Small Changes Big Shifts With Dr. Michelle Robin

Imagine a world where every small act of kindness ripples into something powerful—where turning off a faucet or holding the door open becomes part of a larger, meaningful shift. That’s exactly what Alan Stein Jr., a renowned coach and speaker, believes in. With a rich background in basketball coaching and now speaking to corporate audiences, Alan shares the powerful idea that "success is in the basics." He highlights that high achievers in both sports and life share three core traits: they master fundamentals, blend humility with confidence, and stay committed to the process. These principles aren’t just for athletes; they’re for anyone aiming to make a difference, one small, intentional action at a time. Let's be intentional, light each other’s candles, and build connections that truly matter.   About the Alan Stein Jr.:  Keynote speaker and author Alan Stein, Jr. has helped hundreds of businesses achieve more. More impactful leadership. More sales revenue. More team cohesion. More loyal customers. He pushes

In today’s episode, Erica Rooney takes us on a journey of personal empowerment, diving into the pressures women face in balancing career, family, and self-worth. She reveals how redefining "having it all" can open doors to true fulfillment, not by meeting external expectations but by embracing self-compassion and breaking free from limiting beliefs, or "sticky floors." Her advice? Start with small acts of courage “one brave bite” at a time to build resilience and confidence. Aligned with the ongoing kindness campaign, Erica encourages us to prioritize self-kindness as part of the journey, reminding us that every small act of compassion, whether toward ourselves, others, or even our pets, can create a powerful ripple effect that inspires change.   About the Guest:  Erica Rooney is a dynamic powerhouse in the world of leadership and gender equality, known for her passion for breaking down barriers and inspiring others to embrace infinite possibilities. With over 15 years as an executive and a fierce advocate fo

In a world that moves so fast, when was the last time you intentionally slowed down to connect with someone or even yourself? Dr. Michelle Robin and Bayleigh Petty dive into the powerful ripple effect of kindness. As they reflect on the fifth annual Kindness Campaign, they remind us that kindness is more than just an act; it's a mindset that can open doors to deeper connections and personal growth. Whether it's holding the door for a busy mother, or inviting a friend for a virtual coffee, small gestures create lasting impacts. This episode encourages us to be mindful and present, because every small act of kindness not only lifts others but also heals us. Ready to be a part of something bigger? Start with one kind act today—it could change a life, including yours!   Connect with Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh at: https://smallchangesbigshifts.com hello@smallchangesbigshifts.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallchangesbigshifts https://www.facebook.com/SmallChangesBigShifts https://www.instagram.com/smallchang

Imagine overcoming life's biggest challenges with a heart full of hope and optimism. Shanna Adamic, Executive Director of Oracle Health Foundation, embodies this with her incredible story of resilience and social impact. Shanna has dedicated over two decades to removing financial barriers to healthcare for children worldwide, transforming lives through programs that provide essential care. Her personal journey of surviving a brain tumor shaped her into a fierce advocate for audacious optimism—bold hope paired with action. Whether it's leading global initiatives or inspiring others through her upcoming book, Shanna's message is clear: when we choose optimism, we not only transform ourselves but the world around us. Let her story remind you that no matter the obstacle, hope and kindness can lead to powerful change.   About the Guest:  Shanna Adamic embodies audacious optimism as a way of life. As an executive at Oracle, she has spent over two decades championing corporate philanthropy, global health initiatives

Imagine a world where success isn’t just about what you get, but what you give. That’s the powerful message Bob Burg brings as he shares the Go Giver philosophy—a transformative approach to life and business that flips the script from taking to offering value first. Bob highlights how small acts of kindness and genuine generosity can create ripples of positivity that come back to you in unexpected ways. It's not just about good intentions; it's about taking action and consistently putting others first, leading to both fulfillment and success. Join us in embracing this mindset and watch how it changes not only your world but the lives of those around you.   About the Guest: Bob Burg is a sought-after speaker and author known for his transformational business philosophy, emphasizing that a subtle shift in focus—from getting to giving—is not only uplifting but also the most profitable way to do business. For over 30 years, Bob has helped companies and sales teams communicate their value more effectively, sell at

Are you ready to step into a legacy of kindness and impact? Nick Marino Jr.’s story is a testament to the power of small acts that ripple into big changes. From his transformative mission trip to the Dominican Republic, where he first witnessed the stark reality of hunger, to launching initiatives like Feed the City, Nick has embraced a life fueled by service and compassion. He reminds us that true kindness isn’t about grand gestures but the little things—listening, holding a door, offering a smile—that uplift others. Let Nick's journey inspire you to trust your instincts and start making your own impact today. About the Guest:  Nick Marino Jr. has united thousands of people through Tango Charities, which he founded to produce the event Feed The City—one of the most inclusive and diverse volunteering initiatives. His efforts have led to over 1,600 events in 5 countries, 14 states, and 67 cities, involving more than 100,000 volunteers and providing over 7 million meals to those in need. In August 2024, Nick jo

Imagine how a simple act of kindness can ripple through time, changing lives in ways you never expected. Every small act of kindness creates a ripple, and Paula reminds us of its immense power to transform lives. She shares a heartfelt story about how her mother's simple gesture of kindness toward a shunned family impacted not just that family, but also an entire community over time. Paula’s work with the Live Happy Now podcast and her commitment to spreading happiness shows that kindness isn’t just a lofty ideal—it's an actionable practice that anyone can incorporate into their lives. By setting simple intentions each day, like kindness, we can lift ourselves and those around us, even in the most unexpected ways. So, what’s stopping you from spreading kindness today? You never know whose life you’ll change, including your own.   About the Guest: Paula Felps is a freelance writer, author, and host of the weekly Live Happy Now podcast, where she interviews psychologists, scientists, authors, and other expe

Are you ready to make the world a kinder place? In this inspiring episode, Dr. Michelle Robin and Bayleigh Petty dive into the power of kindness, sharing how small, simple acts can transform lives and build stronger communities. They highlight their annual kindness campaign, aiming to touch a million hearts through everyday acts of generosity and empathy. Whether it’s holding a door open or offering a smile, kindness is a gift we all can give, and its ripple effect is profound. Join the movement, and let’s spread kindness together—because small changes lead to big shifts!   Connect with Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh at:https://smallchangesbigshifts.com hello@smallchangesbigshifts.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallchangesbigshifts https://www.facebook.com/SmallChangesBigShifts https://www.instagram.com/smallchangesbigshiftsco   Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the soc

Kindness is more than just an act; it’s a way of connecting deeply with the world around us.  Don Carter shares his inspiring journey of embracing kindness, connection, and self-acceptance as transformative forces in life. From his work supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs to his personal experiences as a new father, Don emphasizes the power of showing up authentically and being open to life's simple, beautiful moments. He highlights the importance of self-acceptance and how embracing who we are allows us to connect more deeply with others. Through heartfelt stories and practical wisdom, Don reminds us that kindness can be the bridge that turns strangers into friends and transforms ordinary days into extraordinary ones.   About the Guest: Don Carter has spent a lifetime in pursuit of service and protection, previously during a decade in law enforcement and now through working with emerging leaders in business. His relentless journey has led him from healing hearts to radical new starts for black executiv

Navigating life’s challenges isn’t always a straight path, but embracing small changes can lead to big transformations. In this episode, Dr. Michelle invites new co-host Bayleigh Petty to discuss her journey of personal growth, professional challenges, and the importance of wellness in every aspect of life. Bayleigh shares her story of navigating an identity crisis, balancing motherhood with her professional life, and the transformational power of getting still to rediscover her purpose. Through heartfelt anecdotes and valuable lessons, she emphasizes the importance of listening to your inner voice, being patient with yourself, and embracing wellness as a lifelong, evolving practice. This episode is a reminder that no journey is perfect, but small, intentional choices can pave the way for a fulfilling and balanced life.   Connect with Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh at: https://smallchangesbigshifts.com hello@smallchangesbigshifts.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallchangesbigshifts https://www.facebook.com/

What if the wisdom of experience could seamlessly blend with fresh, new perspectives? Dr. Michelle Robin takes you on a reflective journey through the growth and transformation that have defined the show, now welcoming Bayleigh Petty as the new co-host. This episode marks a significant moment, where past insights meet the future of wellness. Together, they’re committed to inspiring you to take the small, meaningful steps that lead to profound, lasting change. As they share stories of growth and evolution, you'll be reminded that every chapter, past and present, shapes the journey to well-being.   Connect with Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh at: https://smallchangesbigshifts.com hello@smallchangesbigshifts.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallchangesbigshifts https://www.facebook.com/SmallChangesBigShifts https://www.instagram.com/smallchangesbigshiftsco www.linkedin.com/in/bayleigh-petty-scbs  https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellerobin/  Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If

One of my favorite guests is back for another episode - Dr. Norm Shealy of Shealy Wellness. Dr. Shealy knew from age 4 that he wanted to be a physician and by age 16 knew he wanted to be a neurosurgeon so it is no surprise he is still changing the world of holistic medicine at 85. His lifelong quest to find ways to successfully manage chronic pain has led to numerous breakthroughs in the medical field and more often than not have nothing to do with medication or the conventional way of treating chronic pain in the US. Dr. Shealy believes the one purpose in being alive is helping people and that is what drives him each and every day. Downloads You can download our free ebook Small Changes Big Shifts - Putting the Odds In Your Favor here: https://smallchangesbigshifts.com/download/2690/

Qiana Thomason has dedicated her career to the improvement of health and wellbeing across the region. As the CEO of Health Forward, she focuses on communities over-represented in health injustice and those living in marginalized conditions. While Qiana has an impressive career repertoire, it’s her health journey that is the highlight of her story. After years of suffering from intense skin issues, self-isolation, and joint and gut pain, Qiana found the answer. It took stepping away from conventional medicine and discovering the root cause of her symptoms through a functional approach. The problem? An overgrowth of Candida albicans in her gut created an autoimmune response in the rest of her body. Through listening to her body, building relationships with her healthcare providers, and relentlessly pursuing wellbeing Qiana was able to find healing. Memorable Quotes: “There’s the food you get through what you eat, and the food you put on your body, and the food you put in your mind and your soul.” “I’ve always

Dr. Bowen White is an “organizational physician” who is interested in the “people piece” when it comes to the workplace and life in general. He encourages people to take responsibility for their own health and life because at the end of the day we have to start with ourselves in order to help others.  He likes to be known as a “perspirational speaker” instead of a motivational speaker because he motivates himself and makes others sweat. How so? He talks about how we are our own biggest problem but we are also our own greatest strength and how it all starts and ends with us.  Dr. White travels the world speaking to different organizations, teams, companies, schools and more on the human nature and relationships. He believes in the power of helping others and that in order to see change happen then we must be willing to change ourselves.

“Counseling helped me befriend my nervous system.” - Brooke Seiz Did you know we only need one teaspoon of sugar in our body at a time? During today’s episode, Dr. Robin invites Brooke Seiz to unpack why sugar can oftentimes be a culprit for anxiety. Brooke shares what inspired her to become a counselor and functional medicine practitioner for others, including her own bout with anxiety, an eating disorder, and other mental health challenges. She goes on to describe why there can often be many root causes of anxiety, but when our blood sugar levels are too high or low, our cortisol levels (stress response) get activated and we easily enter that fight or flight mode. Brooke also covers how sugar is often disguised on labels, and how fast our bodies can experience inflammation (even pain) after we consume too much sugar. By the end of the episode, she’ll provide some ways you can test if sugar may be causing problems. She’ll also provide what foods can help aid in regulating sugar levels. Grab a pen and paper –

Daneen West is a Cisco Customer Success Executive, mother of three, and Brain Health Coach. For the past 21 years, Daneen has worked for Cisco Systems, designing, and leading industry award-winning talent development programs  After years of being on the verge of burnout, she is professionally more resilient, energized, and mentally sharp than decades earlier because of discovering brain health, where all the power is to up-level your life. Certified through the NeuroLeadership Institute and Amen Clinics, Brain Health has transformed every area of Daneen’s life, and she is compelled to provide the opportunity for others to ease anxiety, boost focus and finally work on their sleep struggles. Daneen’s Brain-Boosting checklist is a great resource to discover practical tips to heal, protect and grow the brain (See below). Memorable Quotes: “So as parents, if we have that intuition like that, something's wrong, check it out. And if the first doctor may not, if you don't resonate there, you're not being heard. Kee

"Life is really simple but we insist on making it complicated." - Confucius In this episode of the Small Changes Big Shifts podcast, we are joined by board-certified psychiatrist, acupuncturist and yoga teacher, Dr. Ellen Vora who has also authored the chapter on Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Psychiatry in the textbook Mount Sinai Expert Guides: Psychiatry. Dr. Vora takes a functional medicine approach to mental health, considering the whole person and addressing the problem at the root, rather than reflexively prescribing medication to suppress symptoms. She also takes the whole person into consideration, focusing on everything from physical health, sleep, nutrition, digestion, thought patterns, relationships and community to our connection with nature and creativity, and the ways we find meaning in life. Ash she sits down with Dr. Michelle, we learn what drew Dr. Vora to learn more about holistic approach and other trainings to heal the human body such as Chinese medicine, movement, nutrition, a

A real giver is a generous receiver, those are two sides of the same coin. - Edith Varley Join us as we gather to reset our new daily rhythm and build resilience during this time of change. Today, I’m excited to have Edith Varley. Edith is a speaker, advisor, educator and the founder of The Varley Group where she drives an outcome-based mission to transform human potential into constructive contribution. In her practice, she uses systems thinking initiatives to identify needs and establish outcome-based objectives. Prior to founding The Varley Group in 2000, she served for 25 years in the business of chemical manufacturing where she started in sales and ultimately led the company as CEO and owner. During her tenure, Edie helped people find the meaning in their work and the value in their contribution and as CEO led the company to double-digit net operating profit. I’m happy to have Edith share how they’re finding Rhythm and Resilience right now, and how we can do the same. I invite you to tune in using the lo

After 10 successful seasons on air, Dr. Michelle Robin is ready to share how the Small Changes Big Shifts podcast will be shifting gears this coming September. Before she dives into the full announcement, she pauses to reflect on her wellness wins over the years, which includes a shoutout to her community for helping her reach those wins. She believes that every small step matters, and hopes that after 10 seasons of powerful conversations, listeners have gained more light and can see their wellness path more clearly. By the end of the episode, she will also explain why brain health is gaining her attention lately, and why some upcoming episodes will help illuminate its significance to our overall well-being. Mentioned in this episode: Wellness Consortium - https://smallchangesbigshifts.com/wellness-network/  Small Changes Big Shifts - https://smallchangesbigshifts.com/  Nourishing Quote Deck - https://smallchangesbigshifts.com/product/quote-cards/  31 Days of Kindness series - https://smallchangesbigshifts.c

“While I was packing, the only thing I was thinking about was how grateful I felt and how I could thank that cab driver who changed my life forever with a small act of kindness.” - Tareq Hadhad  Tareq Hadhad’s life was changed forever during a cab ride home one day. His driver, who was singing and smiling as he drove, noticed that Tareq looked heavy-hearted. After explaining what was on his mind, the driver shared an idea with him that would positively impact Tareq’s entire future – and his family’s safety. It was the answer he had been searching for. In today’s episode, Dr. Michelle Robin invites Tareq to share his awe-inspiring story about his family’s refugee journey from Syria to their new home in Canada. He provides a glimpse into what was going through in his mind during this incredibly challenging time of war in their country, but also what he noticed about his father who was losing everything he had built for his family – including his chocolate factory. Enjoy this special holiday episode, which remin