What Would You Tell Your Freshman Self?
In this heartfelt episode of The Streaking Podcast, Jami and I reflect on our son’s graduation and the timeless question seniors were asked: What advice would you give your freshman self?

That question sparked a deeper conversation about choice, fear, regret, and the power of small, consistent actions. We talk openly about the pressure of life stages, the myth of “doing it all,” and how every decision—especially those made in fear—comes with trade-offs.

We explore why consistency (streaking!) matters more than chasing the big, flashy reward and why looking back only makes sense when we honor the realities we faced at the time.

The takeaway: You are the pilot. The small, daily choices are your course corrections.

Listen in, reflect, and ask yourself: What would I tell myself five years ago? What small action can I take today to shape who I want to become?

00:00 – 01:00 | Opening Reflections: Graduation & the Freshman Question
Jeffery introduces the theme after attending his son’s high school graduation.

01:00 – 03:30 | From Struggling Reader to Confident Presenter
A proud parenting moment sparks reflection on growth over time.

03:30 – 06:00 | Senior Advice That Still Applies in Adulthood
Life lessons shared by graduates—about worry, involvement, and fear of judgment.

06:00 – 09:00 | What Would I Tell Myself Five Years Ago?
A personal look at major life changes and the perspective they bring.

09:00 – 12:00 | Fear-Based Decisions vs. Intentional Choices
How fear shapes choices—and why recognizing trade-offs matters.

12:00 – 15:00 | The Illusion of “Having It All”
The myth that you can choose everything without consequence.

15:00 – 18:00 | Looking Back with Realism, Not Regret
Why it’s easy to forget the pressure of past moments and question good decisions.

18:00 – 21:00 | The Value of Mentors and Experience
How to use hindsight and foresight to navigate choices better.

21:00 – 24:00 | The Graduation Theme: It’s the Pilot, Not the Plane
The power of intentionality—and aviation metaphors—for life direction.

24:00 – 27:00 | Course Correction and the Power of Streaking
Why small, consistent actions are your best navigation tools.

27:00 – 30:00 | Don’t Chase the Promise—Do the Work
Recognizing substance over hype, especially in career decisions.

30:00 – 33:00 | Vegetables vs. Cotton Candy: The Work of Consistency
The contrast between lasting value and quick wins.

33:00 – End | Final Takeaways and Sign-Off
Jeffery and Jami summarize the lessons and invite listeners to live intentionally and keep streaking.

If today’s episode resonated with you—if you’ve ever looked back and wished you’d stayed consistent with something that mattered—then the MyStreaks app is for you. It’s a simple, powerful way to build the life you want through small daily actions. Whether you’re working on becoming more present, more healthy, more creative, or more faithful, MyStreaks gives you the structure to stay intentional, track your progress, and keep going—especially when life gets busy. Download the app today and start a streak that shapes your future.

In this powerful episode of the Streaking Podcast, we sit down with leadership coach and adventurer Kurt Wuerfele, PCC, who joins us from beautiful Valencia, Spain. Kurt brings wisdom, warmth, and a bit of humor as he shares how leaders can go from overwhelmed and burned out to energized and deeply connected—with their purpose, their people, and themselves.

We explore:

• Why awareness is the first step to meaningful change

• How limiting beliefs sneak in and what it takes to let them go

• What “energy levels” really mean—and how they affect everything from team meetings to your parenting in the grocery store

• The difference between default energy and intentional energy (with a light bulb analogy you won’t forget)

• Why a quick win can reignite belief and how streaks create momentum

• The art (and grace) of receiving feedback

• How leaders can bridge the gap between "carpet walkers" and caregivers—especially in mission-driven healthcare

Kurt also shares how his journey through coaching, international travel, and even backpacking the Great Wall of China shaped his approach to leadership and life. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn insight into lasting impact, this conversation will leave you inspired—and ready to streak with intention.

Bonus: Learn how the MyStreaks app can help you track simple wins, reflect daily, and become the leader you were meant to be.

In this episode of the Streaking Podcast, Jeffery and Jami dive into what they’re calling The Clorox Effect—the surprising science behind why cleaning the toilet might actually feel better than playing a video game or petting a puppy. They explore the neuroscience of task completion, the Zeigarnik Effect, and why your brain loves a good checkmark. From streaks that keep your inbox under control to sticky-note walls that track daily wins, this episode is packed with relatable laughs, eye-opening insights, and practical ways to find joy and momentum in the everyday mess of life.

00:00 – Welcome to the Clorox Effect
Jeffery and Jami introduce the surprising idea that cleaning might be more satisfying than leisure—and they’re not selling cleaning products.

02:15 – The Science Behind the Scrub
The Clorox study: EEGs, dopamine, and why scrubbing toilets beats petting puppies (for some people).

04:35 – The Zeigarnik Effect Explained
Why your brain clings to unfinished tasks—and how servers in a café inspired a psychological breakthrough.

06:58 – The Trash Can Parable
A parenting moment reveals how we notice what’s not done more than what is—and what that says about memory and motivation.

09:22 – Why Checking the Box Feels So Good
The dopamine hit of completion, and how streaking transforms task lists into sources of joy.

11:50 – Sticky Notes, Cork Boards, and Visual Wins
Jami’s real-life Post-it wall—and how moving a note from “to-do” to “ta-da” boosts motivation.

14:12 – Redefining ‘Just Checking the Box’
Why we should embrace, not shame, the satisfaction of small daily wins.

16:41 – The 10-Email Inbox Streak
Jeffery shares his 9-year streak of inbox management and why it’s one of his most satisfying routines.

19:02 – Jami vs. the Email Monster
Jami opens up about her email anxiety, FOMO, and how ChatGPT helped her build a life-changing system.

21:22 – From Overwhelm to Order
Practical email folder systems that calm the mind and make action easier—and fun.

23:41 – Finding Peace in Process
Apollo 13, moving houses, and the truth about embracing life’s repeating messes.

26:04 – Visual Progress for Character Growth
How streaking gives shape and recognition to invisible wins like patience, kindness, and presence.

28:18 – Morning People, Bed Making, and Mutual Grace
A lighthearted discussion on streaks, marriage, and why it’s okay to check the box—even if it’s on the bed.

30:40 – Final Thoughts: You Did It
How to savor the satisfaction of done, track your progress, and start your own streak in the MyStreaks app.

Live an intentional life with MyStreaks. MyStreaks is the social media app for intentional self-improvement. Download MyStreaks and start your own streaks also invite your friends to follow and celebrate your progress! You can learn more about MyStreaks by buying the book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Indie Books.

Keep Streakin’

What really makes a life healthy, happy, and long? In this powerful episode, Jeff and Jami explore a decades-long Harvard study shared in Charles Duhigg’s Supercommunicators—and how its surprising findings on connection, vulnerability, and deep relationships reshape the way we think about success.

Through candid reflections on independence, emotional self-protection, and the evolving nature of friendship, Jeff shares a vulnerable moment of transformation. This episode is a love letter to the power of staying connected—with your spouse, your children, your community, and even yourself.

Whether you’re chasing a goal or chasing your own peace, you’ll walk away inspired to build deeper roots.

Mentioned:

• Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg

• The Harvard Grant Study (1937–present)

• Jeff’s streak to connect with one child daily

Share your story with us: jeffery@mystreaksapp.com or jami@mystreaksapp.com

And as always… Keep Streaking.

Summary

In this episode, Jeff and Jami discuss the common misconceptions surrounding parenting teenagers, emphasizing that the teenage years can be enjoyable and fulfilling. They explore the importance of self-change in parenting, the need for candid communication, and recognizing each child's individuality. The conversation highlights the significance of sharing knowledge and navigating challenges together, ultimately fostering a supportive environment for teenagers to grow and practice life skills.

Takeaways

• Teenagers can be some of the most enjoyable years for parents.
• Self-change is crucial in parenting; we can't control others.
• Teenagers need to practice life skills while at home.
• Candid communication fosters trust and understanding.
• Recognizing individuality in children is essential for effective parenting.
• Knowledge sharing is a parent's responsibility.
• Navigating challenges together strengthens relationships.
• Candid conversations should happen naturally, not just in formal settings.
• Motivation behind parenting actions should be love, not need for approval.
• Children want to be good and make informed decisions.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Teenagers: A Misconception

02:52 The Joys of Parenting Teenagers

06:13 Self-Change: The Key to Parenting

09:05 Practicing Life Skills During Teenage Years

11:53 Candid Communication with Teens

15:01 Recognizing Individuality in Children

17:57 The Importance of Knowledge Sharing

21:11 Navigating Teenage Challenges Together

24:07 Candid Conversations: The Path to Understanding

27:02 Motivation Behind Parenting Actions

29:57 Key Takeaways for Parenting Teenagers

Live an intentional life with MyStreaks. MyStreaks is the social media app for intentional self-improvement. Download MyStreaks and start your own streaks also invite your friends to follow and celebrate your progress! You can learn more about MyStreaks by buying the book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Indie Books.

Keep Streakin’

Summary

In this episode of the Streaking Podcast, Jeffery Downs and Jamie discuss the introduction of challenge streaks in the My Streaks app. They explore the different types of streaks—lifetime, time of life, and challenge streaks—and how challenge streaks provide a flexible way for users to engage in personal development without the pressure of long-term commitment. The conversation highlights the social aspect of challenge streaks, the science behind motivation through social media, and personal experiences that illustrate the effectiveness of these streaks in fostering consistency and intentionality in life.

Takeaways

• Challenge streaks are a new feature in the My Streaks app.
• They respond to user feedback and aim to enhance the streaking experience.
• Streaks can be categorized into lifetime, time of life, and challenge streaks.
• Lifetime streaks are intended for activities you want to maintain for life.
• Time of life streaks are specific to a certain period in your life.
• Challenge streaks allow users to try new activities without long-term commitment.
• Social media can enhance motivation through shared challenges.
• Mirror neurons play a role in motivation and behavior mirroring.
• Challenge streaks can be done individually or in groups for added accountability.
• The app allows users to keep streaks after completing challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Challenge Streaks

10:10 Defining Challenge Streaks

20:13 The Social Aspect of Challenge Streaks

25:59 Personal Experiences with Challenge Streaks

Live an intentional life with MyStreaks. MyStreaks is the social media app for intentional self-improvement. Download MyStreaks and start your own streaks also invite your friends to follow and celebrate your progress! You can learn more about MyStreaks by buying the book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Indie Books.

Keep Streakin’

Summary

In this episode, Jeff and Jami discuss the concept of motivation, particularly focusing on how it can be an inhibitor to personal growth. They explore the nature of motivation as a feeling, the importance of taking action regardless of motivation, and how consistency and intentional living can lead to success. The conversation emphasizes the need to define personal success and the value of building habits through streaking, ultimately encouraging listeners to take small, actionable steps towards their goals.

Takeaways

• Motivation is often seen as a feeling that can be fleeting.
• Waiting for motivation can lead to mediocrity in actions.
• Taking action can create motivation rather than waiting for it.
• Success is subjective and can be defined by the individual.
• Consistency in actions can compound over time, leading to growth.
• Building habits through small, laughably simple actions is effective.
• External opinions should not outweigh internal validation of success.
• Momentum can help overcome periods of low motivation.
• It's important to evaluate what success means personally.
• Streaking can be a useful tool for maintaining motivation and consistency.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Motivation and Inhibitors

04:24 Understanding Motivation as a Feeling

10:02 The Role of Action in Motivation

19:09 Defining Success and Personal Growth

27:13 Building Consistency and Intentional Living

Live an intentional life with MyStreaks. MyStreaks is the social media app for intentional self-improvement. Download MyStreaks and start your own streaks also invite your friends to follow and celebrate your progress! You can learn more about MyStreaks by buying the book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Indie Books.

Keep Streakin’