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Do You Want Revenge or Do You Want a Better America?

Today, I have the privilege of welcoming back award-winning filmmaker, writer, and storyteller, Eli Steele. Eli is known for films like How Jack Became Black, What’s Bugging Seth, and most recently, What Killed Michael Brown?—a powerful and thought-provoking documentary he produced with his father, Shelby Steele. He also shares his insights on his Man of Steele Substack, where he continues challenging narratives and pushing for deeper discussions on race, identity, and the American experience.

Eli and I dive into one of the most pressing issues facing our country today—the growing desire for revenge in our political and cultural landscape. Too often, we see frustration turning into retribution, but where does that really lead us? Do we move forward as a nation by tearing each other down, or is there a better path—one rooted in accountability, responsibility, and reconciliation?

We’ll talk about how history has shaped the current racial and political climate, why the victimhood mentality is so destructive, and how the cycle of revenge only deepens division. Through the powerful Tar Baby analogy, we’ll explore how getting stuck in anger and resentment holds us back from real progress.

This is a conversation about moving beyond identity politics, beyond blame, and beyond the toxic cycles that keep us from truly thriving.

Takeaways

• The desire for revenge can consume individuals and hinder progress.
• The "Tar Baby" folk story illustrates the futility of seeking revenge.
• Historical context is crucial in understanding current racial dynamics.
• Revenge often leads to the creation of new tribal divisions.
• Empathy and compassion are vital in overcoming hatred.
• The fight for equality has been ongoing and complex.
• Trump's presidency is seen by many as a reaction to long-standing frustrations.
• Seeking revenge can compromise American principles and values.
• True progress requires moving beyond identity politics.
• Revenge leads to a never-ending cycle of conflict.
• Education is crucial for societal improvement.
• Civic engagement is essential for community rebuilding.
• We must talk to our neighbors to understand e

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

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Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!

The Exponential Power of Gratitude: Unleashing Your Happiness Equation

Let me ask you: How do you measure happiness? Is it something you chase, or something you cultivate? What if I told you there’s an actual equation for happiness? A way to measure it, understand it, and most importantly, optimize it? That’s exactly what today’s guest, Leighton Campbell, has uncovered in his latest book, Your Happiness Equation.

Leighton is a devoted husband, father of four, successful entrepreneur, and passionate reader who has traveled the world in search of deeper meaning and fulfillment. Through his journey, he’s identified seven key variables that shape our happiness—but there’s one element that doesn’t just add to the equation—it amplifies it: Gratitude.

In fact, gratitude isn’t just another piece of the puzzle—it’s the exponent. It strengthens every other factor in the equation, multiplying its impact on your well-being. Want more peace? More purpose? More fulfillment? Gratitude magnifies all of it. And today, Leighton is going to break down exactly how that works.

We’ll also explore the difference between fleeting joy and lasting happiness, the power of self-awareness, and why chasing the wrong things can actually lead to less happiness. And for those wondering where they stand, Leighton’s got a happiness quiz that will help you assess your own equation.

Takeaways

• Gratitude is the genesis of happiness.
• Happiness is a long-term sense of peace and satisfaction.
• Chasing fleeting joy can lead to unhappiness.
• The happiness equation consists of seven key variables.
• Self-awareness is crucial for personal growth.
• Gratitude acts as an exponent in the happiness equation.
• Belonging to meaningful groups enhances happiness.
• Understanding your purpose contributes to happiness.
• Optimizing happiness is more important than maximizing it.
• Everyone can benefit from assessing their happiness score.

Learn more about and connect with Leighton Campbell by getting the full show notes at DerateTheHate.com.

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!

Mastering Resilience and Emotional Intelligence Through Storytelling

My guest today is the incredible Madelaine Claire Weiss. She’s a Harvard-trained psychotherapist, mindset expert, and board-certified executive coach. With a background that spans corporate leadership, education, and mental health, Madelaine has dedicated her career to helping people navigate life’s challenges with clarity and confidence.

She’s the bestselling author of Getting to G.R.E.A.T.: A 5-Step Strategy for Work and Life, which breaks down a powerful framework for personal and professional success. And now, she’s bringing that wisdom to young minds with her new book, What’s Your Story?—a personal development workbook for kids featuring a character named Brainy, who helps children understand how their minds work and how they can take control of their own narratives.

In this conversation, we’ll explore the role of storytelling in resilience, why emotional intelligence is key to making better decisions, and how parents can equip their children with the coping skills they need to thrive. We’ll also break down her G-R-E-A-T framework—grounding, recognizing, exploring, taking action, and tackling resistance—and how it can help all of us lead happier, more fulfilling lives.

Takeaways

• Resilience can be built through storytelling and emotional awareness.
• The G-R-E-A-T framework includes grounding, recognizing, exploring, action, and tackling resistance.
• Children often lack the emotional intelligence to cope with challenges.
• It's essential to honor emotions and use them as data for decision-making.
• The brain is a story-making machine, and we can improve our narratives.
• Parents should teach children about the brain and how it works.
• Emotional intelligence is crucial for making sound decisions.
• Grounding in the belief of a great life is the first step to achieving it.
• Action is necessary for happiness and personal growth.
• Understanding the internal environment is key to overall well-being.

Learn more about and connect with Madelaine Claire Weiss online by getting the full show notes at www.DerateTheHate.com

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube

Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site’s contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact

If you would like to support the show, you’re welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I’ll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I look forward to hearing from you!