This is a special episode, the first half is all about the secrets of successful communication and the second half is Lessons from a Restauranteur-Turned-Landscaper: Never Give Up!

With Special Guest: Jorge Mendez Morales, JAK Services, LLC

What does it take to blaze a trail toward success? Grit, passion, and an attitude that screams, "I will NOT give up!" That’s exactly what Jorge Melendez Morals brings to the table. Jorge, a restaurateur-turned-landscaping and snow removal maestro, has faced hurdle after hurdle, but his determination has been nothing short of inspirational.

On the latest episode of Bacon Bits with Master Happiness, we cut into what it really takes to pivot careers, defy setbacks, and chase success, no matter the obstacles.

B - Believe in Yourself

A - Align with the Right People

C - Celebrate Small Wins

O - Own Your Mistakes

N - Never Give Up

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Join us for a bold yet balanced conversation where we don’t debate, we dialogue. From the undeniable wins of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to the tricky questions of unintended consequences, we’re tackling it all with BACON: five principles to find common ground in fairness, accountability, curiosity, openness, and nuance.

Whether you champion DEI or wonder about its current direction, this episode offers fresh insights and meaningful reflection. Tune in now and discover how we can build better together!

Join Marty Jalove, Master happiness

with special Guests:

Joseph Janicki, Brightway Insurance

Ronald Curtis Grace, Ear Candy Emporium

Paula R Jenkins, LFS Consulting LLC

Andrés Tapia, Cultural Transformation Strategist

B - Balance: “Truth lives in the tension.”

A - Accountability: “We all have a role to play.”

C - Curiosity: “Ask before assuming. Learn before labeling.”

O - Openness: “Openness creates space for all voices.”

N - Nuance: “Most things aren’t black and white.”

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Have you noticed how an incredible story can make something so much more appealing? That’s the magic of storytelling turned Storyselling. Welcome to this installment of "Bacon Bits with Master Happiness," where we explore the lessons hidden in the bacon strips of life. Today, we’re drawing inspiration from a sales legend who mastered the art of storytelling to connect with customers and skyrocket his brand to cult status.

Yes, we’re talking about none other than J. Peterman.

The BACON Storyselling Takeaways

B - Build a Connection: J. Peterman didn’t just sell products; he understood his audience’s aspirations.

A - Appeal to Emotion: Peterman’s catalogs appealed to people’s imagination and emotions rather than cold, hard facts.

C - Create Intrigue: Every J. Peterman catalog description felt like a snippet of a larger story.

O - Offer Value Beyond Products: J. Peterman sold more than clothing; he sold experiences and identities through his narratives.

N - Narrate the Journey: Every piece of Peterman’s clothing lived in a narrative.

Pick up a copy of The Legends of Sales here: CLICK HERE

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Unseen pain is the emotional, mental, or physical struggle that individuals experience quietly, without outward signs that are immediately visible to others. This can include mental health challenges like anxiety and depression, chronic illnesses that aren't physically apparent, or even grief and emotional distress. For example, your coworker may seem fine on the surface but secretly be battling intense anxiety, or a friend might carry the burdens of chronic pain daily without a word of complaint. Unseen pain is all around us, and understanding it requires deliberate effort and empathy.

With Special Guests

Mary Schepp

Agency Owner at Brightway Insurance, The Janicki Agency

We start the show talking about networking and following your passion with a "Yes, I Can Do That!" attitude. Then we jump back to our topic of Empathy for Unseen Pain with BACON.

B - Be Present: Stay in the moment with others; listen without distraction to ensure their feelings are heard.

A - Ask Questions: Don’t rush to conclusions—ask open-ended questions to understand their experience better.

C - Compassion First: Lead with a kind heart, even if you don’t fully understand or agree with their perspective.

O - Observe Closely: Look for subtle signs of distress or struggle in others—sometimes, people communicate without words.

N - Nurture Bonds: Prioritize trust and understanding in relationships; empathy grows over time when mutual support is consistent.

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Life requires us to have tough conversations. Whether it's addressing challenges at work or navigating sensitive issues in our personal lives, these moments can feel daunting but are often essential for growth, understanding, and connection. By preparing thoughtfully and approaching these discussions with care, we can transform difficult conversations into meaningful progress. Here’s how to tackle them at work and in your personal life using proven strategies and the power of BACON.

With Special Guests

Derek Hartmann

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

The BACON Approach to Succeed in Tough Conversations

To succeed in these vital discussions, use the BACON method—an acronym designed to guide you through the key areas of focus:

Benevolence: Enter the conversation with goodwill. Assume the best intentions of the other person and ensure your own intentions are rooted in creating understanding or solving an issue.

Active Listening: Make it a priority to truly hear the other person. Reflect back what they’re saying to confirm understanding and validate their feelings.

Clarity: Be clear and direct, avoiding unnecessary ambiguity or jargon. Say what you mean while being sensitive to others’ emotions.

Ownership: Take responsibility for your role in the situation, and own any mistakes. This builds trust and demonstrates accountability.

Neutral Tone: Approach the conversation with a measured and calm tone. A neutral tone helps de-escalate tension and encourages a productive outcome.

The BACON method is simple but effective for managing even the most challenging conversations. Whether at work or with your loved ones, these strategies can help you address sensitive issues confidently and compassionately.

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere you look—in our devices, our cars, and even our conversations. But as much as it excites us, it also raises alarms. Could it be stealing jobs? Is it riddled with bias? And how private is all the information it collects about us? These are some of the burning questions explored on this week’s Bacon Bits with Master Happiness, hosted by the engaging Marty Jalove and his insightful guest Joe Janicki.

If you’re intrigued by AI but also unsure whether you should trust it, this episode offers an informative and balanced perspective. Here, we’ll break down the key takeaways, insights, and even a little bacon-flavored wisdom. But trust us, the full conversation is even better, so don’t forget to catch the episode wherever you listen to podcasts!

Listen in on a chat with: Marty Jalove, Master Happiness

and Special Guest: Joseph Janicki, Brightway Insurance, The Janicki Agency

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Balancing a career, raising a family, keeping a home alive with joy (and chickens), and inspiring countless working moms sounds impossible, doesn’t it? Not for Holly Kim. A dedicated finance professional as the Lake County Treasurer, Holly Kim wears many hats simultaneously without breaking stride—and she’s figured out how to thrive on her own terms.

Special guest: Holly Kim, Lake County Treasurer

Whether she’s leading her team through the complexities of managing county finances or sharing her passion for sustainable chicken farming, Holly proves that a balanced life isn’t just a dream—it’s achievable with a little planning and a lot of heart.

Hear her Bacon!

B - Boundaries

A - Ask for Help

C - Chickens & Chill

O - Organize Like a Pro

N - Nurture Yourself

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Sales is more than just closing deals or hitting monthly targets. It's about creating genuine connections and inspiring trust. Enter Simon Sinek, motivational speaker, author, and the mastermind behind the "Golden Circle" concept. His groundbreaking philosophy urges us to start with "Why"—our purpose, our cause, our belief—before defining the "How" and the "What."

If you're striving to be not just a good salesperson, but an unforgettable one, his insights might just be the golden ticket you've been searching for. Here's how Simon Sinek’s wisdom can elevate your sales game and make you someone customers love to buy from.

You’ll soon find out WHY we ask, “What’s Your BACON?”

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