July 10, 2025 • 17 mins
Pope Leo delights the internet by blessing a reverse holo Popplio Pokémon card—yes, really. But it’s not all novelty: he also celebrates the Church’s first “green” Mass, proposes a Vatican solar farm, and rolls out zero-emission Popemobiles. Plus: a Latin Mass exemption in Texas, same-sex blessing policies stay in place, and the Pope’s Illinois hometown buys his childhood home.Listen ad-free and binge the full White Smoke series now with Caloroga Plus: caloroga.com/plus
Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!
Subscribe now for exclusive shows like 'Palace Intrigue,' and get bonus content from Deep Crown (our exclusive Palace Insider!) Or get 'Daily Comedy News,' and '5 Good News Stories’ with no commercials! Plans start at $4.99 per month, or save 20% with a yearly plan at $49.99. Join today and help support the show!
We now have Merch! FREE SHIPPING! Check out all the products like T-shirts, mugs, bags, jackets and more with logos and slogans from your favorite shows! Did we mention there’s free shipping? Get 10% off with code NewMerch10 Go to Caloroga.com
Get more info from Caloroga Shark Media and if you have any comments, suggestions, or just want to get in touch our email is info@caloroga.com
Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!
Subscribe now for exclusive shows like 'Palace Intrigue,' and get bonus content from Deep Crown (our exclusive Palace Insider!) Or get 'Daily Comedy News,' and '5 Good News Stories’ with no commercials! Plans start at $4.99 per month, or save 20% with a yearly plan at $49.99. Join today and help support the show!
We now have Merch! FREE SHIPPING! Check out all the products like T-shirts, mugs, bags, jackets and more with logos and slogans from your favorite shows! Did we mention there’s free shipping? Get 10% off with code NewMerch10 Go to Caloroga.com
Get more info from Caloroga Shark Media and if you have any comments, suggestions, or just want to get in touch our email is info@caloroga.com
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:03):
Calaroga Shark Media. Pope Leo added an unexpected chapter to
papal history this month when he blessed a Pokemon card.
Reddit user Reptile Cake told Polygon he handed the pontiff
a reverse holographic Poplo card, explaining it's a Poplo it
(00:26):
sounds like Pope Leo. The Pope laughed, then began showing
it off to the guards before agreeing to sign a
copy when asked. Kataku celebrated the moment as holy Hollow.
Fans are debating whether the Poplo card blessed by the
Pope qualifies as a third class relic, a category the
Vatican has yet to define. The owner vows to keep
(00:48):
the card forever and never sell it. This occurrence comes
amid a hot market for collectibles. A sealed nineteen ninety
nine first edition Pokemon box fetched three hundred and seventy
five one thousand dollars in twenty twenty, part of a
surge that has driven vintage prices skyward. Even so, Reptile
Cake refuses to send the Poplo to grading services. I
(01:12):
don't want to grade it. It's just a funny joke.
His holiness indulged in, he tells Polygon. Meanwhile, Pope Leo
celebrated on Wednesday what has been called the first Green
Papal Mass, using a newly created set of prayers that
call for care of God's creation. This ceremony signals his
intention to emphasize environmental stewardship and climate justice for the
(01:35):
world's most vulnerable people. The mass took place in the
gardens of the Vatican's Ecological Educational Center at the papal
summer residence in Castel Gandolfo. This ceremony demonstrated a strong
commitment to continuing the ecological path established by Pope Francis,
who had made environmental protection a central theme of his papacy.
(01:56):
The private mass was held for the Laudato Sea Centre,
named after Francis's twenty fifteen environmental in cyclical. In this
groundbreaking document, the first Pope from the global South criticized
how wealthy nations and multinational corporations had exploited the Earth
and its most vulnerable populations for financial gain. Pope Leo
(02:18):
approved this new mass formula for the care of Creation,
ordering its addition to the collection of forty nine masses
that have been developed over the centuries for specific needs
or occasions. Officials explained that this liturgy was created in
response to requests arising from Francis's in cyclical, which has
sparked an entire church movement and foundation dedicated to educating, advocating,
(02:42):
and raising awareness about the Biblical mandate to care for nature.
Dressed in flowing green vestments, Pope Leo conducted the liturgy
before a statue of the Madonna and beside a reflecting pool,
surrounded by the lush green gardens on an unusually cool
summer day. Emphasized that the world must transform its understanding
(03:03):
of our planet and address what is causing the world
to suffer. Pope Leo stated that we must pray for
the transformation of many people, both within and outside the Church,
who have not yet grasped the critical importance of caring
for our shared home. He noted that we witness countless
natural disasters across the globe, occurring almost daily in numerous countries,
(03:26):
which are partially caused by human excess and our way
of life. He told the gathered congregation that they were
celebrating mass in what could be called a natural cathedral,
surrounded by plants, flowers, and nature. He explained that humanity's
mission mirrors Christ's mission to protect creation and bring peace
and reconciliation to the world. Pope Leo declared that we
(03:51):
hear the cry of the earth and the cry of
the poor, because this cry has reached God's heart. Our
indignation is his, and our work is His work. In
another demonstration of his environmental dedication, Pope Leo has indicated
plans to implement one of francis most significant ecological legacies,
(04:11):
the development of a four hundred thirty hectare site in
northern Rome into a solar farm. This facility would generate
sufficient electricity to meet the Vatican's needs, making Vatican City
the world's first carbon neutral state. The development would require
an investment of just under one hundred million euros, according
to officials, and needs approval from the Italian Parliament since
(04:34):
the territory enjoys extra territorial status that must be extended.
Staying green, Pope Leo has been given two electric vehicles
that can be transported by air and will accompany him
on his international travels. The cars have been completely customized
by hand and produce no environmental emissions or noise pollution.
(04:55):
One of their main advantages is the ability to be
transported by plane without s having to be disassembled, which
represents a logistical benefit for the Pope's travels. According to
the Vatican Governorate, the Italian airline ITA Airways also actively
collaborated on the project, providing technical data on the vehicle's
(05:15):
dimensions and the means to secure them in place required
for transport on intercontinental flights. With a compact design and
great maneuverability, the two vehicles are designed to move agilely
in tight spaces or with high pedestrian density, such as squares, shrines,
or urban centres. Furthermore, according to the Vatican, elements such
(05:37):
as a front handlebar and side supports under the armrests
have been incorporated, ensuring greater comfort and stability for the
Pope inside the vehicle. Pope Leo has granted a rare
exemption to restrictions on the traditional Latin mass that were
put in place by Pope Francis through the Decree Traditionist Custodes.
(06:03):
This exemption was requested by Bishop Michael Sis on February
sixth and was granted to Saint Margaret of Scotland Parish
in the Diocese of San Angelo, Texas. This dispensation from
Article three, section two of the Motu Proprio Traditionist custodes
allows mass according to the nineteen sixty two Missile Romanum,
to be celebrated in the parish church of Saint Margaret
(06:25):
of Scotland in San Angelo. Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, head
of the Vatican's Doctrine Office, indicated that Pope France's policy
allowing blessings for same sex couples will remain under Pope Leo.
Under Pope Francis, the Vatican released Fiducia Supplicants in December
(06:46):
twenty twenty three, which opened the door to church blessings
for couples in irregular situations, including same sex relationships. The
document stressed that such blessings could not take the form
of a liturgical rite and did not imply formal approval
of irregular unions. The blessing's document generated considerable conservative backlash,
(07:09):
and some critics had hoped Pope Leo would rescind it. However,
Fernandez stated he doesn't think the new pope will backtrack,
saying the declaration will remain. A small Illinois village has
pulled off what many considered impossible, The Dalton Village Board
voted to purchase the childhood home of Pope Leo, creating
hope for economic revival in this struggling community. The modest
(07:32):
ranch house, where the future Pontiff spent his formative years,
had been headed to auction, scheduled to close on July seventeenth,
but village attorney berto'delson managed to negotiate a deal with
the homeowner, securing the property at a price significantly below
market expectations. The decision wasn't without controversy. Some residents questioned
(07:54):
the wisdom of the purchase. Mary Event voiced concerns at
the public meeting, noting that while buying the Pope's residence
seemed admirable, the village's current financial state raised serious questions
about their ability to maintain such a property. The house
itself is unremarkable, a typical post war suburban home on
a quiet residential street. Pope Leo's parents purchased the property
(08:18):
in nineteen forty nine and lived there until nineteen ninety six.
The future Pope called it home until leaving for seminary
school in Michigan. Village officials acknowledged the challenge ahead converting
the updated home into a proper papal shrine will require
significant work and investment. However, they're encouraged by examples from
(08:38):
other papal hometowns. The childhood home of Pope John Paul
second in Wadawis, Poland demonstrates the potential impact that museum
welcomes approximately two hundred thousand visitors annually, transforming what would
otherwise be an unremarkable town into an international destination. The
(08:58):
following is a paid present for the Happiness Experiment.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
I'm so excited to talk to you, Carl. Talk to
me a guy who's had this illustrious business career. What
made you decide to write a book on happenings? She
could have gone in some many other directions.
Speaker 3 (09:11):
Well, actually I didn't, Donnie. I didn't decide to write
a book. Something happened. This Happiness experiment happened in real life,
in real terms. I had no idea about writing a book,
but I saw it working. The experiment was working. My
friends and family were getting happier, They're increasing their happiness,
and I saw it. So I thought I need to
write about this, and so that's when I got into
(09:33):
writing the book.
Speaker 2 (09:34):
And talk to me about prequested. Talk to me what
it's about and how it's the foundation of things.
Speaker 3 (09:39):
Well, it came about through three major things that happened
in life. When I almost died in a plane crash.
If you read the book, you'll find out whether I
survived or not. The other thing that happened was I
got a call from my sister in England. She told
me her husband was dying. He had six months to live.
So I flew to England and she was in my
will and I said, Janet, you're in my will as
(10:00):
a bequest, but that's something you need right now, so
I'm going to make it a prequest. I'm going to
bring that bequest forward and pay it to you now
while you can enjoy it and your husband can fulfill.
Speaker 2 (10:11):
His last wishes.
Speaker 3 (10:12):
She was overjoyed, burst into tears of course, and said,
all this is great. My brother was there at the
same time, and I said, Barry, since I've done this
too for my sister, I'm going to bring your bequest forward,
make it a prequest. And he said, oh that's fabulous,
thank you very much. You're very generous. His wife and ballistic.
She says, this is too much money. It's wrong. I
don't want anything to do with it, and stormed out
(10:33):
of the room. So that was a real surprise. She
got over it. And the next thing that happened is
I look at my investments. I got a lot of
money sitting investments, not doing anything. Wasn't working for me,
wasn't working for my friends. So I said, why don't
I use this money for my own success and happiness,
also for my friends, the people that helped me get
(10:54):
to be wealthy and successful. That's what I did.
Speaker 2 (10:57):
So it's not a one time thing. This is it's
kind of a lifetime experiment, if you will.
Speaker 3 (11:03):
Yeah, it turned out that way because I didn't want
to just give people money and say, you know, be happy.
I said, I want this to enrich your life, be
something special. So I'd like you to think about it.
Plan something, write a happiness plan. They asked, what's a
happiness plan? I said, when I get that, I'll give
you all the money, and well, let's see how it
(11:23):
works out.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
So you talk about coaching and grants to reshape and
change lives, which is timely given what's going on in
the world today.
Speaker 3 (11:33):
Yeah, And the thing is that it wasn't just about
the money, Donnie. The money is important. We love money,
it's good to have it. But what really worked with
these people was the planning with a happiness coach. They
thought about carefully what they wanted to do that's going
to enrich their life, make them happier, what things they love,
things that they were fascinated with, and they wrote all
(11:55):
that down with a happiness coach. They had a plan.
And as soon as I got the plan, I said,
here's the money, all of it. It's all yours. You
don't owe me anything, no strings attached. And they went
off and started becoming happier.
Speaker 2 (12:08):
It's incredible. So the inspiration for this was just you
your death experience.
Speaker 3 (12:14):
Well that was part of it, but it was a
number of things that happened. First off, I was very
very grateful for the people that helped me to become successful,
and I wanted it. Being grateful is terrific. Okay, we
love that you talk about gratitude and gratitude journaling all
those sort of things, but the real thing is expressing
the gratitude, telling somebody how much you care about them,
(12:36):
appreciating what they did for you, writing with a letter.
It doesn't have to be up money. It can be possessions.
It can be money, it can be attention, could be time,
can be knowledge, your wisdom that you share with younger people.
But it's what you're doing while you're still alive that counts.
When you did, it's over.
Speaker 2 (12:52):
It's great. It's such a simple but brilliant point. And
how do you think, let's say play this out that
people kind of really buy into this intentional how happiness
and prequesting. How does the world become a better place.
Let's take this up ten thousand feet it would be great.
Speaker 3 (13:06):
Well, the reason I wrote the book is I want
this idea to get into the world so that certainly
the wealthy people, they can do the prequesting make themselves
and their friends and family happier right now while they're
still alive. The other thing, I want the book to
show how these people planned, thought about their happiness, created
a happiness plan, and then worked at and to become happier.
(13:28):
And others can learn from their experiences, reading their plans
and then doing the same thing. And in the back
of my book there's a workbook which goes through that
step by step and a plan to increase your happiness.
Speaker 2 (13:42):
How do we get this into the workplace, into schools,
and kind of really to your point, get this in there.
Speaker 3 (13:46):
You know that would be lovely if it went into
the schools, and I think in high schools this would
be a really good subject to put on the curriculum.
What is happiness? How do you achieve happiness? What's it
all about? What is happiness? It's a great question.
Speaker 1 (14:01):
You have to read my book.
Speaker 3 (14:02):
But but in short, in short emotion, we all know
what happiness is. It's feeling good, it's joyful, it's exhilaration,
it's loving life is That's what it is. A feeling.
But it's also a mindset. You have to think that
I deserve happiness. I want to be happy. I'm taking
my happiness seriously. So it's heart and mind, not just
(14:23):
one or the other. So it's that combination. But really,
I give but a whole chapter in the book on
what is happiness? And it's a it's a it's a
great chapter. You'll love the book now.
Speaker 2 (14:33):
A lot of people I cannot cannot wait to read it.
I'm so excited, like just turned on listening to you.
A lot of people equate happiness to financial success and things,
and what am I going to learn in the book
about that.
Speaker 3 (14:46):
Well, happiness. Money is important. Okay, let's let's get that
off the table. Listen, But it's not going to buy
you happiness. The good use of money is really important
how you do it, but it's it's it's the mindset.
It's the pursuit of happiness that counts. Take king your
happiness seriously, wanting what you want, and what you want
is important, your dreams, your purpose is in life, what
(15:10):
you want to achieve in your career, what you want
to treat with your family, what you want to achieve.
Your purpose is all around what you value. Are you
pursuing those values, are you living those values? This is
what it's all about. Money helps, but it's all those
other spiritual things, if you like, psychological things, that are
really the root of happiness. And as we all know,
(15:32):
some people very rich and they're very unhappy, and this
is a lot of people people want to be really happy.
Speaker 2 (15:37):
I would say money can solve problems, but it can't
buy your happiness. But you certainly can throw into problems.
But that's about the extent of it. So let's play
this out. How does the right now the world could
use this more than ever. So how do let's say,
if I just did this fantasy and said, Okay, everybody's
going to everybody's going to do this prequest, everybody's going
(15:58):
to do the happiness planning. What is how does the
world look different?
Speaker 3 (16:01):
Well, as you know, Donnie, when you're happy, your family
tends to be happy, your friends are happier, and happiness ripples,
it spreads. And if this idea gets into the world,
which I'm I'm working very hard to do, get it
into the world talking to you because you're going to
buy lots of these books and you're going to tell
all your friends about it.
Speaker 2 (16:19):
Right, So I am, yes, I am.
Speaker 3 (16:21):
If this goes in, it spreads, it ripples. It doesn't
stay just with you. It goes down to your family,
to your friends, and to your community. And if a
lot of wealthy people did this, and it's not just
about wealth, it's possessions, it's time, it's love, it's wisdom
that we can share with others while we're still alive
here and now. And if that gets into the world
and there's a lot of people start doing this, then
(16:42):
this that the happiness level in the world will increase
little by little and I'd be very happy about.
Speaker 2 (16:48):
That, mister Barney. It's been inspirational talking to you. I
am going to get this book immediately. I can recommend
it just based on what we've talked about to anybody,
because we all could use a little happiness. I appreciate take,
appreciate you taking the time.
Speaker 3 (17:00):
Happy to be here. Thanks Donnie.
Calaroga Shark Media. Pope Leo added an unexpected chapter to
papal history this month when he blessed a Pokemon card.
Reddit user Reptile Cake told Polygon he handed the pontiff
a reverse holographic Poplo card, explaining it's a Poplo it
(00:26):
sounds like Pope Leo. The Pope laughed, then began showing
it off to the guards before agreeing to sign a
copy when asked. Kataku celebrated the moment as holy Hollow.
Fans are debating whether the Poplo card blessed by the
Pope qualifies as a third class relic, a category the
Vatican has yet to define. The owner vows to keep
(00:48):
the card forever and never sell it. This occurrence comes
amid a hot market for collectibles. A sealed nineteen ninety
nine first edition Pokemon box fetched three hundred and seventy
five one thousand dollars in twenty twenty, part of a
surge that has driven vintage prices skyward. Even so, Reptile
Cake refuses to send the Poplo to grading services. I
(01:12):
don't want to grade it. It's just a funny joke.
His holiness indulged in, he tells Polygon. Meanwhile, Pope Leo
celebrated on Wednesday what has been called the first Green
Papal Mass, using a newly created set of prayers that
call for care of God's creation. This ceremony signals his
intention to emphasize environmental stewardship and climate justice for the
(01:35):
world's most vulnerable people. The mass took place in the
gardens of the Vatican's Ecological Educational Center at the papal
summer residence in Castel Gandolfo. This ceremony demonstrated a strong
commitment to continuing the ecological path established by Pope Francis,
who had made environmental protection a central theme of his papacy.
(01:56):
The private mass was held for the Laudato Sea Centre,
named after Francis's twenty fifteen environmental in cyclical. In this
groundbreaking document, the first Pope from the global South criticized
how wealthy nations and multinational corporations had exploited the Earth
and its most vulnerable populations for financial gain. Pope Leo
(02:18):
approved this new mass formula for the care of Creation,
ordering its addition to the collection of forty nine masses
that have been developed over the centuries for specific needs
or occasions. Officials explained that this liturgy was created in
response to requests arising from Francis's in cyclical, which has
sparked an entire church movement and foundation dedicated to educating, advocating,
(02:42):
and raising awareness about the Biblical mandate to care for nature.
Dressed in flowing green vestments, Pope Leo conducted the liturgy
before a statue of the Madonna and beside a reflecting pool,
surrounded by the lush green gardens on an unusually cool
summer day. Emphasized that the world must transform its understanding
(03:03):
of our planet and address what is causing the world
to suffer. Pope Leo stated that we must pray for
the transformation of many people, both within and outside the Church,
who have not yet grasped the critical importance of caring
for our shared home. He noted that we witness countless
natural disasters across the globe, occurring almost daily in numerous countries,
(03:26):
which are partially caused by human excess and our way
of life. He told the gathered congregation that they were
celebrating mass in what could be called a natural cathedral,
surrounded by plants, flowers, and nature. He explained that humanity's
mission mirrors Christ's mission to protect creation and bring peace
and reconciliation to the world. Pope Leo declared that we
(03:51):
hear the cry of the earth and the cry of
the poor, because this cry has reached God's heart. Our
indignation is his, and our work is His work. In
another demonstration of his environmental dedication, Pope Leo has indicated
plans to implement one of francis most significant ecological legacies,
(04:11):
the development of a four hundred thirty hectare site in
northern Rome into a solar farm. This facility would generate
sufficient electricity to meet the Vatican's needs, making Vatican City
the world's first carbon neutral state. The development would require
an investment of just under one hundred million euros, according
to officials, and needs approval from the Italian Parliament since
(04:34):
the territory enjoys extra territorial status that must be extended.
Staying green, Pope Leo has been given two electric vehicles
that can be transported by air and will accompany him
on his international travels. The cars have been completely customized
by hand and produce no environmental emissions or noise pollution.
(04:55):
One of their main advantages is the ability to be
transported by plane without s having to be disassembled, which
represents a logistical benefit for the Pope's travels. According to
the Vatican Governorate, the Italian airline ITA Airways also actively
collaborated on the project, providing technical data on the vehicle's
(05:15):
dimensions and the means to secure them in place required
for transport on intercontinental flights. With a compact design and
great maneuverability, the two vehicles are designed to move agilely
in tight spaces or with high pedestrian density, such as squares, shrines,
or urban centres. Furthermore, according to the Vatican, elements such
(05:37):
as a front handlebar and side supports under the armrests
have been incorporated, ensuring greater comfort and stability for the
Pope inside the vehicle. Pope Leo has granted a rare
exemption to restrictions on the traditional Latin mass that were
put in place by Pope Francis through the Decree Traditionist Custodes.
(06:03):
This exemption was requested by Bishop Michael Sis on February
sixth and was granted to Saint Margaret of Scotland Parish
in the Diocese of San Angelo, Texas. This dispensation from
Article three, section two of the Motu Proprio Traditionist custodes
allows mass according to the nineteen sixty two Missile Romanum,
to be celebrated in the parish church of Saint Margaret
(06:25):
of Scotland in San Angelo. Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, head
of the Vatican's Doctrine Office, indicated that Pope France's policy
allowing blessings for same sex couples will remain under Pope Leo.
Under Pope Francis, the Vatican released Fiducia Supplicants in December
(06:46):
twenty twenty three, which opened the door to church blessings
for couples in irregular situations, including same sex relationships. The
document stressed that such blessings could not take the form
of a liturgical rite and did not imply formal approval
of irregular unions. The blessing's document generated considerable conservative backlash,
(07:09):
and some critics had hoped Pope Leo would rescind it. However,
Fernandez stated he doesn't think the new pope will backtrack,
saying the declaration will remain. A small Illinois village has
pulled off what many considered impossible, The Dalton Village Board
voted to purchase the childhood home of Pope Leo, creating
hope for economic revival in this struggling community. The modest
(07:32):
ranch house, where the future Pontiff spent his formative years,
had been headed to auction, scheduled to close on July seventeenth,
but village attorney berto'delson managed to negotiate a deal with
the homeowner, securing the property at a price significantly below
market expectations. The decision wasn't without controversy. Some residents questioned
(07:54):
the wisdom of the purchase. Mary Event voiced concerns at
the public meeting, noting that while buying the Pope's residence
seemed admirable, the village's current financial state raised serious questions
about their ability to maintain such a property. The house
itself is unremarkable, a typical post war suburban home on
a quiet residential street. Pope Leo's parents purchased the property
(08:18):
in nineteen forty nine and lived there until nineteen ninety six.
The future Pope called it home until leaving for seminary
school in Michigan. Village officials acknowledged the challenge ahead converting
the updated home into a proper papal shrine will require
significant work and investment. However, they're encouraged by examples from
(08:38):
other papal hometowns. The childhood home of Pope John Paul
second in Wadawis, Poland demonstrates the potential impact that museum
welcomes approximately two hundred thousand visitors annually, transforming what would
otherwise be an unremarkable town into an international destination. The
(08:58):
following is a paid present for the Happiness Experiment.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
I'm so excited to talk to you, Carl. Talk to
me a guy who's had this illustrious business career. What
made you decide to write a book on happenings? She
could have gone in some many other directions.
Speaker 3 (09:11):
Well, actually I didn't, Donnie. I didn't decide to write
a book. Something happened. This Happiness experiment happened in real life,
in real terms. I had no idea about writing a book,
but I saw it working. The experiment was working. My
friends and family were getting happier, They're increasing their happiness,
and I saw it. So I thought I need to
write about this, and so that's when I got into
(09:33):
writing the book.
Speaker 2 (09:34):
And talk to me about prequested. Talk to me what
it's about and how it's the foundation of things.
Speaker 3 (09:39):
Well, it came about through three major things that happened
in life. When I almost died in a plane crash.
If you read the book, you'll find out whether I
survived or not. The other thing that happened was I
got a call from my sister in England. She told
me her husband was dying. He had six months to live.
So I flew to England and she was in my
will and I said, Janet, you're in my will as
(10:00):
a bequest, but that's something you need right now, so
I'm going to make it a prequest. I'm going to
bring that bequest forward and pay it to you now
while you can enjoy it and your husband can fulfill.
Speaker 2 (10:11):
His last wishes.
Speaker 3 (10:12):
She was overjoyed, burst into tears of course, and said,
all this is great. My brother was there at the
same time, and I said, Barry, since I've done this
too for my sister, I'm going to bring your bequest forward,
make it a prequest. And he said, oh that's fabulous,
thank you very much. You're very generous. His wife and ballistic.
She says, this is too much money. It's wrong. I
don't want anything to do with it, and stormed out
(10:33):
of the room. So that was a real surprise. She
got over it. And the next thing that happened is
I look at my investments. I got a lot of
money sitting investments, not doing anything. Wasn't working for me,
wasn't working for my friends. So I said, why don't
I use this money for my own success and happiness,
also for my friends, the people that helped me get
(10:54):
to be wealthy and successful. That's what I did.
Speaker 2 (10:57):
So it's not a one time thing. This is it's
kind of a lifetime experiment, if you will.
Speaker 3 (11:03):
Yeah, it turned out that way because I didn't want
to just give people money and say, you know, be happy.
I said, I want this to enrich your life, be
something special. So I'd like you to think about it.
Plan something, write a happiness plan. They asked, what's a
happiness plan? I said, when I get that, I'll give
you all the money, and well, let's see how it
(11:23):
works out.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
So you talk about coaching and grants to reshape and
change lives, which is timely given what's going on in
the world today.
Speaker 3 (11:33):
Yeah, And the thing is that it wasn't just about
the money, Donnie. The money is important. We love money,
it's good to have it. But what really worked with
these people was the planning with a happiness coach. They
thought about carefully what they wanted to do that's going
to enrich their life, make them happier, what things they love,
things that they were fascinated with, and they wrote all
(11:55):
that down with a happiness coach. They had a plan.
And as soon as I got the plan, I said,
here's the money, all of it. It's all yours. You
don't owe me anything, no strings attached. And they went
off and started becoming happier.
Speaker 2 (12:08):
It's incredible. So the inspiration for this was just you
your death experience.
Speaker 3 (12:14):
Well that was part of it, but it was a
number of things that happened. First off, I was very
very grateful for the people that helped me to become successful,
and I wanted it. Being grateful is terrific. Okay, we
love that you talk about gratitude and gratitude journaling all
those sort of things, but the real thing is expressing
the gratitude, telling somebody how much you care about them,
(12:36):
appreciating what they did for you, writing with a letter.
It doesn't have to be up money. It can be possessions.
It can be money, it can be attention, could be time,
can be knowledge, your wisdom that you share with younger people.
But it's what you're doing while you're still alive that counts.
When you did, it's over.
Speaker 2 (12:52):
It's great. It's such a simple but brilliant point. And
how do you think, let's say play this out that
people kind of really buy into this intentional how happiness
and prequesting. How does the world become a better place.
Let's take this up ten thousand feet it would be great.
Speaker 3 (13:06):
Well, the reason I wrote the book is I want
this idea to get into the world so that certainly
the wealthy people, they can do the prequesting make themselves
and their friends and family happier right now while they're
still alive. The other thing, I want the book to
show how these people planned, thought about their happiness, created
a happiness plan, and then worked at and to become happier.
(13:28):
And others can learn from their experiences, reading their plans
and then doing the same thing. And in the back
of my book there's a workbook which goes through that
step by step and a plan to increase your happiness.
Speaker 2 (13:42):
How do we get this into the workplace, into schools,
and kind of really to your point, get this in there.
Speaker 3 (13:46):
You know that would be lovely if it went into
the schools, and I think in high schools this would
be a really good subject to put on the curriculum.
What is happiness? How do you achieve happiness? What's it
all about? What is happiness? It's a great question.
Speaker 1 (14:01):
You have to read my book.
Speaker 3 (14:02):
But but in short, in short emotion, we all know
what happiness is. It's feeling good, it's joyful, it's exhilaration,
it's loving life is That's what it is. A feeling.
But it's also a mindset. You have to think that
I deserve happiness. I want to be happy. I'm taking
my happiness seriously. So it's heart and mind, not just
(14:23):
one or the other. So it's that combination. But really,
I give but a whole chapter in the book on
what is happiness? And it's a it's a it's a
great chapter. You'll love the book now.
Speaker 2 (14:33):
A lot of people I cannot cannot wait to read it.
I'm so excited, like just turned on listening to you.
A lot of people equate happiness to financial success and things,
and what am I going to learn in the book
about that.
Speaker 3 (14:46):
Well, happiness. Money is important. Okay, let's let's get that
off the table. Listen, But it's not going to buy
you happiness. The good use of money is really important
how you do it, but it's it's it's the mindset.
It's the pursuit of happiness that counts. Take king your
happiness seriously, wanting what you want, and what you want
is important, your dreams, your purpose is in life, what
(15:10):
you want to achieve in your career, what you want
to treat with your family, what you want to achieve.
Your purpose is all around what you value. Are you
pursuing those values, are you living those values? This is
what it's all about. Money helps, but it's all those
other spiritual things, if you like, psychological things, that are
really the root of happiness. And as we all know,
(15:32):
some people very rich and they're very unhappy, and this
is a lot of people people want to be really happy.
Speaker 2 (15:37):
I would say money can solve problems, but it can't
buy your happiness. But you certainly can throw into problems.
But that's about the extent of it. So let's play
this out. How does the right now the world could
use this more than ever. So how do let's say,
if I just did this fantasy and said, Okay, everybody's
going to everybody's going to do this prequest, everybody's going
(15:58):
to do the happiness planning. What is how does the
world look different?
Speaker 3 (16:01):
Well, as you know, Donnie, when you're happy, your family
tends to be happy, your friends are happier, and happiness ripples,
it spreads. And if this idea gets into the world,
which I'm I'm working very hard to do, get it
into the world talking to you because you're going to
buy lots of these books and you're going to tell
all your friends about it.
Speaker 2 (16:19):
Right, So I am, yes, I am.
Speaker 3 (16:21):
If this goes in, it spreads, it ripples. It doesn't
stay just with you. It goes down to your family,
to your friends, and to your community. And if a
lot of wealthy people did this, and it's not just
about wealth, it's possessions, it's time, it's love, it's wisdom
that we can share with others while we're still alive
here and now. And if that gets into the world
and there's a lot of people start doing this, then
(16:42):
this that the happiness level in the world will increase
little by little and I'd be very happy about.
Speaker 2 (16:48):
That, mister Barney. It's been inspirational talking to you. I
am going to get this book immediately. I can recommend
it just based on what we've talked about to anybody,
because we all could use a little happiness. I appreciate take,
appreciate you taking the time.
Speaker 3 (17:00):
Happy to be here. Thanks Donnie.
Popular Podcasts
CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.