What if our emotions are doing far more than simply making us feel happy, angry, afraid, or sad?

In this episode of I Am Refocused Radio, Shemaiah Reed sits down with Doug Johnston, author of Choosing Emotions: Thinking with Your Head and Acting with Your Heart, for a fascinating conversation about emotional literacy, human behavior, and the hidden emotional sfile:///Users/shemaiahreed/Music/doug%20headshot.jpgtates that influence how we think, communicate, work, lead, and live.

Drawing from more than 3,000 years of recorded thought, Johnston’s research examines 272 emotional states across psychology, philosophy, science, linguistics, art, spirituality, and more than 30 faith and philosophical traditions.

Johnston explains why our traditional vocabulary around emotion may be far too limited and explores several major ideas from the book, including emotions as an internal “Operating System,” the “Gears of Life” that translate feelings into behavior, and a kind of emotional “Rosetta Stone” that can help bridge cultures, disciplines, and human experiences.

The conversation also explores why emotions such as admiration, confidence, procrastination, and zeal deserve closer examination, how language shapes our understanding of what we feel, and whether becoming more emotionally literate can help us make better choices instead of simply reacting.

Choosing Emotions has ranked among Amazon’s Top 10 titles in categories including Positive Psychology, Emotions & Mental Health, and Adult & Continuing Education.

If you have ever wondered why you feel what you feel, how emotions influence your decisions, or whether we can become more intentional about the emotional states guiding our lives, this conversation opens a much bigger door.

Topics include: emotional intelligence, emotional literacy, psychology, human behavior, decision-making, philosophy, mental health, leadership, communication, self-awareness, and the science of emotion.

https://choosingemotions.com/

#DougJohnston #ChoosingEmotions #EmotionalIntelligence #EmotionalLiteracy #Psychology #HumanBehavior #SelfAwareness #MentalHealth #Leadership #IAmRefocusedRadio

What if our emotions are doing far more than simply making us feel happy, angry, afraid, or sad?
In this episode of I Am Refocused Radio, Shemaiah Reed sits down with Doug Johnston, author of Choosing Emotions: Thinking with Your Head and Acting with Your Heart, for a fascinating conversation about emotional literacy, human behavior, and the hidden emotional sfile:///Users/shemaiahreed/Music/doug%20headshot.jpgtates that influence how we think, communicate, work, lead, and live.
Drawing from more than 3,000 years of recorded thought, Johnston&rsquo;s research examines 272 emotional states across psychology, philosophy, science, linguistics, art, spirituality, and more than 30 faith and philosophical traditions.
Johnston explains why our traditional vocabulary around emotion may be far too limited and explores several major ideas from the book, including emotions as an internal &ldquo;Operating System,&rdquo; the &ldquo;Gears of Life&rdquo; that translate feelings into behavior, and a kind of emotional &ldquo;Rosetta Stone&rdquo; that can help bridge cultures, disciplines, and human experiences.
The conversation also explores why emotions such as admiration, confidence, procrastination, and zeal deserve closer examination, how language shapes our understanding of what we feel, and whether becoming more emotionally literate can help us make better choices instead of simply reacting.
Choosing Emotions has ranked among Amazon&rsquo;s Top 10 titles in categories including Positive Psychology, Emotions &amp; Mental Health, and Adult &amp; Continuing Education.
If you have ever wondered why you feel what you feel, how emotions influence your decisions, or whether we can become more intentional about the emotional states guiding our lives, this conversation opens a much bigger door.
Topics include: emotional intelligence, emotional literacy, psychology, human behavior, decision-making, philosophy, mental health, leadership, communication, self-awareness, and the science of emotion.
<a href="https://choosingemotions.com/">https://choosingemotions.com/</a>
#DougJohnston #ChoosingEmotions #EmotionalIntelligence #EmotionalLiteracy #Psychology #HumanBehavior #SelfAwareness #MentalHealth #Leadership #IAmRefocusedRadio

"I Am Refocused Radio" is more than just a podcast—it's a movement of purpose-driven storytelling that inspires, uplifts, and empowers. Hosted by Shemaiah A. Reed, a calm and thoughtful creative with a background in media, music, and the arts, the show dives deep into conversations that resonate.

From a humble start in a San Antonio barbershop, Shemaiah’s journey has grown into a global platform featuring over 1,000 interviews with a diverse array of guests—celebrities, CEOs, community leaders, and everyday people with extraordinary stories. Each episode offers a blend of faith, personal growth, perseverance, and hope, fostering a space where listeners can find clarity and rediscover their purpose.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration, innovative ideas, or a moment of peace in a busy world, "I Am Refocused Radio" invites you to refocus your mind and embrace a life aligned with meaning and authenticity. Tune in to join this global community and hear the stories that connect us all.

"I Am Refocused Radio" is more than just a podcast&mdash;it's a movement of purpose-driven storytelling that inspires, uplifts, and empowers. Hosted by Shemaiah A. Reed, a calm and thoughtful creative with a background in media, music, and the arts, the show dives deep into conversations that resonate.
From a humble start in a San Antonio barbershop, Shemaiah&rsquo;s journey has grown into a global platform featuring over 1,000 interviews with a diverse array of guests&mdash;celebrities, CEOs, community leaders, and everyday people with extraordinary stories. Each episode offers a blend of faith, personal growth, perseverance, and hope, fostering a space where listeners can find clarity and rediscover their purpose.
Whether you&rsquo;re seeking inspiration, innovative ideas, or a moment of peace in a busy world, "I Am Refocused Radio" invites you to refocus your mind and embrace a life aligned with meaning and authenticity. Tune in to join this global community and hear the stories that connect us all.

I Am Refocused Podcast

I Am Refocused Radio provides a space that welcomes people to speak freely about real life experiences through various platforms to engage and encourage those who are looking to find their purpose.

I Am Refocused Radio Show

Doug Johnston on the 272 Emotional States That Shape Our Lives

What if the health of a democracy depends not only on its laws and institutions, but also on the kinds of people its culture helps form?

In this episode of I Am Refocused Radio, Shemaiah Reed sits down with Joe Elefante, writer, educator, musician, and author of An Endless Knot: How Democracies Form the Citizens They Need. Published in May 2026, the book examines democracy through the lens of human formation, asking how qualities such as attention, listening, compassion, reflection, cooperation, and mutual respect influence civic life.

Rather than centering the conversation on political parties or election battles, Elefante explores a deeper question: How are citizens formed in the first place?

Drawing from his experience in education and music, along with ideas from philosophy, religion, the arts, and contemplative traditions, Joe argues that democratic life is shaped by everyday habits and relationships as much as by formal institutions. His work considers how people learn to listen across differences, cooperate with others, examine their own assumptions, and participate responsibly in a shared society.

The conversation also explores the role of music and arts education, and why practicing attention, interpretation, collaboration, and empathy can have implications far beyond the classroom or rehearsal room. Elefante’s broader argument is that individuals shape systems while systems simultaneously shape individuals, creating the “endless knot” at the center of the book.

This is a thoughtful conversation about education, character, community, citizenship, music, reflection, and what it takes to live together despite our differences.

Topics include: democracy and citizenship, education, human formation, listening, compassion, critical thinking, music and the arts, philosophy, civic responsibility, community, reflection, and respectful disagreement.

https://jelefante.com/

#JoeElefante #AnEndlessKnot #Education #Democracy #Citizenship #MusicEducation #Philosophy #HumanFormation #CivicLife #IAmRefocusedRadio

What if the health of a democracy depends not only on its laws and institutions, but also on the kinds of people its culture helps form?
In this episode of I Am Refocused Radio, Shemaiah Reed sits down with Joe Elefante, writer, educator, musician, and author of An Endless Knot: How Democracies Form the Citizens They Need. Published in May 2026, the book examines democracy through the lens of human formation, asking how qualities such as attention, listening, compassion, reflection, cooperation, and mutual respect influence civic life.
Rather than centering the conversation on political parties or election battles, Elefante explores a deeper question: How are citizens formed in the first place?
Drawing from his experience in education and music, along with ideas from philosophy, religion, the arts, and contemplative traditions, Joe argues that democratic life is shaped by everyday habits and relationships as much as by formal institutions. His work considers how people learn to listen across differences, cooperate with others, examine their own assumptions, and participate responsibly in a shared society.
The conversation also explores the role of music and arts education, and why practicing attention, interpretation, collaboration, and empathy can have implications far beyond the classroom or rehearsal room. Elefante&rsquo;s broader argument is that individuals shape systems while systems simultaneously shape individuals, creating the &ldquo;endless knot&rdquo; at the center of the book.
This is a thoughtful conversation about education, character, community, citizenship, music, reflection, and what it takes to live together despite our differences.
Topics include: democracy and citizenship, education, human formation, listening, compassion, critical thinking, music and the arts, philosophy, civic responsibility, community, reflection, and respectful disagreement.
<a href="https://jelefante.com/">https://jelefante.com/</a>
#JoeElefante #AnEndlessKnot #Education #Democracy #Citizenship #MusicEducation #Philosophy #HumanFormation #CivicLife #IAmRefocusedRadio

Beyond Politics: Joe Elefante on How Democracies Form the Citizens They Need

What does Christianity actually look like in Türkiye, and how can authentic stories challenge generations of misunderstanding?

In this episode of I Am Refocused Radio, Shemaiah Reed sits down with John Cerniglia, President of SAT-7 USA, to discuss faith, media, Christian identity in the Middle East and North Africa, and how SAT-7 is using television and digital platforms to reach people in places where traditional ministry can be difficult.

John brings 32 years of global missions leadership across 45 countries to his role at SAT-7 USA. His experience spans Christian missions, humanitarian aid, children’s welfare, philanthropy, and international ministry development.

A major part of the conversation explores Türkiye, where Christians represent a small minority and can face misunderstanding, isolation, and stereotypes. SAT-7 TÜRK’s program Believe if You Can takes a different approach by combining candid interviews, music, humor, personal testimony, and conversations about everyday life to present Christian faith in a relatable way.

Rather than presenting faith as something distant from everyday life, the program introduces viewers to Turkish Christians working as educators, musicians, scientists, journalists, pastors, technology professionals, and more. Its goal is to create understanding by allowing people to encounter Christians through their real experiences and stories.

John also shares the larger mission behind SAT-7, which uses satellite television and digital media to provide Christian programming across the Middle East and North Africa. SAT-7 currently produces programming in Arabic, Persian, and Turkish and uses media to provide biblical teaching, encouragement, discipleship, and community to viewers throughout the region.

The impact is reaching beyond television. SAT-7 reports that episodes of the Turkish program have generated hundreds of thousands of online views, creating conversations among people curious about Christianity and the lives of Turkish believers.

This conversation is about faith beyond stereotypes, the power of authentic storytelling, Christians living as minorities, and how modern media can create connection where physical barriers remain.

Topics include: Christianity in Türkiye, SAT-7 USA, Christian media, global missions, religious stereotypes, Turkish Christians, digital ministry, satellite television, faith and culture, discipleship, storytelling, and the Middle East and North Africa.

https://www.sat7usa.org/

#JohnCerniglia #SAT7 #SAT7USA #TurkishChristians #Christianity #Türkiye #ChristianMedia #GlobalMissions #Faith #MiddleEast #IAmRefocusedRadio

What does Christianity actually look like in T&uuml;rkiye, and how can authentic stories challenge generations of misunderstanding?
In this episode of I Am Refocused Radio, Shemaiah Reed sits down with John Cerniglia, President of SAT-7 USA, to discuss faith, media, Christian identity in the Middle East and North Africa, and how SAT-7 is using television and digital platforms to reach people in places where traditional ministry can be difficult.
John brings 32 years of global missions leadership across 45 countries to his role at SAT-7 USA. His experience spans Christian missions, humanitarian aid, children&rsquo;s welfare, philanthropy, and international ministry development.
A major part of the conversation explores T&uuml;rkiye, where Christians represent a small minority and can face misunderstanding, isolation, and stereotypes. SAT-7 T&Uuml;RK&rsquo;s program Believe if You Can takes a different approach by combining candid interviews, music, humor, personal testimony, and conversations about everyday life to present Christian faith in a relatable way.
Rather than presenting faith as something distant from everyday life, the program introduces viewers to Turkish Christians working as educators, musicians, scientists, journalists, pastors, technology professionals, and more. Its goal is to create understanding by allowing people to encounter Christians through their real experiences and stories.
John also shares the larger mission behind SAT-7, which uses satellite television and digital media to provide Christian programming across the Middle East and North Africa. SAT-7 currently produces programming in Arabic, Persian, and Turkish and uses media to provide biblical teaching, encouragement, discipleship, and community to viewers throughout the region.
The impact is reaching beyond television. SAT-7 reports that episodes of the Turkish program have generated hundreds of thousands of online views, creating conversations among people curious about Christianity and the lives of Turkish believers.
This conversation is about faith beyond stereotypes, the power of authentic storytelling, Christians living as minorities, and how modern media can create connection where physical barriers remain.
Topics include: Christianity in T&uuml;rkiye, SAT-7 USA, Christian media, global missions, religious stereotypes, Turkish Christians, digital ministry, satellite television, faith and culture, discipleship, storytelling, and the Middle East and North Africa.
<a href="https://www.sat7usa.org/">https://www.sat7usa.org/</a>
#JohnCerniglia #SAT7 #SAT7USA #TurkishChristians #Christianity #T&uuml;rkiye #ChristianMedia #GlobalMissions #Faith #MiddleEast #IAmRefocusedRadio

Breaking Stereotypes About Christianity in Türkiye | John Cerniglia of SAT-7 USA

What happens when two people can come from the same environment, face many of the same hardships, and still end up on completely different paths?

In this episode of I Am Refocused Radio, Shemaiah Reed sits down with Donald Williams, educator, author, and co-author of Born of Nothing: From White Trash and Lintheads to Purpose Across Generations, for a powerful conversation about poverty, identity, faith, discipline, education, and the choices that can change a family’s future.

Donald grew up in a South Carolina mill village surrounded by generations of cotton mill workers known locally as “lintheads.” His family did not have much financially, but faith, family, and hard work shaped the foundation of his life.

He would go on to become the first person in his family to graduate from college, earn a Doctor of Education, teach thousands of students, and work in education across the United States, South Korea, and Japan.

But Donald’s story is also one of sharp contrast. He grew up alongside people he loved whose lives eventually led to prison and even death row. Those experiences gave him a firsthand view of how decisions, opportunity, discipline, education, faith, and environment can shape lives across generations.

Through Born of Nothing, Donald examines what it takes for families to move beyond poverty and inherited circumstances while remaining honest about where they came from.

In this conversation, Donald shares why where you begin does not have to determine where you finish, how education became a turning point in his life, the role faith played in shaping his direction, and what it really means to build a legacy that future generations can stand on.

This is a conversation about more than escaping poverty. It is about changing the trajectory of a family.

Topics include: generational poverty, breaking cycles, faith, education, discipline, family legacy, personal responsibility, identity, perseverance, purpose, opportunity, and the choices that shape our future.

http://www.iamdonaldwilliams.com/

#DonaldWilliams #BornOfNothing #BreakingGenerationalCycles #Faith #Education #Poverty #FamilyLegacy #Purpose #PersonalGrowth #IAmRefocusedRadio

What happens when two people can come from the same environment, face many of the same hardships, and still end up on completely different paths?
In this episode of I Am Refocused Radio, Shemaiah Reed sits down with Donald Williams, educator, author, and co-author of Born of Nothing: From White Trash and Lintheads to Purpose Across Generations, for a powerful conversation about poverty, identity, faith, discipline, education, and the choices that can change a family&rsquo;s future.
Donald grew up in a South Carolina mill village surrounded by generations of cotton mill workers known locally as &ldquo;lintheads.&rdquo; His family did not have much financially, but faith, family, and hard work shaped the foundation of his life.
He would go on to become the first person in his family to graduate from college, earn a Doctor of Education, teach thousands of students, and work in education across the United States, South Korea, and Japan.
But Donald&rsquo;s story is also one of sharp contrast. He grew up alongside people he loved whose lives eventually led to prison and even death row. Those experiences gave him a firsthand view of how decisions, opportunity, discipline, education, faith, and environment can shape lives across generations.
Through Born of Nothing, Donald examines what it takes for families to move beyond poverty and inherited circumstances while remaining honest about where they came from.
In this conversation, Donald shares why where you begin does not have to determine where you finish, how education became a turning point in his life, the role faith played in shaping his direction, and what it really means to build a legacy that future generations can stand on.
This is a conversation about more than escaping poverty. It is about changing the trajectory of a family.
Topics include: generational poverty, breaking cycles, faith, education, discipline, family legacy, personal responsibility, identity, perseverance, purpose, opportunity, and the choices that shape our future.
<a href="http://www.iamdonaldwilliams.com/">http://www.iamdonaldwilliams.com/</a>
#DonaldWilliams #BornOfNothing #BreakingGenerationalCycles #Faith #Education #Poverty #FamilyLegacy #Purpose #PersonalGrowth #IAmRefocusedRadio

Doug Johnston on the 272 Emotional States That Shape Our Lives

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