.* What it means to “let them” be who they are, even when their choices, opinions, or behaviors don’t match your expectations.* The often-overlooked second half of the theory: “Let Me” — creating space to focus on your own values, choices, and growth.One Big TakeawayThe goal isn’t to stop caring about people. The goal is to stop carrying responsibility for things that were never yours to control in the first place.Why This Episode MattersWhether it’s parenting, friendships, family, work, or leadership...many of us are exhausted from trying to manage outcomes that belong to someone else.This episode offers a different path:Let them be them.Let you be you.A Question to ConsiderWhere in your life are you spending energy trying to change someone...when the real opportunity may be accepting who they already are?What Stood Out MostOne of the most powerful ideas in this chapter is that people reveal themselves through their actions.When you stop fighting reality, you create space to see people more clearly — and yourself more honestly.Coming NextNext week, Sam and Denise explore the second half of the equation: “Let Me.”The part of the theory that shifts the focus from other people’s behavior back to your own choices, boundaries, and personal responsibility.📖 Buy the book and come along on the adventure with us. We’re so excited you’re here and would love to hear from you.How to reach us:Denise: LinkedIn | Substack | School of Thoughts LinkedIn Sam: LinkedIn | Substack | LeadtheGame’s Locker Room | WebsiteSubscribe and Review on Apple and Spotify.Subscribe to our YouTube channel. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit woyb.substack.com
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  169 The Let Them Theory: Introduction 01.07.2026 35мин

  In this episode of What’s on Your Bookshelf, Sam Powell and Denise Russo kick off their next book journey with Mel Robbins’ The Let Them Theory — one of the most talked-about books of the year.Before diving into the chapters, they explore why this book has created so much conversation, what they initially misunderstood about the message, and why it may be about far more than simply “letting people do what they want.”In this episode we discuss:* Why The Let Them Theory may actually be a book about releasing control and focusing on what is within your influence.* How this book naturally follows the journey of:* cleaning up your thinking* tidying your work* and now examining your relationships.* Mel Robbins’ remarkable story from financial collapse and self-doubt to becoming one of the most recognized voices in personal development.* Why so many people get stuck trying to manage, fix, convince, rescue, or control things that were never theirs to control in the first place.* The importance of asking deeper questions about your fears, motivations, relationships, and the life you’re trying to create.One Big TakeawayThe most exhausting battles in life are often the ones we were never meant to fight. Sometimes freedom begins when we stop trying to control what isn’t ours to control.Why This Episode MattersMost of us spend far more energy managing other people’s choices than understanding our own.This episode introduces a different possibility:What if peace starts with letting go?A Question to ConsiderWhat situation in your life is consuming energy right now...because you’re trying to control something you ultimately can’t?What We’re Most Curious AboutThis book has generated strong reactions from both fans and critics. Which makes it the perfect book to explore together. Because sometimes the ideas that create the most debate are the ones worth examining most closely.Coming NextNext week, Sam and Denise dive into Chapter 1: “Stop Wasting Your Life on Things You Can’t Control.”A conversation that promises to challenge assumptions about relationships, expectations, and where we spend our emotional energy.📖 Buy the book and come along on the adventure with us. We’re so excited you’re here and would love to hear from you.How to reach us:Denise: LinkedIn | Substack | School of Thoughts LinkedIn Sam: LinkedIn | Substack | LeadtheGame’s Locker Room | WebsiteSubscribe and Review on Apple and Spotify.Subscribe to our YouTube channel. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit woyb.substack.com
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  168 Joy at Work: Conclusion, Sharing the Magic of Tidying, and How to Spark Even More Joy 24.06.2026 33мин

  In this episode of What’s on Your Bookshelf, Sam Powell and Denise Russo conclude their journey through Marie Kondo’s The Joy at Work by exploring what happens after the tidying is done.This final conversation is about more than organizing desks, inboxes, and calendars. It’s about creating space — space for clarity, purpose, joy, and the life you actually want to build.In this episode we discuss:* Why tidying is ultimately a process of self-discovery, not just organization.* How creating space allows you to better understand what brings you joy — and what no longer serves you.* The difference between eliminating things from your life and simply giving them a new place within it.* Why leading by example is often the most powerful way to inspire change in others.* How clarity around purpose, motivation, and contribution can transform both your work and your life.One Big TakeawayThe goal of tidying isn’t emptiness.The goal is creating enough space to clearly see what matters most.Why This Episode MattersMany people think clutter is the problem.But often the real problem is a lack of space:Space to think.Space to reflect.Space to choose.Space to grow.And sometimes creating that space changes everything.A Question to ConsiderIf you removed the noise for a moment...What would become more obvious about the life, work, or future you truly want?Why We Loved This BookWhat started as a conversation about tidying desks, emails, meetings, and workspaces became something much deeper:* A conversation about purpose.* A conversation about leadership.* A conversation about becoming more intentional with how we live and work every day.Coming NextNext week, Sam and Denise introduce the next book in the series and begin a new conversation about growth, leadership, and what comes after clarity.📖 Buy the book and come along on the adventure with us. We’re so excited you’re here and would love to hear from you.How to reach us:Denise: LinkedIn | Substack | School of Thoughts LinkedIn Sam: LinkedIn | Substack | LeadtheGame’s Locker Room | WebsiteSubscribe and Review on Apple and Spotify.Subscribe to our YouTube channel. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit woyb.substack.com
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  167 Joy at Work: Tidying Your Teams 17.06.2026 28мин

  In this episode of What’s on Your Bookshelf, Sam Powell and Denise Russo explore tidying teams — and why creating more joy at work isn’t about having fewer people, but about building healthier, more purposeful teams.This conversation goes beyond org charts and job titles to examine purpose, engagement, trust, growth, and the role leaders play in helping people thrive.In this episode we discuss:* Why the goal of “tidying a team” should be creating an environment where people can experience more joy at work.* How a lack of purpose creates confusion, disengagement, and messy teams.* Three powerful questions every team should ask:* How do we contribute to the organization’s goals?* What useful ideas are we generating?* What do we enjoy about being part of this team?* Why leaders need to get curious about the people on their teams instead of assuming they know what everyone brings to the table.* How to recognize when someone has outgrown a role, a team, or an organization — and why that isn’t always a failure.One Big TakeawayTeams become messy when people lose connection to purpose.When people understand why their work matters, engagement, trust, and energy tend to follow.Why This Episode MattersA lot of people assume disengaged employees are lazy.More often, they’re disconnected.Disconnected from purpose.Disconnected from growth.Disconnected from the impact of their work.And leaders have a responsibility to notice the difference.A Question to ConsiderIf you asked every person on your team:“How does your work make a difference?”Would they know the answer?Coming NextNext week, Sam and Denise discuss how to share the magic of tidying and how the lessons from this journey can create more joy not only for you, but for the people around you as well.📖 Buy the book and come along on the adventure with us. We’re so excited you’re here and would love to hear from you.How to reach us:Denise: LinkedIn | Substack | School of Thoughts LinkedIn Sam: LinkedIn | Substack | LeadtheGame’s Career Locker Room | WebsiteSubscribe and Review on Apple and Spotify.Subscribe to our YouTube channel. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit woyb.substack.com
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  166 Joy at Work: Tidying Your Meetings 10.06.2026 36мин

  In this episode of What’s on Your Bookshelf, Sam Powell and Denise Russo continue through Marie Kondo’s The Joy at Work with a conversation about a topic almost everyone complains about: Meetings.From calendars packed with unnecessary invites to meetings that could have been emails, this episode explores how to make meetings more purposeful, productive, and maybe even a little more joyful.In this episode we discuss:* Why meeting satisfaction has a bigger impact on overall job satisfaction than many people realize.* How to evaluate every meeting through a simple question: Does this need to exist?* The importance of agendas, clear objectives, and communicating the purpose of a meeting before it starts.* Why attendees have more influence than they think — including asking better questions, preparing in advance, and speaking up when they have something valuable to contribute.* Practical rules for better meetings: show up prepared, listen fully, put away distractions, encourage participation, and respect people’s time.One Big TakeawayMost meetings aren’t frustrating because they exist.They’re frustrating because nobody stopped to ask what they’re supposed to accomplish.Why This Episode MattersEvery meeting costs something:Time.Attention.Energy.Focus.The question isn’t whether you have meetings.The question is whether your meetings are worth the cost.A Question to ConsiderLook at your calendar for next week.Which meetings move work forward...and which ones are simply taking up space?Coming NextIn the next episode, Sam and Denise continue exploring how to create more joy at work by tackling another area where clutter quietly steals our time, attention, and effectiveness.📖 Buy the book and come along on the adventure with us. We’re so excited you’re here and would love to hear from you.How to reach us:Denise: LinkedIn | Substack | School of Thoughts LinkedIn Sam: LinkedIn | Substack | LeadtheGame’s Career Locker Room | WebsiteSubscribe and Review on Apple and Spotify.Subscribe to our YouTube channel. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit woyb.substack.com
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  165 Joy at Work: Tidying Your Network 03.06.2026 32мин

  Episode HighlightsIn this episode of What’s on Your Bookshelf, Sam Powell and Denise Russo continue through Marie Kondo’s The Joy at Work with a conversation about tidying your network — and why the quality of your relationships matters far more than the quantity.In a world obsessed with followers, connections, and online visibility, this chapter challenges us to ask a different question:Who are the people that truly belong in your life and work?In this episode we discuss:* Why a smaller network of meaningful relationships often creates more value than thousands of surface-level connections.* The difference between real relationships and loose associations.* How to identify the people who help advance your vision, support your growth, and genuinely spark joy.* Why mentorship, coaching, friendship, and professional relationships all play different roles in a healthy network.* How social media, AI, and digital communication can create the illusion of connection without the depth of real relationships.One Big TakeawayYour network isn’t measured by how many people know your name.It’s measured by how many meaningful relationships you’re intentionally building.Why This Episode MattersMost people spend their time collecting contacts.Very few spend their time cultivating connections.The difference can shape your career, your opportunities, and your overall happiness at work.Coming NextNext week, Sam and Denise tackle another workplace challenge: tidying your meetings — and how to reclaim time, attention, and productivity from calendars that have become overcrowded.A question to consider while listening:If you looked at your professional network today, who would make the “keep” list — and who are you investing time in simply out of habit?📖 Buy the book and come along on the adventure with us. We’re so excited you’re here and would love to hear from you.How to reach us:Denise: LinkedIn | Substack | School of Thoughts LinkedIn Sam: LinkedIn | Substack | LeadtheGame’s Career Locker Room | WebsiteSubscribe and Review on Apple and Spotify.Subscribe to our YouTube channel. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit woyb.substack.com
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  164 Joy at Work: Tidying Decisions 27.05.2026 28мин

  In this episode of What’s on Your Bookshelf, Sam Powell and Denise Russo continue through Marie Kondo’s The Joy at Work with a conversation about tidying decisions — and why decision fatigue quietly drains our energy, clarity, and leadership.In this episode we discuss:* Why we make thousands of decisions every day — and how that mental load adds up.* How to separate decisions into high-stakes, medium-stakes, and low-stakes categories.* Why some decisions should be made quickly, delegated, or pre-decided.* How too many options can create decision paralysis instead of freedom.* Why “good enough” is often enough to help you move forward.One Big TakeawayNot every decision deserves the same amount of your energy.Some need wisdom.Some need speed.Some need to get off your plate.Why This Episode MattersIf you feel mentally tired before the day is even over, your workload might not be the only issue.Your decisions may be cluttered.And clearing them creates more room for better leadership, better work, and better peace.Coming NextNext week, Sam and Denise talk about tidying your network — and how the people around you shape your energy, opportunities, and joy at work.📖 Buy the book and come along on the adventure with us. We’re so excited you’re here and would love to hear from you.How to reach us:Denise: LinkedIn | Substack | School of Thoughts LinkedIn Sam: LinkedIn | Substack | LeadtheGame’s Career Locker Room | WebsiteSubscribe and Review on Apple and Spotify.Subscribe to our YouTube channel. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit woyb.substack.com
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  163 Joy at Work: Tidying Time 20.05.2026 36мин

  In this episode of What’s on Your Bookshelf, Sam Powell and Denise Russo continue through Marie Kondo’s The Joy at Work with a conversation about one of our most precious resources: time.This chapter is all about tidying your schedule, your tasks, and the way work quietly takes over your life.In this episode we discuss:* Why saying yes to everything can slowly drain your focus, energy, and joy.* How unproductive meetings create real cost — not just in dollars, but in attention and momentum.* The difference between urgent tasks and important work — and why urgent tasks often win.* Why multitasking and switch-tasking can quietly wreck your productivity.* How to look at your calendar and ask: Is my work trending toward joy?One Big TakeawayTidying your time isn’t just about doing less.It’s about making room for the work, people, and priorities that actually matter.Why This Episode MattersIf your calendar is packed but your work feels empty, this episode is your timeout.Because every yes costs something.And your time is too valuable to spend on things that don’t deserve it.Coming NextNext week, Sam and Denise dig into tidying decisions — how to make clearer choices when work, life, and leadership feel cluttered.📖 Buy the book and come along on the adventure with us. We’re so excited you’re here and would love to hear from you.How to reach us:Denise: LinkedIn | Substack | School of Thoughts LinkedIn Sam: LinkedIn | Substack | LeadtheGame’s Career Locker Room | WebsiteSubscribe and Review on Apple and Spotify.Subscribe to our YouTube channel. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit woyb.substack.com
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  162 Joy at Work: Tidying Digital Work 13.05.2026 28мин

  In this episode of What’s on Your Bookshelf, Sam Powell and Denise Russo tackle one of the most overwhelming areas of modern work: digital clutter.From overflowing inboxes to endless notifications, this conversation explores how our devices may be quietly draining our focus, energy, and performance.In this episode we discuss:* Why digital clutter (emails, files, apps) creates constant distraction and hidden stress.* How to decide what to keep using three simple filters:* Do I need this for future work?* Will this inspire or inform me?* Does it bring any sense of value or joy?* The reality that more storage isn’t a solution — it’s often just avoiding the decision to clean things up.* Why notifications, emails, and messaging tools can interrupt deep work and lower performance.* How intentional boundaries (filters, rules, turning off notifications) can help you take back control of your time and attention.One Big TakeawayDigital clutter isn’t just sitting in your inbox.It’s sitting in your attention — pulling you away from the work that actually matters.Why This Episode MattersIf your day feels scattered, reactive, or constantly interrupted…there’s a good chance your digital environment is part of the problem.This episode gives you a simple starting point:Filter. Delete. Simplify. Reclaim your focus.Coming NextIn the next episode, Sam and Denise take it one level deeper — exploring how to declutter your time and focus on what actually deserves your energy.📖 Buy the book and come along on the adventure with us. We’re so excited you’re here and would love to hear from you.How to reach us:Denise: LinkedIn | Substack | School of Thoughts LinkedIn Sam: LinkedIn | Substack | LeadtheGame’s Career Locker Room | WebsiteSubscribe and Review on Apple and Spotify.Subscribe to our YouTube channel. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit woyb.substack.com
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  161 Joy at Work: Tidying Your Workspace 06.05.2026 25мин

  In this episode of What’s on Your Bookshelf, Sam Powell and Denise Russo continue through Marie Kondo’s The Joy at Work with a practical conversation about tidying your physical workspace — and why your desk may be affecting more than your productivity.In this episode we discuss:* Why clearing your workspace can help clear your mind — especially when work already feels chaotic.* How to tidy by category, not one random item at a time.* Why decluttering often brings up deeper questions about money, guilt, identity, and sunk costs.* The role of gratitude in letting things go instead of treating tidying like a cold purge.* How the things we keep can reveal our values, priorities, and next version of ourselves.One Big TakeawayTidying your workspace isn’t really about having a prettier desk.It’s about deciding what still belongs in the life and work you’re trying to build.Why This Episode MattersIf your desk, office, or job search space feels cluttered, this episode gives you a practical place to start:Sort by category. Decide with intention. Let go with gratitude.Coming NextNext week, Sam and Denise move from physical clutter to digital clutter — including emails, files, and the inboxes that quietly run our lives.📖 Buy the book and come along on the adventure with us. We’re so excited you’re here and would love to hear from you.How to reach us:Denise: LinkedIn | Substack | School of Thoughts LinkedIn Sam: LinkedIn | Substack | LeadtheGame’s Career Locker Room | WebsiteSubscribe and Review on Apple and Spotify.Subscribe to our YouTube channel. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit woyb.substack.com
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  160 Joy at Work: If You Keep Falling Back to Clutter 29.04.2026 29мин

  In this episode of What’s on Your Bookshelf, Sam Powell and Denise Russo continue their conversation on Marie Kondo’s The Joy at Work by digging into a question almost everybody knows too well:Why do we keep falling back into clutter — even after we clean things up?This episode moves beyond tidying as a task and gets into the deeper mindset, identity, and work-life vision needed to actually sustain change.In this episode we discuss:* Why clutter isn’t just about mess — it’s often a sign of unclear priorities, unclear identity, or an unclear vision for how you want to work.* The powerful link between mindset and maintenance — and why people who stay organized usually start with a clear picture of the life and work style they want.* How to visualize your ideal work life in practical detail, including your environment, schedule, energy, and daily rhythms.* Marie Kondo’s three categories of workplace joy:* things that directly spark joy* things that provide functional joy* things that lead to future joy* Why tidying is not really about throwing things away — it’s about keeping what supports your best self and removing what gets in the way.One Big TakeawayYou don’t stay organized just because you cleaned up once.You stay organized because you got clear on who you want to be and what kind of work life actually supports that version of you.Why This Episode MattersThis one gets to the real game:Not just how to tidy.But how to stop rebuilding the same mess.Because clutter usually comes back when your systems don’t match your life.Coming NextIn the next episode, Sam and Denise get into the practical step-by-step process of tidying — how to sort, what to keep, and how to create a workspace that actually works for you.📖 Buy the book and come along on the adventure with us. We’re so excited you’re here and would love to hear from you.How to reach us:Denise: LinkedIn | Substack | School of Thoughts LinkedIn Sam: LinkedIn | Substack | LeadtheGame’s Career Locker Room | WebsiteSubscribe and Review on Apple and Spotify.Subscribe to our YouTube channel. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit woyb.substack.com
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  159 Joy at Work: Why Tidy? 22.04.2026 27мин

  In this episode of What’s on Your Bookshelf, Sam Powell and Denise Russo begin their journey through Marie Kondo’s The Joy at Work and explore how clutter at work affects more than just your desk — it impacts your stress, focus, energy, and even your sense of purpose.This conversation is about more than tidying. It’s about creating a work life that feels lighter, calmer, and more intentional.In this episode we discuss:* Why physical clutter at work creates mental clutter too — and how it quietly drains productivity, motivation, and peace.* The surprising connection between messy environments, higher stress, and rising cortisol levels.* How clutter shows up in more than your office — including emails, meetings, papers, and unfinished decisions.* Why creating a tidy, intentional workspace can improve not just performance, but also confidence, self-esteem, and clarity.* A deeper reframe on tidying: it’s not just about neatness — it’s about discovering what kind of work style actually supports the life you want.One Big TakeawayA cluttered workspace doesn’t just slow your work.It can quietly shape your stress, your attention, and the way you feel about your life.Sometimes the first leadership move is simpler than we think:Clear the space.Why This Episode MattersIf work has felt heavy lately, this episode offers a different question:What if the problem isn’t only the workload…but the clutter surrounding how you do it?Coming NextIn the next episode, Sam and Denise dig into why people fall back into clutter — and what it takes to actually create a work environment that stays aligned with what matters most.📖 Buy the book and come along on the adventure with us. We’re so excited you’re here and would love to hear from you.How to reach us:Denise: LinkedIn | Substack | School of Thoughts LinkedIn Sam: LinkedIn | Substack | LeadtheGame’s Career Locker Room | WebsiteSubscribe and Review on Apple and Spotify.Subscribe to our YouTube channel. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit woyb.substack.com
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  158 Joy at Work: Introduction 15.04.2026 31мин

  In this episode of What’s on Your Bookshelf, Sam Powell and Denise Russo shift the conversation from internal mindset work to how clutter shows up in your work and daily life.This discussion explores how mental clutter doesn’t just stay in your head — it spills into your environment, your schedule, and ultimately your performance.In this episode we discuss:* How mental clutter and physical clutter are deeply connected — and how one reinforces the other.* Why being “busy” can actually be a sign of disorganization rather than effectiveness.* The hidden cost of clutter on focus, decision-making, and productivity.* Simple ways to start creating clarity in your environment and your thinking.* Why intentional structure isn’t restrictive — it’s what creates freedom and control.One Big TakeawayClarity isn’t something you find.It’s something you create — by removing what doesn’t belong.Why This Episode MattersMost people try to solve performance problems by doing more.But often the real move is the opposite:Clear space. Simplify. Focus.Because when your environment is cluttered……your thinking usually is too.Coming NextIn the next episode, the conversation builds on this by exploring how to create systems and structure that actually support consistent performance — without burning yourself out.📖 Buy the book and come along on the adventure with us. We’re so excited you’re here and would love to hear from you.How to reach us:Denise: LinkedIn | Substack | School of Thoughts LinkedIn Sam: LinkedIn | Substack | LeadtheGame’s Career Locker Room | WebsiteSubscribe and Review on Apple and Spotify.Subscribe to our YouTube channel. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit woyb.substack.com
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  157 Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess: Neurocycling as a Daily Mind-Management Routine & Conclusion 08.04.2026 25мин

  In this episode of What’s on Your Bookshelf, Sam Powell and Denise Russo wrap up their journey through Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess by focusing on how to actually live this work day-to-day.After unpacking the science, habits, and patterns throughout the book, this final conversation brings everything together into one core question:How do you turn awareness into a real, repeatable lifestyle?In this episode we discuss:* Why knowledge alone doesn’t create change — and why your daily routine is where transformation actually happens.* How your morning routine sets the tone for your entire day — and why grabbing your phone first might be working against you.* The reality that we’re more connected than ever — yet more distracted, overwhelmed, and disconnected internally.* A practical breakdown of Dr. Leaf’s daily system — including mental habits, “thinker moments,” and intentional resets throughout the day.* Why real change isn’t about adding more time — it’s about integrating better thinking into the life you already live.One Big TakeawayYou don’t need a completely new life to change your mind.You need a new way to run your current one — intentionally, daily, and on purpose.Why This Episode MattersThis is where the book stops being theory.And starts becoming a playbook.Because the difference between knowing and changing……is what you do when you wake up tomorrow.Coming NextNext up, the conversation shifts from the mind to the workplace — exploring how to unclutter your work and rethink how you show up professionally.📖 Buy the book and come along on the adventure with us. We’re so excited you’re here and would love to hear from you.How to reach us:Denise: LinkedIn | Substack | School of Thoughts LinkedIn Sam: LinkedIn | Substack | LeadtheGame’s Career Locker Room | WebsiteSubscribe and Review on Apple and Spotify.Subscribe to our YouTube channel. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit woyb.substack.com