Happy Engineer Podcast Archives

203: Overcoming Digital Addiction in Today’s Digital Age with Jennie Ketcham Crooks

by Max Ahumada | Jan 13, 2025 | Podcast

In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest issues in engineering and tech: digital addiction.

Digital screen use throttles our creativity and heightens our anxiety – a bad mix for engineering leadership today, and worse for the leaders of tomorrow.

Jennie Ketcham Crooks, an anxiety and OCD specialist from Seattle, explores in her research how pervasive smartphone and device use impacts us on both a career and cultural level.

She has been featured as a guest lecturer at Harvard University, and has recently appeared on a number of popular television shows from Headline News and The View, to Oprah.

As our digital overconsumption continues to be fed with the release of each shiny new gadget, it’s become increasingly challenging to put down our screens and interact meaningfully with the world and people around us. This constant barrage of digital engagement negatively affects both the quality of our relationships and our mental health.

Jenny and I discuss her new book, ‘Look Up: A 30 Day Path to Digital Minimalism and Real Life Maximalism’, which offers practical steps to eliminate the negative effects of digital overload.

So press play and let’s chat about reclaiming focus and enhancing well-being in our digital world!

201: The Worst Advice Coming in 2025 and Why You Must Avoid It

by Max Ahumada | Dec 30, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, I share why hope is the word of the year for 2025 and why lowering your expectations to avoid disappointment might be sabotaging your growth.

I break down how hope, when combined with confidence and intentional action, becomes a powerful force that fuels progress in your career and personal life.

Whether you’re reflecting on 2024 or setting ambitious goals for 2025, this episode is your reminder to dream big, aim high, and step into the new year with a sense of purpose and optimism.

So press play and let’s chat… about how hope can transform your future.

198: Another Reason Why We Need a Better Goal

by Max Ahumada | Dec 9, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, I dive into the perplexing world of procrastination and the profound impact of not having a clear and compelling personal vision.

I share the story of Sam, a bright individual who, despite having the resources and time, struggles to advance his career due to a lack of clear goals. Through our conversation, it becomes evident that understanding what you truly want is crucial to overcoming stagnation and rediscovering your motivation.

We explore how defining your goals not only provides direction but also fuels your daily actions, making even challenging tasks feel worthwhile.

By the end of our talk, Sam finds new clarity, which ignites his passion and propels him towards meaningful action.

So press play and let’s chat about transforming your potential into actual success!

197: Broke Single Mom Turned Self-Made Latina Millionaire with Scarlette Joyce Rojas | Bestselling Author

by Max Ahumada | Dec 2, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, meet a broke single mom turned self-made Latina millionaire, Scarlette Joyce Rojas.

If you want to achieve financial freedom, overcome the subconscious beliefs that limit you, and discover the truth about how to use affirmations for personal growth… This conversation is a must-listen.

Scarlett has spoken on stages at JPMorgan, LPL Finance, and Invesco, along with being featured in news platforms such as New York Post, Bankrate, and AOL Finance leading to over 13 million online views inspired from her bestselling book, “31 Badass Money Mindset Affirmations.”

Today she shares her journey from a challenging childhood, to broke adulthood, to becoming a successful business owner. That success includes her health and happiness, on top of the millions $$$.

Scarlett’s story shows you the role of confidence and positive affirmations in attracting wealth, plus practical steps to transform your relationship with money.

So press play and let’s chat… your financial future depends on it!

196: Thanksgiving Challenge and Black Friday 2024 Bonus Announcement

by Max Ahumada | Nov 25, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, I share some of the most challenging and rewarding moments from my career as a coach, highlighted by a particularly tough week that ended with an uplifting message from a past client, Bruno, expressing profound gratitude.

After a grueling week filled with coaching sessions and missed opportunities with potential clients, I share a personal story that reignites my passion for coaching. The highlight comes from an unexpected message of gratitude from Bruno, a former podcast guest and coaching client, whose success story is both inspiring and a testament to the effectiveness of our coaching program.

This message arrived just as I needed it, reaffirming why I pour my heart into coaching. We’ll explore the deep emotional impact of coaching work, the power of gratitude, and how acknowledging this can transform both personal and professional lives.

As a special thank you to my listeners during this Thanksgiving season, I’m excited to offer an exclusive coaching package deal.

So press play and let’s chat about turning gratitude into a transformative tool in your life.

180: The Busy Brain Cure to Find Focus and Tame Anxiety with Neurologist Dr. Romie Mushtaq

by Max Ahumada | Aug 5, 2024 | Podcast

In this episode, meet Dr. Romie Mushtaq, author of the “The Busy Brain Cure” and creator of the BrainSHIFT protocol.

Her magic power is to help you find focus, tame anxiety, and sleep again.

Dr. Romie is a regularly featured medical expert analyst on Fox News in Orlando for Fox News and Good Day Orlando.

Every engineering leader I know will want to hear this conversation, including my personal breakthrough in the debrief.

Are you stuck in a success-stress cycle? Is chasing a dopamine high driving you toward procrastination? Find out today, and how to heal yourself naturally.

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