In The Loop With Andy Andrews

On today’s episode, Andy and A.T. discuss the power of the individual and how to channel it through discovering your passion.   A listener named Sheryl writes in about her experience with breast cancer. Her story prompted A.T. to wonder how people who aren’t writers or speakers or someone with a large audience can have a big, lasting impact on the world. Andy brings up the butterfly effect story that he often tells on stage The story illustrates how great moments or accomplishments all go back to “ordinary” people who did a seemingly small deed that caused big things to happen down the line   Sheryl mentioned that her experience with cancer didn’t “define” her; it “refined” her. Andy points out that this is often seen as an odd way of thinking It’s actually a great way of thinking As a society, we often think logically to the wrong conclusions We have the ability to choose the way we think   Everybody has something they are meant to do. It takes a different way of thinking to figure out what that is and

A new friend of Andy’s joins us on the show today, and shares how principles from Andy’s book The Butterfly Effect are being implemented into her school and the effect that it’s having.   The Butterfly Effect teaches the kids how to think and prepares them for the real world Kids are caught doing something good Their choices are what matter They can change their future Teachers get more chances to have conversations with children and give them guidance Kids are being told how important they are   How do we change our society? By little actions every day Treating those we come in contact with on a daily bases in a positive manner People will treat others better if they are treated well themselves We’re not teaching kids what to think, but rather how to think     Questions for Listeners   ·      What books do you use to help your children make better choices? o   Phone: 1-800-726-ANDY o   E-Mail: InTheLoop@AndyAndrews.com o   Facebook.com/AndyAndrews o   Twitter.com/AndyAndrews Were you encouraged or hel

On today’s episode, a listener writes in with the question: How do you apply the principle of “Today I choose to be happy”?   Andy’s simple answer is: ·      No one wants to follow a grouch ·      You have to become someone whom others want to follow ·      Choose to be grateful ·      Most people exist in life without anyone telling them how great they are ·      Learn how to vocalize the things we are grateful for having in our lives   For those who think that living life this way may be hokey, Andy comments: ·      What kind of life do you want to lead? ·      What kind of mood do you want to establish in your house? ·      What kind of aura do you want around you as you interact with others outside of your home? ·      If you’re doing what everyone else is doing, then you’re doing something wrong, because everyone else is not living a life filled with extraordinary results ·      If you treat people the way that you would like to be treated, most people will live up to your expectation, so treat them w

We all want to go beyond the average in certain areas of our lives. But how do we begin to do that? Andy and A.T. discuss how living a life of gratitude produces shockingly different results.   What are the practical things you can do that change you life from ordinary to extraordinary? One of the keys is understanding that you can choose to live an extraordinary life It is very seldom that an extraordinary life is just granted upon someone If you choose an extraordinary life, you must understand that you can no longer act and think like the average person   There are many baby steps you can take to start thinking and acting differently. How Andy treats his garbage men drastically changes the “garbage” area of his life The way you treat people who do everyday jobs that we all have to have done see drastically different results These are little areas of our lives, but they can make a big difference in our day-to-day experiences Look for ways to make a fuss over people When you treat people beyond the norma

A listener calls in with a story of how The Traveler’s Gift has changed his lifeA.T. asks Andy what people say his books have done for them: The importance of choosing with whom you associate Finding a love for reading that they didn't know they had Seeing a need to change something in their life Andy talks about association and the affect it has on our lives: You tend to live the average of your closest associations So, you have to choose who you're going to be around If you don't want to live like average people live then you have to change the association you have with the average lifestyle  Addressing change and what that looks like Little changes now can mean massive change further on in life Everyone is changing So, if you're going to be changing, why not move in the direction that you want to end up? Change can be achieved while interacting with people or in your own thought process. Every great thing that ever happened in your life happened because something changed Question for ListenersWhat sm

Andy and AT discuss how to develop good reading habits and how they will change every aspect of your life for the better. The role books have played in Andy's past, present, and future While living under a pier not long after his parents died, an old man names Jones introduced biographies to Andy Biographies became the basis for the rest of Andy's life and writing Andy then identified the 7 decisions/principles based off the 200+ biographies that he read What about people who don’t like to read or say they don’t have the time? “I don't like to read” What does that have to do with anything? Are you expecting yourself to read? The point is not do you want to read; the point is—what do you want? “I don't have time to read” Reading has to be a discipline that helps you get what you want out of life It is essential to discipline yourself to make time for it Statistically: People who read make more money People who read have a lower divorce rate People who read have fewer problems with their child

Do your actions match your intentions? Find out on today’s episode of In the Loop!A.T. brings up a blog post Andy recently wrote called “An Important Announcement for Men Everywhere.” The post is about why we need to remember that watching football (or anything on TV, really) is not what this time of the year is all about Andy explains that he really does love watching the game of football, regardless of who is playing, and he can tend to get wrapped up in it His boys love watching it with him, but he has noticed that if he isn’t there to watch a game, they don’t watch it on their own Somewhere along the line, Andy began to understand that you put your time into what is most important to you. When he listed the time that he spent reading about and watching football, he discovered that it was much more time than he was spending reading about things like being a better dad What do we consider to be important in our lives? Most people would say things like their wife, husband, kids, etc. But does that answe

Andy and A.T. discuss the movies that Andy enjoys watching with his boys, his wife, and by himself.What are some movies that really shaped Andy growing up? Andy saw a ton of Disney movies as a kid He loved the animal ones They gave him a great love for the outdoors He loved John Wayne movies and other Westerns He hated—and still does—horror movies What movies did Polly and Andy enjoy when they were dating? Polly does not like to go see movies…in fact, she’s never even seen Star Wars! What movies does Andy like to watch with his boys? A Christmas Story is one of his favorite movies His manager, Robert, insisted that he and Andy go see it in the theater They were the only ones in the theater, and they couldn’t stop laughing Andy and his family watch it every year The reason why it appeals to him is because it conveys how a kid actually thinks about the world around him One of the good things about watching movies with kids is that all the great old movies are totally new to them The Legend of Bagger Vance

This week, A.T. and Andy introduce a new segment called “Finish This Phrase,” where Andy takes listener-submitted phrases and finishes them on the spot. Parents should always ________ Andy says, “Discipline their kids.” If parents don’t discipline their kids now, life will discipline them later…and it probably won’t be pretty. When you go to work ________ Andy says, “Go in a good mood, because no one wants to be around someone who is whining and complaining.” Husbands should never ________ Andy says, “Put too much salad in their mouth at once.” “Leave Band-Aids in the shower.” “Honk the horn when his their wife is doing whatever she does inside.” When your kids walk out the door to school, you should always tell them ______ Andy says, “Don’t forget to smile while you talk.” This is huge and will give your kids so many more opportunities. He also says, “Find someone who doesn’t have many friends and be a friend to them.” If you want a different life _______ Andy says, “You have to think different.” “S

Is there a secret to becoming “extraordinary”? What’s the difference between extraordinary and ordinary?Define an extraordinary life. An extraordinary life means a lot of different things to different people. But there are several characteristics that they have in common. Being debt-free. It’s hard to live a life of freedom when you’re living with debt. A track record of wise decisions leads to an extraordinary life. Wise decisions lead people to places of influence. Influence is essential because it is part of helping people, which is another key ingredient in an extraordinary life. We all possess influence in some areas. The pursuit of wisdom opens the door to all of these qualities. How do you want to live? In relation to your family, finances, God, your community, etc. This question will give you a good idea of what your version of an extraordinary life is. If you want to live an extraordinary life, then you can’t live the way most others do, because most people are leading average lives. Can anyone l

One of Andy’s favorite musicians and good friends, Jason Crabb, is on the show this week. Jason won Artist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year at last year’s Dove Awards. He and Andy discuss everything from music to the importance of practicing what you preach.Andy asks: How did you get started in the business?      •    His dad was a pastor, so he grew up in the church and learned how to communicate to people and play music      •    Eventually, people started to take an interest in him and his family and they would get invited to perform all over the countryAndy asks: At what point did you realize you had a gift for singing?      •    Jason thinks it’s more about being passionate about what you do and seeing the way what you’re doing is affecting people in a positive way as opposed to thinking about your talent level and how much money you’re making      •    So there wasn’t really one particular moment, but over the years he has been blessed enough to see the life-changing effects his music has had o

Andy offers an encouraging perspective on the approaching presidential election and gives listeners bits of wisdom they can apply in political conversations. He also tackles the all-important question—for whom should we vote? One thing that everyone agrees with, everyone should be told the truth. The next question is, what is the truth? What’s your truth, my truth, his or her truth? There is a variation on the theme of truth. There is only one truth, and the truth defines itself. The truth will also define someone who works within those parameters.  The two reasons why most people don’t vote: People don’t feel like their one vote will make any difference. By the time the election comes around, people have poor opinions on both candidates because the person whom they wanted didn’t receive a nomination. Things to consider when determining for whom to vote: This is not about an election as much as it’s about a direction and where our country is headed. Examine what you believe, and measure that against what

This week’s episode is short, but laughter is guaranteed! Hear Andy sing the three “alternate” versions of everyone’s favorite hymn, “Amazing Grace.” This has become something audiences across the country request from him. Questions for Listeners How do you discipline your children when they misbehave? What problems have you encountered? o    Phone: 1-800-726-ANDYo    E-Mail: InTheLoop@AndyAndrews.como    Facebook.com/AndyAndrewso    Twitter.com/AndyAndrews

What legacy are you leaving? Andy and A.T. discuss this subject as well as some great listener feedback. Most people never get a standing ovation. By helping others and adding value to other people we, in a sense, are giving them a “standing ovation.” The ripple effect of your actions will impact others in ways that you may never know.  How do we create a legacy?  Know that everyone leaves a legacy, but not every legacy is a good one You start right now You need to read material that adds value Start living your life intentionally  Catch people doing something right Build on what you are so: Those who come behind you learn from your example Others can learn from what you know Others know why you make the choices you make Others know how you make the choices you make Write principles that have been important to you down to pass on after you’re gone. Questions for Listeners • How are you creating your legacy? What are you doing on purpose to add to it?  o Phone: 1-800-726-ANDY o E-Mail: InTheLoop@

This week, special guest Dan Miller discusses the bold claims he has made about wisdom, passion, and finances in his new book, Wisdom Meets Passion, with Andy and AT. Dan’s new book is a “different kind of book”•    Dan is known as a “career guy,” but this book falls under a different category•    This book is about finding your passion and building a career around it•    It compares and contrasts Dan’s perspective with his son’s, who lives in KenyaThe crux of the book is wisdom meets passion•    They are trying to remind people that we have to have wisdom and passion no matter where we are•    One without the other is meaningless•    No matter how old you are, you can discover your wisdom and your passion and how to integrate the twoAndy thinks that the greatest book or product or song that somebody puts out is one where you don’t even have to know who the author or artist is to like it•    He thinks Ken’s book is one of those cases•    The book would work extremely well for companies across the country to g

This week, AT shares some good news and asks Andy to answer the most difficult listener question they’ve ever received.   Andy and AT share some good news: You can get seven free letters from Andy’s previously unavailable Storms of Perfection book by signing up for the free e-mail list on AndyAndrews.com. AT shares what he calls the “toughest question ever asked on the podcast.” Rebecca writes: Andy, the area of parenting I have trouble with the most is making more quality time with my children. I’m a mother of two and since the first day my child was born I have wanted to quit my job and become the manager of my home. The problem is my student loans. I’m a lawyer, and my education cost a lot of money. It does not seem feasible to quit my job until the student loans are paid off. Even with aggressive payments, the loans won’t be paid off for another three and a half years. By then, my children will be in school, so there will be no point in staying at home. Right now, I struggle with how to make the mo

After listening to the Father’s Day podcast a reader responded with an idea she does with her children: She writes letters to her kids each year that will be given to them at a later date. It’s a way of adding value to children before they are aware of anything being done. Knowing that they will go through tough times in the future, having a way to say, "I love you and I have always loved you," can have a lasting impact.   Another listener question: What makes you (Andy) most satisfied in life? Personally, knowing that he's done what he can that day and that God is proud of him.  That he provided for his family and added value to them. Professionally, creating value for other people through writing & speaking.  Hearing how what he's done has impacted others gives him satisfaction.   Reading The Perfect Moment: His intention with writing the eBook was to help people become aware of those moments in life that all too often slip past us.   After the Father’s Day podcast, a listener wrote in with a pers

This week, Andy highlights the lessons we can take away from the Olympics and apply to our own lives.   Why are we so compelled to watch the Olympics? ·      They give us more than normal sports do the rest of the other four years. ·      They mark times in our lives. Everyone has memories connected to the Olympics.  ·      The Olympics give us a glimpse into the private lives of those who have amazing discipline.     Nothing great happens without discipline. ·      Business ·      Raising children ·      Sports ·      Writing ·      Anytime you see anyone who has accomplished anything great, you find that they have great amounts of discipline.   Why watch the Olympics? ·      You will find a "hero," someone who will be highlighted everywhere. Someone you will admire. ·      To see real life examples of people who went out and created success without anyone else paying them to do what they were gifted to do. In spite of      challenges, they still succeeded.   While having a conversation with his s

This week’s special guest, Melinda Leake, is a middle school English teacher from Tennessee who has integrated Andy’s books into her classroom. She discusses the potential that the books can unlock in young people.  Three summers ago, Melinda had an emergency appendectomy and was hospitalized for 10 days. ·      Around day seven, she was in a state of depression. ·      She was looking out a window and realized that her perspective was totally wrong. She saw all the people in the hospital who were worse off, and realized she had many amazing things in her life. ·      When she got out of the hospital, she and her family went on vacation to the gulf. ·      While in a local bookstore in Seaside, she saw The Noticer and decided to pick it up, especially once she noticed the subtitle—“Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective.” ·      That book is what caused her to fall in love with Andy’s writing.   She realized there were lessons that, not only adults, but also kids could take away from The Notic

In honor of Andy Griffith’s passing, Andy and A.T. discuss The Andy Griffith Show and what it can teach modern families.   How did The Andy Griffith Show have an impact on Andy growing up? ·      He watched the show with his family. They would laugh and be entertained and have a good time while they watched. ·      At the end of the show, Andy’s dad would always say, “Now what was the moral of that show?” ·      There was always a bit of wisdom or a lesson in every episode, and those lessons still hold up to this day. ·      Andy thinks the first 5 years of The Andy Griffith Show was the best programming in the history of television. ·      To this day, Andy and his family will still quote lines from the show to each other. ·      The show was still the number one show in the nation when Andy Griffith left it after eight years.   The show had a very natural sense of comedy. ·      Opie was funny in the way kids in real life are actually funny. ·      That’s not what kids on modern sitcoms are like. Now, they