RAK ON: What Podcasting Has Taught Me About Growth and Connection
Dr. Rak (“rock”) here wishing you a joyous New Year and my deep gratitude for having you as a part of this community. Reflecting on the pivotal moments of 2023, my mind keeps returning to a project that has profoundly enriched my life—the evolution of "The Health Feast" podcast. This week’s reflection brings into focus both the journey of the podcast and also the deep connection I’ve developed with my friend and co-host, Tupotu, aka Po.
The spark between Po and I was immediate during our first conversation, a rare and inexplicable connection that promised something greater than we could have imagined. As Po and I explored his health journey in our early coaching calls, we realized these rich, often private, conversations had the potential to resonate with a wider audience. And so, "The Health Feast" was born, its name reflecting our mission to transform the discussion around health into a shared, joyous, and abundant experience.
Po's partnership with "The Health Feast" has been crucial to our growth. His curiosity, vulnerability, and insight have made for incredible conversations and made me a better co-host and a better person. For those intrigued by how our partnership began and the synergy that fuels "The Health Feast," I invite you to listen to episode 1 for the complete story linked down below.
This year, as Po and I navigated the nuances of podcasting, the topics we've delved into have mirrored the diversity and complexity of health. From addressing burnout in healthcare to exploring the benefits of mindful parenting, we've had discussions that resonate with our shared human experience. We've learned from CEOs leading the way in plant-based nutrition and health coaching, from physicians intertwining financial and physical health, and from advocates challenging health disparities and inequity. The expertise and stories shared by each guest have added depth and perspective to the feast of knowledge we are compiling.
Reflecting on "The Health Feast's" inaugural year, I'm struck by how growth is a journey of reflection and progress. Each episode has sharpened our interview skills and broadened our perspective. We've been humbled to see our discussions, starting as intimate conversations between us, resonate with listeners worldwide. While most of our audience is in the US, knowing we've reached listeners in over 30 countries is a modest yet profound reminder of the universal nature of our health and wellness journeys.
My reflection also brings into focus my gratitude for my friendship with Po and his profound influence on my life. Through our partnership, "The Health Feast" has evolved into a vehicle for enrichment and empowerment for us, our guests, and our growing number of listeners.
As we look ahead to 2024, let's RAK Our Week by valuing the relationships that inspire us and embracing reflection as a catalyst for growth. Here's to the insights we've shared and the community we're building, one conversation at a time.
Live Well and RAK ON,
Dr. Rak 👊🏽
Roots Reflection 🌳:
As you reflect on your journey over the past year, what significant relationship propelled you forward or opened up a new perspective? How did this other person contribute to your personal and professional growth?
Awareness Action 🧘🏾:
Take some time this week for a journal reflection. Sit in a quiet space and jot down the areas where you've grown over the past year. Additionally, reflect on your connections with others during this time. How have these relationships influenced and enriched your journey? This reflection exercise will heighten your self-awareness and deepen your appreciation for the people who have been part of your growth.
Kindness Opportunity 💖:
This week, take a moment to reach out to someone who has played a significant role in your life's journey, whether in the past year or even earlier. Perhaps it's a mentor, colleague, or friend. Let them know their impact on your life with a thoughtful message or a phone call. Expressing your gratitude for their contribution to your journey is not only fulfilling for you but also meaningful for them and will strengthen the bond between the two of you.
I encourage you to share reflections in the Subscriber Chat below.
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Last week, I spoke about how Your Feelings Will Betray You. How to Act Even When You Don’t Feel Like It. Watch On Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn
The Health Feast Corner 🎧
Note: we’ll be back with all new episodes in Season 2 of The Health Feast starting next Monday, January 8. In the meantime, catch up with one of the 19 episodes from Season 1. If you’re new to The Health Feast, I’ve suggested a couple of good ones to start with below.
Episode 1: Welcome to The Health Feast and Meet Po! Discover the origins of "The Health Feast" in this inaugural episode, where co-hosts Dr. Rak and Tupotu, aka Po, delve into Po's compelling story. From his early days in American Samoa to his lifelong journey with weight and health, Po's experiences offer a candid look at the challenges and transformations he's faced. The episode touches on his reality TV adventures, evolving health perspectives, and contemplations on weight loss surgery. Listeners will glimpse Po's genuine and vulnerable nature, setting the tone for the podcast's mission of support, health, and community. Listen On Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Substack | YouTube
Episode 4: Got Resolutions? In this episode, "Got Resolutions?", Dr. Rak and Po tackle the New Year's tradition of resolutions. They discuss why most resolutions fail, emphasizing the effectiveness of process-oriented goals over outcome-oriented ones. The duo delves into the importance of grounding resolutions in personal intentions and the role of mental health in habit change. Po shares his experiences and goals, particularly around meditation, providing relatable insights into setting and maintaining resolutions. Listen On Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Substack | YouTube
Thanks for walking this path with me. I always look forward to hearing your stories and insights, so feel free to hit reply or join the RAK ON chat and share a bit of your world. Or pass this message along to someone who could use a boost of Reflection, Awareness, and Kindness today.
Live Well and RAK ON,
Dr. Rak 👊🏽
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