The Change Agents Podcast With Dr. James Rouse

Imagine a world where communities thrive because individuals are guided by virtue—where kindness, empathy, and integrity shape the culture. This idea, rooted in the philosophy of virtuous citizenry, reminds us that being a good citizen goes beyond following laws; it’s about living with purpose and contributing to a collective good. Creating such cultures begins with each of us: fostering respect, cultivating honesty, and showing up for one another. It’s in our daily acts of care that we build the foundation for vibrant, connected communities. Together, we can reimagine what it means to lead with virtue—crafting a legacy that inspires others to do the same. What small act of virtue will you bring to your community today?

Today I want to share a ritual that I’ve been practicing for quite a while now. It’s all about the transformative practice of pre-bed self-recognition—a simple yet profound way to honor yourself before sleep. Grounded in science, this practice: Calms the amygdala (reducing stress and emotional reactivity). Boosts dopamine (sparking motivation and happiness). Strengthens resilience (helping you bounce back with greater ease). Fosters worthiness and self-esteem (because you ARE enough). When you pause to acknowledge and appreciate yourself at the close of each day, you’re rewiring your brain for peace, self-love, and unstoppable growth. This is something you can start tonight. Small rituals. Big transformation. Let’s reimagine how we end our days—together. #selfcare #bettersleep #mindfulness

Did you know that the word gratitude comes from the Latin gratus, meaning grace, favor, or kindness? At its core, gratitude isn’t just a fleeting “thank you”—it’s an invitation to live with grace. It’s about pausing to recognize life’s gifts, even in the smallest moments, and allowing that awareness to soften us, uplift us, and connect us. Living in gratitude means embodying grace: Welcoming the beauty of the present. Finding strength in challenges. Creating space for joy and connection.   From a health perspective, practicing gratitude can transform your well-being. Studies show it reduces stress, strengthens immunity, and improves sleep. By tuning into grace and gratitude daily, we cultivate a state of mind that heals and uplifts—not just ourselves, but everyone we touch.   How can you embrace grace today? Maybe it’s a quiet moment to reflect, a heartfelt note to someone you love, or a breath of fresh air with thanks in your heart.Let’s practice together.   #thanksgiving #grac

Every day offers a chance to live and love into existence a life filled with purpose and presence. When we set the intention to approach each moment with awareness, we create a rhythm that carries us toward a day well lived. By focusing on what’s possible, embracing hope, practicing gratitude, and choosing peace, we shape our day into one worth reflecting on. Let today be a celebration of what’s purposeful, hopeful, and deeply meaningful—a day that, when it ends, leaves you feeling grateful for how you showed up for yourself and the world.

How do you build meaningful relationships and truly connect with those around you? It all starts with the art of conversation. In this week's episode of Love & Life Elevated, we’re diving into: - Thought-provoking conversation starters - The role of the Default Mode Network in our connections - How oxytocin, the "love hormone," fosters trust and bonding After over 32 years of cultivating connection in our own lives, we've learned a thing or two about how meaningful conversations can transform relationships—and we’re excited to share those insights with you.

The holidays can be tough—loneliness, stress, and unmet expectations often steal the spotlight. But what if we focused on virtues like courage, kindness, and faith instead? Research from Sonja Lyubomirsky shows that small acts of kindness, self-compassion, and trusting the process of growth can help us rediscover joy. This season, let’s shift the goal from “perfect” to meaningful.  Remember: it’s not about escaping discomfort but embracing it with grace. Show up as you are, give what you can, and trust in life’s unfolding. You’ve got this.  #mindfulness #Reflection #Virtues #Courage #Kindness #Faith

Every day, we each have a new invitation to work on closing the gap between who we are and who we aspire to be. We are, in essence, psychologists in private practice, working on compassion, self-awareness, and self-acceptance with every sunrise. Today, I invite you to see yourself as the practitioner in your life—your unique journey toward transformation starts now. Let’s honor the beauty of that daily work. Share below: what small step are you taking today toward becoming the fullest version of yourself? #compassion #selfawarenessjourney #purpose #performance #success #selfacceptace

We're diving into what it means to treat energy like a currency—something we can spend, save, and invest. I think we’ve all known someone with that magnetic “good energy” and wondered, how do they create it?  We are all about exploring how to cultivate that energy in our own lives. We are sharing how to identify what drains your energy vs. what builds it up, and why taking care of our bodies (right down to our cells!) is key to radiating that positive, grounded energy. We’re talking about practical ways to protect your energy, renew it, and share it in a way that adds meaning and connection.  Ready to spend your energy wisely and create more of that “good energy” we all need?  #GoodEnergy #EnergyAsCurrency #MindfulLiving #SelfCare #HealthyHabits #ElevatedLife #EnergyManagement

Today on Love & Life Elevated, Dr. James and Dr. Debra Rouse invite us to take a pause, breathe, and refocus. After the intensity of election season, it’s easy to feel swept up in emotions and external events. But there’s a quiet power within each of us: an internal locus of control. Join us as we explore how to anchor ourselves in what we can control—our actions, our mindset, and our energy. Let’s choose calm, compassion, and connection, no matter the outcome. ✨ Listen now for a dose of peace and empowerment.

Today’s social media world isn’t just about likes and shares. In The Chaos Machine, Max Fisher takes us behind the screens, revealing how platforms we use every day may shape our lives, amplify conflicts, and influence our emotions. It’s a powerful look at the hidden forces impacting us all. But here’s where we can choose differently. By grounding ourselves in positivity, love, and inclusion, we can create a ripple effect that moves beyond the screen. Let’s reclaim our attention, stay present, and bring our energy into the real world—choosing kindness, connection, and unity. Together, let’s wake up to the power of positivity.

Healing happens in the action. Acceptance and Commitment are more than words—they’re a way to face life’s challenges with courage, compassion, and love. It’s about being fully present, leaning into discomfort, and committing to our own growth. I’m learning that true healing isn’t a passive process; it’s choosing to show up, again and again, for ourselves and those we love. Let me know if this feels aligned!  #HealingInAction #ACTwithLove #CompassionateGrowth"

We’re diving into the power of accountability—what it really means, how to cultivate it in ourselves, and how to support each other in love and growth. Join us as we explore rituals, research, and real-life practices that make accountability the foundation for a thriving partnership.

Good On You! Celebrating small wins rewires the brain’s reward circuitry, sparking dopamine to reinforce self-worth and resilience. Each ‘Good on Me’ fuels our sense of enoughness, boosting mood and motivation while energizing our cells. It’s a reminder that you’re exactly who you need to be.

As we head into the holidays and election season, it’s easy to find ourselves reaching for comfort foods when stress levels rise. But we believe there’s a way to move from emotional eating to true nourishment. By tuning into our bodies, creating mindful moments, and choosing balanced snacks that fuel our well-being, we can find peace amidst the chaos. Let’s journey together towards intentional eating, where every bite is an act of self-love and care. Join us as we share simple, heart-centered practices to stay grounded and vibrant through this season.

Today's message comes from a sincere place. I am all too aware that right now it can feel like negativity and conflict dominate the online world. But here's the truth: just 1% of content creators are responsible for a whopping 74% of the conflict we see online, and only 3% of content is classified as 'toxic,' yet it pulls in 30% of the activity. The darkness we sometimes see is coming from a small place—while there’s so much more space for kindness, connection, and hope. It’s a reminder that we have a choice. We can be the ones who lift each other up, share stories of joy, and spread messages that light up someone’s day. Let's take the power back. Let’s outshine the negativity and make a conscious effort to share positivity every time we show up. Because when we stand for hope, it’s contagious.

The best return on intention (ROI) is here now! Every morning as you move into the day, please create the space to do this ONE thing and your entire day (and life) will be transformed to bring you more of all that your mind, body, and soul, desires and deserves!

Take a moment today to stop, breathe, and appreciate the beauty around you. Did you know that simply taking a walk and immersing yourself in awe-inspiring sights can actually reshape parts of your brain associated with stress and trauma? By doing this, you’re rewiring your brain toward positivity, hope, and resilience. Walking in awe has a powerful effect on the vagus nerve, the key to calming your body and mind. When you stop to truly see the world around you—whether it’s the sunset, a forest, or even a city street—you trigger healing, hope, and a deeper connection to life. Today, I invite you to take an awe walk. Notice the little miracles around you. Let awe elevate your mindset, heal your nervous system, and bring you back to the present moment with peace and vitality.  #FindYourAwe #HealingInNature #BrainAndBody #AweWalk #VitalLiving

After nearly 32 years together, we’ve figured out a few things that have really helped us stay deeply connected. It’s the small, intentional moments—what Barbara Fredrickson calls “positivity resonance”—that make all the difference. Whether it's a quick check-in, a shared breath, or simply being present for each other, these micromoments of connection help our love thrive.

Imagine, for a moment, the eulogy you’d want. What would people say about you? Did you show up fully in your relationships? Did you live your truth? Were you present in the moments that truly mattered? I’m often asked what I would want to be known for. The answer is simple—being deeply connected and present. If someone said that I inspired them to live a life filled with purpose, love, and vitality, that would be enough for me. Today, I invite you to reflect: What are you doing right now that you would be proud of? Are you building a legacy of love, presence, and authenticity? It’s never too late to realign with your heart’s calling. Let’s live in a way that inspires the stories that will be told about us long after we’re gone. ❤️ #BePresent #LiveWithPurpose #LegacyOfLove #StayInspired

Consider inviting vulnerability into your life. When we feel safe—mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually—we create space to let the light in. Look around and see where you have opportunities to let light in and shine brighter. You also hold the power to help others open up and let their light in.