The Judy Croon Show - Laugh Long and Pro$per

How Not To Die By Dr. Michael Greger Book Review

Book Review: How Not To Die by Dr. Michael Greger 
How Not To Die By Dr. Michael Greger Amazon Link:https://amzn.to/4fUIx62
Hey folks, I'm Judy Croon. Welcome to another episode of ‘Laugh Long and Prosper’.‘Laugh Long and Prosper’ is shelf help with a smile,stress busters with a smirk, and information with a wink.You get the point. Don't be shy.You can check out any of my previous ‘Laugh Long and Prosper’episodes on any of your streaming sources ie;Spotify, Apple, Amazon, you name it.
After being so impressed byDr. Michael Greger's book on aging; 'How Not To Age',I couldn't resist diving into hisearlier work, 'How Not To Die'.Both books have garnered ravereviews, and with good reason.If you've ever wondered just how much controlyou have over your health, this book servesup a feast of evidence and practical advicewithout any of the guilt tripping.Unless you count the 'Why didn'tI know this sooner’ guilt?'
The title ‘How Not to Die’-Okay, it sounds a bit dramatic, but it'smore about living better - with purpose and vitality.Think of it as an instruction manual for your body.Dr. Greger's writing blends science, humor, and actionabletips to create a book that's asempowering as it is enlightening.And spoiler alert-The answer to many of our health issues is sitting right on our plates.
Clusters, Patterns, and Choices: 
One chapter that hithome for me, and I suspect it mightfor you as well, is about how diseasesand dietary habits tend to cluster within families.Greger points out that while genetics play a role,much of what weassume to be family destinycan turn out sometimes to be family dinner.This idea is as plain as the nose on yourface, or in this case, the broccoli on your plate.But it's surprising how little we've acknowledged it.Up until now.I've seen people struggle with illnesses that seem to runin their families, but after reading this chapter, 'How Not To Die'suggests that many of these patterns might beable to be disrupted more than we think.And the best part?It doesn't require an overhaul ofyour entire life- just small, consistent changes.
Eating Our Way To Longevity:
Dr.Greger's 'Daily Dozen' checklist is a game changer.It's a simple list of foods and activitiesto incorporate into your day, from leafy greensand berries to exercise and drinking water.Yes, folks, hydration makes the cut.The genius here is that it focuses on what you can addto your diet rather than what you need to cut out.It's all about abundance, not deprivation.One memorable moment was when Gregor explained how wecan eat the rainbow and no Skittles, don't count.He's talking about vibrant,colorful fruits and vegetables.The pigments that make blueberries blueand carrots orange aren't just pretty.They're packed with antioxidants and nutrients.Turns out Mother Nature knows her stuff.
How Not To Die By Dr. Michael Greger Amazon Link:https://amzn.to/4fUIx62

Predictions with Psychic Nikki for 2025

Predictions with Psychic Nikki for 2025
Hey folks, I'm Judy Croon. Welcome to my podcast.
Today's a very special show because as you know, at the end of every year, I like to talk to Psychic Nikki about her psychic predictions for, for the following year. So you want to know what's going to be happening in 2025. Just to give you some, just to give you some background on Nikki. Nikki has been clairvoyant all of her life. She is an audient clairvoyant. The ability to see and hear and come up with specifics. Nikki's father had the gift as well.
Now, Nikki is known all over the world. Some of her clients include well known movie stars, politicians, people from the sports world and business world. She has done radio shows, TV shows, newspaper interviews, Global News, CBS, the Toronto Star, the Toronto Sun, Howard Stern, and she's just a wonderful, wonderful guest. A number of times I've had the honor of chatting with her.
So, Nikki, thank you so much for joining me again.
Well, it's great to hear your voice, Judy.
So listen, I'm, I'm excited. Tell me. Let's look at the world in review. First of all, if folks want to track your record, they can go to PsychicNikki.com and as well, if they want to get a hold of you, they can either go to http://www.PsychicNikki.com or, or why don't you give folks the phone number that they can call? Well, actually, I have it right here in front of me. 416-961-7976. Again, if you want to get a hold of Nikki, her Phone number is 416-961-7976. It's http://www.PsychicNikki.com N I K K I
All right, Psychic Nikki, so tell us about some of your predictions in 2024 that came through, whether it was a good thing or a bad thing.
Now, well, this was a bad thing. Sadly. I predicted the assassination attempt on Trump. So that really was my big prediction that came true for the year of 2024. But as you know, Trump has recovered and everything's fine right now.
Right? And I predicted that Joe Biden would get ousted, which he did. And the problems between Israel and Iran, okay, the cancer around the Royals, that was sad. So I predicted that as well. And one of the weird predictions I did predict was that a surfer would get killed by a swordfish. That was really a strange one.
And there's been so many of them that came true. I predicted this Florida hurricane, Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. And then I predicted Ben Affleck and JLO would split. and that Drake had to be careful of shooting while there was shootings around his mansion on the Bridal path.
That's right. I remember you saying that hopefully we have some, some happier predictions for 2025. But let's start out with just any predictions, whether they're happy or they're not.

Outlive-The Science & Art of Longevity Book Review

Outlive-The Science & Art of Longevity Book Review
Hey there, I’m Judy Croon. Canada’s Keynote Humourist Welcome to my Podcast.
Book Review: Outlive – The Science and Art of Longevity
By Peter Attia and Bill Gifford
Houston, we have a problem. Our genetic make-up cannot keep up with our environment.
According to Outlive-The Science and Art of Longevity- an imbalance of what we are genetically made up of and our modern environment has led to an increase in chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Our bodies are not equipped to handle all the processed foods that we are consuming at alarming rates.
Take fructose, for example. Fructose used to be our friend when our consumption of it was limited to fruit and honey.
Unfortunately, now, there's an overabundance of fructose in so much of the processed food that we consume. Our bodies are struggling to store more fat than we need.
On top of this, we are not exercising as much and we’re exposed to lots of pollutants. In other words, our environment has changed but our genes have not kept up.
Doctors are seeing higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease than ever before.
In order to combat these health issues, Outlive-The Science and Art of Longevity stresses that it’s important for us to make conscious choices about our lifestyle.
This includes eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods, engaging in regular physical activity, and reducing our exposure to harmful toxins. By taking control of our health and making positive changes, we can help bridge the gap between our genes and our environment.
Outlive-The Science and Art of Longevity outlines a number of pillars that we can focus on to improve our health and well-being. Here are four of them. They are; exercise, nutrition, sleep and emotional health.
What works for one person might not work for another so it’s important to experiment and see what works for you with the ultimate goal of living longer and better. Let’s examine these four pillars.

Comedy Fundraiser for City Street Outreach Dec 4th

Stand Up for City Street Outreach Fundraiser- Weds Dec 4TH Comedy Bar Danforth
If you are in the Greater Toronto Area, Wednesday Dec 4th, think about dropping by https://comedybar.ca/shows/stand-up-for-city-street-outreach-with-judy-croon-and-friends?ev=2024-12-04T19%3A00%3A00
http://www.ComedyBar.ca on the Danforth. I’m hosting a special comedy fundraiser for an organization that I volunteer with called City Street Outreach. We are going to raise some much-needed funds for our city’s most vulnerable two-legged and four-legged friends.
I will be joined by fellow comics: Martha Chaves, Evan Carter and Anna Gustafson.
We are going to have a great time with lots of laughs and we’re going to raise some money!
Tickets are selling well. Don’t miss out! Just go to Comedy Bar. Ca and get your ticket now. Tickets are 25 dollars online and at the door.
If you have any questions, you can shoot me an email at judy@judycroon.com
So let me tell you about City Street Outreach.
City Street Outreach has been in existence for over 14 years.
Created by Alex Smirnus and his wife Grace, they are giving hope across the GTA.
City Street Outreach is a 100 percent volunteer-run, donation based, all-inclusive registered charity providing food, clothing and assistance to those in need across the GTA.
Their Winter Downtown Core Freeze Patrols look for the homeless in need of coats, sleeping bags and food.
They have multiple daily community housing food outreaches Monday through to Friday across the GTA. By the way, approximately 8500 pounds of food is rescued and distributed every week by City Street Outreach.
They have a homeless outreach at Toronto City Hall every Thursday night distributing food, hot/cold drinks, jackets, clothing, sleeping bags, sanitary items and more to those in need.
We also distribute 700 pounds of pet food per week.
City Street Outreach cares for everybody; for the homeless, street-involved youth, seniors, new immigrants/refugees, single mothers and individual/families in need and/or living in poverty across the GTA.
For more information go to http://www.CityStreetOutreach.org
or you can drop me a line at judy@JudyCroon.com
Dec 4th http://www.ComedyBar.ca
ticketshttps://comedybar.ca/shows/stand-up-for-city-street-outreach-with-judy-croon-and-friends?ev=2024-12-04T19%3A00%3A00

The Power Of Now by Eckhart Tolle -Book Review

Book Review -The Power of Now – A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle
Eckhart Tolle's The Power of Now should be on everybody’s bookshelf
I still remember the day when I saw this quirky spiritual teacher and self-help author being introduced to us on Oprah’s show in 2000. Winfrey was so impressed with Tolle that she recommended The Power of Now in her magazine O. Two years later, the book reached number one on the New York Times Best Seller list. By 2008 it was translated into 33 languages.
But before I get into the book review, did you know that Eckhart Tolle was homeless for two years?
From Park Bench to Prophet
Eckhart Tolle lived a life that could only be described as extraordinary. Born in Germany, he wandered through Spain, and studied in England before finding himself as a researcher at Cambridge University. Despite battling with suicide obsession, depression, and anxiety, he eventually found spiritual enlightenment.
At one point, he found himself isolated from society, homeless and jobless. But instead of despair, he embraced the simplicity of his new life. For two years, he roamed the streets, finding solace in park benches and the beauty of the world around him. People were intrigued by his inner peace and sought to learn his secrets.
And so, Eckhart Tolle emerged as a prominent spiritual teacher, spreading his message of mindfulness and living in the present moment to people all over the world.
In The Power of Now, Tolle challenges us to break free from the voices in our heads- our egos. Instead, he reminds us to stay in the present -the here and now because he stresses the present is all we really have.
Tolle basically says that there is no use worrying about the past or the future because events only happen in the ‘now’. The past and future only occur during a constant stream of ‘now’ moments.
It is not uncommon for people to spend their whole life waiting to start living.
~Eckhart Tolle
Are you constantly living in the past or the future?
So, let's talk about why living in the present moment is so crucial. Think about it - the past is already done and dusted, and the future hasn't even happened yet. The only time we truly have control over is right now, at this very moment. By focusing on the present and being fully engaged in what's happening around us, we can make the most of our experiences and truly appreciate everything life has to offer.
Tolle describes the damage and waste of time that we do to our thoughts by thinking either too much about the past or the future.
He says when we think too much about the past and not enough about the present-
we create guilt, regret, resentment, grievances, sadness, bitterness and all forms of non-forgiveness in our thoughts.
He also says when we think too much about the future, we create fear in the form of unease, anxiety, tension, stress and worry in our thoughts.

Atomic Habits by James Clear Book Review

Atomic Habits by James Clear Book Review
(Including, a special bonus called The Seinfeld Strategy)
Atomic Habits by James Clear is a terrific book that digs deep into the science of forming habits -good and bad. Clear offers ‘clear’ strategies for folks to build good habits as well as ‘clear ‘strategies to break the bad ones. Clear emphasizes what many experts have stated before. That is, over time, small incremental changes (or what he calls ‘atomic habits’) can lead to big transformations.
Now, in a separate article, Clear wrote about the impact that incremental daily habits had on one of the biggest comedic minds – Jerry Seinfeld. At the end of this book review, I explain how Jerry used an incredibly easy daily routine to soar to stardom.
But first, back to Atomic Habits.
Using solid research, personal experience and actionable steps, Clear divides his book into four areas: The Fundamentals, How to Build Better Habits, How to Break Bad Habits, and Advanced Tactics.
Section 1 - The Fundamentals:
In this first section, readers are introduced to the idea of the concept of atomic habits or as we typically know them – daily routines. Clear explains how habits are formed in the brain. He breaks down the habit loop – what we are cued by, then what we crave as a result of the cue, how we respond to the cue and then how we reward ourselves. Clear shows readers how understanding this loop can help them identify and change their habits.
Section 2 – How to Build Better Habits
In this second section, Clear focuses on how to build better habits by implementing the four laws of behavior change. Let’s say you want to learn how to play the guitar but you’ve been putting it off. The guitar has been sitting in its case in your basement collecting dust. Clear says to make the new habit obvious. For example, you might be ‘cued’ to play the guitar if you take it out of your basement and put it in the middle of your living room.
Clear also says the make the cue attractive, easy and satisfying. So maybe pick an easy song that you love and learn how to play it.
If you’re still stuck, he says try the two-minute rule (play the guitar for only 2 minutes- chances are if you start, you will continue a little longer. Either way, you will better off than if you didn’t start at all).
In this section, Clear also provides practical strategies for habit stacking and temptation bundling (which sounds oddly like my Rogers cable package).
Section 3 -How To Break Bad Habits
This third section of the book is dedicated to breaking bad habits, which Clear argues can be just as important as building good habits. He introduces the concept of habit reversal and offers strategies for identifying and replacing negative habits with positive ones. Clear also emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and intentional decision-making in breaking bad habits.
Section Four – Advanced Tactics
In the final section, Clear introduces advanced tactics for maintaining and improving habits over the long term. He discusses how to create an environment that supports good habits, how to overcome plateaus and setbacks, and how to use habits to achieve goals and live a more fulfilling life. Clear also touches on the power of identity-based habits and how changing our beliefs about ourselves can lead to lasting change.
Atomic Habits is a well-researched and practical guide to creating positive change in our lives through the power of habits. Clear's writing style is engaging and accessible, making the book easy to read and understand. His advice is backed by scientific research and real-world examples, giving readers confidence that the strategies he presents are effective.

Thriving Beyond Fifty -Book Review

Thriving Beyond Fifty-78 Natural Strategies to Restore your mobility, avoid surgery and stay off pain pills in your 50’s and Beyond by Will Harlow
Looking 50 is great if you're 60.
~Joan Rivers
Are you afraid of aging? Be honest? What’s ‘old ‘nowadays? 90? 80? 20???
Age has been a good source of comedic material for years! Why? Because most people are afraid of it. Big Bad AGE. We make fun of the things that scare us. That’s one of our brain’s favourite ways of coping with stress.
Just look at the following one-liners from people who I’m sure were afraid of aging.
I've learned that life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
~Andy Rooney
The only reason I would take up jogging is so that I could hear heavy breathing again.
~Erma Bombeck
I'm at the age where food has taken the place of sex in my life. In fact, I've just had a mirror put over my kitchen table.
~Rodney Dangerfield
But FEAR NO MORE. There is a fantastic book with a great outlook and lots of juicy info that can help you change your attitude towards the oncoming years. The book is called Thriving Beyond Fifty. Will Harlow is an expert and author who shares valuable information about healthy aging. His practical insight about the physical, emotional and psychological changes that come with chalking up a few more years are a must read.
Harlow argues that age is just a number. He says that it’s an attitude and having a positive attitude towards age can be instrumental when it comes to aging well. As I say in my keynote, Relieving Work-Related Stress with Humour, positive thinking (which definitely includes humour for me) can have such a huge impact on our well-being but especially, as we get older.
Harlow encourages readers to embrace aging as opposed to fighting it. He says to look at aging as a natural, inevitable process of life instead of fearfully dreading and/or trying to avoid it.
Thriving Beyond Fifty echoes many of key elements to aging gracefully that many other authors and experts have championed before such as; nutrition and a balanced diet, healthy mental and physical activity, maintaining strong social connections with family, friends and community, having a sense purpose/giving back and always striving to constantly better oneself. However, Harlow also has a unique spin that he uses called ‘ageless living’. Again, he ties this into having a positive mindset and challenges readers to reframe their attitude towards aging and embrace it with a youthful outlook no matter how old they are. He encourages readers to live a vibrant life at any age. Harlow also offers hands-on, practical advice about financial and estate planning, retirement and end-of-life care. This planning encourages readers to actively secure their futures but at the same time, create peace of mind throughout one’s life.
In conclusion, Thriving Beyond Fifty Thriving Beyond Fifty -78 Natural Strategies to Restore your mobility, avoid surgery and stay off pain pills in your 50’s and Beyond…
encourages readers to welcome and embrace getting older.
Harlow’s shout out to a positive, youthful mindset at any age is fundamental in his message.
He’s resourceful, positive and provides lots of practical and insightful how-to information when it comes to ageless living.
Now, if you are still hiding under the covers and don’t want to deal with the inevitable then at the very least laugh at your fears. Check out a couple more one liners from some classic comedians who probably also hid their fear – using humour.
I'm at an age when my back goes out more than I do.
~Phyllis Diller
My grandmother was a very tough woman. She buried three husbands and two of them were just napping.
~Rita Rudner
He's so old that when he orders a three-minute egg, they ask for the money up front.
~George Burns
Until next time folks, laugh long and prosper.

Tina Fey

The Amazing, Incredible and Unbreakable Tina Fey
One of my favorite funny people of all time is Tina Fey.
If you haven’t read her book Bossypants -treat yourself.
By the way, can Tina Fey and Amy Poehler just host all awards shows on the planet?
Here’s a little info about Tina, in case you’ve been living under a 30 Rock.
http://www.JudyCroon.com

The Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique by Francesco Cirillo
The Acclaimed Time-Management System That Has Transformed How We Work.
What does a tomato and productivity have to do with each other?
The Pomodoro Technique (named after a tomato) is a cool way to help you get stuff done during the day. It breaks down big tasks into smaller ones so you don't feel overwhelmed. By using this technique, you'll be able to manage your time better and feel more in control of your work. This will make you a better worker and make your work more fun.
When you break your bigger task into smaller tasks, each of these smaller tasks or time intervals is called a pomodoro, which comes from the Italian word for tomato.
This technique was created by a university student who used a tomato-shaped kitchen timer to help him stay focused and productive.
Why do Italians call the tomato a pomodoro? Let me tell you!
Apparently in 1548, a Tuscan steward described the tomato as pomi d’oro which translated means golden fruit. That later became pomodoro. But I digress. See, this is why I need help with productivity.
Who invented the Pomodoro Technique?
Francesco Cirillo (the gentleman who came up with this technique) thought of it when he was in university in the 1980s. He had trouble staying focused and organized, so he created the Pomodoro Technique to help him stay focussed. Nowadays, he has a website where he teaches people how to use his technique to be more productive. Check it out PomodoroTechnique.com
To start using the Pomodoro Technique, all you need is a timer and two lists.
Your timer doesn’t have to be a fancy tomato-shaped one like in the original Pomodoro Technique. You can use a stopwatch or even your phone. Make sure it makes noise when the 25 minutes are up. This helps your brain switch between working and relaxing.
Next, make two lists. The first list is your To Do Today list. This list has all the things you want to get done that day. For example, you might have outline presentation structure - 4 pomodori or pay bills - 1 pomodoro.
Where do these tasks come from? They come from your inventory list. This list has all the tasks you want to do now or in the future.
You'll need to learn how to estimate how many pomodori each task will take. Your estimates might not be perfect at first, but you'll get better with practice.
To stay motivated, switch up your tasks. If a big task like time management presentation will take 20 pomodori, break it into smaller parts. It's more rewarding to finish a smaller task than to work all day on one big task without finishing it.
By the way, I don’t use this two-list technique.
I just use the Pomodoro technique until I get one big thing done and off my plate. Wow, I’m using a lot of food references. Now I’m hungry.
So, when do you take a bigger break?
Longer breaks, typically 15 to 30 minutes are taken after 4 tomatoes or 4 consecutive Pomodoros.
The Pomodoro technique is basically set up to help you stay focussed.
Each Pomodoro should be dedicated to one task only.
The idea of 5-minute break every 25 minutes is not only to give your brain a break but to also give you a feeling of accomplishment.
So, is the Pomodoro technique effective?
A number of experts say that it’s a good focus tool to help with ADHD. It’s effective in providing measurable time increments as well as a reward system.
What are the drawbacks to the Pomodoro Technique?
Some people take longer to get into a project so 25 minutes doesn’t feel long enough.
So, now that I’ve described this wonderful time saving technique, let’s get onto the big burning question, what’s the difference between pomodoro and red sauce?
Well, typically pomodoro is a thicker sauce and thus more spreadable that marinara -which makes pomodoro a more common choice for pizza sauce.

Multi-Generations in the Workplace

Chatter that Matters in our Workplace: A look at multi-generational communication
Hi there, I’m Judy Croon, Canada’s Keynote Humourist. Welcome to another episode of Laugh Long and Prosper – Shelf Help with a smile.
Today, I have to honour of speaking to Cynthia Rubino, founder of http://www.CytrineConsultancy.ca
Cynthia is a professor, PE Coach, advocate, mentor, speaker and advertising and marketing leader.
On the morning of May 7th we are working on something together called Empower the Future!
This event is happening at Hart House in the Great Hall at U OF T.
I love Cytrine’s Inaugural Event Theme – Chatter that Matters in our Workplace: A look at multi-generational communication- Mentoring, Guiding and Supporting Young Professionals in the Workplace.
Cytrine has partnered with the Globe and Mail to present this fantastic inaugural event.
For tickets you can go to http://www.Eventbrite.ca and look for 'Chatter Matters in the Workplace. Here is the direct link.
Empower the Future - Eventbrite Link
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/chatter-that-matters-in-the-workplace-tickets-856235743157
There will also be 3 panels going on:
-From the Classroom to the Boardroom ( Professors from various Post-secondary institutions)
-Voices of the Z’S ( Young professionals in the workforce and students)
-Workplace Wisdom ( agency, media sales and marketing sales)
Again, this is happening May 7TH at the prestigious Hart House.
Cynthia also has another special event coming up June 7th – a Gala event entitled; I Matter Shines Light Gala.
For details, feel free to directly reach out at cynthia@cytrienconsultancy.ca Tickets can be purchased directly through Cynthia’s email.
http://www.JudyCroon.com