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July 17, 2025 44 mins

Do you want to make sure you’re not just alive… but truly living? My guest this week suggests, starting by contemplating your own death.

In this transformative episode, I’m joined by Karen Salmansohn, bestselling author and behavioral change expert known for blending humor, heart, and science to make life’s most meaningful lessons accessible. We dive into her latest book, Your To Die For Life, and explore how embracing mortality awareness can be the catalyst for deep, lasting transformation. Her gentle but powerful tools will help you shift from a near-life experience into an intentionally well-lived one. 

Karen shares a fresh perspective on how contemplating death isn’t morbid—it’s motivating. Through research-backed tools and creative exercises, she shows us how to shift from a “near-life experience” to a purpose-filled, fully engaged existence.

In this episode you’ll learn:

  • Why writing your own personal eulogy might be the best place to begin
  • How to reconnect to the present moment when life feels like it’s speeding past you.
  • What Aristotle had to say about living a well-lived life (and why it still matters)
  • The connection between your core values and creating a more meaningful life.
  • Why mortality awareness isn’t morbid, it’s motivating. 
  • What “death awareness” actually means—and how it helps you plan for your future
  • How contemplative practices (like a marble mortality jar!) can shift you to intentional living.
  • Why a legacy mindset shapes how you show up in the world
  • The role of identity-based habits in living intentionally. 
    How mindset shifts, nervous system regulation, and somatic healing support a grounded, joyful life.

This is your invitation to pause and reflect—not with pressure, but with compassion. Whether you're navigating midlife or simply craving a deeper sense of purpose, this conversation offers practical wisdom for creating a more purpose-driven life.  

Much love,

Laurie

Click here for a video on how to leave a review to receive a free somatic stabilization/grounding exercise. The podcast graphic is different from the current one. Once you complete it and send me a picture I will send you the video. My email is laurie@laurieejames.com

Thank you in advance. 

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