The Practical Path - A Podcast for Personal and Spiritual Growth

The Practical Path - A Podcast for Personal and Spiritual Growth

Fun, interesting, and yes, practical ways to look at life… to live with more happiness, more connection, and more insight. To better learn and benefit from life’s lessons, no matter where you are in life right now. 

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The Practical Path - A Podcast for Personal and Spiritual Growth
#062 - The Practical Way to Build More Self-Discipline

Our Word of the Week: Intention. Not just setting goals, but bringing conscious direction into everything you do. When we act with intention, we step out of autopilot and lean into purpose. 

Bill is really - shall we say - challenged by intention / motivation and discipline this past week. On the show, he talks about a new project he's intererested in, but the challenges of "following the rules" for what he wants to accomplish. "Intention" is his lesson for the week (grin). 

Our weekly discussion is related. It's based on a blog post from Lauren Barri, on her blog. Check it out at: https://laurenbarri.com/how-to-build-self-discipline-like-building-muscles/

Just like the title says, it's all about building and growing willpower... in a "Practical" way: not as harsh willpower, but as a muscle you can strengthen with consistency — and just like physical training, it requires smart strategy, rest, and patience.

Thanks again for joining us! As always, feel free to share your thoughts, suggestions and comments on our Facebook page. Just do a search for "The Practical Path Podcast," and you'll find out page. 

With appreciation;
Bill Sklodowski
Vicki Wagoner 

PS#1 - Interested in a personal session with Vicki? She connects with clients everywhere through Zoom and phone call. Get in touch with her via email: VickiWagoner53@gmail.com, phone at 239-248-0586, or visit her Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/vickiwagonerrhepracticalintuitive 

PS#2- Bill is a computer and technology geek...it's something he's passionate about. You can see his iPhone, iPad and computer training videos on YouTube. Here's his channel: Bills iPhone Tips - YouTube

01:03:18
Oct 16, 2025 5:0 AM
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The Practical Path - A Podcast for Personal and Spiritual Growth
#061 - A Very Special and Heartfelt Interview

This week, like the episode title says, it's a very special show with a special interview from a special friend. Too many specials? We don't think so, and we trust you won't either after you listen in.

Our guest is a good friend to both Bill and Vicki, BJ Odom. BJ was Bill's partner on the radio for many years. He underwent heart transplant surgery more than 20 years ago, and he's been an active advocate for organ transplantation since then. 

The big news is that - after years of his friends demanding it - he's finally written a book about his life, his journey of medical challenges and healing, and the love and good energies he's tried to maintain through all of it. We feel he's done a great job of all that, and the book talks about exactly that. We think it's an interview and story you'll want to hear. 

Thanks again for joining us! As always, feel free to share your thoughts, suggestions and comments on our Facebook page. Just do a search for "The Practical Path Podcast," and you'll find out page. 

With appreciation;
Bill Sklodowski
Vicki Wagoner 

PS#1 - Interested in a personal session with Vicki? She connects with clients everywhere through Zoom and phone call. Get in touch with her via email: VickiWagoner53@gmail.com, phone at 239-248-0586, or visit her Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/vickiwagonerrhepracticalintuitive 

PS#2- Bill is a computer and technology geek...it's something he's passionate about. You can see his iPhone, iPad and computer training videos on YouTube. Here's his channel: Bills iPhone Tips - YouTube

01:09:23
Oct 9, 2025 5:0 AM
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The Practical Path - A Podcast for Personal and Spiritual Growth
#060 - Sometimes Saying No Is Best

This week's Word of the Week: Resiliance: "At its core, resilience is about bouncing back, but it’s also about holding steady in the face of difficulty, like a tree that bends with the wind but doesn’t break."

Our main discussion this week is based on a blog post by one of our favorite authors here on the Path Podcast - James Clear. He wrote the book "Atomic Habits," which we've talked about a lot. This week, the discussion is based on a recent blog post of Clears - "The Ultimate Productivity Hack is Saying No." 

If you'd like to read the full post, here's the link: https://jamesclear.com/saying-no It's a good one! 

Thanks again for joining us! As always, feel free to share your thoughts, suggestions and comments on our Facebook page. Just do a search for "The Practical Path Podcast," and you'll find out page. 

With appreciation;
Bill Sklodowski
Vicki Wagoner 

PS#1 - Interested in a personal session with Vicki? She connects with clients everywhere through Zoom and phone call. Get in touch with her via email: VickiWagoner53@gmail.com, phone at 239-248-0586, or visit her Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/vickiwagonerrhepracticalintuitive 

PS#2- Bill is a computer and technology geek...it's something he's passionate about. You can see his iPhone, iPad and computer training videos on YouTube. Here's his channel: Bills iPhone Tips - YouTube

01:02:34
Oct 2, 2025 5:0 AM
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The Practical Path - A Podcast for Personal and Spiritual Growth
#059 - Five Things To Do When Life Sucks

We hope and trust you're enjoying and getting some benefit from our "Word of the Week." This week's word: Acceptance. From the show this week:

Acceptance doesn’t mean giving up or settling for less. It’s about facing reality as it is, instead of getting stuck in how we wish things would be. When we practice acceptance, we stop fighting against life and open ourselves to peace, clarity, and the energy to move forward.

Also this week, our discussion based on a powerful and / or helpful blog post. This week, tip 'o the hat to author Sumitha Bhandarkar and the post, "Five Helpful Things to do When Life Sucks." If you'd like to read the entire post, just click this link. 

Thanks again for joining us! As always, feel free to share your thoughts, suggestions and comments on our Facebook page. Just do a search for "The Practical Path Podcast," and you'll find out page. 

With appreciation;
Bill Sklodowski
Vicki Wagoner 

PS#1 - Interested in a personal session with Vicki? She connects with clients everywhere through Zoom and phone call. Get in touch with her via email: VickiWagoner53@gmail.com, phone at 239-248-0586, or visit her Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/vickiwagonerrhepracticalintuitive 

PS#2- Bill is a computer and technology geek...it's something he's passionate about. You can see his iPhone, iPad and computer training videos on YouTube. Here's his channel: Bills iPhone Tips - YouTube

01:03:21
Sep 25, 2025 5:0 AM
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The Practical Path - A Podcast for Personal and Spiritual Growth
#058 - Simple Things To Do When Life Feels Completely Overwhelming

We're on a roll! Our intention is to start each show with a "word of the week," and we're making it happen. This week's word: Compassion. In our opinion, something very much neded in the world today... but also something very important in our own routines of self-care and self talk. 

Speaking of self-care, the main discussion this week is - as the title suggests - Simple things to do when we're feeling overwhelmed. Jobs, kids, partners, pets, and more! The to-do list just never seems to end. 

We've got a quick list of great ideas to make things a bit more manageable, and to take good care of yourself at the same time. 

Thanks to author Melissa McNamara for the inspiration for this talk. Her full blog post can be found at: https://tinybuddha.com/blog/6-simple-things-i-do-when-life-feels-completely-overwhelming/   Highly recommended! 

Thanks again for joining us! As always, feel free to share your thoughts, suggestions and comments on our Facebook page. Just do a search for "The Practical Path Podcast," and you'll find out page. 

With appreciation;
Bill Sklodowski
Vicki Wagoner 

PS#1 - Interested in a personal session with Vicki? She connects with clients everywhere through Zoom and phone call. Get in touch with her via email: VickiWagoner53@gmail.com, phone at 239-248-0586, or visit her Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/vickiwagonerrhepracticalintuitive 

PS#2- Bill is a computer and technology geek...it's something he's passionate about. You can see his iPhone, iPad and computer training videos on YouTube. Here's his channel: Bills iPhone Tips - YouTube

01:01:08
Sep 18, 2025 5:0 AM
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The Practical Path - A Podcast for Personal and Spiritual Growth
#057 - Complaining Rewires Your Brain for Negativity (And How to Stop)

Something new - and, we trust, "Practical." The "word of the week." A simple way to kick off each show with a word of mindfulness, meditation, or awareness to get the show started. This week, the word is "presence." 

For the larger disucssion topic of the week, how compliaining really does re-wire your brain and thought process for negativity. Yet again, there's real science to back this up. Importantly, there's plenty you can do about it, to get back into a higher vibrational level, and spread some good energy to the world around you. 

The topic comes to us from a blog post by author Annie Wood. Here's the link if you'd like to read the entire post: https://tinybuddha.com/blog/complaining-rewires-brain-negativity-how-to-stop/

Thanks again for joining us! As always, feel free to share your thoughts, suggestions and comments on our Facebook page. Just do a search for "The Practical Path Podcast," and you'll find out page. 

With appreciation;
Bill Sklodowski
Vicki Wagoner 

PS#1 - Interested in a personal session with Vicki? She connects with clients everywhere through Zoom and phone call. Get in touch with her via email: VickiWagoner53@gmail.com, phone at 239-248-0586, or visit her Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/vickiwagonerrhepracticalintuitive 

PS#2- Bill is a computer and technology geek...it's something he's passionate about. You can see his iPhone, iPad and computer training videos on YouTube. Here's his channel: Bills iPhone Tips - YouTube

01:04:02
Sep 11, 2025 5:0 AM
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The Practical Path - A Podcast for Personal and Spiritual Growth
#056 - Emotional Strength Training - What the Pain Really Means

This week, a discussion based on a nice blog post titled, "Emotional Strength Training." Here's the good news, in case you were worried: There's no need to go to the gym for this kind of training! 

This week's step along the Practical Path: Pain is not the enemy. Whether it’s sore muscles, crazy, racing thoughts, or a heavy heart, pain is a messenger. It’s pointing you toward something deeper that needs strength, not just relief.

Instead of asking, ‘How do I get rid of this?’ try asking, ‘What is this pain trying to teach me? What muscle—physical or emotional—needs to get stronger here?’

Join us for some tips on connecting with those signals and finding ways to navigate in a way that creates emotional and spiritual strength. 

Here's the full post if you're interested:

https://nickwignall.com/emotional-strength-training/?ref=refind

Thanks to author Nick Wignall. 

Thanks again for joining us! As always, feel free to share your thoughts, suggestions and comments on our Facebook page. Just do a search for "The Practical Path Podcast," and you'll find out page. 

With appreciation;
Bill Sklodowski
Vicki Wagoner 

PS#1 - Interested in a personal session with Vicki? She connects with clients everywhere through Zoom and phone call. Get in touch with her via email: VickiWagoner53@gmail.com, phone at 239-248-0586, or visit her Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/vickiwagonerrhepracticalintuitive 

PS#2- Bill is a computer and technology geek...it's something he's passionate about. You can see his iPhone, iPad and computer training videos on YouTube. Here's his channel: Bills iPhone Tips - YouTube

01:04:46
Sep 4, 2025 5:0 AM
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The Practical Path - A Podcast for Personal and Spiritual Growth
The Practical Path - A Podcast for Personal and Spiritual Growth - EP 055

This week, our ideas for a better life come from an interesting blog post that's all about how to feel like you're "doing enough" in life. So often, we can become depressed or just plain bummed out over not crossing off every little thing on our daily to-do list. 

If that's an experience you've had - and you'd like to try "making a different decision," then this show is for you. It's all about reframing how much is "enough," and how to decide what actually belongs on the must-do list. 

Here's the full post if you're interested. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/five_ways_to_feel_like_youre_doing_enough Thanks to author Rachel Goldsmith Turow. 

Thanks again for joining us! As always, feel free to share your thoughts, suggestions and comments on our Facebook page. Just do a search for "The Practical Path Podcast," and you'll find out page. 

With appreciation;
Bill Sklodowski
Vicki Wagoner 

PS#1 - Interested in a personal session with Vicki? She connects with clients everywhere through Zoom and phone call. Get in touch with her via email: VickiWagoner53@gmail.com, phone at 239-248-0586, or visit her Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/vickiwagonerrhepracticalintuitive 

PS#2- Bill is a computer and technology geek...it's something he's passionate about. You can see his iPhone, iPad and computer training videos on YouTube. Here's his channel: Bills iPhone Tips - YouTube

01:03:47
Aug 28, 2025 5:0 AM
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The Practical Path - A Podcast for Personal and Spiritual Growth
The Practical Path - A Podcast for Personal and Spiritual Growth - EP 054

This week a very interesting talk about how we all "train" the people around us how they will think and feel about us. Kind of an interesting idea, that we are responsible for the way others treat us, but it's true... at least when it comes to demonstrating out preferences and boundaries.

Here's a quick outline of what we covered: 

1. First Impressions Matter, but You Control Them - People initially see you as a blank slate, forming judgments mostly based on appearance, dress, posture, and demeanor... and guess what? You're in control of all those factors. 

2. Every Interaction Teaches People How to Feel About You - We're talking the stuff beyond words.. non-verbal communication (tone, body language, eye contact) that shows people how they should feel about you.

3. Assume Interest from Others - Begin interactions with the mindset that others already have a level of interest, instead of assuming rejection.

4. Believe in Your “Product” (Yourself!)

5. Sell Feelings, Not Just Facts - Facts alone don’t persuade; people respond to how those facts are framed.

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6. Reframe “Flaws” as Features - What you perceive as a weakness may be seen differently with the right perspective.

7. Don’t Chase Non-Customers - Not everyone will “buy your product” (i.e., like or accept you), and that’s normal. Focus instead on those who actually value what you offer.

8. Confidence Comes from Owning the Frame - When you guide how others perceive you—through self-belief, reframing, and ignoring the wrong audience—you naturally project confidence.

👉 Bottom Line: People don’t automatically know how to feel about you—you must teach them. By preparing your presentation, believing in yourself, reframing weaknesses, and focusing only on the right audience, you can carry yourself with confidence in relationships and social interactions.

 


 

Thanks again for joining us! As always, feel free to share your thoughts, suggestions and comments on our Facebook page. Just do a search for "The Practical Path Podcast," and you'll find out page. 

With appreciation;
Bill Sklodowski
Vicki Wagoner 

PS#1 - Interested in a personal session with Vicki? She connects with clients everywhere through Zoom and phone call. Get in touch with her via email: VickiWagoner53@gmail.com, phone at 239-248-0586, or visit her Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/vickiwagonerrhepracticalintuitive 

PS#2- Bill is a computer and technology geek...it's something he's passionate about. You can see his iPhone, iPad and computer training videos on YouTube. Here's his channel: Bills iPhone Tips - YouTube

01:04:52
Aug 21, 2025 5:0 AM
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The Practical Path - A Podcast for Personal and Spiritual Growth
The Practical Path - A Podcast for Personal and Spiritual Growth - EP 053

This week, a fun and intersting discussion of how you can be a "Sunshine Person" for those around you. No matter if it's at work, in your personal relationships, family or friends. How to be better connected, how to be supportive and uplifting. It's important! And thankfully, not as hard as you might think.

To check out the resource for this week's talk, here's the original post: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/feeling-it/202506/the-successful-relationship-science-youve-never-heard-of?ref=refind

Thanks again for joining us! As always, feel free to share your thoughts, suggestions and comments on our Facebook page. Just do a search for "The Practical Path Podcast," and you'll find out page. 

With appreciation;
Bill Sklodowski
Vicki Wagoner 

PS#1 - Interested in a personal session with Vicki? She connects with clients everywhere through Zoom and phone call. Get in touch with her via email: VickiWagoner53@gmail.com, phone at 239-248-0586, or visit her Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/vickiwagonerrhepracticalintuitive 

PS#2- Bill is a computer and technology geek...it's something he's passionate about. You can see his iPhone, iPad and computer training videos on YouTube. Here's his channel: Bills iPhone Tips - YouTube

01:02:32
Aug 14, 2025 5:0 AM
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The Practical Path - A Podcast for Personal and Spiritual Growth
The Practical Path - A Podcast for Personal and Spiritual Growth - EP 052
01:07:13
Aug 7, 2025 12:5 AM
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The Practical Path - A Podcast for Personal and Spiritual Growth
The Practical Path - A Podcast for Personal and Spiritual Growth - EP 050

This week, the question is... are there really "coincidences" in this life? We put the word in quote marks because honesly, we don't think so. For us, those fun, interesting, and often amazing coincidences are a wink, nudge or something else from the Universe, getting our attention... asking us to be aware. Maybe there's a lesson to learn here! 

We mention that because there's a really good story to be shared this week with a friend of the show, and how a "coincidence" showed up on the most interesting (and cool) way! 

Also, this weeks' main disucssion is about a super-intereting idea to help keep yourself in times of - shall we say - challenge. While it's always good to have a friend to share with (and to get good, calm advice from)... that's not always possible. Why not do it for yourself? Easier said than done, you say? Well yes...and that's brings us to the cool idea we've got for you this week. 

It's from a blog post called "Give Yourself a Ripcord to Pull." Here's the link if you'd like to read it yourself: https://www.raptitude.com/2025/07/give-yourself-a-ripcord-to-pull/ Enjoy it... we certainly did! 

Thanks again for joining us!

With appreciation;
Bill Sklodowski
Vicki Wagoner 

PS#1 - Interested in a personal session with Vicki? She connects with clients everywhere through Zoom and phone call. Get in touch with her via email: VickiWagoner53@gmail.com, phone at 239-248-0586, or visit her Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/vickiwagonerrhepracticalintuitive 

PS#2- Bill is a computer and technology geek...it's something he's passionate about. You can see his iPhone, iPad and computer training videos on YouTube. Here's his channel: Bills iPhone Tips - YouTube

01:04:57
Jul 24, 2025 5:0 AM
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The Practical Path - A Podcast for Personal and Spiritual Growth
The Practical Path - A Podcast for Personal and Spiritual Growth - EP 048

First, something new we mentioned on the show this week We'd love to hear from you! No matter if you're a brand new listener to The Practical Path, of you've been with us from the start, you know we talk about all kinds of "real life" experiences, and what they have to teach us about personal and spiritual growth.

So... How about you? Is there anything you'd like to hear more about? Is there any particular question you may have...? We're no experts, of course, but both Vicki and Bill do enjoy sharing and helping and offering whatever wisdom and experience they have have that could be of service to our listeners.

Do this: Stop by the podcast Facebook page. Just do a search for "The Practical Path Podcast" in the Facebook search bar to find us. Even easier...here's the direct link:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564867676308  Stop by, say hello. Leave a comment, question or experience. We'd love to hear from you! 

Why didn't we think of this a long time ago? Good question! At least for making up for it now... 

On this week's show, some of those "challenging" real-life lessons experienced by Bill in just the past few days.  A little painful and frustrating, to be sure...  And yet, we're always on the lookout for the lessons to be learned, yes? Let's see if Bill can make some lemonade out of the lemons life gave him this week.  

Thanks again for joining us!

With appreciation;
Bill Sklodowski
Vicki Wagoner 

PS#1 - Interested in a personal session with Vicki? She connects with clients everywhere through Zoom and phone call. Get in touch with her via email: VickiWagoner53@gmail.com, phone at 239-248-0586, or visit her Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/vickiwagonerrhepracticalintuitive 

PS#2- Bill is a computer and technology geek...it's something he's passionate about. You can see his iPhone, iPad and computer training videos on YouTube. Here's his channel: Bills iPhone Tips - YouTube

01:05:37
Jul 10, 2025 5:0 AM
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The Practical Path - A Podcast for Personal and Spiritual Growth
The Practical Path - A Podcast for Personal and Spiritual Growth - EP 047

This week, a new quote to kick things off: "If you aren't experienceing failure, then you are making a far worse mistake: You are being driven by the desire to avoid it." 

What does that mean for you? Bill takes some time to "unpack" his thoughts on the topic, as he considers his own actions (or lack of them) when it comes to building his online business... something he says is important to him. Seems the question is; how important? Something to think about in lots of different life-aspects. Relationships, jobs, and more. 

Also, an interesting blog post on "YAMO." What's that? "Youre' Always Mission Out." Kinda like YOLO (You Only Live Once).. it's a way of looking at all the different choices we have - with just about everything! - in life, and making good decisions. Ones based out of what we truly want, not out of a fear of missing something else. 

If you're interested, here's the link: https://nesslabs.com/yama

Thanks again for joining us!

With appreciation;
Bill Sklodowski
Vicki Wagoner 

PS#1 - Interested in a personal session with Vicki? She connects with clients everywhere through Zoom and phone call. Get in touch with her via email: VickiWagoner53@gmail.com, phone at 239-248-0586, or visit her Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/vickiwagonerrhepracticalintuitive 

PS#2- Bill is a computer and technology geek...it's something he's passionate about. You can see his iPhone, iPad and computer training videos on YouTube. Here's his channel: Bills iPhone Tips - YouTube

01:06:54
Jul 3, 2025 5:0 AM
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The Practical Path - A Podcast for Personal and Spiritual Growth
The Practical Path - A Podcast for Personal and Spiritual Growth - EP 041
01:05:13
May 22, 2025 5:0 AM
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The Practical Path - A Podcast for Personal and Spiritual Growth
The Practical Path - A Podcast for Personal and Spiritual Growth - EP 040

Thsi week, not one, but two great lists of powerful ideas. See if you can put any of these concepts to work (or play!) in your life.

First, "7 'old people' sayings that are actually solid life advice at every age." Timeless wisdom, as they say. Find it here: https://www.upworthy.com/7-old-people-sayings-ex1. And thanks to author Annie Reneau for this one. 

Also, Training Your Brain to Get What You Want in Life. Big idea, yes? Do you know - really know - what you want in life? See more here: https://www.inc.com/benjamin-p-hardy/how-to-train-your-brain-to-get-what-you-want-in-60.html.  And for this one, thanks go out to author Ben P. Hardy and the Inc. Magazine site. 

Thanks again for joining us!

 

With appreciation;
Bill Sklodowski
Vicki Wagoner 

 

PS#1 - Interested in a personal session with Vicki? She connects with clients everywhere through Zoom and phone call. Get in touch with her via email: VickiWagoner53@gmail.com, phone at 239-248-0586, or visit her Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/vickiwagonerrhepracticalintuitive 

 

PS#2- Bill is a computer and technology geek...it's something he's passionate about. You can see his iPhone, iPad and computer training videos on YouTube. Here's his channel: Bills iPhone Tips - YouTube

01:04:52
May 15, 2025 5:0 AM
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The Practical Path - A Podcast for Personal and Spiritual Growth
The Practical Path - A Podcast for Personal and Spiritual Growth - EP 038
01:06:14
May 1, 2025 5:0 AM
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