399: The Power of 'Thank You' with Nancy Davis Kho

399: The Power of 'Thank You' with Nancy Davis Kho

My piano lessons were a dark, 45-minute drive from home. Mom and I left home at 6:30 am on Tuesday mornings to get there before school. "Luke is really good at this," Ms. McGill said after my third lesson. I was eight, and that simple comment, deliberately made within earshot, gave me confidence with music that I carry even to this day (despite my obvious lack of skill as an adult).

I never said thank you to Ms. McGill. I should have.

My sophomore year in high school, Mrs. Johnston tortured every paper I gave her with red ink. It was a bloodbath, and I suffered. But at the end of the semester, she gave me an A. It was one of the more meaningful grades I ever received, and her red ink comments continue to help me write better to this day.

Mrs. Johnston smoked and was 50-years older than me, I'm sure she's passed away by now. I should have said thank you.

On this week's podcast, we'll discuss the simple and powerful practice of writing thank you letters: to people, to family members, to cities, to the diseased, and even to people with whom you'll never see again.

Listen & Learn:

  • How to leverage positive recall biased
  • Why gratitude rooted in real-life experiences anchors positivity
  • How to write letters and then decide later if you send or don't send them

LInks & Resources:

About Our Guest:

Nancy Davis Kho is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in The Washington Post, San Francisco Chronicle, US Magazine, The Rumpus, and The Toast. Her new book is, The Thank You Project: Cultivating Happiness One Letter of Gratitude at a Time.

Nutritional Tip of the Week:

  • Should I Eat Dairy

Got Questions?

Like the Show?

Jaksot(668)

666: The Future of Medicine with Dr. Abraham M. Nussbaum

666: The Future of Medicine with Dr. Abraham M. Nussbaum

We're navigating a paradox in health and wellness. Developed nations are sicker than ever, yet healthcare systems have reached remarkable levels of advancement. At the same time, access to care, healt...

2 Huhti 202535min

665: Strong Joints After 50 with Will Harlow

665: Strong Joints After 50 with Will Harlow

By middle age, most people have at least one joint that causes them problems—maybe a knee, hip, their lower back, or shoulder. How should you handle it? Painkillers? Physical therapy? Surgery? These a...

26 Maalis 202542min

664: Your Healthiest Brain with Dr. Sui H. Wong

664: Your Healthiest Brain with Dr. Sui H. Wong

When we think about improving our health, our brain is often overlooked, but it shouldn't be. Neurodegenerative illnesses are among the leading causes of death globally. Even more pressing, a sick, in...

19 Maalis 202544min

663: Introduction to Metabolomics with Oliver Fiehn

663: Introduction to Metabolomics with Oliver Fiehn

When you hear the word "metabolism," you might think of calories or basal metabolic rate—the energy your body needs to survive. But metabolism is much more than that. It's a complex network of process...

12 Maalis 202540min

662: Good Ideas for Bad Knees with Daniel White

662: Good Ideas for Bad Knees with Daniel White

Bad knees can feel like a roadblock to living your best life, but modern treatments and techniques can offer real solutions. Whether you're exploring the cutting-edge possibilities of PRP injections, ...

5 Maalis 202537min

661: Fix Your Stress with Nick Bolhuis

661: Fix Your Stress with Nick Bolhuis

When stress turns into overwhelm and overwhelm leads to burnout, we all break down in different ways. Some of us get sick or feel anxious and depressed, others retreat into isolation or dive into hype...

26 Helmi 202535min

660: Why We Eat Too Much with Andrew Jenkinson

660: Why We Eat Too Much with Andrew Jenkinson

Why do you feel hungry, even when you've eaten plenty? What drives your cravings, second servings, and post-dinner sweet tooth? In this week's episode, we dive into the untold story behind hunger and ...

19 Helmi 202547min

659: Finding Mental Health in 2025 with Dr. Shahrzad Jalali

659: Finding Mental Health in 2025 with Dr. Shahrzad Jalali

When you're physically ill, rest and support are often readily offered. But when you're mentally unwell—grappling with anxiety, depression, or even deeper struggles—not only is recognition rare, but t...

12 Helmi 202537min

Suosittua kategoriassa Koulutus

rss-murhan-anatomia
voi-hyvin-meditaatiot-2
psykopodiaa-podcast
rss-narsisti
adhd-podi
rss-liian-kuuma-peruna
rss-rahamania
rss-duodecim-lehti
rss-psykalab
rss-tietoinen-yhteys-podcast-2
rss-niinku-asia-on
kesken
psykologia
rss-valo-minussa-2
rss-vapaudu-voimaasi
puhutaan-koiraa
filocast-filosofian-perusteet
rss-rentotapaus
rss-lasnaolon-hetkia-mindfulness-tutuksi
rahapuhetta