In this episode, James explores a Real Simple article, "10 "Microadventures" You Can Take When You Need a Quick Happiness Boost, By Amy Maclin.
Try them this week!
And we have a treat for you today, James invited his wife, Prudence, to join him on this episode. And she shared a dad joke!
Connect with James on LinkedIn and share your thoughts. Because I'm a LinkedIn snob, please add a note to the connection request to let me know you heard me on the podcast to ensure your connection request is accepted.
Can't wait to hear from you.
Be sure to stick around to the end for the dad joke, that James' wife told!
If you love the podcast, please subscribe to it on your fave podcast player, rate it, and leave a review. Also, please share it on social media.
P.S., If you're a tech entrepreneur looking for a co-founder, visit James' startup, Kabila, to download the co-founder matching app.
P.P.S., And check out James' book, The More You Hustle, The Luckier You Get: You CAN be a Successful ParentPreneur on Amazon, you will love it!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:36):
yeah.
Welcome, welcome, welcome.
Welcome to the Parents Make a Profit Show,the world's number one podcast for parents
who are entrepreneurs helping them be thebest parentpreneurs they can be.
I'm James Oliver Jr., co -founder of theWorld's Cutest Twins, husband to an
amazing wife, founder of the ParentpreneurFoundation and CEO of Cabilla, which
connects overlooked founders to capital,co -founders and community.
(00:57):
And I'm the author of the book, The MoreYou Hustle, The Lucky You Get.
You can be a successful parentpreneur.
The realest book about entrepreneurshipyou
ever read available on Amazon.
Yo, today, today, today, I have a treatfor you.
Why?
Because I love you.
We have a special guest in the building.
(01:18):
Someone you hear me talk about a lot onthe podcast.
Someone God has blessed me with as a lifepartner.
You know, the Bible says, he who finds awife finds a good thing.
Ladies and gentlemen, introducing thegreat
that I found in my life, my wife PrudenceOliver.
Hello baby.
(01:39):
Hi baby.
Hey, what's going on?
What are you doing here with me?
my goodness, this is such an excitingtreat.
Thank you so much for inviting me tofollow us with you today.
Yeah, so y 'all don't know like anytime Idrop episode, I'm like, all right, babe,
you got to listen to this because I needyour feedback.
You know, was this good?
Was this bad?
Like, what do you think?
So I'm excited that she took the time todo this with us today.
(02:02):
Y 'all know she's super introverted.
So this is way outside of her comfortzone.
This is not really her jam, but she'slike, leaning in with me on some of this
non introversion stuff.
And I appreciate that.
Appreciate her for that.
So today's episode is inspired by a realsimple article called
10 micro adventures you can take when youneed a quick happiness boost.
(02:25):
And I thought it would be fun to have mywife join this episode because happiness
is something we were recently talkingabout.
And so first I wanted to find like what ishappiness for the purposes of this
discussion.
So I just did a quick search, babe, andfound some things that, know, so says
happiness is feeling or showing pleasureor contentment, feeling joy, delight,
(02:49):
feeling euphoric, ecstatic.
blissful or elated.
Are you cool with that definition for thepurpose of this conversation, Prudence?
I am.
think that's a good working summary ordefinition, yes.
All right, cool.
So I think, and I think we talked aboutthis too, like part of the quote unquote
problem, I don't wanna say problem, butpart of the thing with happiness is that
(03:13):
it is fleeting.
Does that make sense?
Do you agree or disagree with
Totally agree.
Okay, just so y 'all know, she does notalways agree with the things that I say.
So I don't want you to be, she just agreewith him.
Because that's her husband.
No, no, no, no, that's that's not how thatworks.
So, so, you know, some some might arguethose I was just searching around on the
internet.
(03:33):
And I saw that some people might arguethat life satisfaction, purpose and
meaning living a good life are better thanhappiness, because these things are more
sustainable.
According to many articles across the web,there are many benefits to being happy,
like better immunity, immune system,increased resilience, reduced stress,
(03:56):
longer lifespan, and a bunch of otherthings.
And like, who doesn't want more of thesethings, right?
Absolutely.
All right, cool.
So because of that, we should talk abouthow can you get more happiness in your
life?
So let's get into these 10 things that youcan do from the article if you need a
quick happiness boost.
These are things that you could startdoing this week.
(04:18):
Like commit to doing, if any of thisresonates you, please commit to doing just
one of them this week.
So number one, take a different route homefrom work.
So I appreciate this because there aretimes
And you've been in a car with me, we mightbe going to Total Wine, I'm going to pick
up a bottle of Pinot Grigio, becausethat's what I like to do.
(04:38):
There are times when I take a differentroute to go to the store, even though I'm
like, you know, it takes a little longerto go this way, but I go because I love
the scenery and it makes me happy.
Your thoughts.
Yeah, no, I totally agree with this.
This is a good practice for the mind.
But I also think, you know, taking adifferent route is just good for safety in
(05:01):
general, especially if you're a woman andyou're kind of, you know, taking a
different route, I think is just a goodthing to do overall.
You just never know who's watching.
Interesting, okay, that's an example ofsomething as a man, I would never consider
that, but I appreciate that differentperspective.
Okay, so number two, stop at a new placefor your morning coffee, maybe order
(05:25):
something you never tried.
So I appreciate this suggestion, but forother reasons.
So I take our dog, Thor, to the dog parkevery morning, and I was going to
Starbucks almost every day, and I realizedlike, yo, this is a total waste of money.
And so then I went to the store and Ibought some Roy Blush chai tea and some
disposable cups.
And I make that and drink that on the wayto the park.
(05:46):
And that makes me happy.
And this makes me happy because I'm notwasting money at Starbucks on top of that.
What do you
Yeah, I mean, I think that's kind of likenumber one as well.
I believe that doing something new ordifferent to change up your routine is
just a good practice to have in general.
(06:07):
I think it's just a great thing, yes.
100 % agree.
Again, she don't always agree with me justso you know.
This is a total anomaly.
So anyway, I like this.
How can we get more of this?
Just kidding.
I don't need you to agree with me all thetime because I'm wrong at least half the
time.
Number three.
Well, you think I'm wrong more than halfthe time?
Is that why you're laughing?
(06:29):
I don't have an opinion right now at thispoint.
We'll talk offline.
Yeah, okay, I don't want no trouble.
Anyway, number three.
(06:50):
Move in a new way, meaning take a danceclass, ride your bike, go for a long walk,
anything that's different from what younormally do.
So I recently started walking.
getting 3 ,000 steps in every morning whenI take Thor to the park.
So this has been something that I lookforward to every day.
Like yesterday, I took Thor to the parkand then I went and rode my bike for 10
(07:10):
miles.
I do that, you in the weekend when wedon't have the kids.
But I think this is great.
What do you think about this?
Absolutely.
Any form of physical exercise is alwaysgoing to be just a great way to get those
endorphins, you know, It's a really greatthing to just move your body.
(07:31):
And so you're getting exercise, you'removing.
It's just a great way to feel happy and ithas the physical payoffs as well.
Yes.
because you know, I'm over here gettingskinny, but you know, I digress.
Yes, I am.
Number four.
Number four, rearrange your furniture.
(07:54):
So I'm let you talk about this one, whyyou think this is a good way to get happy.
Why is that?
my goodness.
So I have a little bit of OCD, but I am,mean, it's not as extreme as some of the
other cases I can mention.
There's some people that are certainlyinspiration for me to, I'll never be able
(08:17):
to reach what they could do, but certainlydecluttering and rearranging things or
thinking about new ways
to look at a space or an area is a greatway to certainly just get a new feeling in
a space.
And this happened just this Friday, thispast Friday.
(08:39):
And we did this just by changing aroundsome furniture in our living room area,
dining room area, and our bedroom, right?
Just like one small change.
I don't know what happened, but we justgot inspired and it just totally shifted
the mood in our home.
And yeah, we're really, I think, excited.
(09:02):
What do you think?
What are your thoughts on what happenedFriday?
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
here now it simply makes me very happy.
So I 100 % cosine rearrange yourfurniture, which is like do it.
If if you know, you don't think it'soptimally arranged currently rearrange it,
(09:27):
please.
It will make you happy.
And declutter.
Yes.
All right, number five, go to a newrestaurant, try new cuisine.
So I can't wait to do this with you, babe.
You yesterday we were walking at theoutdoor shopping area in our neighborhood
after having lunch at our favorite Tex-Mex spot, Supriker, which is something we
(09:48):
actually haven't done in a while, in partbecause, you know, we had the dog who's a
puppy, but it was delightful.
And so anyway, we were at Avalon, which isan outdoor shopping experience here where
I live in Alpharetta.
John's Creek area and it's beautiful.
And on the way to get ice cream, whilestopping in all the furniture stores with
(10:10):
you.
my God.
And William Sanova, I pointed out thatthis, sorry.
What'd you say?
Yes.
Yeah, it was fun.
So I pointed out this Persian restaurantcalled Rumi, which is supposed to be
amazing.
Like I've been hearing about this placesince I moved back to Atlanta in 2017.
(10:30):
And I suggest that we go there, right?
And I can't wait to try that with you.
As you know, you're vegan.
I assume they have lots of vegan slashvegetarian dishes.
And I'm just excited to go there with youand try that new restaurant and some new
food.
I am too.
Really looking forward to that.
(10:50):
Yes.
All right.
Number six, have a weeknight dinner party.
Doesn't have to be fancy.
The point is to have fun on a schoolnight.
What do think about this?
And what should we
We did this back in May on your birthdaybecause your birthday was, I believe in
(11:10):
the middle of the week.
And so, yes, and we actually had suprika,I think.
We did, we did, we did with the kids.
And so we did this and it was just arefreshing break away from the norm, but
it was also just such a lovely way for usto
(11:33):
you know, talk about you and celebrate youand just all that you do for our family.
And so, yeah, it was just a great night ofgratitude.
So, mm -hmm.
like that was, that was one of the bestbirthdays I ever had.
And like the cards, like you come up withthe most amazing cards.
(11:55):
where do you get these cards from?
It's just so amazing.
That was an amazing day.
Thank you so much for that.
Yes, let's do it again.
We need to just find something to doagain.
We can either just you and I, or when thekids are here, it was so much, so much
fun.
All right.
Number seven.
Find a new poem and read it out loud.
(12:16):
What do you think about this
I'm more into the visual arts and insteadof written arts.
And so this doesn't resonate as much withme, but I guess I could be inspired as
well by by something written.
I would more so turn to music rather thana poem, but I guess we're not splitting
(12:41):
hairs.
mean, whatever I think would inspire youand make you happy.
I also just want to say that for anyonewho might be thinking, boy, this is kind
of getting into being a long list ofthings or I have to do this all at once.
I think that, James, you can correct me ifI'm wrong, but this is all to just inspire
(13:04):
some, the, the brownie points.
I mean, just, I mean, come on, listen,it's just having me here.
the brownie points got a real short shelflife.
So I got to get those things accumulatedas often as I can.
Well, listen, with me already being here,guess I'm already, I mean, it's already a
(13:26):
jar full.
So, you know, but I just, I just wanted tobring up the point that if you're anything
like me, you're just feeling a bitoverwhelmed with where to even start.
You know, this is something that I thinkyou maybe set your intention on doing just
one or two things that feel attainable,not on all 10 that we're about to explore.
(13:50):
James presents this as something that justshows how you can even maybe organically
have these things to happen throughout thecourse of your days or months, weeks,
whatever, and not to sort of tackle all inone day or even a month.
I think it just shows that there's so muchvariety in the ways that we sort of live
(14:11):
out our lives that could encompass any ofthese small changes.
But Small Bytes is what I
100%.
Just get started.
Just do something, right?
Just do something.
Pick one thing this week and do it.
All right, so I don't know about the poemthing.
That's not really my jam, but okay.
Yeah, whatevs.
(14:33):
Yeah, I'm with you.
like, I don't know about the poetry, butsome people might be into that.
That's your jam.
Like, go for it.
All right, number eight.
Spend an entire day outside.
Look, you know I love this.
You know how much I like to sit on a patiowith music.
with you, with Thor, that's our dog, and acigar.
Like this makes me extremely happy.
(14:54):
It is my happy place.
Yes.
Yes, I agree.
I'd love to join you when I can, honey.
Yeah.
but it looks like it's gonna rain, bummer.
So anyway, all right, that's my jam.
Outside, it's my jam.
Number nine, discover new music.
(15:16):
So you know this is my thing.
So I love doing this, but because Iprimarily like soulful house music, it's
hard to find songs that I like.
And sometimes like the juice isn't reallyworth the squeeze.
I have a website that I go to,
I could literally spend like an hourlooking for new songs and not find a
single one that I want to add to myplaylist.
(15:37):
But it does make me super happy when Ifind new songs that I can add to my
playlist.
Cause I love to listen to them when I ridemy
Yeah, totally agree.
You know, the funny thing about you is wehave, you know how they say opposite to
track, right?
It's so true in this case.
(15:58):
We are like diametrically opposed in someways.
And like even with music, you know, welike some of the same music, but overall,
you know, Soulful House music is neversomething you were ever trying to listen
to.
But I remember you told me like, you know,I do like some of your songs and I saw
like the music come on, I see you bob itto me and like.
I heard you singing one or two.
(16:19):
I'm like, okay.
Once I'm on the top, like, okay.
I like that.
Get into
I do.
You put me on to some things, James.
Yes, I do, it's my job, so I'm here forit.
As do you, put me on to some things,right?
So, all right, and finally, number 10,drive to an intriguing place you've never
(16:42):
been.
Look, I get this, but I'm a black manliving in Atlanta, which is basically
Wakanda, right, for black people.
So you go too far outside of MetroAtlanta, and it is
Capital N -O -T, boldface italicizedunderline.
It is not Wakanda.
(17:02):
And I don't feel super safe, quitehonestly.
while I get this one, I'ma pass on it andstay at Wakanda.
Your thoughts.
Totally agree.
And so that's one where, you know, it'ssafety first and you create your own
oasis.
And so I think that what we have in thebackyard sometimes out on the patio is
(17:24):
more than sufficient to create our ownsort of paradise.
Alright, So I love all these ideas exceptfor the one or two that I didn't.
I think this is a great list.
Look, we all need to be, want morehappiness, right?
And I already listed off the reasons thatit's good to be happy, the benefits.
(17:46):
So these are some really easy ways for youto just pick one and see if it makes you
happy.
If it does, like do another one.
If it doesn't, like pick another one seeif that makes you happy.
We just want more happiness for you inyour life.
and for your family's lives.
We just want everybody to be happy.
If you're into happiness, try these 10ideas and check out the late great Dr.
(18:07):
Wayne Dyer's book, Happiness is the Way,How to Reframe Your Thinking and Work with
What You Already Have to Live the Life ofYour Dreams.
All right, so that's that.
And now...
It's time for my favorite part of theshow, baby.
The dad jokes.
Why are you shaking your
(18:29):
I just hope that it's a good, clean, well-mannered dad joke.
I don't know.
dad jokes are always clean andsufficiently romantic, because you know,
do have the kids critique the dad jokes,so the dad jokes are usually pretty age
appropriate.
And by the way, you're laughing, butyou're lucky that I didn't tell you in
(18:49):
order to be on this show, you had to comewith your own dad joke.
I wasn't ready for it anyway.
Would you like me to tell this
okay, yeah, let's do
what did I step into?
Well, you know, like, think my soundeffects are ready.
(19:10):
Hang on a second.
Okay, ready when you are.
Do you know the joke or no?
I know the joke.
All right, let's hear it.
What's the dad joke?
What happens when frogs park illegally?
(19:31):
I don't know what happens when frogs parkillegally.
They get towed.
Yes!
Yeah, I love that one.
my God.
love that.
I'm gonna give you a little extra herebecause I love you.
Right?
Yes.
(19:54):
my God.
I can't wait to play that in the car forthe kids and they hear you tell that dad
joke because my son is just sohypocritical to the dad jokes, man.
Daddy
please vote for me as the best dad jokeperson on the podcast.
Zoe might have my back.
Zoe might have my
(20:15):
Yeah, she would for sure.
All right, well baby, thank you forjoining me on the show.
Will you come back and do another episodewith me at some point?
I'm so honored and absolutely yes.
Please.
Thank you.
not be surprised if this ends up being ourmost listened to episode ever.
my gosh.
my goodness.
(20:35):
I don't know.
I don't know.
I hope.
Please help me to live up to that.
My goodness.
you know, they're probably tired ofhearing from me.
So it's just probably happy to hear fromyou.
They would have liked it more if you'dhave ragged on me a little bit and bust my
chops a little bit more, but I'm glad youdid it.
Next one.
All right.
So let's play this outro music and get onoutta here.
(20:55):
So look, we know you like the show becauseyou're still listening.
So please subscribe, follow and rate theshow.
You can follow me on Twitter at JamesOliver Jr.
That's JamesOliverJR.
Connect with me on LinkedIn.
All right, I'll drop my LinkedIn profilein the show notes, know, which please
include a note that you heard me on thepodcast.
Cause I'm a bit of a LinkedIn snob, butjust say, Hey, you love to connect, heard
(21:18):
you on the podcast and tell me what you'rethinking about this episode.
Tell me if you try some of these tips, didit make you happy?
What did it do?
I would love to hear from you and we willcatch you next time.
See you later.
yeah.
Welcome, welcome, welcome.
Welcome to the Parents Make a Profit Show,the world's number one podcast for parents
who are entrepreneurs helping them be thebest parentpreneurs they can be.
I'm James Oliver Jr., co -founder of theWorld's Cutest Twins, husband to an
amazing wife, founder of the ParentpreneurFoundation and CEO of Cabilla, which
connects overlooked founders to capital,co -founders and community.
(00:57):
And I'm the author of the book, The MoreYou Hustle, The Lucky You Get.
You can be a successful parentpreneur.
The realest book about entrepreneurshipyou
ever read available on Amazon.
Yo, today, today, today, I have a treatfor you.
Why?
Because I love you.
We have a special guest in the building.
(01:18):
Someone you hear me talk about a lot onthe podcast.
Someone God has blessed me with as a lifepartner.
You know, the Bible says, he who finds awife finds a good thing.
Ladies and gentlemen, introducing thegreat
that I found in my life, my wife PrudenceOliver.
Hello baby.
(01:39):
Hi baby.
Hey, what's going on?
What are you doing here with me?
my goodness, this is such an excitingtreat.
Thank you so much for inviting me tofollow us with you today.
Yeah, so y 'all don't know like anytime Idrop episode, I'm like, all right, babe,
you got to listen to this because I needyour feedback.
You know, was this good?
Was this bad?
Like, what do you think?
So I'm excited that she took the time todo this with us today.
(02:02):
Y 'all know she's super introverted.
So this is way outside of her comfortzone.
This is not really her jam, but she'slike, leaning in with me on some of this
non introversion stuff.
And I appreciate that.
Appreciate her for that.
So today's episode is inspired by a realsimple article called
10 micro adventures you can take when youneed a quick happiness boost.
(02:25):
And I thought it would be fun to have mywife join this episode because happiness
is something we were recently talkingabout.
And so first I wanted to find like what ishappiness for the purposes of this
discussion.
So I just did a quick search, babe, andfound some things that, know, so says
happiness is feeling or showing pleasureor contentment, feeling joy, delight,
(02:49):
feeling euphoric, ecstatic.
blissful or elated.
Are you cool with that definition for thepurpose of this conversation, Prudence?
I am.
think that's a good working summary ordefinition, yes.
All right, cool.
So I think, and I think we talked aboutthis too, like part of the quote unquote
problem, I don't wanna say problem, butpart of the thing with happiness is that
(03:13):
it is fleeting.
Does that make sense?
Do you agree or disagree with
Totally agree.
Okay, just so y 'all know, she does notalways agree with the things that I say.
So I don't want you to be, she just agreewith him.
Because that's her husband.
No, no, no, no, that's that's not how thatworks.
So, so, you know, some some might arguethose I was just searching around on the
internet.
(03:33):
And I saw that some people might arguethat life satisfaction, purpose and
meaning living a good life are better thanhappiness, because these things are more
sustainable.
According to many articles across the web,there are many benefits to being happy,
like better immunity, immune system,increased resilience, reduced stress,
(03:56):
longer lifespan, and a bunch of otherthings.
And like, who doesn't want more of thesethings, right?
Absolutely.
All right, cool.
So because of that, we should talk abouthow can you get more happiness in your
life?
So let's get into these 10 things that youcan do from the article if you need a
quick happiness boost.
These are things that you could startdoing this week.
(04:18):
Like commit to doing, if any of thisresonates you, please commit to doing just
one of them this week.
So number one, take a different route homefrom work.
So I appreciate this because there aretimes
And you've been in a car with me, we mightbe going to Total Wine, I'm going to pick
up a bottle of Pinot Grigio, becausethat's what I like to do.
(04:38):
There are times when I take a differentroute to go to the store, even though I'm
like, you know, it takes a little longerto go this way, but I go because I love
the scenery and it makes me happy.
Your thoughts.
Yeah, no, I totally agree with this.
This is a good practice for the mind.
But I also think, you know, taking adifferent route is just good for safety in
(05:01):
general, especially if you're a woman andyou're kind of, you know, taking a
different route, I think is just a goodthing to do overall.
You just never know who's watching.
Interesting, okay, that's an example ofsomething as a man, I would never consider
that, but I appreciate that differentperspective.
Okay, so number two, stop at a new placefor your morning coffee, maybe order
(05:25):
something you never tried.
So I appreciate this suggestion, but forother reasons.
So I take our dog, Thor, to the dog parkevery morning, and I was going to
Starbucks almost every day, and I realizedlike, yo, this is a total waste of money.
And so then I went to the store and Ibought some Roy Blush chai tea and some
disposable cups.
And I make that and drink that on the wayto the park.
(05:46):
And that makes me happy.
And this makes me happy because I'm notwasting money at Starbucks on top of that.
What do you
Yeah, I mean, I think that's kind of likenumber one as well.
I believe that doing something new ordifferent to change up your routine is
just a good practice to have in general.
(06:07):
I think it's just a great thing, yes.
100 % agree.
Again, she don't always agree with me justso you know.
This is a total anomaly.
So anyway, I like this.
How can we get more of this?
Just kidding.
I don't need you to agree with me all thetime because I'm wrong at least half the
time.
Number three.
Well, you think I'm wrong more than halfthe time?
Is that why you're laughing?
(06:29):
I don't have an opinion right now at thispoint.
We'll talk offline.
Yeah, okay, I don't want no trouble.
Anyway, number three.
(06:50):
Move in a new way, meaning take a danceclass, ride your bike, go for a long walk,
anything that's different from what younormally do.
So I recently started walking.
getting 3 ,000 steps in every morning whenI take Thor to the park.
So this has been something that I lookforward to every day.
Like yesterday, I took Thor to the parkand then I went and rode my bike for 10
(07:10):
miles.
I do that, you in the weekend when wedon't have the kids.
But I think this is great.
What do you think about this?
Absolutely.
Any form of physical exercise is alwaysgoing to be just a great way to get those
endorphins, you know, It's a really greatthing to just move your body.
(07:31):
And so you're getting exercise, you'removing.
It's just a great way to feel happy and ithas the physical payoffs as well.
Yes.
because you know, I'm over here gettingskinny, but you know, I digress.
Yes, I am.
Number four.
Number four, rearrange your furniture.
(07:54):
So I'm let you talk about this one, whyyou think this is a good way to get happy.
Why is that?
my goodness.
So I have a little bit of OCD, but I am,mean, it's not as extreme as some of the
other cases I can mention.
There's some people that are certainlyinspiration for me to, I'll never be able
(08:17):
to reach what they could do, but certainlydecluttering and rearranging things or
thinking about new ways
to look at a space or an area is a greatway to certainly just get a new feeling in
a space.
And this happened just this Friday, thispast Friday.
(08:39):
And we did this just by changing aroundsome furniture in our living room area,
dining room area, and our bedroom, right?
Just like one small change.
I don't know what happened, but we justgot inspired and it just totally shifted
the mood in our home.
And yeah, we're really, I think, excited.
(09:02):
What do you think?
What are your thoughts on what happenedFriday?
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
here now it simply makes me very happy.
So I 100 % cosine rearrange yourfurniture, which is like do it.
If if you know, you don't think it'soptimally arranged currently rearrange it,
(09:27):
please.
It will make you happy.
And declutter.
Yes.
All right, number five, go to a newrestaurant, try new cuisine.
So I can't wait to do this with you, babe.
You yesterday we were walking at theoutdoor shopping area in our neighborhood
after having lunch at our favorite Tex-Mex spot, Supriker, which is something we
(09:48):
actually haven't done in a while, in partbecause, you know, we had the dog who's a
puppy, but it was delightful.
And so anyway, we were at Avalon, which isan outdoor shopping experience here where
I live in Alpharetta.
John's Creek area and it's beautiful.
And on the way to get ice cream, whilestopping in all the furniture stores with
(10:10):
you.
my God.
And William Sanova, I pointed out thatthis, sorry.
What'd you say?
Yes.
Yeah, it was fun.
So I pointed out this Persian restaurantcalled Rumi, which is supposed to be
amazing.
Like I've been hearing about this placesince I moved back to Atlanta in 2017.
(10:30):
And I suggest that we go there, right?
And I can't wait to try that with you.
As you know, you're vegan.
I assume they have lots of vegan slashvegetarian dishes.
And I'm just excited to go there with youand try that new restaurant and some new
food.
I am too.
Really looking forward to that.
(10:50):
Yes.
All right.
Number six, have a weeknight dinner party.
Doesn't have to be fancy.
The point is to have fun on a schoolnight.
What do think about this?
And what should we
We did this back in May on your birthdaybecause your birthday was, I believe in
(11:10):
the middle of the week.
And so, yes, and we actually had suprika,I think.
We did, we did, we did with the kids.
And so we did this and it was just arefreshing break away from the norm, but
it was also just such a lovely way for usto
(11:33):
you know, talk about you and celebrate youand just all that you do for our family.
And so, yeah, it was just a great night ofgratitude.
So, mm -hmm.
like that was, that was one of the bestbirthdays I ever had.
And like the cards, like you come up withthe most amazing cards.
(11:55):
where do you get these cards from?
It's just so amazing.
That was an amazing day.
Thank you so much for that.
Yes, let's do it again.
We need to just find something to doagain.
We can either just you and I, or when thekids are here, it was so much, so much
fun.
All right.
Number seven.
Find a new poem and read it out loud.
(12:16):
What do you think about this
I'm more into the visual arts and insteadof written arts.
And so this doesn't resonate as much withme, but I guess I could be inspired as
well by by something written.
I would more so turn to music rather thana poem, but I guess we're not splitting
(12:41):
hairs.
mean, whatever I think would inspire youand make you happy.
I also just want to say that for anyonewho might be thinking, boy, this is kind
of getting into being a long list ofthings or I have to do this all at once.
I think that, James, you can correct me ifI'm wrong, but this is all to just inspire
(13:04):
some, the, the brownie points.
I mean, just, I mean, come on, listen,it's just having me here.
the brownie points got a real short shelflife.
So I got to get those things accumulatedas often as I can.
Well, listen, with me already being here,guess I'm already, I mean, it's already a
(13:26):
jar full.
So, you know, but I just, I just wanted tobring up the point that if you're anything
like me, you're just feeling a bitoverwhelmed with where to even start.
You know, this is something that I thinkyou maybe set your intention on doing just
one or two things that feel attainable,not on all 10 that we're about to explore.
(13:50):
James presents this as something that justshows how you can even maybe organically
have these things to happen throughout thecourse of your days or months, weeks,
whatever, and not to sort of tackle all inone day or even a month.
I think it just shows that there's so muchvariety in the ways that we sort of live
(14:11):
out our lives that could encompass any ofthese small changes.
But Small Bytes is what I
100%.
Just get started.
Just do something, right?
Just do something.
Pick one thing this week and do it.
All right, so I don't know about the poemthing.
That's not really my jam, but okay.
Yeah, whatevs.
(14:33):
Yeah, I'm with you.
like, I don't know about the poetry, butsome people might be into that.
That's your jam.
Like, go for it.
All right, number eight.
Spend an entire day outside.
Look, you know I love this.
You know how much I like to sit on a patiowith music.
with you, with Thor, that's our dog, and acigar.
Like this makes me extremely happy.
(14:54):
It is my happy place.
Yes.
Yes, I agree.
I'd love to join you when I can, honey.
Yeah.
but it looks like it's gonna rain, bummer.
So anyway, all right, that's my jam.
Outside, it's my jam.
Number nine, discover new music.
(15:16):
So you know this is my thing.
So I love doing this, but because Iprimarily like soulful house music, it's
hard to find songs that I like.
And sometimes like the juice isn't reallyworth the squeeze.
I have a website that I go to,
I could literally spend like an hourlooking for new songs and not find a
single one that I want to add to myplaylist.
(15:37):
But it does make me super happy when Ifind new songs that I can add to my
playlist.
Cause I love to listen to them when I ridemy
Yeah, totally agree.
You know, the funny thing about you is wehave, you know how they say opposite to
track, right?
It's so true in this case.
(15:58):
We are like diametrically opposed in someways.
And like even with music, you know, welike some of the same music, but overall,
you know, Soulful House music is neversomething you were ever trying to listen
to.
But I remember you told me like, you know,I do like some of your songs and I saw
like the music come on, I see you bob itto me and like.
I heard you singing one or two.
(16:19):
I'm like, okay.
Once I'm on the top, like, okay.
I like that.
Get into
I do.
You put me on to some things, James.
Yes, I do, it's my job, so I'm here forit.
As do you, put me on to some things,right?
So, all right, and finally, number 10,drive to an intriguing place you've never
(16:42):
been.
Look, I get this, but I'm a black manliving in Atlanta, which is basically
Wakanda, right, for black people.
So you go too far outside of MetroAtlanta, and it is
Capital N -O -T, boldface italicizedunderline.
It is not Wakanda.
(17:02):
And I don't feel super safe, quitehonestly.
while I get this one, I'ma pass on it andstay at Wakanda.
Your thoughts.
Totally agree.
And so that's one where, you know, it'ssafety first and you create your own
oasis.
And so I think that what we have in thebackyard sometimes out on the patio is
(17:24):
more than sufficient to create our ownsort of paradise.
Alright, So I love all these ideas exceptfor the one or two that I didn't.
I think this is a great list.
Look, we all need to be, want morehappiness, right?
And I already listed off the reasons thatit's good to be happy, the benefits.
(17:46):
So these are some really easy ways for youto just pick one and see if it makes you
happy.
If it does, like do another one.
If it doesn't, like pick another one seeif that makes you happy.
We just want more happiness for you inyour life.
and for your family's lives.
We just want everybody to be happy.
If you're into happiness, try these 10ideas and check out the late great Dr.
(18:07):
Wayne Dyer's book, Happiness is the Way,How to Reframe Your Thinking and Work with
What You Already Have to Live the Life ofYour Dreams.
All right, so that's that.
And now...
It's time for my favorite part of theshow, baby.
The dad jokes.
Why are you shaking your
(18:29):
I just hope that it's a good, clean, well-mannered dad joke.
I don't know.
dad jokes are always clean andsufficiently romantic, because you know,
do have the kids critique the dad jokes,so the dad jokes are usually pretty age
appropriate.
And by the way, you're laughing, butyou're lucky that I didn't tell you in
(18:49):
order to be on this show, you had to comewith your own dad joke.
I wasn't ready for it anyway.
Would you like me to tell this
okay, yeah, let's do
what did I step into?
Well, you know, like, think my soundeffects are ready.
(19:10):
Hang on a second.
Okay, ready when you are.
Do you know the joke or no?
I know the joke.
All right, let's hear it.
What's the dad joke?
What happens when frogs park illegally?
(19:31):
I don't know what happens when frogs parkillegally.
They get towed.
Yes!
Yeah, I love that one.
my God.
love that.
I'm gonna give you a little extra herebecause I love you.
Right?
Yes.
(19:54):
my God.
I can't wait to play that in the car forthe kids and they hear you tell that dad
joke because my son is just sohypocritical to the dad jokes, man.
Daddy
please vote for me as the best dad jokeperson on the podcast.
Zoe might have my back.
Zoe might have my
(20:15):
Yeah, she would for sure.
All right, well baby, thank you forjoining me on the show.
Will you come back and do another episodewith me at some point?
I'm so honored and absolutely yes.
Please.
Thank you.
not be surprised if this ends up being ourmost listened to episode ever.
my gosh.
my goodness.
(20:35):
I don't know.
I don't know.
I hope.
Please help me to live up to that.
My goodness.
you know, they're probably tired ofhearing from me.
So it's just probably happy to hear fromyou.
They would have liked it more if you'dhave ragged on me a little bit and bust my
chops a little bit more, but I'm glad youdid it.
Next one.
All right.
So let's play this outro music and get onoutta here.
(20:55):
So look, we know you like the show becauseyou're still listening.
So please subscribe, follow and rate theshow.
You can follow me on Twitter at JamesOliver Jr.
That's JamesOliverJR.
Connect with me on LinkedIn.
All right, I'll drop my LinkedIn profilein the show notes, know, which please
include a note that you heard me on thepodcast.
Cause I'm a bit of a LinkedIn snob, butjust say, Hey, you love to connect, heard
(21:18):
you on the podcast and tell me what you'rethinking about this episode.
Tell me if you try some of these tips, didit make you happy?
What did it do?
I would love to hear from you and we willcatch you next time.
See you later.
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