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Welcome to The Daily Quote – a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I'm your host, Andrew McGivern, for June 8th. So, what’s special about June 8th? Well, today is World Oceans Day – a day that reminds you just how important our blue planet really is. The oceans cover over 70% of the Earth's surface, produce more than half of the oxygen you breathe, and somehow still manage to make beach vacations the most universally accepted form of therapy.

In honor of this majestic, mysterious, and occasionally moody body of water, today's quote comes from none other than oceanographer and explorer Sylvia Earle who once said:

Let that sink in. But preferably not like the Titanic.

This quote is so simple and yet so profound. Sylvia Earle captures an essential truth – everything is connected. The oceans are the heartbeat of the Earth. Without healthy oceans, there’s no thriving life on land, no rainforests, no seafood dinners, and definitely no surfboards either. And if you've ever tried riding a wave on a skateboard, you know that's not the same. And that doesn't make sense because no oceans... no waves for surfboards or skateboards alike. So, what can you take from this quote today, even if you’re nowhere near the ocean?

The Earth's Oceans are the foundation of life on this planet. It’s about recognizing the foundation in your life. Whether it's your work, your health, or your relationships, you’ve got to protect what supports everything else. Just like the ocean sustains life, there are things in your world that sustain you – your energy, your peace of mind, your sense of purpose. Don’t overlook them. Nurture them. And maybe… avoid polluting them with negativity. Alright, that’s it for today.

I'm Andrew McGivern, signing off for now. Breathe in. Breathe out. Thank the ocean for that oxygen.

I'll be back tomorrow, same pod time, same pod station, with another Daily Quote.

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Welcome to The Daily Quote – a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I'm your host, Andrew McGivern, for June 7th. Today we get to lace up our hiking boots and celebrate National Trails Day, a perfect excuse to escape the asphalt jungle and get lost—hopefully not literally—in the great outdoors. And as fate would have it, it's also National Black Bear Day, so if you do venture out, just remember: you're not the only one enjoying the trail.

Where I live, we have lots of trails and lots of black bears. In honor of these nature-loving holidays, today’s quote comes from naturalist and conservationist John Muir, who said:

Now that’s a quote worth packing in your mental backpack. Whether you're out conquering a trail or cautiously side-eyeing a distant rustling in the bushes (let’s hope it’s a squirrel), there's something about nature that gives you back more than you bargained for. You may head out looking for peace and quiet—but end up finding clarity, perspective, or even a much-needed reminder to slow down.

And research shows that being in nature lowers blood pressure, helps with anxiety, depression and reduces stress. Some studies show that just visiting nature can reduce your need for some pharmaceutical drugs... I bet you weren't seeking that when you started your hike!

And of course when you feel one with nature you feel more in focus and energized. And sure, you might also find mosquitoes and mud too, but let's focus on the philosophical stuff. John Muir reminds you that walking through nature isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, mental, even spiritual. You come back different, lighter maybe, like the trail somehow carried some of your troubles away. And as you’re out there soaking in the silence, don’t forget our fuzzy friend, the black bear. Like you, they’re just trying to enjoy the day—albeit with fewer snacks and more fur. So today, whether you’re hitting the trail or just dreaming of pine-scented breezes from your office chair, remember this: the path you walk may surprise you, restore you, and remind you that sometimes the best way to move forward is to simply take a walk under the trees.

And if you see a bear, just relax and keep your distance. The bear is usually not interested in you. They are just living their best life.

I've seen so many black bears on the trail I almost expect one now when I'm out on the trail. If I saw a grizzly bear that would be a different experience I think. Or a cougar... oh my.

Now go take a hike. No, seriously. You’ll feel better.

I'm Andrew McGivern, signing off for now, but I'll be back tomorrow - same pod time, same pod station, with another Daily Quote.

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Welcome to The Daily Quote – a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I'm your host, Andrew McGivern, for June 6th.

Now, you may not have marked this one in your calendar, but today is World Green Roof Day. That’s right – a day dedicated to celebrating those beautiful, plant-covered rooftops that are as good for the planet as they are for the soul. They're like nature’s way of saying, “Okay, humans, I’ll meet you halfway—just give me a little soil and I’ll do the rest.”

Green roofs are more than just trendy Instagram backdrops or secret hideouts for urban squirrels. They help reduce heat, filter rainwater, and even lower energy bills. If you’ve ever wanted to save the planet without having to leave your building, a green roof is basically your superhero cape.

So with that in mind, today's quote comes from architect and sustainability advocate William McDonough, who said:

Let that one sink in for a moment. Design is the first signal of human intention.

When you think about it, a green roof is a design that tells the world, “I care.” It’s a signal—subtle, leafy, and sometimes crawling with bees—but a signal nonetheless. It says, I intend to live in harmony with nature, not just in spite of it. It’s a bit like planting a garden and shouting, “Look at me being responsible!”—but with better insulation.

So today, whether you’ve got a rooftop garden or just a humble windowsill herb setup, think about the ways your surroundings reflect your intentions. What are you designing in your life, consciously or not? Are you building spaces that nurture growth—both for the planet and for yourself?

And if you happen to live in an apartment complex with a tar roof the temperature of the sun, maybe just start with a plant. One plant. It’s like a green roof, but more… portable.

That's all for now... I'm Andrew McGivern signing off for today but I'll be back tomorrow, same pod time, same pod station with another Daily Quote.

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Welcome to The Daily Quote – a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I'm your host, Andrew McGivern, for June 5th. Now, if you’ve ever looked up at the sky and seen a giant floating basket carrying brave humans across the clouds, you already know what we’re celebrating. That’s right—today is Hot Air Balloon Day.

It’s a day to honor the joy of drifting peacefully through the sky, carried only by heated air, colorful fabric, and what I can only assume is a high tolerance for heights and a deep trust in wicker. “Let’s go up, way up.” No steering wheel. No brakes. Just fire, fabric, and faith.

In the spirit of rising above, today’s quote comes from the one and only Mary Poppins—yes, the practically perfect one once said,

Now, I know Mary Poppins isn’t technically real, but this quote is—ironically—grounded in truth. When you're high above the earth, whether by balloon, plane, or pure imagination, you’re reminded that the world is so much bigger than your to-do list or the email thread that won’t die.

Today’s holiday is a celebration of perspective. It’s about literally floating above the noise, the rush, and the relentless pressure to be productive every second. And Mary’s quote reminds us that few people ever get that bird’s-eye view—so when you do, you should take it all in. You don’t need a hot air balloon to do that, though it would make your commute more exciting.

Sometimes, all it takes is stepping back from the situation, looking at your life from a distance, and realizing that what feels huge right now might just be a tiny dot from above.

So on this Hot Air Balloon Day, let yourself float—even just mentally. Look at your life from a new angle. See the beauty, the quiet moments, the horizon you forgot was there. Because from up high, things look a lot less tangled—and a lot more wonderful.

I actually went on a hot air balloon about 15 years ago. I won a sales contest at work and the prize was a couple tickets in a hot air balloon. So Valerie and I went up into the sky and survived. Valerie almost lost it as we floated upwards but then settled down and enjoyed the peaceful view. But our landing was exciting as we actually hit the top of a tree as we came down for a landing. Good times.

Thanks for floating through this episode with me. I'm Andrew McGivern, signing off for today but I’ll be back tomorrow - same pod time, same pod station with another Daily Quote!

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Welcome to The Daily Quote – a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I'm your host, Andrew McGivern, for June 4th. Now, June 4th may not get the same press as New Year's Day or Groundhog Day (and frankly, one of those is more reliable than the other), but today we’re celebrating something with a bit more soul: Audacity to Hope Day. It's a day that asks you—no, dares you—to be bold enough to hope. Not just the kind of hope you have when you’re down to your last coffee pod and praying there’s a spare box in the pantry. I'm talking about the deep, resilient kind of hope that propels humanity forward. And that brings us to today’s quote. It comes from Carl Sagan, the famed astronomer and eternal optimist of the cosmos, who once said:

Now, you might be thinking, Andrew, that doesn't sound very hopeful... But stay with me. What Sagan does here—very slyly, in that signature dry Sagan way—is remind us of just how far we've come. We’ve built a civilization balanced delicately on satellites, smart devices, and quantum mechanics, and the average person still thinks "quark" is a kind of cheese. That’s not a critique; it’s a miracle. It’s the audacity to trust—no, to hope—that even if most people don’t know exactly how the Wi-Fi works, we’ll keep building things that make life better.

We've gone from fire to fiber optics in what is, cosmically speaking, the blink of an eye. Humanity’s arc, if nothing else, is stubbornly upward. And that’s the spirit of today: even in moments of uncertainty, we push forward. Because deep down, we believe that things can improve, that we can improve. That’s what Audacity to Hope Day is about.

So, as you go through your day, maybe take a second to appreciate the small miracles—the ones powered by progress, and the ones powered by your own quiet resilience. You’re a part of this great, messy, brilliant experiment we call humanity... and I think that’s worth being hopeful about. Until next time, keep your chin up, your curiosity alive, and don’t forget—hope isn’t naive. It’s necessary.

I'm Andrew McGivern, signing off for today, but I'll be back tomorrow, with another Daily Quote.

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Welcome to The Daily Quote – a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I'm your host, Andrew McGivern, for June 3rd.

Now, let’s talk about something the world could use a little more of – no, not more Wi-Fi – although I get it, slow internet can bring out the worst in anyone. No, today is Love Conquers All Day, and if that doesn’t make your heart swell just a little, I don’t know what will.

This isn’t just a greeting-card sentiment. The idea that love really can conquer anything has been whispered in poems, shouted in songs, stitched into way too many throw pillows and on bumper stickers. But today, it gets a day all to itself.

So, with that in mind, here’s your quote for today from Mahatma Gandhi, who once said:

Love, in all its forms, has this stubborn way of pulling us through the messiest, darkest corners of life.

And you know what? That’s what Love Conquers All Day is really about. It’s not about pretending everything’s perfect. It’s about remembering that in the chaos – whether you're stuck in traffic, dealing with a difficult person, or just feeling low – love, real love, is like a lighthouse. It doesn’t solve everything, but it gives you something to steer by.

And saying I love you never gets old. And coincidentally it is Repeat Day, a day where you are expected to repeat something you've said or done before.

The Beatles were really good at that, She loves you, ya ya, ya ya, She loves you, ya ya, ya, ya... All you need is love, love is all you need, love is all you need, love is all you need, love is all you need - in perpetuity as the music fades.

So today, whether it’s showing kindness to someone who doesn’t expect it, reaching out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, or just being a little gentler with yourself – let love be the compass. Not because it's easy. But because it works.

That’s it for today’s episode. I hope you carry Gandhi’s words – and the spirit of Love Conquers All Day – with you as you move through whatever comes next.

I’m Andrew McGivern signing off for today, but I'll be back tomorrow - same pod time, same pod station with another Daily Quote.

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Welcome to The Daily Quote – a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I'm your host, Andrew McGivern, for July 2nd. So, let’s talk ice cream. Not just any ice cream—today is Rocky Road Day, which means we’re celebrating that chaotic, delicious blend of chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts. It’s the flavor equivalent of a group project: a little messy, slightly unpredictable, but somehow it just works.

Rocky Road was actually created during the Great Depression as a way to give people something to smile about. The name was a not-so-subtle nod to the “rocky road” ahead—and let’s be honest, we’ve all had our rocky road moments, with or without a waffle cone in hand. That brings us to today’s quote from Winston Churchill, who once said:

Now, Churchill wasn’t talking about melting marshmallows, but the sentiment sticks. Life gets rough. Plans crumble like cones under pressure. But like the best Rocky Road, the richness comes from mixing the mess with something sweet. Churchill’s advice is simple and a little Britishly blunt: when things get tough, don’t stop—push forward. Preferably with a spoon. Rocky Road reminds you that even the lumpy, crunchy, frustrating parts of life can blend into something unexpectedly good. So if your day feels a bit nutty, a bit sticky, or just plain weird—keep going. You might just be making your own delicious outcome.

And taking the quote at face value, if you're going through hell, why would you want to stop and hang out there for a while... or forever. If your going through hell keep going until you're out. And maybe the ice cream will be there for you on the other side. That's gonna do it for now. I'm Andrew McGivern signing off for today, but I'll be back tomorrow - same pod time, same pod station with another Daily Quote.

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Welcome to The Daily Quote – a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I'm your host, Andrew McGivern, for June 1st. Now, June 1st is Global Day of Parents—a day to honor the quiet heroes of everyday life. You know, the people who raised you despite all the messes, mistakes, and mood swings... yours, not theirs. Probably. 

Parents don’t get nearly enough credit for what they do. From mastering the art of silent suffering during piano recitals to developing Olympic-level reflexes when something fragile starts to fall—being a parent is a full-contact sport with no halftime.

So, today, we take a moment to say thanks. Or at the very least, we send a text that isn’t asking for money. Which brings us to today’s quote from Matthew Jacobson, who once said:

It’s simple, yet powerful. And on a day like this, it hits home. Think about it—before you ever thought you were smart, funny, or even remotely capable of tying your own shoes, someone else looked at you like you were a future Nobel Prize winner. Or at least a future independent adult who might someday stop leaving dishes in the sink. Ummmm... yeah. Parents give us belief, and often before we’ve earned it. That early confidence—no matter how quietly or awkwardly expressed—lays the foundation for who we become. Sure, they may not have always gotten the words right. “You’re special” sometimes sounded more like “Please, just eat your vegetables.” But the love was there, and so was the belief.

So, whether your parents are near or far, with you or in memory, today’s a good day to pause, reflect, and maybe even say thank you. And if you are a parent—yes, even the kind who hides in the bathroom for five minutes of peace—you’re doing more than you know.

When I was a kid I remember complaining a lot that my parents had talk radio and news programming in the car almost all the time... We always complained and wanted our music station on and my Dad would usually say no. Now that I have kids, I don't listen to talk radio or the negative news but I do listen to a lot of podcasts... and the kids complain put the music on.

And I get to say no! Just like my Dad did I say.. listen you might learn something. Unless Mom is in the car because she is firmly on TEAM MUSIC. That’s it for today’s episode. Take the spirit of Global Day of Parents with you and maybe give your mom or dad a call.

That's going to do it for today, I'm Andrew McGivern, signing off for now but I'll be back tomorrow, same pod time same pod station with another Daily Quote.