<![CDATA[The Good Life Conversations]]>Why you’ll love this podcast.

What Gave You Life This Week? is a weekly conversation for people who want to live more intentionally without turning life into another performance.

Each episode is a thoughtful, unscripted dialogue between Brilliant Miller and Dean Miles about the small, often overlooked moments that actually make life feel meaningful. Instead of chasing productivity hacks or quick fixes, the podcast focuses on reflection, presence, relationships, and the quiet practices that help us feel more alive.

]]>https://riverside.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Wed, 20 May 2026 15:58:04 GMTThu, 22 Jan 2026 16:48:29 GMT60Brilliant Miller & Dean Miles<p>Why you’ll love this podcast.<br /></p><p>What Gave You Life This Week? is a weekly conversation for people who want to live more intentionally without turning life into another performance.<br /></p><p>Each episode is a thoughtful, unscripted dialogue between Brilliant Miller and Dean Miles about the small, often overlooked moments that actually make life feel meaningful. Instead of chasing productivity hacks or quick fixes, the podcast focuses on reflection, presence, relationships, and the quiet practices that help us feel more alive.</p>episodicBrilliant Miller & Dean Milesmycoachdean@gmail.comno<![CDATA[Week 12: Beyond Belief]]>In this conversation, the hosts discuss the concept of choosing a dinner guest, the meaning of home, and the exploration of beliefs beyond the ordinary. The conversation delves into the power of AI and innovation, the excitement of possibilities, intentionality and deliberate living, and the thread of creativity and creation. It explores the impact of technology, the potential for positive change, and the importance of intentional living and creativity in shaping a meaningful life.

Takeaways

  • The significance of choosing a dinner guest reflects the complexity of personal connections and historical curiosity.
  • The concept of home is explored as a psychological and historical construct, emphasizing the idea of identity and nostalgia. The potential of AI and innovation to revolutionize industries and create new opportunities
  • The importance of intentional living, deliberate choices, and creativity in shaping a meaningful life

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Dinner Guest Dilemma
  • 14:44 Beyond Belief
  • 20:19 The Power of AI and Innovation
  • 30:20 Intentionality and Deliberate Living
  • 37:18 The Thread of Creativity and Creation
]]>9345b962-74b5-4f5f-80b0-aef2d6daf314Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:44:34 GMT<p>In this conversation, the hosts discuss the concept of choosing a dinner guest, the meaning of home, and the exploration of beliefs beyond the ordinary. The conversation delves into the power of AI and innovation, the excitement of possibilities, intentionality and deliberate living, and the thread of creativity and creation. It explores the impact of technology, the potential for positive change, and the importance of intentional living and creativity in shaping a meaningful life.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>The significance of choosing a dinner guest reflects the complexity of personal connections and historical curiosity.</li><li>The concept of home is explored as a psychological and historical construct, emphasizing the idea of identity and nostalgia. The potential of AI and innovation to revolutionize industries and create new opportunities</li><li>The importance of intentional living, deliberate choices, and creativity in shaping a meaningful life</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Dinner Guest Dilemma</li><li>14:44 Beyond Belief</li><li>20:19 The Power of AI and Innovation</li><li>30:20 Intentionality and Deliberate Living</li><li>37:18 The Thread of Creativity and Creation</li></ul>no00:40:49Week 12: Beyond Belieffull<![CDATA[Week 11: Art of Randomness]]>The conversation delves into the art of randomness, unusual talents, and life-giving discoveries. It explores the themes of letting go, embracing new opportunities, and the power of service and humility. The impact of helping and fixing, the creative process, and the inner game of archery are also discussed, highlighting the importance of self-discovery and the art of creativity.

Takeaways

  • Embracing the power of randomness and unusual talents
  • The importance of letting go and embracing new opportunities
  • The impact of service, humility, and the creative process

Chapters

  • 00:00 Icebreaker: Unusual Talents
  • 05:57 Life-Giving Discoveries
  • 11:57 The Power of Service
  • 17:57 Talents, Callings, and Inner Growth
  • 23:59 The Art of Service and Humility
  • 30:11 The Creative Process and Inspiration
]]>35ddf6e2-7116-4f3c-a2a1-c5624dea636fMon, 30 Mar 2026 11:40:43 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the art of randomness, unusual talents, and life-giving discoveries. It explores the themes of letting go, embracing new opportunities, and the power of service and humility. The impact of helping and fixing, the creative process, and the inner game of archery are also discussed, highlighting the importance of self-discovery and the art of creativity.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Embracing the power of randomness and unusual talents</li><li>The importance of letting go and embracing new opportunities</li><li>The impact of service, humility, and the creative process</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Icebreaker: Unusual Talents</li><li>05:57 Life-Giving Discoveries</li><li>11:57 The Power of Service</li><li>17:57 Talents, Callings, and Inner Growth</li><li>23:59 The Art of Service and Humility</li><li>30:11 The Creative Process and Inspiration</li></ul>no00:36:41Week 11: Art of Randomnessfull<![CDATA[Week 10: On Purpose]]>The conversation delves into the concept of living intentionally and finding joy in everyday routines. It explores the significance of creating project-specific playlists, the impact of intentional living on one's life, and the importance of living with purpose and intention.

Takeaways

  • Intentional living leads to a life of purpose and fulfillment
  • Finding joy in everyday routines is essential for a fulfilling life

Chapters

  • 00:00 What Do You Want Said About You at Your Retirement?
  • 09:05 Creating Project-Specific Playlists
  • 19:45 Living Intentionally and Deliberately
  • 30:13 Living a Life of Intention and Purpose
]]>9e198660-254a-4974-927d-258d1b942b0eSun, 22 Mar 2026 21:49:04 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the concept of living intentionally and finding joy in everyday routines. It explores the significance of creating project-specific playlists, the impact of intentional living on one's life, and the importance of living with purpose and intention.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Intentional living leads to a life of purpose and fulfillment</li><li>Finding joy in everyday routines is essential for a fulfilling life</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 What Do You Want Said About You at Your Retirement?</li><li>09:05 Creating Project-Specific Playlists</li><li>19:45 Living Intentionally and Deliberately</li><li>30:13 Living a Life of Intention and Purpose</li></ul>no00:34:08110Week 10: On Purposefull<![CDATA[Week 9: What Are You Celebrating]]>The conversation covers a range of topics including St. Patrick's Day, birthdays, age perception, discovering purpose, exploring darkness to find light, Pixar's storytelling process, and the history of the Happy Birthday song. The conversation delves into the origins of birthday cakes, the benefits of napping, and the importance of decluttering digital spaces. It explores the historical significance of round birthday cakes, the health benefits of napping, and the practice of tidying digital spaces to create order and space.

Takeaways

  • Age perception varies
  • Discovering purpose
  • Exploring darkness to find light
  • Pixar's storytelling process
  • The history of the Happy Birthday song Birthday cake origins
  • The benefits of napping
  • Digital space decluttering

Chapters

  • 00:00 The History of the Happy Birthday Song
  • 35:20 The Benefits of Napping
]]>df4310bb-bf85-4f51-aac9-aec8739cb9b5Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:51:29 GMT<p>The conversation covers a range of topics including St. Patrick's Day, birthdays, age perception, discovering purpose, exploring darkness to find light, Pixar's storytelling process, and the history of the Happy Birthday song. The conversation delves into the origins of birthday cakes, the benefits of napping, and the importance of decluttering digital spaces. It explores the historical significance of round birthday cakes, the health benefits of napping, and the practice of tidying digital spaces to create order and space.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Age perception varies</li><li>Discovering purpose</li><li>Exploring darkness to find light</li><li>Pixar's storytelling process</li><li>The history of the Happy Birthday song Birthday cake origins</li><li>The benefits of napping</li><li>Digital space decluttering</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The History of the Happy Birthday Song</li><li>35:20 The Benefits of Napping</li></ul>no00:39:3419Week 9: What Are You Celebratingfull<![CDATA[Week 8: Spring Cleaning]]>The conversation delves into the themes of renewal and intentionality, exploring the concept of spring cleaning as a metaphor for personal renewal and letting go. It then transitions to a discussion on the youth mental health crisis and the power of emotional connection in addressing this issue. The concept of weak-kneed amiability and the impact of technology on communication are also explored, highlighting the importance of intuition and emotional connection in human interaction.

Takeaways

  • Renewal and Intentionality
  • The Power of Emotional Connection

Chapters

  • 00:00 Spring Cleaning and Renewal
  • 06:13 Weak-Kneed Amiability and Emotional Connection
  • 16:21 The Impact of Technology on Communication
  • 35:34 The Importance of Intuition and Emotional Connection
]]>43ac983e-3650-44b8-9c46-7e720dc83323Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:58:03 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the themes of renewal and intentionality, exploring the concept of spring cleaning as a metaphor for personal renewal and letting go. It then transitions to a discussion on the youth mental health crisis and the power of emotional connection in addressing this issue. The concept of weak-kneed amiability and the impact of technology on communication are also explored, highlighting the importance of intuition and emotional connection in human interaction.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Renewal and Intentionality</li><li>The Power of Emotional Connection</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Spring Cleaning and Renewal</li><li>06:13 Weak-Kneed Amiability and Emotional Connection</li><li>16:21 The Impact of Technology on Communication</li><li>35:34 The Importance of Intuition and Emotional Connection</li></ul>no00:40:30Week 8: Spring Cleaningfull<![CDATA[Week 7: Awareness]]>The conversation delves into the power of understanding people through icebreaker questions, the impact of persistence and adversity, finding life in small changes, and the transformative impact of awareness.

Takeaways

  • The power of awareness
  • The courage to be disliked

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Icebreaker Question: Understanding People
  • 18:05 Finding Life in Small Changes
  • 31:56 The Impact of Awareness
]]>ed1b60d0-3a88-44f3-8f00-264b25e803deMon, 02 Mar 2026 12:14:11 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the power of understanding people through icebreaker questions, the impact of persistence and adversity, finding life in small changes, and the transformative impact of awareness.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>The power of awareness</li><li>The courage to be disliked</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Icebreaker Question: Understanding People</li><li>18:05 Finding Life in Small Changes</li><li>31:56 The Impact of Awareness</li></ul>no00:39:0917Week 7: Awarenessfull<![CDATA[Week 6: What You Lose to Win]]>The conversation delves into the hidden costs of success and the transformative power of pain with meaning. It explores personal sacrifices, the importance of being anchored to something bigger, and the decision to stay in the face of adversity. The overarching theme is the price of success and the resilience required to achieve it.

Takeaways

  • Cost of success
  • Pain with meaning builds you

Chapters

  • 00:00 Staying in the Game
]]>3b1cc231-07d9-402a-89dd-de67cdca272eSun, 22 Feb 2026 18:49:04 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the hidden costs of success and the transformative power of pain with meaning. It explores personal sacrifices, the importance of being anchored to something bigger, and the decision to stay in the face of adversity. The overarching theme is the price of success and the resilience required to achieve it.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Cost of success</li><li>Pain with meaning builds you</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Staying in the Game</li></ul>no00:13:5516Week 6: What You Lose to Winfull<![CDATA[Week 5: Just Name It]]>The conversation delves into the depth of the icebreaker question, identity theft, survival, creating a song for Valentine's Day, the flow state, self-authorship, managing the inner critic, self-authorship and purpose, and the power of self-labeling. It explores the impact of self-awareness and choice in decision-making, as well as the strategies for managing the inner critic and overcoming procrastination.

Takeaways

  • The importance of introspection in icebreaker questions
  • The impact of identity theft on survival and self-awareness

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Icebreaker Question
  • 05:55 Identity Theft and Survival
  • 13:57 The Flow State and Self-Authorship
  • 19:42 Managing the Inner Critic
  • 25:41 Self-Authorship and Purpose
  • 34:16 The Procrastination Monkey and Panic Monster
]]>3ee7bbd9-79bc-4bb5-a8e8-d9cca14dff5aSun, 15 Feb 2026 22:11:46 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the depth of the icebreaker question, identity theft, survival, creating a song for Valentine's Day, the flow state, self-authorship, managing the inner critic, self-authorship and purpose, and the power of self-labeling. It explores the impact of self-awareness and choice in decision-making, as well as the strategies for managing the inner critic and overcoming procrastination.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>The importance of introspection in icebreaker questions</li><li>The impact of identity theft on survival and self-awareness</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Icebreaker Question</li><li>05:55 Identity Theft and Survival</li><li>13:57 The Flow State and Self-Authorship</li><li>19:42 Managing the Inner Critic</li><li>25:41 Self-Authorship and Purpose</li><li>34:16 The Procrastination Monkey and Panic Monster</li></ul>no00:36:55Week 5: Just Name Itfull<![CDATA[Week 4: Quitting What’s Hard vs. Quitting What’s Hollow]]>The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the Super Bowl, the spirit of the Olympics, sportsmanship, intimate relationships, resilience, and decision-making. It delves into the themes of competition, peace, tribalism, and the impact of sports on humanity. It also explores the significance of intimate relationships, the challenges of finding the right partner, and the concept of normal marital hatred. Additionally, it discusses the importance of resilience, discernment, and the role of commitment in decision-making.

Takeaways

  • Competition and sportsmanship can bring out both the best and the worst in us.
  • The significance of intimate relationships and the challenges of finding the right partner.
  • The importance of resilience, discernment, and the role of commitment in decision-making.

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Super Bowl and Sportsmanship
  • 07:06 Intimate Relationships and Finding the Right Partner
  • 19:22 Resilience and Decision-Making
]]>aeec8859-1e34-41be-9397-ea8ce0c5cb33Sun, 08 Feb 2026 21:11:09 GMT<p>The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the Super Bowl, the spirit of the Olympics, sportsmanship, intimate relationships, resilience, and decision-making. It delves into the themes of competition, peace, tribalism, and the impact of sports on humanity. It also explores the significance of intimate relationships, the challenges of finding the right partner, and the concept of normal marital hatred. Additionally, it discusses the importance of resilience, discernment, and the role of commitment in decision-making.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Competition and sportsmanship can bring out both the best and the worst in us.</li><li>The significance of intimate relationships and the challenges of finding the right partner.</li><li>The importance of resilience, discernment, and the role of commitment in decision-making.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Super Bowl and Sportsmanship</li><li>07:06 Intimate Relationships and Finding the Right Partner</li><li>19:22 Resilience and Decision-Making</li></ul>no00:29:2814Week 4: Quitting What’s Hard vs. Quitting What’s Hollowfull<![CDATA[Week 3: What's Stuck Inside You?]]>The conversation delves into the nature of change and personal growth, exploring the impact of change on individuals and the significance of taking responsibility in driving social change. It highlights the transformative power of personal growth and the role of responsibility in creating meaningful social impact. The conversation delves into the unique expression of the sung word, the power of coaching and creating a supportive environment, the impact of recognizing and expressing inner promptings, the significance of discovering hidden talents and abilities, the pursuit of intrinsic fulfillment and expression, the exploration of aptitude and micro motives, the intricacies of human motivation and granular exploration, the fascination with studio environments and intentionality, the journey of self-discovery and curiosity, the power of broad curiosity and exploration, the impact of diverse experiences and learning, the clarity of purpose and joyful expression, and the quest for inner promptings and expression.

Takeaways

  • The nature of change and personal growth
  • The role of responsibility in social change The power of coaching and creating a supportive environment
  • The significance of recognizing and expressing one's inner promptings

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Power of Responsibility in Social Change
  • 20:19 The Unique Expression of the Sung Word
  • 25:22 Discovering Hidden Talents and Abilities
  • 30:29 Human Motivation and Granularity
  • 36:02 The Clarity of Purpose and Joyful Expression
]]>a42528d0-29cf-4398-b09a-14cd2951bd80Mon, 02 Feb 2026 13:16:33 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the nature of change and personal growth, exploring the impact of change on individuals and the significance of taking responsibility in driving social change. It highlights the transformative power of personal growth and the role of responsibility in creating meaningful social impact. The conversation delves into the unique expression of the sung word, the power of coaching and creating a supportive environment, the impact of recognizing and expressing inner promptings, the significance of discovering hidden talents and abilities, the pursuit of intrinsic fulfillment and expression, the exploration of aptitude and micro motives, the intricacies of human motivation and granular exploration, the fascination with studio environments and intentionality, the journey of self-discovery and curiosity, the power of broad curiosity and exploration, the impact of diverse experiences and learning, the clarity of purpose and joyful expression, and the quest for inner promptings and expression.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>The nature of change and personal growth</li><li>The role of responsibility in social change The power of coaching and creating a supportive environment</li><li>The significance of recognizing and expressing one's inner promptings</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Power of Responsibility in Social Change</li><li>20:19 The Unique Expression of the Sung Word</li><li>25:22 Discovering Hidden Talents and Abilities</li><li>30:29 Human Motivation and Granularity</li><li>36:02 The Clarity of Purpose and Joyful Expression</li></ul>no00:37:0513Week 3: What's Stuck Inside You?full<![CDATA[Week 2 The Power of Connection]]>Keywords

winter storm, stretching, mindfulness, relationships, personal growth, gratitude, health, connection, self-improvement, life lessons

Summary

In this conversation, Dean and Brilliant explore the themes of personal growth, the importance of relationships, and the impact of simple practices like stretching on overall well-being. They discuss how connections with others can bring life and meaning, emphasizing the significance of gratitude and mindfulness in daily life. The conversation encourages listeners to reflect on their relationships and the small actions that can lead to greater fulfillment.

Takeaways

Stretching for just three minutes can enhance focus and clarity.

The who in our lives often matters more than the what.

Maintaining health is easier than regaining it later.

Building relationships can change the trajectory of our lives.

Gratitude for people can lighten our circumstances.

Simple practices can have profound impacts on well-being.

Mindfulness and self-care are essential for personal growth.

Connections with others can combat feelings of loneliness.

Regular, small actions are more effective than infrequent, large efforts.

Reflecting on relationships can lead to greater appreciation and fulfillment.

Titles

Finding Life in Simple Practices

The Power of Connection

Sound bites

"What gave you life this week?"

"Stretching has its own reward."

"Go out there, meet somebody!"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker

00:49 Stretching: A Simple Practice for Life

03:36 Cold Plunge: Embracing Discomfort for Growth

06:05 The Connection Between Mind and Body

08:47 The Importance of Routine and Consistency

11:32 Flexibility and Longevity: Preparing for the Future

14:12 The Power of Relationships

16:09 Gratitude for Connections

18:54 Closing Thoughts and Challenges

]]>220e128f-20ca-4e02-b899-c059ebbf4d1fSun, 25 Jan 2026 21:33:27 GMT<p>Keywords</p><p>winter storm, stretching, mindfulness, relationships, personal growth, gratitude, health, connection, self-improvement, life lessons</p><p></p><p>Summary</p><p>In this conversation, Dean and Brilliant explore the themes of personal growth, the importance of relationships, and the impact of simple practices like stretching on overall well-being. They discuss how connections with others can bring life and meaning, emphasizing the significance of gratitude and mindfulness in daily life. The conversation encourages listeners to reflect on their relationships and the small actions that can lead to greater fulfillment.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><p>Stretching for just three minutes can enhance focus and clarity.</p><p>The who in our lives often matters more than the what.</p><p>Maintaining health is easier than regaining it later.</p><p>Building relationships can change the trajectory of our lives.</p><p>Gratitude for people can lighten our circumstances.</p><p>Simple practices can have profound impacts on well-being.</p><p>Mindfulness and self-care are essential for personal growth.</p><p>Connections with others can combat feelings of loneliness.</p><p>Regular, small actions are more effective than infrequent, large efforts.</p><p>Reflecting on relationships can lead to greater appreciation and fulfillment.</p><p></p><p>Titles</p><p>Finding Life in Simple Practices</p><p>The Power of Connection</p><p></p><p>Sound bites</p><p>"What gave you life this week?"</p><p>"Stretching has its own reward."</p><p>"Go out there, meet somebody!"</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker</p><p>00:49 Stretching: A Simple Practice for Life</p><p>03:36 Cold Plunge: Embracing Discomfort for Growth</p><p>06:05 The Connection Between Mind and Body</p><p>08:47 The Importance of Routine and Consistency</p><p>11:32 Flexibility and Longevity: Preparing for the Future</p><p>14:12 The Power of Relationships</p><p>16:09 Gratitude for Connections</p><p>18:54 Closing Thoughts and Challenges</p><p></p>no00:22:1312Week 2 The Power of Connectionfull<![CDATA[Week 1 Every Question Is a Vote]]>Why you’ll love this episode

If life feels a little quiet right now. If things aren’t wrong, but they aren’t fully alive either. If you are in between chapters, questioning what matters, or sensing something is forming but you cannot quite name it yet, this episode is for you.

In Episode 1 of What Gave You Life This Week?, Brilliant Miller & Dean Miles invite you into a different kind of conversation. Not about fixing yourself or chasing the next goal, but about noticing what is already shaping you beneath the surface.

They explore why certain questions pull us off autopilot, how reflection reveals what actually gives us life, and why seasons that feel flat or unremarkable are often doing more work than we realize. You will hear honest stories about passion, presence, relationships, solitude, and what it means to keep becoming even when no one is clapping.

This episode is thoughtful, human, and quietly grounding. It is designed to be something you listen to when you do not need hype, just clarity. When you are not looking for answers as much as permission to pause and pay attention.

If you have been sensing there is more going on than you can see, this conversation might help you listen more closely.

No hustle. No pressure. Just a better way to notice where you are and what may be coming next.

]]>23f2a5a2-c81c-44d6-9442-bdac6b1a0544Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:50:31 GMT<p><b>Why you’ll love this episode</b></p><p></p><p>If life feels a little quiet right now. If things aren’t wrong, but they aren’t fully alive either. If you are in between chapters, questioning what matters, or sensing something is forming but you cannot quite name it yet, this episode is for you.</p><p></p><p>In Episode 1 of <i>What Gave You Life This Week?</i>, <b>Brilliant Miller &amp; Dean Miles</b> invite you into a different kind of conversation. Not about fixing yourself or chasing the next goal, but about noticing what is already shaping you beneath the surface.</p><p></p><p>They explore why certain questions pull us off autopilot, how reflection reveals what actually gives us life, and why seasons that feel flat or unremarkable are often doing more work than we realize. You will hear honest stories about passion, presence, relationships, solitude, and what it means to keep becoming even when no one is clapping.</p><p></p><p>This episode is thoughtful, human, and quietly grounding. It is designed to be something you listen to when you do not need hype, just clarity. When you are not looking for answers as much as permission to pause and pay attention.</p><p>If you have been sensing there is more going on than you can see, this conversation might help you listen more closely.</p><p></p><p>No hustle. No pressure. Just a better way to notice where you are and what may be coming next.</p>no00:31:0111Week 1 Every Question Is a Votefull