Joining me in this episode to dig deeper into the benefits of first times and new experiences on learning and memory is James M. Hyman, PhD, an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at UNLV. "Being in new situations helps us be in new situations" Dr. Hyman explains how non-specific learning through exposing ourselves to novelty benefits us because we are constantly updating what we know about the world for future use, and learning to regulate our emotional states.

In this episode, I share with you the key highlights of how I've tremendously changed and benefited from my journey of first times and new experiences. The reason I do what I do is because of how impactful and powerful it's been in my own life and this is an attempt to help you understand that

In this episode of the First Time Story series, my guest was Robert A. Belle and he shared the inspirational story of how he got this first car. Next, we played the First Time Lightning Round and learned that Robert loves food and is open-minded to trying new cuisines. Robert is a transformational speaker, author and ACCA Accountant. He's on a global mission to help individuals who feel inferior and have given up on their dreams to think freely, create unapologetically and live abundantly.

In this episode, I explained what the five types of first times are and which ones you should add to your #365FirstsChallenge list as part of the journey of first times and new experiences. The five types are: spontaneous/random/opportunistic firsts, planned firsts, earned firsts, unexpected firsts, and next level firsts. Please support the crowdfunding campaign with whatever amount you can: https://ifundwomen.com/projects/365firstschallenge-movement

In this episode of the First Time Story series, my guest was Jake Gallen, the host of the popular Las Vegas podcast & talk show, The Guest List, and he shared the story of going to his first electronic music festival. Going to EDC for the first time is one of three life changing events to take place in his life. Jake explains why this first time was so impactful and why everyone should go at least once in their lives.

Joining me in this episode is Mary Rensel, MD, the owner of Brain Fresh, and Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine to dig deeper into the benefits of first times and new experiences on the health of our brains.

In this episode of the First Time Story series, my guest was Ed Sullivan. Ed shared the story of his first time "making the leap" from a comfortable life at a "real job" into the entrepreneurial fray selling the first laser for lasik eye surgery he engineered. Next, we played the First Time Lightning Round™ and learned that Ed has been playing the drums since he was 3 years old.

Joining me in this episode is Paula ‘Must Try Harder’ McGuire to dig deeper into the benefits of first times and new experiences to overcome anxiety. Paula is an adventurer, author, motivational speaker and life coach – but above all, she’s a trier. After 30 years of surviving with chronic social anxiety and depression, Paula started to really live with it in 2012, using adventure as her means to recovery. She has since been a wing-walker, an athlete, a pilot, and even a trainee astronaut...

In this episode of the First Time Story series, my guest was Ronit Plank. Ronit shared the story of the first time she ever went to a giant community coven Wiccan gathering at a Unitarian Church when she was in college. Next, we played the First Time Lightning Round™ and learned that Ronit loves getting hot stone massages and if someone can teach her how to safely do a handstand, she'll give it a go!!

Joining me in this episode is Marta Brzosko, the founder of the Self-Awareness Blog to dig deeper into the importance and value of self-awareness and to discuss how to go about developing our self-awareness. We had a very rich conversation that touched on many aspects of the role self-awareness places in our lives to include how first times and new experiences are key to helping us be more mindful as well as making us more self-aware.

In this episode of the First Time Story Series, my guest was Bullseye the Clown. Bullseye shared the story of his very first time clowning...on a clown tour in Russia with Patch Adams and how that one experience changed the course of his life forever. Bullseye the Clown is an award-winning humanitarian clown who specializes in Anti-bullying, fighting injustice and curing invisibility!

Joining me in this episode is Ryan Rydzewski, the co-author of When You Wonder, You're Learning: Mister Rogers' Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids. He’s here to dig deeper and teach us more about two benefits of first times and new experiences: Curiosity and Creativity. Ryan starts out by sharing with us what inspired him and his co-author Gregg Behr to write the book. Then we dig deeper into the world of Mister Rogers.

Today on the First Time Story Series my guest was Mike Oulton. Mike shared the story of the first time he used mushrooms as a way to heal himself. This is not an episode aimed at promoting drug use. It's about exploring options and being open minded about the experiences that others have had and choose to share. Mike is the host of Prison Rules, a Renaissance man who spent 15 yrs in and out of prison where he eventually learned how to heal others.

In this episode of the First Time Story Series my guest was David Dennis. David shared the story of starting his first successful business. This is another great story of how interests, passions, and first times can grow into something meaningful and impactful! Davis is the co-founder of Ventana Surfboards & Supplies, the most environmentally responsible surf company in the world. He is also a 20 year veteran of Microsoft.

Welcome 100TH #365FIRSTS PODCAST EPISODE!! In this episode, I reminisce about what the journey of the First 100 Episodes has been like...it didn't turn out to be what I had originally planned.  However, recording the 100th episode has been a fabulous reminder of how it helped me meet incredible people, gain a lot of knowledge, and improved my storytelling, communication, interviewing, and active listening skills. It's also led me to starting an entirely new branch of my business.

In this episode of the First Time Story Series my guest was Tisha Michelle. Tisha shared the story of her first experience with her spirituality and remembering her purpose through the loss of her best friend Gloria. Tisha is a spiritual guide and teacher, hypnotist, podcast host and HAG TV. She is on a mission to connect and guide people to their authentic self. This is a powerful story of Tisha's awakening and growth to the beauty and magic of what life has to offer.

In this episode of the First Time Story Series my guest was Rohit Bhargava. Rohit shared with us the story of the first time he was retrenched in his younger days while working in Australia. In American English – that means fired. Rohit is an innovation and marketing expert and the founder of the Non-Obvious Company. He’s the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of six business books and also teaches marketing and innovation at Georgetown University.

In this episode of the #365Firsts Podcast I share the story of investing in my first mutual fund. The significance of this story is that I introduce you to the first person (outside of my family) who took a chance on me and how I'll never forget that. I do get off track a bit and talk about how valuable it is to believe in others.

In this episode of the First Time Story Series my guest was Eric Wilson and he shared the story of how he became a weatherman for the first time. It was definitely not through the normal process. This is a great story of finding yourself in the deep end of the pool with no clue how to swim but giving it all you've got to stay above water. Eric is the CEO of multiple companies, an Air Force Veteran who fought in Desert Storm and a meteorologist who was on the air for 18 years.

In this episode of the First Time Story Series my guest was Aubrey Wallace. She shared the story of her first time going through a quarter life crisis and how it brought her to spend a summer in the woods and how that redefined her self-identity. I truly feel like I found a kindred spirit in Aubrey in the way she is journeying through life, exploring and growing who she is, and constantly seeking meaning in life.

In this episode of the #365Firsts Podcast I tell you the story that lead to my first leadership lesson and what I learned from it. If you haven't done so, I recommend first listening to the First Time as a Platoon Commander episode.

In this episode of the First Time Story Series my guest was Judith Vergara. Judith shared the story of the first time she went to a gay bar and how this unlocked a chain of events that led to the discovery of her strength through vulnerability and self-expression. Judith is an affiliate marketer, Podcaster, and nosy AF human. She’s passionate about learning people's stories. This is a raw, emotional, and powerful story/interview that exemplifies how our lives can change and what it takes.

In this episode of the First Time Story Series my guest was Stu Swineford. He shared the story of his first attempt with running 100 miles at one time in the Leadville 100. This is an inspirational story about learning to push yourself pass your limits and has many lessons on how to tackle the biggest of goals. Stu is a digital marketing guy, the co-founder of Relish Studio. He is a vegan, distance runner, outdoor enthusiast, environmentalist and doer of stuff.

In this episode of the #365Firsts Podcast I share the story of my first stay in an AirBnB. While I created my AirBnB account in May, 2012, it wasn't until December, 2015, that I booked my first room in someone's home for $27 a night. The whole thing is definitely awkward at first...