Start Your Day Positive

Sherwin-Williams has revealed its surprising 2027 Color of the Year, soccer is making a major move among America’s favorite sports, and Merriam-Webster just added 1,400 new words to the dictionary. Plus, we’re celebrating some big moments in history — from Einstein’s famous equation to the day KISS finally showed their faces. And for National Respect Day, we share a couple surprising facts about Aretha Franklin’s iconic “Respect.” Then Sara shares a simple 20-second compassion exercise that could completely change the way you talk to yourself when you’re having a hard day. Thanks to our sponsors Northeast Factory Direct, and Liberty Healthshare.

Today we’re talking about why “stop expecting YOU from other people” might completely change the way you look at relationships. Plus, Spider-Man just shattered a box-office record that Star Wars held for more than a decade — and Tom Holland’s payday could be massive. And are we officially over doing everything through a screen? McDonald’s, Burger King and Starbucks are all putting more focus back on real human customer service. Also: meet the “kidults” grown adults buying LEGO sets, plushies, collectibles, Pokémon cards and more. Turns out, sometimes being an adult means buying the toy anyway. Thanks to todays sponsors Liberty Healthshare and Universal Windows Direct.

Could coffee be linked to more muscle and less belly fat? A new study found an interesting connection.... it's good news if you love coffee. Plus, a man breaks a world record by flying 415 paper airplanes in one hour, encouraging job news for young adults without college degrees, Today in History, and Len’s trick for getting your best Wordle score. Plus it's Stump Day... Listen to our question of the day and give your answer on StartYourDayPositive.com Thanks to our sponsors Liberty Healthshare, Northeast Factory Direct and Universal Windows Direct.

Apparently there’s one restaurant Millennials, Gen X and Boomers can all agree on… Olive Garden. We’re looking at the surprising new rankings — and the one generation that picked Chili’s instead. Plus: Nashville is taking another step toward honoring Dolly Parton, and this one has some rare bipartisan agreement. Could a certain sound while you sleep help your brain’s natural cleanup process? We break down the fascinating new research on pink noise — and what it actually means for your rain or ocean-wave playlist. Today in History: USA Today debuted in 1982, which got us talking about companies and brands that were once absolutely HUGE. And Len has a trick that could make you a much better Wordle player. Thanks to our sponsors Northeast Factory Direct and Liberty Healthshare

What baby names are trending as we head toward 2027? We’re sharing the names parents are choosing right now. Plus, Dolly Parton’s newly released song, a surprising new study about texting vs. scrolling, and Today in History: the story behind “The Star-Spangled Banner.” We talk with Luke from For King+Country about the message of positivity and optimism in their new album "The Most Beautiful Colors. They will be in Canton on October 16. Get tickets before they sell out here Also, it’s National Live Creative Day... your excuse to make something just for fun. Thanks to our sponsors: Liberty Healthshare and Universal Windows Direct

Walmart is finally getting Tap to Pay and Ohio stores could have it soon. We’ll tell you when it’s rolling out, plus a new study on why how fast you walk may matter as much as how many steps you take. Also: millennials may be officially over the wide-open floor plan, what your bed-making habits say about where you fall compared with the rest of America, and the new 1980s photo trend taking over Facebook... including how to make your own. And on the 25th anniversary of September 11, we take a moment to remember the lives lost and the extraordinary courage shown that day. Plus Today in History, a little encouragement, and something to send you into the day on the right foot.

Today on Start Your Day Positive — TSA is testing a way for some non-travelers to get back through airport security and all the way to the gate. Browns star Denzel Ward is making another investment in Cleveland, joining the ownership group of the Cleveland Guardians. Apple has unveiled its newest iPhones, including its first-ever foldable phone with a $1,999 price tag. That sounds expensive — until we compare it with what some of history’s first TVs, refrigerators, vacuums, microwaves and VCRs would cost in today’s money. In Today in History, we remember an Olympic marathon victory that was remarkable for one very unusual reason, and we celebrate the anniversary of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. That leads to a debate over the greatest sitcoms of all time — and how the favorites of today compare with the massive TV hits of years past. And we wrap up with a great reminder from Coco Gauff: “I find that every time I have done well at a tournament is when I have taken a step back and just focus on the joy of it all.” A good reminder that sometimes success comes when we stop pressing quite so hard and remember to enjoy what we’re doing. Our great podcast sponsor Squeaky Clean NEO gives you a chance to win a FREE house cleaning! Thanks for our regular sponsors, Liberty Healthshare and Northeast Factory Direct

Apple may be ready to fold the iPhone — literally. On today’s Start Your Day Positive, we preview Apple’s huge “Surprise and Shine” event and the possibility of the company’s first-ever foldable iPhone. Plus, Girl Scout Cookie season is expanding in a way we definitely didn’t see coming: a new allergy-friendly cookie AND a Girl Scout treat made especially for dogs. And just when you thought streaming had completely taken over music, CDs are making a surprising comeback — especially with younger listeners. It’s also Stump Day, so Len and Sara put your knowledge to the test! Then we talk about something all of us do every day — collaborate. Whether it’s at work, at church, in a family, on a board, coaching a team or simply deciding what’s for dinner, we’re constantly working with other people. Taylor Swift recently shared a great lesson she’s learned from years of collaborative songwriting and We look at what that means for the way we show up around others. And Today in History one of the most important television appearances in rock-and-roll history: Elvis Presley’s first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. News, history, laughs, Stump Day and a reminder that sometimes the best way to change a room is to change the energy you bring into it.

Can the same cup actually make the same coffee taste different? Starbucks says yes, and its new Sensory Shift Cup is designed to prove it. We’ll also talk about King Charles making it clear that Prince Harry and Meghan remain non-working royals, and a new study that may explain why some jokes and memes are simply funnier than others. Plus, on Today in History: Michelangelo’s David is unveiled — along with the surprising Victorian-era fig leaf made for Queen Victoria — Scotch transparent tape arrives just in time for the Great Depression, and we celebrate Star Trek Day with a fascinating Cleveland connection to creator Gene Roddenberry. And Sara talks with Worship Beyond Walls about the upcoming NEO Women’s Conference, RISE UP, happening September 26. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/neowomen/2068346

Will America elect a woman president in our lifetime? A new Pew Research Center survey finds Americans are growing more skeptical Also today: TikTok is changing the comment section with voice comments, polls and photo carousels — including audio responses up to 60 seconds and as many as nine photos in one comment. Could your favorite playlist actually help ease pain? We look at new research suggesting music — and even moving to the beat — may help the brain turn down the volume on pain. Plus, what Americans love to grill, and an incredible story of perseverance: 91-year-old Dale “Gray Beard” Sanders hikes the entire 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail after 71 falls along the way. And in Today in History: how “Uncle Sam” became an American nickname, plus the strange Mona Lisa investigation that led police to question Pablo Picasso. A little news, history, inspiration and something to make you smile — it’s another Start Your Day Positive!

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce may be spending a little more time in Northeast Ohio after Kelce quietly purchased a $5.35 million lakefront mansion in Bratenahl. We’ll tell you about the historic estate and why the purchase is bringing some national attention to Cleveland. Also today, a fascinating new study says people are talking a lot less than they used to. We’ll look at how texting, apps, remote work and self-checkout may be changing the amount of real conversation in our lives — and why that could matter for our brains. Plus, if you love a good bargain, the 60-Mile Yard Sale is back for Labor Day weekend along Route 7 in Northeast Ohio. In Today in History, we celebrate the incorporation of Google and share some fun facts about its unusual name, its original name, and how AI is changing the way people search. We also remember the canonization of Mother Teresa and explain what it actually takes for someone to be declared a saint in the Catholic Church. And we took the show on the road to the Great Geauga County Fair, Ohio’s oldest continuously operating county fair. We share some incredible fair trivia — including the fact that Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Betsy Ross were still alive when the first fair was held in 1823 — and the amazing true story of human cannonball Hugo Zacchini, whose performance at the fair eventually became a U.S. Supreme Court case. THANK YOU to our sponsors, Liberty Healthshare and Northeast Factory Direct

The new Dancing With the Stars cast is here... and Season 35 includes everyone from Julia Stiles and Giada De Laurentiis to Taylor Hanson and a Savannah Bananas player. We’ll tell you about that, plus the unlikely comeback of Coyote vs. Acme ... a movie that was once shelved and is now earning huge audience and critic scores at the box office. Then, new research suggests the things you do to keep your brain busy now... reading, learning, hobbies and mentally challenging activities... could help keep your mind sharper as you age. Plus Today in History, and Sara shares an encouraging thought she remembered from Julia Roberts on the set of Steel Magnolias... a little reminder worth carrying into your day. Thanks to our sponsors Universal Windows Direct and Liberty Healthshare and The Great Geauga County Fair

Winner, Winner, Chicken… Purse? 🍗👜 Walmart’s famous rotisserie chicken is getting carried away—literally! Meet the quirky $5.97 purse that proves dinner can also be a fashion statement. Touchdowns & Tinsel 🏈🎄 We may have been broadcasting from the world’s largest Christmas store, but football stole the spotlight! Join us for touchdowns, team talk and a little Christmas cheer. Snooze News: Sleeping In May Help Your Heart 😴❤️ Go ahead and hit that weekend snooze button! New research suggests a little extra sleep on Saturday and Sunday may lower your risk of high blood pressure—finally, a healthy habit we can all get behind. Thanks to our sponsors... Universal Windows Direct and Liberty Healthshare

BYOB… Bring Your Own BUCKET! Forget the small, medium, or large—Cinemark is letting movie fans bring their own bucket for a popcorn fill-up! Grab your most ridiculous container, head to the movies, and prepare to take snack time to blockbuster proportions. 🎬🍿 Walk This Way to Happiness 🚶😄 Feeling blah? Take a walk! An Iowa State study found that just 12 minutes of walking can give your mood a boost. We’re talking about why a few steps might be just what your day needs. Bored? Imagine That! 💭✨ Who says you need a screen to beat boredom? From dreaming up stories to getting creative with the world around you, we’re sharing fun ways to pass the time using the best entertainment you already own—your imagination! All that, plus a look back at Today in History, on today’s Start Your Day Positive! Thanks to our sponsors Liberty Healthshare, Northeast Factory Direct

What kind of winter can we expect? We’ve got an early look at the Old Farmer’s Almanac forecast before it’s officially released tomorrow. Plus, Lucky Charms and Trix are making a big change for the better, replacing artificial dyes with natural colors. Sara just packed for our latest listener trip and shares the “Sudoku packing method” — pack just 9 pieces and you can create up to 27 outfits! And Len shares some wisdom from Mark Twain about why being a critical thinker can be a very good thing. All that, plus a look back at Today in History, on today’s Start Your Day Positive!

Dolly Parton left behind one final song.... but nobody is supposed to hear it until what would have been her 100th birthday. We’ll tell you about that, plus Pringles’ brand-new Dippers — and why your chips may finally survive the salsa bowl. Then 2:48 p.m.... a survey of 2,000 Americans found that’s when our energy tends to crash. But the bigger wake-up call is how many of us say we’re moving through life on autopilot. And Sara’s Go For It moment: why the quirky hobby or unusual thing on your résumé might actually help you stand out. Plus Today in History, and something to send you into the day on the right foot.

A tropical system in the Atlantic could soon become Tropical Storm Dolly.... just as the world is remembering Dolly Parton. We’ll tell you about that, plus Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu stepping away from competitive skating, and why she says she’ll be back. Then 45% of adults 65+ improved physically, cognitively or both — in a Yale study following more than 11,000 people for up to 12 years. The surprising part? A more positive view of aging was linked to better outcomes. And Sara’s Go For It moment, inspired by friends who are putting themselves out there even though it feels scary. Plus Today in History, and something to send you into the day on the right foot. The Monday Morning Boost lands at 6am every Monday — sign up at startyourdaypositive.com

Today’s episode is a special one as we remember Dolly Parton, the legendary entertainer whose music, movies, generosity, faith and kindness touched generations. Sara shares a personal celebration of Dolly’s life, along with a list of some of her favorite Dolly movies, documentaries and specials to watch as we remember her incredible legacy. Also today: Nate Bargatze makes comedy history, setting a Guinness World Record after selling more than 2 million tickets — while proving family-friendly comedy can be a huge success. If someone handed you an unexpected $1,000, what would you do with it? A new survey reveals how Americans say they’d spend the money. It’s Stump Day! We have a brand-new question for you! Plus, encouragement, laughs and a reminder to bring a little more light into the world ...something Dolly did so beautifully. Thanks to our sponsors... Northeast Factory Direct, Universal Windows Direct and Liberty Healthshare

America has a surprising new favorite dog — and the Labrador has officially been bumped from the top spot! We’re sharing the new Top Five breeds, plus why political ads are about to be everywhere as we head toward the midterms. Also today: could a hatching baby Megalodon be the toy of Christmas 2026? Starbucks’ fall drinks are back with some new flavors, and we’re telling the fascinating story of how the Pumpkin Spice Latte almost never happened... and why there’s actually a pretty inspiring lesson behind it. Thanks to our sponsors Liberty Healthshare, Northeast Factory Direct, and The Great Geauga County Fair

Pizza Hut is becoming just “Hut” for football season... and we’ve got the fun reason why. Plus, an incredible archaeological discovery in Egypt may have a fascinating connection to the Book of Exodus, and a new study says movies, concerts and museums could actually help keep your body younger. And we’re sharing a simple CAP Nightcap: Celebrate, Appreciate, Prioritize. Thanks to our sponsors: Universal Windows Direct and Liberty Healthshare