Today’s show is the 77th and final of this podcast.  I started the show as some of you will recall when our nation was at one of its darkest points of my lifetime.  There was so much hatred, bigotry and diviseness in the world that it was beginning to negatively effect my mental state. While I’ve tried for the most part to avoid discussing politics on the show the reality was that our President was fomenting this hatred to benefit himself and his political career. So, to combat this I decide to search and see if there was any good in the world and if I happened to find any to share it with you.  To provide hope that things could get better if we only were willing to act.Theme music from Purple Planethttps://www.purple-planet.com/ Contact MeProofPositivePodcast@Gmail.comLeave me a review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/proof-positive-876873 Where to find my podcastApple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/proof-positive/id1468269668Google Play  https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/I3sz6fk4kmj54qasoaw3jonnv5iSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2G1UHjBwyAyiqRTzAc50BSStitcher https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/stephen-c-plut/proof-positive?refid=stprTuneIn:  Just ask Alexa to "Play the Proof Positive podcast"

Proof Positive

Episode 77: Adieu

Today’s show is Episode 76 my interview with author TJ  Nelligan who wrote the book Live like Sean.  The book is both  a tribute to his amazing son and also a handbook for all of us on how to live life to its fullest.Theme music from Purple Planethttps://www.purple-planet.com/ Live like Seanhttps://www.amazon.com/Live-Like-Sean-Important-Special-Needs/dp/1626347573 TJ Nelliganhttps://tjnelligan.com/ Contact MeProofPositivePodcast@Gmail.com Leave me a review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/proof-positive-876873 Where to find my podcastApple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/proof-positive/id1468269668Google Play  https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/I3sz6fk4kmj54qasoaw3jonnv5iSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2G1UHjBwyAyiqRTzAc50BSStitcher https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/stephen-c-plut/proof-positive?refid=stprTuneIn:  Just ask Alexa to "Play the Proof Positive podcast"

Episode 76 Live like Sean

Today’s show is Episode 75 my interview with the creator of the Our Inner Sparks podcast.Lilly’s show and mission tie in nicely to the theme of my show as she takes time to highlight the sometimes extraordinary things women are doing that they themselves don’t necessarily acknowledge. Still, thru their efforts and with Lily’s audience they are inspiring many others to find their Inner Spark.Theme music from Purple Planethttps://www.purple-planet.com/ Our Inner Sparkshttps://www.ourinnersparks.com/ Contact MeProofPositivePodcast@Gmail.com Leave me a review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/proof-positive-876873 Where to find my podcastApple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/proof-positive/id1468269668Google Play  https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/I3sz6fk4kmj54qasoaw3jonnv5iSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2G1UHjBwyAyiqRTzAc50BSStitcher https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/stephen-c-plut/proof-positive?refid=stprTuneIn:  Just ask Alexa to "Play the Proof Positive podcast"

Episode 75: Our Inner Sparks

My guest wanted me to point out right at the top of the show that there is NO RUNNING REQUIRED to take part in the You Matter Marathon so don’t switch us off.  It is a marathon of the heart and everyone can participate. With that clarification, since starting my journey to find kindness and good in the world back in June of 2019 I’ve found many.  Often times the most impactful ideas seem to be the simplest.  Being a believer in  occam's razor perhaps I shouldn’t have been surprised.   For those unfamiliar with that principle Occam's razor is the principle that, of two explanations that account for all the facts, the simpler one is more likely to be correct. That definition comes from Britannica.com However, even though many of these highly impactful ideas were simple in design they took courage from their creators to actually implement.  Today’s guest Cheryl Rice is a perfect example.  Her idea to create business cards printed with “You Matter” on them has touched people around the globe.  But it all started with that 1st card she had the courage to hand out.Theme music from Purple Planethttps://www.purple-planet.com/ The You Matter Marathonhttps://youmattermarathon.com/Contact MeProofPositivePodcast@Gmail.com Leave me a review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/proof-positive-876873 Where to find my podcastApple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/proof-positive/id1468269668Google Play  https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/I3sz6fk4kmj54qasoaw3jonnv5iSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2G1UHjBwyAyiqRTzAc50BSStitcher https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/stephen-c-plut/proof-positive?refid=stprTuneIn:  Just ask Alexa to "Play the Proof Positive podcast"

Episode 74: The You Matter Marathon (No Running Required)

Today’s show is Episode 73 The Workplace Positivity Workbook Part 2 of my  interview with Neal Nybo. In part one we were introduced to the workbook and the ideas behind it.  On today’s show we are going to take a look at the numbers, statistics that I found shocking regarding the workplace and how the Workplace Productivity Workbook can help your organization gain a competitive edge by simply doing the right thing.Theme music from Purple Planethttps://www.purple-planet.com/ Neal Nybohttps://www.nealnybo.com/Contact MeProofPositivePodcast@Gmail.com Leave me a review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/proof-positive-876873Where to find my podcastApple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/proof-positive/id1468269668Google Play  https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/I3sz6fk4kmj54qasoaw3jonnv5iSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2G1UHjBwyAyiqRTzAc50BSStitcher https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/stephen-c-plut/proof-positive?refid=stprTuneIn:  Just ask Alexa to "Play the Proof Positive podcast"

Episode 73: The Workplace Positivity Workbook Part II

Today’s show is Episode 72 The Workplace Positivity Workbook Part 1 of my 2 part interview with Neal Nybo. I spend a lot of time sharing evidence with you about the benefits of kindness.  But have you ever considered its impact in the workplace?  On today’s show we’ll learn more about the Workplace Productivity Workbook and how it can help to benefit your organization.Theme music from Purple Planethttps://www.purple-planet.com/ Neal Nybohttps://www.nealnybo.com/ Human Kind: Changing the World One Small Act At a Timehttps://tinyurl.com/ycbemnf3 Contact MeProofPositivePodcast@Gmail.com Leave me a review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/proof-positive-876873 Where to find my podcastApple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/proof-positive/id1468269668Google Play  https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/I3sz6fk4kmj54qasoaw3jonnv5iSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2G1UHjBwyAyiqRTzAc50BSStitcher https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/stephen-c-plut/proof-positive?refid=stprTuneIn:  Just ask Alexa to "Play the Proof Positive podcast"

Episode 72 The Workplace Positivity Workbook Part I

Today’s show is Episode 71 Human Kind, Changing the World One Small Act at a Time Part 2 of my interview with Brad AronsonIf you haven’t listened to episode 70 yet go back and take a listen to part one of the interview and then come back to hear the conclusion here.In part one Brad shared his bio with us, his inspiration for writing the book and the wonderful story of the Santa Brigade.   On today’s show we’ll hear several more inspiring stories from the book as well as Brad’s advice on how we can get engaged in changing the worldTheme music from Purple Planethttps://www.purple-planet.com/ Coffee Talk: Liz Rosenberg and Barbra Streisand – SNLhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiJkANps0Qw&t=2s&ab_channel=SaturdayNightLive Brad Aronsonhttps://www.bradaronson.com/ Human Kind: Changing the World One Small Act At a Timehttps://tinyurl.com/ycbemnf3 Contact MeProofPositivePodcast@Gmail.com Leave me a review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/proof-positive-876873 Where to find my podcastApple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/proof-positive/id1468269668Google Play  https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/I3sz6fk4kmj54qasoaw3jonnv5iSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2G1UHjBwyAyiqRTzAc50BSStitcher https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/stephen-c-plut/proof-positive?refid=stprTuneIn:  Just ask Alexa to "Play the Proof Positive podcast"

Episode 71 Human Kind Changing the World One Small Act at a Time Part 2

My guest today is Brad Aronson has written a book called "Human Kind, Changing the World One Small Act at a Time".  This book is so incredibly touching that 15 pages in I found myself choked up or as Mike Myers use to say during the Coffee Talk skit on Saturday Night Live I got a verklempt.  If you aren't familiar with that skit I'll put a link in the show notes. Nevertheless, Brad in his book has shared both his personal experiences and those of others to show how just doing SOMETHING is the key to helping change our world.  Inaction keeps the status quo, taking action no matter how small can have an unexpectedly large impact on the person that you've helped.Theme music from Purple Planethttps://www.purple-planet.com/ Coffee Talk: Liz Rosenberg and Barbra Streisand – SNLhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiJkANps0Qw&t=2s&ab_channel=SaturdayNightLive Brad Aronsonhttps://www.bradaronson.com/ Human Kind: Changing the World One Small Act At a Timehttps://tinyurl.com/ycbemnf3 Contact MeProofPositivePodcast@Gmail.com Leave me a review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/proof-positive-876873 Where to find my podcastApple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/proof-positive/id1468269668Google Play  https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/I3sz6fk4kmj54qasoaw3jonnv5iSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2G1UHjBwyAyiqRTzAc50BSStitcher https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/stephen-c-plut/proof-positive?refid=stprTuneIn:  Just ask Alexa to "Play the Proof Positive podcast"

Episode 70 Human Kind Changing the World One Small Act at a Time Part 1

On today’s show I’ll be telling you about an exercise program I’ve been using for years.  The fact that I can say I’ve been using it for years should convey that this is something you can and will stick to if you give it a true test.As we begin a New Year it is customary for people to set new years resolutions one that is often sighted is “getting in shape” or “losing weight”.  In fact, in the pre-COVID era gyms would be packed in January with newcomers vowing to change their lives.  Unfortunately, by late January most of them would be missing in action their resolutions forgotten and their goals unobtained.If you give my program which I call The Streak a real effort (I need you to stick with it for 30 days) I believe you will be well on your way to a life changing impact.Theme music from Purple Planethttps://www.purple-planet.com/ Feeding Americahttps://hungerandhealth.feedingamerica.org/get-involved/find-food-bank-pantry/ Pittsburgh Foodbankhttps://www.pittsburghfoodbank.org/ 412 Food Rescuehttps://412foodrescue.org/ Contact MeProofPositivePodcast@Gmail.com Leave me a review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/proof-positive-876873 Where to find my podcastApple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/proof-positive/id1468269668Google Play  https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/I3sz6fk4kmj54qasoaw3jonnv5iSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2G1UHjBwyAyiqRTzAc50BSStitcher https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/stephen-c-plut/proof-positive?refid=stprTuneIn:  Just ask Alexa to "Play the Proof Positive podcast"

Episode 69: Streaking your way to fitness. A New Year's resolution you'll keep

Today is a special show, episode 68 The Give 600 Campaign.  Instead of our usual 2 week intervals between shows I decided to add in this one to address a critical issue in our country.Included in the just passed stimulus package from Congress was another $600 check to each adult individual in the country – I’m not sure exactly how many children are included but our focus today is on that $600 and the impact it can have.The economic impact of this disaster has been extremely damaging to those at the lower end of our economy in particular restaurant workers and retail employees.These folks through no fault of their own are now out of work and nearly out of hope.  As you are aware a record number of United States citizens are lining up at food banks having lost their lively hoods due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The lines of cars seemingly without end get me choked up, frustrated, and angryIn a country as prosperous as ours it isn’t right that so many should be left out.  And so that is why I’m proposing the GIVE 600 Campaign.  You’ve probably guessed the gist of it.  I will be donating my $600 to my local Food Bank.  As regular listeners know I do some hands on volunteer work and many many others do a lot more than me which is terrific but the reality of this current situation is that these organizations need MONEY in order to procure the food these families need.Theme music from Purple Planethttps://www.purple-planet.com/ Feeding Americahttps://hungerandhealth.feedingamerica.org/get-involved/find-food-bank-pantry/ Pittsburgh Foodbankhttps://www.pittsburghfoodbank.org/ 412 Food Rescuehttps://412foodrescue.org/ The Commonhearthttp://www.thecommonheart.com/  Contact MeProofPositivePodcast@Gmail.com Leave me a review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/proof-positive-876873 Where to find my podcastApple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/proof-positive/id1468269668Google Play  https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/I3sz6fk4kmj54qasoaw3jonnv5iSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2G1UHjBwyAyiqRTzAc50BSStitcher https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/stephen-c-plut/proof-positive?refid=stprTuneIn:  Just ask Alexa to "Play the Proof Positive podcast" 

Episode 68 The Give 600 Campaign to fight hunger in America

You are probably curious about the title of this episode given how difficult a year 2020 has been for all of us.  Reflecting back on this year I found many many things that made me smile and recently came across a few more thatI hope as I share them during this show that they will make you smile as well.Theme music from Purple Planethttps://www.purple-planet.com/ The Smile Projecthttps://www.wendygilhula.com/ Abby’s Pay it forward projecthttps://www.randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-videos/9-abbys-pay-it-forward-project The Muffin Manhttps://www.randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-videos/7-the-muffin-men Contact MeProofPositivePodcast@Gmail.com Leave me a review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/proof-positive-876873 Where to find my podcastApple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/proof-positive/id1468269668Google Play  https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/I3sz6fk4kmj54qasoaw3jonnv5iSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2G1UHjBwyAyiqRTzAc50BSStitcher https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/stephen-c-plut/proof-positive?refid=stprTuneIn:  Just ask Alexa to "Play the Proof Positive podcast" 

Episode 67 Stories that made me smile in 2020

I thought it would be nice to share some good news and stories of kindness from across the globe.  Sometimes we lose sight of just how much good is actually going on in the world.  Theme music from Purple Planethttps://www.purple-planet.com/ Trout Unlimited https://www.tu.org/trout-unlimited-3/ How to Practice Gratitude When Everything Sucks   https://tinyurl.com/y4fruxnl This Filipino Student Invented Solar Windows Made from Rotten Vegetables https://tinyurl.com/y5p76fq4 Meet the Toronto carpenter building insulated, mobile shelters for homeless people this winterhttps://tinyurl.com/y4ggq5wl Contact MeProofPositivePodcast@Gmail.com Leave me a review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/proof-positive-876873 Where to find my podcastApple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/proof-positive/id1468269668Google Play  https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/I3sz6fk4kmj54qasoaw3jonnv5iSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2G1UHjBwyAyiqRTzAc50BSStitcher https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/stephen-c-plut/proof-positive?refid=stprTuneIn:  Just ask Alexa to "Play the Proof Positive podcast"

Episode 66: Good News and Kindness Span the Globe

This week’s guest Nicole J. Philips who has authored a remarkable book titled The Negativity Remedy.  Nicole sharing from her personal experiences provides a series of ideas to help us beat down those negative thoughts that try to dominate our thinking and turn them around into something positive.  Theme music from Purple Planethttps://www.purple-planet.com/ Nicole J. Phillips https://nicolejphillips.com/ Contact MeProofPositivePodcast@Gmail.comLeave me a review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/proof-positive-876873 Where to find my podcastApple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/proof-positive/id1468269668Google Play  https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/I3sz6fk4kmj54qasoaw3jonnv5iSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2G1UHjBwyAyiqRTzAc50BSStitcher https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/stephen-c-plut/proof-positive?refid=stprTuneIn:  Just ask Alexa to "Play the Proof Positive podcast"

Episode 65: The Negativity Remedy

On today's show I share a personal experience in 'keeping a promise'.   Although not always easy to do as I say often doing the right thing is never the wrong thing to do.I also share a wonderful clip brought to us by Uplift Connect from Dr. Lipton that is so encouraging Theme music from Purple Planethttps://www.purple-planet.com/Dispelling the Myth of Genes https://upliftconnect.com/imaginal-nation-with-dr-bruce-lipton/?utm_source=UPLIFT&utm_campaign=ab9ca89d0c-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_10_07_07_22&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_19c1fc07c2-ab9ca89d0c-116703029 Medical Suppliesprojectcure.orgawhealth.orgComputersglobetops.comcristina.orgApplianceshabitat.orgHearing Aidsstarkeyhearingfoundation.orghearingaiddonations.orglionsclub.org Musical Instrumentshungryformusic.orgguitars4vets.org Formal Wearbridesacrossamerica.combeccascloset.org ShoesSoles4souls.orgOneworldrunning.com PhonesCellphonesforsoliders.comMedicmobile.org BooksBooksforsoldiers.comOperationpaperback.org Contact MeProofPositivePodcast@Gmail.com Leave me a review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/proof-positive-876873 Where to find my podcastApple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/proof-positive/id1468269668Google Play  https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/I3sz6fk4kmj54qasoaw3jonnv5iSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2G1UHjBwyAyiqRTzAc50BSStitcher https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/stephen-c-plut/proof-positive?refid=stprTuneIn:  Just ask Alexa to "Play the Proof Positive podcast"

Episode 64 Keeping Promises

I hope you enjoy this weeks show.  We'll discuss the song "How can I keep from singing", hear from the great Maya Angelou on "Being someone's rainbow" and also hear a beautiful poem entitled "You are not alone".It’s funny how things happen, I was in my car with the thoughts of that first horrible Presidential debate still bouncing around my craneium.  I had just sent a shot of my car console to several friends showing them I was listening to R.L. Burnsides “It’s Bad You Know” our unofficial theme song for 2020 when for some reason – maybe this new wiring of my brain trying to focus on the positive  – told me to put on Enya’s “How can I keep from singing”. Listening to the song I thought to myself, yes this is the correct message.  That no matter how despicable our President acts, no matter how racists some folks are, no matter how sexists people are, no matter how unfair some people are there is STILL MORE GOOD in the world than EVIL and the future STILL remains full of hope.  Theme music from Purple Planethttps://www.purple-planet.com/Enya - How Can I Keep From Singing? (video)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MM8mOKfxmWw&ab_channel=enyatvMaya Angelou on the Magic of Kindnesshttps://upliftconnect.com/maya-angelou-magic-of-kindness/You Are Not Alonehttps://upliftconnect.com/you-are-not-alone/Echoes Podcasthttps://echoes.org/Old Gods of Appalachia Podcasthttps://www.oldgodsofappalachia.com/@oldgodspod Dust Podcasthttps://watchdust.com/listen/@watchdustContact MeProofPositivePodcast@Gmail.com Leave me a review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/proof-positive-876873 Where to find my podcastApple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/proof-positive/id1468269668Google Play  https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/I3sz6fk4kmj54qasoaw3jonnv5iSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2G1UHjBwyAyiqRTzAc50BSStitcher https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/stephen-c-plut/proof-positive?refid=stprTuneIn:  Just ask Alexa to "Play the Proof Positive podcast"  

Episode 63 How can I keep from singing

Feeling overwhelmed with a constant drum beat of bad news? Well my podcast is 100% GOOD NEWS. Learn of people and organizations who are working to make our world a better place to live.Despite the lack of media coverage on the left and the right there is a lot of good going on out there and I'm here to tell you about it and how you can get involved!

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Proof Positive

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