Shannon Dawson is an award-winning news producer and an advocate for mental health.
This week, on Kickass Personal Transformation with Marti MacGibbon, we’re focusing on destroying the stigma surrounding addiction, depression and suicide. The stigma is not only dangerous, it can be fatal for those who suffer in silence. In the wake of Robin Williams’ death, many of us are discussing, disclosing, and processing our emotions: not only our grief for the loss of a brilliant talent, but also our desire to have a conversation about these too often taboo topics that should be openly discussed and treated.
optimism
14, Aug, 2014
Award-winning News Producer Shannon Dawson Shines Light on Depression
Legendary Actor Louis Gossett, Jr. is Guest on Kickass Personal Transformation
Louis Gossett, Jr. is a legendary actor and creator of Eracism Foundation.
Heartfelt thanks to legendary actor and humanitarian Louis Gossett, Jr. for being my guest on Pure Motive Radio. On my show, Kickass Personal Transformation with Marti MacGibbon, we focus on recovery, healing, forgiveness, gratitude and other transformative life forces that anyone can tap into and practice in daily life to create kickass positive change. Louis Gossett, Jr.
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26, Mar, 2014
Marti MacGibbon Interviews Renowned Addiction Expert Terence T. Gorski
Internationally renowned research psychologist Terry Gorski’s work in the field of addiction and recovery is impressive. His research on relapse prevention is brilliant. For many years he has worked to improve the lives of those who suffer from the disease of addiction, guiding both patients and practitioners in recovery and wellness.
Mr. Gorski is a colleague, instructor and mentor to me. I am honored to have sat down with him for a very informative interview on my blog talk radio show, Kickass Personal Transformation with Marti MacGibbon.
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1, Feb, 2014
Marti MacGibbon interviews Leonard Buschel, founder of Writers in Treatment
Leonard Buschel, co-founder of Writers in Treatment (WIT), was a recent guest on Pure Motive Radio Network’s new show, Kickass Personal Transformation™ with Marti MacGibbon. Leonard told host Marti MacGibbon about how his non-profit organization, Writers in Treatment, connects individuals suffering from addiction and other self-destructive behaviors with treatment and recovery solutions. WIT also presents the REEL Recovery Film Festival, an inspiring and relevant event held in 8 cities that showcases both classics and contemporary films about addiction, alcoholism, behavioral disorders, treatment and recovery.
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18, Dec, 2013
Setbacks: Opportunities in Disguise
When you’re presented with a setback on the way to your destination, does your brain scream out, “Game over!” ? Or are you energized and spurred on to innovation and expanded creativity? Attitude is everything, and perception is reality. When you allow yourself to perceive setbacks and challenges as opportunities in disguise, you are rocketed into the realm of new possibility. But how do you maintain an attitude that welcomes challenges and obstacles?
The key is cognitive, it’s in your thoughts. Everything you think, say and do creates a physiological and psychological reaction…at a cellular level.
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4, Oct, 2013
Turn Stage Fright into Fun
Okay, you’ve booked a radio spot⎯ an opportunity to talk about your book, your business, and whatever else is important to you. And you’re feeling jumpy. You’ve got butterflies in your stomach, and they’re driving you crazy. Your mouth feels tense, or your knees feel weak, or you’ve got cotton mouth…sound familiar? If your answer is yes, read on. You can turn this completely around.
As a professional speaker and standup comic, I’ve experienced all of the above and some even more dramatic “fear” signals in the course of my work.
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3, Sep, 2013
Eight Ways to Reduce Stress and Increase Bliss
Life is precious and fragile, so why spend time stressed out and anxious about the future or past when you can be serene and steady, living in the present moment? Make an action plan to counteract negative thinking and resulting negative emotions that can drain you of energy and joy. When you practice any or all of the following strategies, you can build your enthusiasm, sense of purpose, and fun. You’ll notice you’re more relaxed, more productive, and more optimistic as you apply the following techniques:
Exercise Daily. Physical exercise reduces stress, counteracts depression, and pumps up your energy.
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13, Oct, 2012
Feeling Lucky?
Luck. We hope for it, count on it, blame it when things don’t go as planned. Isn’t it tempting to console ourselves that a rival’s success is due to luck, not talent and hard work? It’s just as tempting to dismiss any of our own accomplishments as luck, especially when the payoff comes long after all the effort, planning and angst. Attributing all successes to luck is certainly self-defeating, and that’d be, well, unlucky…because it’s daily effort, optimism, consistency and tenacious adherence to the journey that make the luck.
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28, Sep, 2012
7 Things I Learned Doing Standup that Can Help You Meet Any Challenge
Here’s something I learned from years of performing standup in clubs, colleges, auditoriums and a federal penitentiary: Standup comedy is metaphor for life. It’s tough, thrilling, often painful, often fun, always rewarding. And in standup, as in life, there are myriad things that are completely beyond your control. You learn by trial and error, but learn to make the best choices you can under pressure. And when — not if — you fail, you get back up onstage as soon as possible, knowing that the process will ultimately bring you success.
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25, Jun, 2010
Risk, Change, and Optimism
Life is full of risk-taking and change; and both are stressful, but necessary for success and potentially very rewarding. In order to live fully, we need to be willing to continue to move forward, grow, and change. Adapt or perish, right? Making changes in our thinking or behavior require a bit of risk-taking — we’ve got to leave our comfort zone.
We can increase our self-esteem and improve self-image by banishing negative thoughts, attitudes, and mistaken beliefs, which block success and happiness.