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StreetSmart Wisdom: Mindful and Practical Tips For Everyday Life

StreetSmart Wisdom: Mindful and Practical Tips For Everyday Life

Written by: Steve Stein
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About this listen

 Host Steve Stein interviews various best-selling authors, experts, and thought leaders in the self-help community and helps bring their messages down to 'street level' to make these vital concepts accessible to every day people. In this day of digital overload, it's hard to string together even two moments of mindfulness. Each week, join Steve Stein, a long time member of the personal development community, as he interviews best-selling authors for practical ideas and concepts on mindful living. If you have any interest in living a more mindful life, this show is for you.BetterListen LLC 2018 Self-Help Spirituality Success
Episodes
  • Brooklyn Stories - Hustle, Heart, and Heritage from the Playground to Global Success

    Brooklyn Stories - Hustle, Heart, and Heritage from the Playground to Global Success
    Jan 29 2026
    Welcome to the StreetSmart Wisdom Podcast! In this special Brooklyn Stories episode, host Steve Stein brings together two true Brooklyn legends, Ditto David Tawil and Larry Neymer, for a journey back to the old-school streets of Brooklyn. They share firsthand stories from a time when the playground and neighborhood parks were classrooms for life, and unforgettable characters—like Frankie Hot Dog and Vinny Cigar—filled the block. You'll hear Ditto David Tawil talk about how street basketball shaped his life and inspired his book, "Hoop Dance," a life-affirming guide to staying active, building character, and connecting generations. Larry Neymer, co-founder of E! Entertainment Television, reveals how a scrappy Brooklyn start led to building a global media empire—complete with behind-the-scenes stories of the Kardashians, Howard Stern, and even crashing the Oscars red carpet. Plus, Steve Stein reads excerpts from his own Brooklyn memoir, The Sneaker Tree, capturing the vibrancy, color, and camaraderie of growing up in Brooklyn during the summer of '69. Tune in for rapid-fire memories about favorite street games, classic nicknames, hustles for first jobs, and legendary after-school hangouts. This episode is a heartfelt, humorous, and honest celebration of Brooklyn's timeless spirit—and a reminder that street wisdom never goes out of style. Here's a comprehensive sequence of topics covered in this episode of the StreetSmart Wisdom Podcast, with main topics and detailed sub-topics beneath each: 1. Introduction to StreetSmart Wisdom Podcast and Wisdom Feed Plus Introduction to podcast themes and mission Promotion of Wisdom Feed Plus membership and its benefits Emphasis on ancient wisdom, mindfulness, and a supportive community 2. Launching the Brooklyn Stories Series Backstory on the creation of "The Sneaker Tree" story Importance of sharing old-school Brooklyn experiences with younger generations Commentary on today's digital culture and "unplugging" Introduction to the episode's guests: Ditto David Tawil and Larry Neymer 3. Guest Introductions and Biographies Overview of Ditto David Tawil 's work, especially his book "Hoop Dance" The philosophy of basketball as life lessons and community building The tradition of multi-generational pickup games in Brooklyn Introduction to Larry Neymer 's memoir "Off Script" Journey from Coney Island to founding E! Discussion of his rise through the media industry and impact on pop culture 4. Brooklyn Childhood Memories and Street Culture The unique nature of growing up in old-school Brooklyn Childhood without modern technology—community, street games, and local hangouts The "Sneaker Tree" as a symbol of the era Folklore and the passing down of stories and traditions 5. The Role of Sports in Community and Personal Development Pickup basketball as a life teacher Building character, resilience, and friendships on the court and in the park The importance of mentorship and intergenerational relationships 6. Nostalgia and Today's Digital World Conversation around "historical nostalgia" and renewed interest in analog experiences (vinyl, stickball, unplugging) The impact of technology and social media on youth, including issues of isolation and rage The push for compelling offline alternatives to screen time 7. Legendary Brooklyn Figures and Neighborhood Nicknames Sharing favorite local nicknames and their origins (e.g., Hot Dog Frankie, Vinny Cigar, Aldo Second Story) The stories behind the nicknames and what they reveal about neighborhood dynamics 8. Favorite Brooklyn Street and Park Games Recollections of punch ball, stickball, sliding on blacktop, and other classic games Unique adaptations and tricks for street games (e.g., taping bats to avoid police confiscation) The importance of these games in community cohesion 9. First Jobs and Hustling in Brooklyn Early work experiences: selling cigarettes, pushing carts, shining shoes, working in family stores How these jobs shaped character and provided life lessons 10. Iconic Brooklyn Food and Flavors Favorite local treats (knishes, onion pretzels, egg creams) Debates over flavors and vendors Creative twists on classic Brooklyn fare (e.g., the "hard vanilla egg cream") 11. Reflections on Brooklyn's Life Lessons How Brooklyn upbringing instilled discipline, resilience, and camaraderie Praise for legendary coaches and mentors The enduring value of getting "knocked down and getting up"—both literally and figuratively 12. "The Sneaker Tree" as a Living Project and Call to Action Evolution of "The Sneaker Tree" from story to novel to potential streaming series Invitation for listeners to engage and contribute The idea of creating new folklore for families today 13. Closing Thoughts and Gratitude Acknowledgments to contributors and community members Final reflections on the magic of Brooklyn Calls for continued storytelling and community-building This episode ...
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    57 mins
  • Karen Salmansohn – Your to Die for Life: Maximizing Joy, Minimizing Regret

    Karen Salmansohn – Your to Die for Life: Maximizing Joy, Minimizing Regret
    Jul 3 2025
    Episode Overview

    In this inspiring episode, Steve Stein sits down with acclaimed author and mindset expert Karen Salmansohn for an in-depth conversation about her upcoming book, "Year to Die for Life: How to Maximize Joy and Minimize Regret Before Your Time Runs Out." Karen and Steve explore how mortality awareness can catalyze a life well-lived, waking us up from autopilot to tap into deeper authenticity, gratitude, and actionable joy.

    Key Topics Discussed

    • Near Life Experiences vs. Truly Living:
      Karen explains how many of us go through our days on autopilot—scrolling mindlessly, distracted, and missing out on real, vibrant life. She shares strategies for waking up and savoring every moment.

    • The Power of Mortality Awareness:
      Inspired by her father's passing, Karen reveals how pondering life's finiteness isn't morbid—it's motivating. Knowing our time is limited helps us act with greater urgency and intention.

    • Writing Your Own Eulogy & "To Die" List:
      Karen introduces practical exercises like writing your own eulogy (with a fun, Mad Libs-inspired template!) and creating a "To Die List"—a collection of what truly matters most.

    • Core Values for a Meaningful Life:
      Explore Karen's seven core values (Authentic, Brave, Curious, Discerning, Empathic Love, Fun, Gratitude) and learn how aligning your daily habits with these values helps reduce regret and boost fulfillment.

    • Identity-Based Habits:
      How embracing positive self-identity and values leads to powerful, lasting behavioral change.

    • Daily Practices to Cultivate Mindfulness:
      Accessible tools such as gratitude rituals in the morning, "speed bumps" (moments of awareness during the day), visual meditations, and journaling for self-reflection.

    • Mortality Marble Jar:
      Karen introduces a visual monthly ritual—removing a marble for each month left in your projected life—which brings heightened appreciation and increased mindfulness to each day.

    • Building Meaningful Relationships:
      Why time spent intentionally with those you love, and the ripples you leave, matter above all else.

    Practical Takeaways

    • Simple morning meditations to start your day with gratitude and intention

    • How to use speed bumps and discernment to pause and make more meaningful daily choices

    • Fun, engaging habits like the "fun jar" and monthly self-reflection with marbles

    • Journaling prompts to deepen self-awareness and discover what matters most

    Memorable Quotes

    • "A spoonful of humor helps the psychological tools go down."

    • "Mortality awareness isn't morbid—it's motivating."

    • "The more you 'you' you are, the happier you'll be."

    Resources & Links

    • Karen's Website: notsalmon.com

    • Preorder the Book: yourtodieforlife.com

    • SurfingTheTsunami.com – Wisdom Feed Plus Membership

    Connect with the Show

    Love this episode?
    Join the growing community at Wisdom Feed Plus for exclusive access to meditations, expert interviews, and a supportive community to help you stress less and live more.

    Thank you for tuning in to StreetSmart Wisdom! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends. See you next time!
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    55 mins
  • Melli O'Brien - Exploring Deep Resilience

    Melli O'Brien - Exploring Deep Resilience
    Feb 26 2025

    Welcome back to another insightful episode of the StreetSmart Wisdom Podcast. I'm your host, Steve Stein, and today we delve into the realm of mental resilience and inner strength with our exceptional guest, Melli O'Brien. Melli, cofounder of mindfulness.com and an esteemed educator and coach in mental health, joins us to explore the concept of "Deep Resilience."

    In this episode, we discuss her upcoming book, "Deep Resilience: A Four Step Journey to Unshakable Inner Strength," and dive into the importance of mental, emotional, and spiritual strength in navigating the ever-changing, often challenging world we live in today. Melli shares her unique RISE method, aimed at teaching skills to recognize and regulate thoughts and emotions, inhabit the present moment, stay connected to values, and take empowered action.

    We also delve into practical exercises like anchoring, which help cultivate states of inner calm and presence. So, sit back, relax, and get ready for a conversation filled with wisdom, practical tips, and strategies to help you rise to life's challenges with resilience and grace.

    TIMESTAMP:

    00:00 "Street Smart Wisdom Podcast Intro"

    04:17 Resilience Patterns in Adversity

    10:44 "Deep Resilience Method Overview"

    14:57 Mastering Skills Through Practice

    17:43 Practice of Anchoring for Stress Management

    19:37 Anchoring for Authentic Well-being

    24:13 Find Calm Through Breath

    29:13 "Embrace Inner Calm"

    33:19 Anchoring Practice for Mind Clarity

    36:39 Mindfulness Needs Humor

    39:10 Recognize and Regulate the Mind

    42:46 Humor for Diffusion and Redirection

    45:13 Tony Robbins' Power Move Mindset

    50:02 Deep Resilience: Embodied Mindfulness Practice

    53:50 Join WisdomFeed Plus Community

    54:52 "Surfing the Tsunami: Get Started"

    Connect with us:

    Facebook: https://bit.ly/FBpageWF

    Instagram: https://bit.ly/RealWisdomFeed WisdomFeed

    Website: https://bit.ly/WisdomFeedHome BetterListen

    Website: https://bit.ly/BetterListenWebsite
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    55 mins
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