The Motion of Gratitude®

Shannon Missimer

✨ The Motion of Gratitude Podcast | Hosted by Shannon Missimer

There’s more to life than going through the motions.

Welcome to The Motion of Gratitude Podcast, where we explore what it truly means to live with intention, reconnect with yourself, and create a life aligned with your values.

Join Shannon Missimer, holistic well-being coach, breathwork facilitator, and mindfulness expert, as she brings you real conversations, science-backed strategies, and transformative insights to help you:
✔ Cultivate daily gratitude for a stronger, more resilient mind
✔ Regulate your nervous system and break free from stress & burnout
✔ Reconnect with your intuition to make empowered life decisions
✔ Shift out of autopilot and into a life of presence, purpose, and fulfillment

Each week, we dive deep into personal growth, nervous system regulation, mindful living, and emotional resilience, with inspiring guest experts, powerful solo episodes, and practical tools you can apply immediately.

✨ Whether you’re an educator, entrepreneur, parent, or anyone craving more connection and clarity, this podcast will help you stop merely existing and start thriving.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.

🌿 Want to go deeper? Connect with Shannon at www.themotionofgratitude.com

🔔 Hit subscribe and join us every week—because there is more to life than going through the motions.

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Top 10 The Motion of Gratitude® Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Motion of Gratitude® episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Motion of Gratitude® for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Motion of Gratitude® episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

The Power of Positive Persistence: How Ian Bowen Turned Setback into Strength

The Motion of Gratitude®

02/12/25 • 47 min

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Episode Summary:
In this inspiring episode of The Motion of Gratitude podcast, I sit down with Ian Bowen, a true testament to resilience, mindset, and what he calls Positive Persistence.

In 2009, at just 32 years old, Ian's life changed overnight when he was diagnosed with neurosarcoidosis, a rare disease that left him paralyzed from the chest down. Doctors told him he would never run again, but Ian refused to accept that as his reality. Through grit, determination, and an unshakable mindset, he defied the odds—eventually running his first marathon in 2022.

Today, Ian is the owner of FitBody Bootcamp in Chesterton, Indiana, a motivational speaker, and the host of The Positive Persistence Podcast. He now dedicates his life to helping others push past limiting beliefs, break through obstacles, and unlock their full potential.

In this conversation, we dive into:

Ian’s journey from paralysis to running a marathon
The power of mindset and resilience in overcoming adversity
How to rewrite your own story despite external limitations
His RINSE methodology for pushing through life’s biggest challenges
The difference between expecting difficulty and expecting success
How fitness became a vehicle for mental transformation
Why true personal growth happens when you realize that no one is coming—it’s up to you

Ian’s story is one of hope, strength, and triumph, and I know it will leave you feeling empowered to take action in your own life.

Where to Find Ian Bowen:
📍 Website: thepositivepersistence.com
📍 Instagram: @ianrbowen
📍 Facebook: Ian R. Bowen
📍 Podcast: The Positive Persistence Podcast (Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!)

Connect with The Motion of Gratitude:
📍 Instagram: @motionofgratitude
📍 Facebook: Motion of Gratitude
📍 Website: themotionofgratitude.com

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Thank

I say it over and over again during The Motion of Gratitude podcast: we believe there’s more to life than just going through the motions. Are you ready to transform your life through the power of gratitude? Introducing ‘The Experience’—our 28-day combined physical product and digital gratitude practice designed to help you cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and presence in your daily life. With ‘The Experience,’ you’ll embark on a journey of self-discovery, learning to be present, an

Stay Connected:
• Subscribe to our podcast to stay updated on future episodes.
• Follow us on social media @TheMotionofGratitude for more content related to holistic well-being.
Ready to step into your life and stop going through The Motions? Let our 28 Day Gratitude Initiative be your new starting point! If you are ready to:
- find the good already in your life that you are missing
- find presence in your life so you don't let life pass you by
- start a consistent daily rhythm to set the tone in your life
Then join us! Purchase Your Experience today and get started! www.TheMotionofGratitude.com
Looking forward to connecting with you!

From Trauma to Truth: Joe Smarro on Ownership, Healing & Humanizing Mental Health

The Motion of Gratitude®

06/03/25 • 66 min

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Today’s episode is one of the most raw, real, and powerful conversations we’ve had on The Motion of Gratitude Podcast. Shannon sits down with Joe Smarro, a decorated Marine Corps combat veteran, nationally recognized mental health advocate, and CEO of SolutionPoint+. You may recognize him from the Emmy Award–winning HBO documentary Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops or his TEDx talk, I See You.

But this conversation goes far deeper than credentials.

Joe shares the story behind his mission — the childhood trauma he survived, the systems he once believed in, and the turning point that brought him face-to-face with his own suffering. What unfolds is a deeply moving look at what it really takes to come back to yourself, take full ownership of your life, and help others do the same.

From surviving sexual abuse and combat trauma to transforming police departments and creating a nationally recognized mental health training model — Joe’s story is a testament to the human spirit.

This is a must-listen for anyone who has ever felt broken, stuck, unseen, or afraid to feel.

🧠 We explore:

The childhood trauma that shaped Joe’s understanding of safety, connection, and survival
Why behavior is communication — especially when words are dismissed
The pivotal moment that led him to choose healing over self-destruction
Why the “mental health guy” was still hiding in shame — and how he stopped
His revolutionary CCRTCTM model for de-escalation through curiosity and connection
How to stop outsourcing your self-worth — and why ownership is the ultimate freedom
Why gratitude isn’t fluff — it’s a survival skill and a path to presence
The powerful reframe every parent, caregiver, and first responder needs to hear
What every man should know about healing, emotions, and self-trust

🔥 One of our favorite quotes from Joe:

“I’ve learned to become grateful for the things I wish never happened.”

🛠️ Tools + Takeaways:

The 90-second rule for emotional awareness
How to rewire your beliefs through daily micro-practices
The difference between suffering and self-induced suffering
How to teach resilience and emotional regulation to the next generation
The connection between presence, gratitude, and suicide prevention

📚 Mentioned in this Episode:

Joe’s book: Unarmed: Building Connection Through Courage, Compassion, and Communication
Joe’s company:

Shannon & Matthew: Walking the Path Together: Marriage, Shadows, and Personal Growth

The Motion of Gratitude®

08/23/23 • 85 min

In this episode of "In Pursuit of Gratosis," join us as we embark on a journey with Shannon and Matthew, a married couple committed to both their relationship and individual growth. Together, they candidly share their experiences with shadow work and self-discovery within the context of their marriage.

Discover how Shannon and Matthew navigated the depths of their own psyches, confronting the hidden aspects of themselves, and how this transformative process has strengthened their bond. Through vulnerability and introspection, they reveal the challenges, breakthroughs, and insights that have come from facing their shadows together.

Learn valuable tips and insights for couples who are eager to embark on their own journey of healing and self-discovery. This episode will inspire you to embrace the shadows within your own relationship, illuminating the path to personal growth and a deeper connection with your partner.

Tune in to "Walking the Path Together: Marriage, Shadows, and Personal Growth" for an intimate and empowering conversation on love, healing, and the beauty of growth within a committed partnership.

Episode 13: Raising the Next Generation through Mindfulness & Eco Literacy with Genevieve King

The Motion of Gratitude®

01/18/23 • 69 min

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I had the honor and opportunity to sit down and interview Genevieve King, the Founder and CEO of Origins Curriculum. Origins Curriculum is the homeschool curriculum that we are using for our family and is rooted in an understanding of mindfulness and ecoliteracy in early education.
Geneveve has over 25 years experience in early childhood education and an extensive background in sustainability. Genevieve decided to combine her passion for teaching children with her expertise in the principles of sustainability with the opening of Origins Education in 2011 and Origins now has 4 brick and mortar locations with the 5th on the way.
By supporting children in fostering a solid intellectual, emotional, social and physical connection to the earth, Genevieve believes that we develop an understanding of our place in the eco-systems of life as well as gaining a love for life-long learning. She created an eco-literacy and mindfulness curriculum that is both play-based and place-based and is honored to teach young children about the earth, it’s fascinating cycles and how to respect and care for it and all of its inhabitants.
Throughout the episode you will hear Genevieve's story of how Origins Education and Curriculum came to be. Our conversation explores the impact ecoliteracy and mindfulness has for the early years of our children's lives and how it can help shape and positively impact the next generation.
If you are looking for a homeschool curriculum OR looking to supplement the learning that your children are currently learning- This is a MUST listen! Also, for more information about the offerings of Origins, check out Origins Curriculum - Pre K and Homeschool Conscious Curriculum.
You can also find Origins on Instagram @origins.curriculum
Have a beautiful day!

Wheels and Wonders: Balancing Motherhood, Entrepreneurship, and RV Adventures- Conversation with Brooke Happe

The Motion of Gratitude®

05/25/23 • 40 min

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Brooke and I got a chance to sit down and talk about transitioning from a career that feels like a forever, starting a new business from a passion project, and choosing to live life as a family in a different lane (In an RV!). If you are a mother who is feeling a pull to do something differently but not seeing how you can make it work, take a listen. Brooke is a beautiful example of trusting her intuition and bringing dreams to live while living in the moment.
In 2015, Brooke Happe stepped away from her dream job. She was practicing as a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and was working in the career she had spent a decade training for. But with two young kids at home and another on the way, she realized her heart was yearning to be home with my family. Right before her daughter was born, she left her job and became a full-time mom.

In 2016, she started a business without meaning to. She started crocheting to keep her hands strong, intending to go back to practice one day. Then she realized the hat she designed to hide her greasy mom hair could help other moms feel put together too.

When people started asking where she got my slouch hat, she tarted selling the beanies locally. b.e.happe was born.

In 2019 Brooke knew her kiddos weren’t going to be kids forever. But instead of spending time together, they felt stuck in the monotony of their daily routines. That’s when Brooke and her husband sold their home and all their belongings and moved into a 41ft 5th wheel and hit the road full time.
Brooke and I got a chance to sit down and talk about walking away from a career that feels like a forever, starting a new business from a passion project, and choosing to live life as a family in a different lane (In an RV!). If you are a mother who is feeling a pull to do something differently but not seeing how you can make it work, take a listen. Brooke is a beautiful example of trusting her intuition and living life in the moment.
If you want to follow along with Brooke's story as her and her family travel the country in an RV you can find her on IG @b.e.happe. You can see her BEAUTIFUL HATS and also learn more about how to travel and build a business on the road.
You can also learn more on her website:
b.e.happe (behappedesigns.com)
I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed recording it!

Epiosde 19: Utilizing Gratitude in a Time of Fear and Anxiousness

The Motion of Gratitude®

04/19/23 • 47 min

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In this podcast, we will be discussing how gratitude can be utilized as a tool during times of fear and worry. Our guest today is Katie Kershner, a Health coach focused on supporting individuals during their busy season of life. This is our second conversation around Gratitude and its impact in our day today lives. Katie and I talk abou personal experiences around how having a daily Gratitude practice allowed us to show up differently in our life and utilize the tools practiced to have a different perspective of intense situations.
The sound was a bit funky from my end, but the conversation felt like it needed to be shared. So hoping that you can take what you need from it and the sound quality doesnt take away from your experience.

Key takeaways:

What is gratitude? Gratitude is a mindset, a way of seeing the world around you with appreciation and thankfulness. It's not just about feeling good when things go well, but also being able to find the good in difficult situations.
Gratitude and fear are incompatible: When we focus on what we're grateful for, it's hard to feel afraid. Gratitude shifts our attention away from what we don't have and toward what we do have.
Cultivating gratitude: Gratitude is a skill that can be practiced and developed over time.
Gratitude and the brain: Practicing gratitude can rewire our brains to focus on the positive and decrease negative thoughts and emotions.
Gratitude in difficult times: It's important to remember that gratitude doesn't mean ignoring or minimizing difficult emotions. Instead, it's about finding the good in the midst of challenging situations.

Conclusion:
As is the basis of all that we love to talk about at The Motion of Gratitude, Gratitude is a powerful tool that can help us navigate through times of fear and worry. By cultivating a mindset of gratitude and practicing it regularly, we can experience greater happiness, stronger relationships, and improved overall well-being.
Looking for a place to really set a foundation of Gratitude in your practice? The Experience from The Motion of Gratitude is a 28 Day Gratitude Initiative. Designed to take the guess work out of where to start. With a combined physical product and digital experience, you will be guided through 28 Days of daily insight and weekly practices so you can FEEL THE IMPACT of Gratitude in your own life.
Ready to get started? Follow the link to our website, and purchase The Experience to get started! It's Go Time!
Shop - The Motion of Gra

Mortgages with a Mission: Jordan Hodges on Living a Purpose-Driven Life

The Motion of Gratitude®

08/31/23 • 50 min

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In this insightful episode, we sit down with Jordan Hodges, a distinguished Mortgage Broker who has forged a path in the world of finance with a deep commitment to living a life of purpose. Jordan shares his inspiring journey, shedding light on how he integrates his professional expertise with a mission-driven approach to life.

Key Takeaways:

From Numbers to Purpose: Jordan opens up about his transition from a conventional mortgage broker to one with a mission. He discusses the pivotal moments that prompted this shift and how it transformed his perspective on his work. (SPOILER: its not always a massive thing that causes a big transformation)
Navigating Challenges: Jordan doesn't shy away from discussing the challenges he's faced in his journey towards a purpose-driven life. He offers valuable insights into overcoming obstacles and staying true to one's mission, even in a demanding industry.
Balancing Finance and Fulfillment: A core theme of this episode is the delicate balance between financial success and a fulfilling life. Jordan shares strategies and practices that have helped him maintain this equilibrium and thrive in both spheres.
Inspiration for Others: Throughout the conversation, Jordan provides practical advice and inspiration for listeners who aspire to infuse purpose into their own lives, regardless of their career or industry.
Looking Forward: Jordan talks about his future aspirations, including his plans to further amplify the impact of his work and inspire more individuals to lead purpose-driven lives.

This episode is a captivating exploration of how one person, Jordan Hodges, has transformed a seemingly routine profession into a powerful instrument for living with purpose. Listeners will come away with insights and a renewed sense of motivation to infuse their own lives with purpose, regardless of their chosen path.
Jordan is a family man, a Father of 5 girls and a loving husband. He is in pursuit of intentional living. Jordan has over 20 years in the Mortgage industry and recently co-founded a new mortgage brokerage called The Mortgage Collective. Jordan loves working in the financial world and focusing on Real Estate. He is also interested in fitness and faith and pursuing our divine purpose here on this earth.
Jordan was raised in Highland, Utah, He attended Utah State, UVU and BYU. Jordan served an LDS Mission to Porto Alegre, Brazil and is an Active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
http://www.mymortgagecollective.com
https:

Breaking Free from Burnout & Reimagining Your Life with Dr. Shenelle DeBose

The Motion of Gratitude®

03/18/25 • 47 min

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In this inspiring episode, Dr. Shanelle DeBose, best known as the Education Disruptor, joins Shannon Missimer to talk about breaking free from burnout, redefining success, and designing a life that aligns with your purpose.

Dr. D has helped over 200 educators transition from the classroom to business ownership, doubling their income and expanding their impact. She shares her personal journey of reaching a rock-top moment, realizing she could no longer stay in a system that no longer served her, and the steps she took to reimagine her life and career.

Whether you’re an educator, entrepreneur, or anyone feeling stuck in a life that no longer fits, this conversation is packed with insights on personal transformation, breaking through fear, and embracing the “both-and” mindset for abundance.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✔ Dr. D’s journey from classroom burnout to business success
✔ The "rock-top moment" and why high achievers experience it
✔ How to recognize when it’s time to make a change in your career
✔ The power of questioning everything you've been told about success
✔ Why gratitude is a key tool for breaking free from limitations
✔ The biggest mindset blocks keeping teachers stuck in the system
✔ How to take small steps toward a new future without feeling overwhelmed

Resources & Links Mentioned:

🎙️ Listen to Dr. D’s Podcast: Educators Moving On
📚 Book Recommendation: The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer (a game-changing read!)
📍 Join Dr. D’s Community: Educators Moving On Facebook Group
📅 Attend Dr. D’s Live Event: Learn more here

Notice Something Different Around Here!? Welcome to The Motion of Gratitude Podcast

The Motion of Gratitude®

10/25/23 • 19 min

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Get ready to embark on an exciting new chapter with us as we unveil our podcast’s fresh identity: “The Motion of Gratitude Podcast.” In this special episode, we’ll take you behind the scenes and share the motivations and inspirations behind this exciting change.
Join us as we explore why we felt the need to rebrand and reconnect the podcast to our business, The Motion of Gratitude. You’ll discover the deeper significance of “The Motion of Gratitude” and how it perfectly encapsulates our journey to help people live, love, and parent consciously. We’re thrilled to share this transformation with our incredible listeners and can’t wait for you to be a part of this exciting evolution.
This episode marks the beginning of a new adventure, one that’s driven by the same passion for well-being, connection, and holistic health that you’ve come to love. We believe that “The Motion of Gratitude” perfectly embodies our mission to help people feel the impact of intentional gratitude and being present. So, join us as we embrace this change and continue to explore the path to a more conscious and fulfilling life.

The Weight You Can’t See: PTSD, Purpose & the Path to Release

The Motion of Gratitude®

05/13/25 • 57 min

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In this deeply honest episode of The Motion of Gratitude® Podcast, Shannon sits down with Mike Morgan, host of The Resilient Warrior Nation Podcast and retired law enforcement officer with 30 years of service. After a career-ending injury and the mental toll of decades spent witnessing trauma, Mike found himself lost, isolated, and searching for healing.

This conversation explores the path he took—one that led him from silence and suffering to vulnerability, purpose, and profound transformation through alternative healing, including breathwork and plant medicine.

Whether you're a first responder, caregiver, or simply someone carrying more than others can see—this episode is a powerful reminder that you are not alone, and healing is possible.

🔍 In This Episode, We Explore:

Mike’s story of injury, identity loss, and emotional unraveling
The hidden cost of witnessing trauma over time (even when it’s “not your own”)
PTSD, emotional suppression, and the cultural norms that keep men silent
How plant medicine (specifically ayahuasca) opened the door to healing
What it means to rediscover your purpose after retirement or transition
The power of safe spaces, community, and speaking truth out loud
Why emotional strength is strength—and how vulnerability is part of masculine leadership

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:

🎧 The Resilient Warrior Nation Podcast on YouTube
📲 Follow Mike on Instagram: @theresilientwarrior5778
💛 Explore The Motion of Gratitude Experience: www.themotionofgratitude.com

💬 A Favorite Quote from the Episode:

“The medicine doesn’t do the healing—it gives you the keys to open the doors you’ve kept locked.” — Mike Morgan

📣 Share This Episode With:

First responders or veterans navigating trauma or transition
Anyone curious about plant medicine as a healing tool
Men struggling to access or express their emotions
Caregivers and partners supporting someone through PTSD

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FAQ

How many episodes does The Motion of Gratitude® have?

The Motion of Gratitude® currently has 77 episodes available.

What topics does The Motion of Gratitude® cover?

The podcast is about Health & Fitness, Mental Health, Podcasts, Self-Improvement, Education, Gratitude and Mindfulness.

What is the most popular episode on The Motion of Gratitude®?

The episode title 'Nature's Prescription: Enhancing Well-Being with Lifestyle Medicine Interview with Aubrey Taylor' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on The Motion of Gratitude®?

The average episode length on The Motion of Gratitude® is 52 minutes.

How often are episodes of The Motion of Gratitude® released?

Episodes of The Motion of Gratitude® are typically released every 7 days, 7 hours.

When was the first episode of The Motion of Gratitude®?

The first episode of The Motion of Gratitude® was released on Jun 22, 2022.

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The Motion of Gratitude®

Shannon Missimer

Top 10 The Motion of Gratitude® Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does The Motion of Gratitude® have?

What topics does The Motion of Gratitude® cover?

What is the most popular episode on The Motion of Gratitude®?

What is the average episode length on The Motion of Gratitude®?

How often are episodes of The Motion of Gratitude® released?

When was the first episode of The Motion of Gratitude®?

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