What would people actually say about you tomorrow? Not the polished bio or the curated grid—real stories, told in kitchens, over coffee, and in the soft silence after a hard day. We sit with grief, clarity, and the unsettling but liberating question of what truly outlasts us, then turn that insight into simple daily practices that anyone can start today.

We walk through a vivid “begin with the end in mind” exercise and pause where it matters: family, friends, colleagues, and community. From there, we unpack why the resume fades while character endures, and how the “tyranny of the urgent” drowns out the whispers that build a life—deep conversations, bedtime stories, quiet check-ins, and the slow work of listening. Drawing on the Harvard Study of Adult Development, we underscore a core truth of personal growth: good relationships keep us happier and healthier, and they are the living archive of our legacy.

This conversation blends personal story and practical tools. You’ll get a simple daily compass question to cut through noise, a weekly calendar audit to make space for presence, and specific micro-actions that compound—one whisper before every scream, one honest text before the inbox, one page with your kid before the scroll. We don’t chase perfection; we choose alignment, repair quickly, and return often. Legacy becomes a practice of attention, a pattern of kindness, and a feeling others carry forward long after we leave the room.

If this resonates, subscribe for more grounded conversations on self-worth, confidence, and intentional living. Share this with someone who needs a gentle nudge today, and leave a review to help others find the show. What whisper will you follow before the day ends?

We would love to hear your feedback! Click here to tell us what you think.

https://sagesolutions.buzzsprout.com

If you are interested in one-on-one coaching, email us at:
sagecoachingsolutions@gmail.com

**Legal Disclaimer**
The Sage Solutions Podcast and content posted by David Sage is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. No coaching client relationship is formed by listening to this podcast. No Legal, Medical or Financial advice is being given. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a psychotherapist, physician, professional coach, Lawyer or other qualified professional. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The opinions of guests are their own and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the podcast.

A heartfelt tribute unfolds as David Sage rebroadcasts his powerful interview with his stepfather, John Azzolina, who recently passed away after battling terminal cancer. This deeply moving conversation captures the raw authenticity of someone facing mortality with remarkable courage and wisdom.

John takes us through his unexpected journey from a routine doctor's appointment to a terminal liver cancer diagnosis that changed everything. With remarkable candor, he shares the physical challenges – from high-risk surgery to remove a tumor growing toward his heart, to the rollercoaster of treatments that followed. But the true power of this episode lies in John's emotional and spiritual evolution throughout his illness.

What begins as a cancer story transforms into a profound meditation on what truly matters in life. John reflects on his transformation: "I don't think I was a bad person before my diagnosis... but I think I'm a better person now than I was before." His vulnerability shines through as he questions why it took such a profound situation to become his best self.

The conversation offers rare insights into the psychology of terminal illness – from initial denial and anger to eventual acceptance and peace. John describes how his perspective shifted dramatically: "All that matters is the relationships that we build with the people that we care about. It's not the money, it's not the cars... None of it matters anymore."

For those supporting loved ones with serious illness, John provides invaluable perspective on the well-intentioned but sometimes frustrating ways people change their behavior toward those who are ill. His insights help bridge the gap between caring for someone and empowering them.

This episode serves as both a loving memorial and a wake-up call. John's parting wisdom challenges us all to examine our priorities before crisis forces us to see what truly matters. As David notes, we're being given the gift of perspective without having to face our own mortality – an opportunity to put first things first without waiting for a devastating diagnosis to show us the way.

We would love to hear your feedback! Click here to tell us what you think.

https://sagesolutions.buzzsprout.com

If you are interested in one-on-one coaching, email us at:
sagecoachingsolutions@gmail.com

**Legal Disclaimer**
The Sage Solutions Podcast and content posted by David Sage is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. No coaching client relationship is formed by listening to this podcast. No Legal, Medical or Financial advice is being given. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a psychotherapist, physician, professional coach, Lawyer or other qualified professional. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The opinions of guests are their own and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the podcast.

Pragmatic optimism combines positive expectations with realistic action, creating a powerful mindset that transforms how we approach challenges and improves health, relationships, and goal achievement.

• Optimism and pessimism exist on a spectrum that deals with our expectations and hope for outcomes
• The realistic-idealistic spectrum is separate and deals with our assessment of reality
• Pragmatic optimism merges optimism with realism and practical action
• Martin Seligman's research shows optimism is a learnable skill based on our "explanatory style"
• Pessimists view setbacks as permanent, pervasive, and personal
• Optimists see challenges as temporary, specific, and nuanced with both internal/external factors
• Studies show optimists have better cardiovascular health and live 11-15% longer
• Optimists experience less stress, stronger immune systems, and better mental health
• Benefits include greater persistence, proactive goal-setting, opportunity focus, enhanced happiness
• Cultivate pragmatic optimism by challenging assumptions, focusing on what you can control
• Practice the ABCDE method: Adversity, Beliefs, Consequences, Dispute, Energy
• Pessimism still has appropriate uses for acknowledging tragedy or identifying potential problems

Subscribe and share this podcast with anyone looking to improve their life. You are enough and deserve to fill your inner cup with happiness, true confidence, and resilience.

We would love to hear your feedback! Click here to tell us what you think.

https://sagesolutions.buzzsprout.com

If you are interested in one-on-one coaching, email us at:
sagecoachingsolutions@gmail.com

**Legal Disclaimer**
The Sage Solutions Podcast and content posted by David Sage is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. No coaching client relationship is formed by listening to this podcast. No Legal, Medical or Financial advice is being given. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a psychotherapist, physician, professional coach, Lawyer or other qualified professional. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The opinions of guests are their own and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the podcast.