P.S. We Expire with Morgan Motsinger

Ep88: Something is very wrong: how our distracted presence is ruining our relationships

On a scale from 1-5, how often do you feel like this?
I feel I have to sacrifice meaningful conversation because of others' device use.
I've given up expecting full attention from people during social interactions.
I miss the deeper conversations I used to have before smartphones.
I feel sad when I see someone I care about more engaged with their device than with me.
I worry that real human connection is disappearing. I feel isolated even when surrounded by people on their devices.
I don't know about you, but I can answer five a lot to a lot of those. And I imagine that probably most of us can. 
I also know I'm part of the problem.
Sometimes, I feel like we're all zombies. We're here, but we're not....here. We live in our own realities even as we are physically present with others. 
In this episode, I explore the profound impact of technology on human connection, particularly focusing on how smartphones and social media contribute to feelings of loneliness and disconnection. There's an interesting/terrifying parallel between the experiences of caregivers for those with neurodegenerative conditions and the feelings of isolation that arise from being physically present but emotionally absent in social interactions. 
I'm not going to leave you hanging. I share some practical strategies for reconnecting with others and how to manage unhealthy dynamics of distracted presence. 
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Get on my email list, where I periodically share helpful tools for better habits, mindfulness, and general well being: https://morganmotsinger.myflodesk.com/subscribe
 
 
 

Ep87: End-of-life conversations we all should be having (even if you’re young) with Amy Hensley & Erin Putney

Talking about death isn't really everyone's favorite. 
One of the big problems with actively avoiding or maybe just never considering how things are going to go at the end is we miss out on some really important conversations that have a big impact. 
Amy and Erin are the owners of Before the Casket, a company that educates and empowers people to take control of their end-of-life decisions, before the casket (clever, right?). 
This conversation not only explores some of the practical medical implications of certain types of life saving interventions, it also boldly investigates some of the common misconceptions about death, the healthcare system, and what a good death means. 
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Amy Hensley Master of Science in Nursing, Registered Nurse How I define myself: mama bear, supportive friend, oldest daughter and sister, compassionate hospice nurse, movie lover, former graphic designer, passionate human, social introvert Bio: I was a graphic designer for nearly twenty years before I went to nursing school. While I worked at a critical access hospital doing everything from birth to death, I got my MSN and then started teaching. During my teaching career, I found my voice and encouraged students to find their voice. Realizing that my passions include end-of-life guided me to become a hospice nurse and end-of-life educator. We all bring to the table our experiences, viewpoints, concerns, biases, and expectations. Giving grace to myself and those around me has helped me have uncomfortable conversations with humor, awareness and understanding. I'm becoming more comfortable with asking for what I want.
Erin Putney Master of Science in Nursing, Registered Nurse How I define myself: energetic creative, passionate educator, honest conversationalist, proud mom, chill paddleboarder, artistic thinker, former ICU nurse, loving daughter Bio: I love the science behind nursing and even wanted to be a science teacher at one point. I’ve worked in different areas as a nurse, but realize the common thread is having the curiosity to solve problems with data and creativity. While I was an oncology nurse and worked in Trauma ICU, I saw patients and families experience unnecessary guilt because they hadn’t had end-of-life conversations. My master’s research focused on effective end-of-life education for nursing students, which has been adapted into a workshop for various audiences. My passion is giving everyone the tools needed to cope and be successful. Check out my website: www.teachingcourage.com
You can find their work at:
https://beforethecasket.com/en-us/
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085625110676
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You can find Morgan on her website https://www.morganmotsinger.com/
Get on her email list here: https://morganmotsinger.myflodesk.com/subscribe
 
Chapters
00:00 Creating Comfort in Conversations About Death02:11 Barriers to Discussing Mortality05:50 Navigating Difficult Conversations11:11 The Benefits of Open Dialogue16:39 Understanding Medical Terminology24:00 Flexibility in End-of-Life Decisions36:31 Planning for the Unexpected38:22 Navigating Difficult Conversations with Kids40:47 Understanding Death and Dying44:32 The Importance of Acknowledging Grief49:39 Grief vs. Mourning: A Deep Dive58:52 Practical Steps for End-of-Life Conversations01:19:26 The Importance of Conversations About Mortality01:20:15 Choosing a Power of Attorney and Documenting Wishes01:21:41 Family Dynamics and Communication01:23:20 Humor in Difficult Conversations01:24:54 The Gift of Pre-Planning01:28:41 Navigating Humor and Seriousness01:36:45 Recommended Resources and Books01:43:55 Final Thoughts on Having Conversations About Death
 

Ep86: The Pink Book: A Caregivers Sanity-Saving Resource with Mike George

I remember cobbling notes together on my phone, writing things on paper scattered here or there, until I finally gathered all the notes about Anni's care into one document. 
This simple act made it possible to relax a bit. I recorded her medications, daily and weekly schedule, seizure protocols, and more. It was immensely helpful not to have that information rolling around in my head loosey goosey. 
Putting all the info together can feel very overwhelming, especially for a caregiver who is already running on fumes, so when I heard about Mike's "Pink Book" and his company Soaring Families, I knew I needed to have him on the podcast. His work isn't just about creating an amazing tool, but his company teaches families how to find, train, and retain a robust support system when in a caregiving role, whether that's for a child with extra needs or an adult with aging considerations. 
Mike shares his journey of caring for his son Ben, who has special needs. He emphasizes the importance of building a caregiving team, personalizing care, and the emotional challenges faced by caregivers. He also highlights the joy and fulfillment that can come from caregiving despite its challenges and shares Ben's remarkable journey towards communication and education.
Mike helps families rewrite their caregiving story — from one of sacrifice and exhaustion to one of joy, strength, and resilience. A family caregiver himself for 3 decades, Mike brings an intimate understanding of the burdens faced by those supporting the primary care of a family member. This lived experience led him to create The Soaring Families WayTM — a 5-step method that blends empathy, empowerment, and practical solutions to equip families with the tools and skills they need to regain control, reduce stress, and find fulfillment on their caregiving journey. Mike coaches and guides families in this method to help them stabilize the chaos, gain the confidence to manage their home care effectively, and focus on long-term sustainability. He also developed The Pink Book for families that acts as their personal caregiving companion. It becomes a family’s caregiving guide that they create themselves, for the way they care.
You can get your own copy of the Pink Book at newpinkbook.com and learn more about Soaring Families on their website https://soaringfamilies.com
You can also connect with Mike here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeg-bmg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soaringfamilynation
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SoaringFamilies
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikesf6363/
 
 

Ep85: Exploring your inner basement--the metaphor I think about all the time

In this relatively short, solo episode, I'm sharing one of the metaphors for the inner life that has really impacted me over the past several years, The Inner House. 
Let me know if this resonates with you by sending me an email at hello@morganmotsinger.com, or sending me a DM on Instagram @morgan_motsinger
If you find this podcast helpful, please make a moment to leave a rating and review.
 

Ep84: Ignite your learning (at any age!) with Dr. Gina Anderson

In this conversation, Dr. Gina Anderson and I discuss the intricacies of memory, learning, and the mind-body connection. She explains the differences between working, short-term, and long-term memory, emphasizing the importance of reinforcement and visualization in the learning process. We also touch on the role of belief in learning and how to unlearn habits by creating new neural maps. Practical techniques for enhancing memory retention and the significance of sleep are highlighted, along with the impact of negative and positive reinforcement on behavior change. We explore the intricate relationship between mental health, learning, and neuroplasticity. The conversation also delves into the impact of technology on mental health, particularly the addictive nature of scrolling on devices. Dr. Anderson emphasizes the need for authentic learning experiences tailored to individual preferences and the importance of rekindling passion for learning as a lifelong journey.
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Dr. Gina Anderson is the CEO of Luma Brighter Learning, an award-winning learning company and a 2024 and 2023 recipient of the prestigious Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies award. Dr. Anderson routinely publishes new, measurable, science-based techniques specifically focused on learning in logistics and transportation to help companies improve their safety scores and uphold compliance. Dr. Anderson is the author of Thrive: How Learning Can Ignite a New Way Forward and a contributing author to the best-selling book Perspectives on Invisible Illnesses. Recognized as a thought leader in learning and an Inc. contributing author, she is also the creator and host of the I Love Learning podcast, where leaders from around the world share what motivates them to learn. Dr. Anderson holds a Doctor of Education in instructional systems technology from Indiana University, where she also minored in learning science. She has a passion for helping people learn.
You can find Gina at:
https://lumabrighterlearning.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-anderson-luma/
gina@learnwithluma.com
 
Find Morgan at:
https://www.morganmotsinger.com/
https://www.instagram.com/morgan_motsinger/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-motsinger/
https://www.youtube.com/@morganmotsinger
 

Ep.83: Emotional Intelligence + Spiritual Intelligence with Yosi Amram

If you're asked to think of someone emotional, whether in your friend group or family, someone immediately comes to mind. I would bet that your thoughts about being "emotional" conjure negative feelings. 
Why is that? 
In 1990, the term "emotional intelligence" was developed to bridge the gap between what is considered uncontrolled and irrational about emotions into the realm of thoughtful and measured. While people can certainly take this idea too far by intellectualizing emotion and feeling, the new term enabled people to talk about emotions in a new way. 
Yosi Amram, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist, a CEO leadership coach, a pioneering researcher in the field of spiritual intelligence, and a best-selling award-winning author. Previously the founder and CEO of two companies that he has led through successful IPOs, Yosi has coached over 100 CEOs many of whom have built companies with thousands of employees and revenues in the billions.
In this conversation, Yosi shares his thoughts on spiritual intelligence, its relationship with emotional intelligence, and the importance of finding purpose in life. He emphasizes the need for both individual autonomy and community connection, exploring how cultural values shape our understanding of these concepts. The dialogue also touches on the significance of recognizing our contributions to the greater whole and the cyclical nature of connection and disconnection in our spiritual journeys. In this conversation, Yosi discusses the importance of embracing both joy and pain as essential components of a meaningful life. He emphasizes the concept of spiritual intelligence, particularly in leadership, and how it can enhance organizational culture and financial performance. The discussion also delves into the challenges of embodying qualities like humility and presence, and how contemplating mortality can clarify one's values. Ultimately, Amram highlights the interconnectedness of life and the self-renewing nature of love and joy.
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Yosi has engineering degrees from MIT, an MBA from Harvard, and a Ph.D. in Psychology from Sofia University, he is a pioneering researcher in the field of spiritual intelligence, whose research has received over 1000 citations. As the author of the Amazon Best-Seller and Nautilus Book Award Gold Medal-winning Spiritually Intelligent Leadership: How to Inspire by Being Inspired, Yosi is committed to awakening greater spiritual intelligence in himself and the world.
Spiritual Intelligence (SI) is not a belief in a higher power or God, nor is it an experience of awakening, or a momentary realization of Oneness. Rather, SI is deepest and highest expression of our life force energy and sacred spark of life involving to the ability to draw on, embody, and express qualities and virtues hailed by all the world's spiritual traditions, such as purpose, service, trust, gratitude, compassion, presence, humility, integrity, and higher-self, to name just a few. These are the qualities that naturally arise when connecting to and rooting ourselves in our spirit essence, whereby we feel inner-, inter-, and ultra-connected, connected to ourselves, connected to others, and connected to the sacred and transcendent dimension of life.
Yosi began his leadership journey in the Israeli military, where he received numerous awards and garnered the fastest promotion record in his regiment’s history. Despite these accomplishments, the military chafed at his soul, eventually inspiring Yosi’s lifelong quest for more humane approaches to leadership, which led him to start and build his own companies. Yosi is also the founder of several non-profits, including trueMASCULINITY.org, Engendering-Love.org, and AwakeningSI.org. For further information about Yosi and his work, please see www.yosiamram.net and/or subscribe to his YouTube channel @AwakeningSpirituaIntelligence. To learn more about spiritual intelligence and to receive your free assessment of your spiritual intelligence profile, or to assess your spiritually intelligent leadership competencies, including self- and 360-assessments, visit ww.intelligensi.com
 
 

Ep82: Joyous effort, Buddhism, and the path to personal growth with Janet Ettele

In this conversation, Janet Ettele shares her journey of self-discovery, influenced by her love for music and the teachings of Buddhism. She discusses the importance of silence, mindfulness, and the role of storytelling in conveying spiritual teachings. Janet emphasizes the concept of joyous effort in personal growth and the significance of finding a teacher in life. The conversation explores themes of openness, acceptance, and the interconnectedness of all beings, while also addressing the challenges of compassion in a divided world. Finally, Janet reflects on how music serves as a spiritual practice and a means of expression. In this conversation, Janet Ettele shares her journey into writing and storytelling, discussing the process of creating characters and narratives that convey profound teachings on compassion and wisdom. She emphasizes the importance of practice in learning, particularly in meditation, and how it can help individuals overcome the noise of their minds. The discussion also touches on the significance of aligning one's life with core values to achieve inner peace and fulfillment. Janet introduces the concept of the six perfections in Buddhist teachings and how they can guide individuals toward a more compassionate life. The conversation concludes with insights on integrating mindfulness into daily life and the importance of being present in our relationships.
Bio:
Janet Kathleen Ettele is a musician and author who blends her background as a student of Buddhist dharma with her art, seamlessly bringing its teachings into contemporary practice through her writing and music. She has performed with Tencho Gyatso, the niece of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and Grammy Award nominee and Tibetan flutist Nawang Khechog. A graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, where Ettele studied music composition, becoming an author decades later was an unexpected but welcome opportunity. Ettele worked in the entertainment industry until becoming a mother. She lives in Connecticut, where she has raised two sons and has happily welcomed the addition of two grandchildren. Ettele has also recorded two CDs, Piano Mandalas and Piano Mandalas-Compassion, which are collections of her meditatively improvised music.
Find Janet:
https://janetettele.com/
https://www.instagram.com/janetettele/
https://www.facebook.com/janet.ettele
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063516554816
https://www.youtube.com/@janetettele8818
 

Ep81: Time Poverty and the Addiction of Busyness with Peggy Sullivan

So here's the thing about "time poverty" — it's just a fancy term for what most of us are doing: running around like our hair is on fire while responding to emails at stoplights and calling it "multitasking."
Being busy is not a personality trait. It's not an achievement. It's not even productive half the time. We've all bought into this hustle culture garbage where we think answering Slack messages at 11pm somehow makes us better humans. Spoiler alert: it doesn't. It just makes us tired humans with eye strain who keep saying things like "I'm slammed" when friends ask to grab coffee.
Here's what I learned from Peggy Sullivan, who sounds like she has her life together in ways I can only dream about: we need to identify all those low-value activities that are sucking up our time like a teenager's gaming console sucks up battery life. You know, the stuff we do that feels productive but is actually just busywork.
And self-care? It's not selfish. It's necessary. It's oxygen mask territory — put yours on first before helping others. But not in that Instagram #selfcare way where you take pictures of your bath bombs while still answering work emails with your pruney fingers.
The path forward isn't some dramatic life overhaul where you suddenly become a productivity guru with color-coded calendars and a perfect morning routine. It's micro steps. Little happiness rituals. It's saying "no" to things that don't align with your values, which is something many of us are still learning to do well into adulthood.
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Peggy Sullivan is a keynote speaker, author, and researcher whose viral TEDx talk, with millions of views, has inspired audiences worldwide to overcome busyness and achieve peak performance without sacrificing well-being. Through her signature Busy Busting Framework—trusted by Fortune 500 companies like Google, Bank of America, and BlueCross BlueShield…she reveals how packed schedules can reduce productivity and fulfillment. With humor, personal stories, and research-based strategies, Peggy empowers individuals and organizations to shift from hustle to purpose, unlocking greater engagement, resilience, and success.
You can find Peggy on her website: www.peggysullivanspeaker.com.
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To learn more about the grief retreat in southern California in September, visit: Oaks Center: Navigating Grief and Loss
Find Morgan on her website morganmotsinger.com
 

Ep80: Battling for bliss: why your happiness is worth the fight

I've been feeling very down but lately, I've felt a renewed sense of determination to pursue happiness. But...how? I'm sharing super practical ways I've been bringing happiness into my life. I also share why the pursuit of happiness is not selfish but an important part of well-being an longevity.
 
Find Morgan on her website https://www.morganmotsinger.com/
Download the free E-Book "Know Thyself" here https://morganmotsinger.myflodesk.com/lpeqn3ujro
Chapters
00:00 The Pursuit of Happiness06:27 Understanding Happiness: Hedonic vs. Eudaemonic12:05 Practical Steps to Cultivate Happiness19:00 Mindset Shifts for Happiness24:11 The Importance of Joy in Life

Ep79: Caregiver PTSD with Dr. Lisa Peña

Dr. Lisa Peña is a doctor of pharmacology, author, mental health advocate, and mother to beautiful children, one of whom has a rare disease. In this heartfelt conversation, Lisa shares her journey as a mother of a child with disabilities, detailing the challenges and triumphs she has faced over the years. From navigating the complexities of autism and a rare gene disorder to advocating for mental health and community support, Lisa emphasizes the importance of education, self-compassion, and radical acceptance. She discusses the impact of caregiving on mental health, the need for systemic change in support for caregivers, and the power of shared experiences in group therapy. Ultimately, Lisa's story is one of resilience, growth, and the ongoing journey of healing.
 
You can follow Lisa on Instagram, order her book Waiting for the Light Bulb, and watch this episode on YouTube.
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Parenthood and Career Changes02:56 The Journey of Advocacy and Community Building05:41 Facing New Challenges: A Diagnosis Journey08:58 Understanding Complex PTSD and Its Impact11:46 The Role of Self-Compassion in Caregiving14:42 Radical Acceptance and Ongoing Healing17:38 Creating Support Systems for Caregivers20:57 The Importance of Education in Handling Hardships23:48 Finding Safety in Uncertainty26:41 The Power of Self-Reflection and Learning30:02 Building Resilience Through Connection32:56 The Need for Preventative Care in Healthcare35:42 Conclusion: Embracing the Journey of Caregiving51:11 Self-Awareness and Seeking Help54:37 Confronting Taboo Topics56:02 The Importance of Support Systems01:01:05 Navigating Grief and Identity01:07:19 The Power of Group Therapy01:15:43 Witnessing Grief and Connection01:26:51 Education as a Coping Mechanism