We all want to make a positive difference, but our working relationships often stand in the way of our most important goals. This week, Dr. Michael Brown and Jeromie Jones offer their insights for people of influence, whether or not they hold the title of leader.

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• JJ

When is the last time you’ve named an insect, built a fort, or read a book about animals? This week, Dr. Michael Brown (father of nine adult children) and Hannah Lundquist (stay-at-home mother of two young children) inspire us to celebrate the postures, practices, and perspectives of our kids.

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• HL

We cannot embrace someone with both arms when we are holding a shield. This week, Casey and Jenna Greenawalt consider productive responses to defensive emotions in their professions, their marriage, and their friendships with others.

Many of our most important and enduring relationships are a brief phone conversation away from greater closeness and intimacy. This week, Dr. Michael Brown and Dr. Tyler Schwanz reflect on the simple practice of loving those who have loved us first.

We have all burst into laughter unintentionally, but how many of us have made the intentional decision to find the humor in our everyday lives? This week, Dr. Michael Brown and Casey Greenawalt have a surprising conversation about grief, gossip, and having a good time.

We are all competitive about something, but are we most competitive where it matters most? This week, Dr. Michael Brown and pastor Sammy Adebiyi inspire us to out-give, out-serve, and out-love the people in our lives.

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• SA

What truly matters in life is not something we find through great effort but something we choose through great intentionality. This week, co-authors Dr. Michael Brown and Dr. Beau Johnson introduce us to the second book of their Essential Conversations series.

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• BJ

We tend to have a deep respect and special affection for the neighbor who has owned his house for generations, the boss who has maintained her position for decades, the friendship that has lasted a lifetime. This week, Dr. Michael Brown explores why he has remained in Bowling Green for over 30 years, and Dr. Justin Brown shares his vision for a life of longevity.

How we spend our time matters, but even more important is whether we choose to spend it intentionally. This week, Dr. Michael Brown and Kathy Wilhelm extend their conversation beyond the windshield and into waiting rooms, grocery lines, and airport layovers.

We have the power to choose the qualities and characteristics that our families embody. This week, Dr. Michael Brown (father of nine) and Sammy Adebiyi (father of five) introduce us to a compelling practice that could change the trajectory of our family lives.

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• SA

We have all averted our eyes from the person in front of us to sneak a glance at more interesting or exciting individuals on the other side of the room. This week, co-authors Dr. Michael Brown and Dr. Beau Johnson are pleased to introduce us to the first book of their Essential Conversations series.

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• BJ

Our desires, preferences, and boundaries matter. This week, Dr. Michael Brown and senior life design coach David Denison encourage us to acknowledge the things that we want.