In this episode, we explore our first listener-suggested maxim: “Don’t let what you can’t do interfere with what you can do.” The saying is primarily attributed to legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden, and its message is as practical as it is timeless.

Sam and I unpack this adage with our guest, Mike Piehl of Somerville, MA, examining how focusing on forward motion—rather than limitations—can unlock progress in work, creativity, and life. The phrase isn’t about ignoring challenges or pretending constraints don’t exist; it’s about refusing to let them become excuses. It’s a reminder that momentum is built by acting on what’s within reach, even when the full path forward is completely clear yet;-).

Given his lifelong practice of resourcefulness across nearly every facet of his life, Mike turned out to be the perfect guest to bring this idea to life, sharing real-world perspective on how doing something often matters more than waiting to do everything.

Postscript: As I wrote this episode summary, I was struck by how relevant this topic is to the very existence of Maxim EQ itself. There were (and still are;-) plenty of things Sam and I didn’t know about podcasting—but we started anyway, we’re learning as we go, and have enjoyed every step of the journey.

Thanks for listening,

Mike

Share your feedback

While this episode is far from a high-falutin academic deep dive into Seneca’s maxim, we do unpack the very real—and largely unhelpful—habit of catastrophizing: how a relatively small setback can snowball into a full-blown worst-case scenario, and the impact that pattern can have on our well-being. We also dig into the practical foundations that help us show up more fully in every part of life—thoughtful time management, emotional regulation, and intentional self-care. And finally, we acknowledge the difficulty of following our own advice: why it’s so hard, and what it really takes to bridge the gap between what we know and what we actually practice. It’s a grounded, candid discussion for anyone looking to move through life with a bit more clarity, compassion, and intention.

Thanks for listening,

Mike

Share your feedback

We’ve all heard the advice: tune out the noise. But what if that noise is where the valuable signal lives? In this episode, Sam, Lysa, and I dive into the power of paying attention to what may be tempting to ignore. Perhaps we’re actually being invited to listen more closely and observe with greater discernment—because the more “noise” we welcome in, the more opportunity we create to connect, learn, and grow.

Thanks for listening,
Mike

Share your feedback

This engaging episode of Maxim EQ dives deep into the adage “Comparison is the Theft of Joy” with guest Chris Hancock, an integrative therapist and former musician who blends psychology, spirituality, and lived experience. Together we discuss how our natural tendency to compare—especially in the age of social media—often leads to despair and disconnection. Yet, when approached consciously, comparison can be redirected toward empathy and self-understanding.

We explore how healing comes from identifying the “parts” of ourselves that seek validation, the dangers of unconscious comparison, and the liberating power of self-awareness. The conversation travels from social media and self-image to spiritual integration, parenting, and healing. Expect insights on mindfulness, the psychology of comparison, and what it means to choose love over competition in everyday life.

Thanks for listening,
Mike

Share your feedback

The ancient maxim “Know thyself” is certainly timeless—but what does it really look like in everyday life? In this episode, we're joined by our guest Laurie Blanchard to explore self-awareness not as a philosophical idea, but as a lived practice that evolves over decades and through every chapter of our lives.

Together with Laurie, we dig into the real, sometimes messy journey of personal growth—sharing stories, lessons, and tactics that help us stay grounded, reflective, and authentic. Laurie reminds us that self-awareness isn’t a single moment of clarity—it’s an ongoing process of becoming who we truly are.

We hope you enjoy the conversation.

Thanks for listening,

Mike

Share your feedback

In this episode, Sam and I are joined by musician and certified social worker John Deaderick to delve into a powerful lyric from the R.E.M. song “I Believe”: “Perfect is a fault, and fault lines change.” Using this as our launching point, we dive into the nature of perfection and perfectionism, and explore how embracing flexibility can transform our relationships, creativity, and personal well-being

John shares both personal stories and professional insights, revealing how our notions of “perfect” often change and evolve over time. Along the way, we discuss cognitive flexibility, societal expectations, and mindfulness, weaving together reflection, lived experience, and practical advice you can bring into your daily life.

Sam and I really appreciated the wisdom and vibe that John brought to this conversation, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Thanks for listening,
Mike

Share your feedback

In this episode, Sam and I are joined by Cara Price, a modeling and wellness coach from Kansas City, for a conversation exploring the maxim “Mountain?, or a Series of Molehills?”

Cara brings thoughtful, real-world perspectives on this idea—drawing from both her personal journey and her holistic work with clients. She shares how reframing challenges can make a huge difference in reaching goals, staying balanced, and easing the anxiety that often comes with overcoming big obstacles.

We hope you take away a couple of ideas and tips that you can apply in your own life.

Thanks for listening,
Mike

Share your feedback

In this episode of Maxim EQ, Sam and I are joined by John Dykstra to explore a simple but powerful idea: Empathy is Mutually Beneficial.

Empathy has become a buzzword in recent years, but we go beyond the surface—unpacking what it really means, why it matters, and how it can impact both your relationships and your own well-being. John offers thoughtful and practical insights drawn from his unique life and work on Alaska’s remote North Slope.

📌 Note: The limited internet bandwidth in the Arctic affected John’s audio a little, but his perspective was too compelling not to share.

We hope this conversation sparks reflection—and maybe even inspires how you approach empathy in your own life.

Thanks for listening,
Mike

Share your feedback