Travel in Time with Dan: Interview from the Past with John P. Holland

 🎤 Travel in Time: Dan Blanchard Interviews John P. Holland

Location: CT's Submarine Museum – Year: Timeless*

Dan Blanchard: Mr. Holland—first off, what an honor. You’re standing here in Groton, Connecticut—home of the nuclear submarine force, decades after your Holland VI changed everything. How does it feel?

John P. Holland: (Chuckles softly) It’s like waking up inside a dream… or rather, a prophecy fulfilled. When I was testing my first models in New Jersey and later here in Connecticut, people thought I was eccentric, or worse. To see this? The Nautilus? It’s staggering. I can hardly believe these marvels were born from the small spark I carried.

Dan: You were ahead of your time. What drove you to push boundaries—designing vessels to travel beneath the sea when no one believed it was possible?

Holland: Necessity… and curiosity. I was a schoolteacher from Ireland with a head full of ideas and a heart full of rebellion. I believed navies needed a stealth advantage—small crafts that could travel unseen, strike quickly, and disappear. I believed in underdogs. And I believed technology could level the playing field.

Dan: Your Holland VI eventually became the first commissioned U.S. Navy submarine. What was the biggest challenge in getting it there?

Holland: Convincing people it could be done. I didn’t have government support in the beginning. My early tests were on the rivers here in Connecticut, with only a few curious onlookers and the occasional funding from private supporters. But the hardest part was staying committed through failures. Each sunken model or faulty ballast tank tested my resolve—but I kept going.

https://www.amazon.com/Travel-Time-Connecticut-Timeless-Leadership-ebook/dp/B0CYM3WB22/

Dan: That persistence rings true today. Groton is now the Submarine Capital of the World. How do you feel seeing your early vision become part of such a massive legacy?

Holland: It humbles me. The USS Nautilus, the Virginia-class submarines—they’re not just machines. They are testaments to discipline, innovation, and quiet courage. I see generations of silent warriors—the “Silent Service”—and I know I played a small part in that.

Dan: You did more than that. You planted the seed. Our state, our nation—owes much to your spark. And speaking of leadership—today we teach young people that true strength doesn’t always make noise. What’s your take on that?

Holland: A submarine doesn’t announce itself. Nor does a true leader. Leadership isn’t about shouting orders—it’s about seeing clearly in murky water, staying calm under pressure, and trusting your crew with your life. If I’ve learned anything from my time under the surface—it’s that silence can be the most powerful form of strength.

Dan: That’s beautifully said. I always tell students and educators alike that the best leaders often lead when no one is watching—and many of them never seek the spotlight. But they change history all the same.

Holland: Aye… just as Connecticut has. From Bushnell’s Turtle to Electric Boat’s nuclear marvels… you’ve led from the shadows. Quiet. Strategic. Unstoppable.

Dan: Last question, Mr. Holland. If you had the chance to speak to a young leader today—maybe a student visiting this museum—what advice would you give?

Holland: I’d say: “Don’t wait for approval to follow your vision. Build what only you can imagine. Fail, if you must—but don’t abandon your mission. Even the deepest oceans yield to persistence.”

Dan: That’s powerful. Thank you, Mr. Holland—not just for the submarines, but for reminding us that the future often begins with a quiet idea and a determined heart.

Holland: And thank you, Dan—for keeping the story alive. Every child who walks through this museum deserves to know what’s possible… even beneath the surface.

---

Calm First, Perform Better: Boundaries That Protect Your Energy and Improve Your Work

By Mary-Anne Schelb
Bringing Calm to the Chaos

It starts with a simple request.

“Can you take on one more project?”

You glance at your calendar. There are already two deadlines approaching, a presentation to prepare, several client calls to return, and a meeting that somehow appeared on your schedule overnight.

But the person asking is someone you respect.

You want to be helpful. You want to be seen as dependable. You certainly don't want anyone questioning your commitment.

So you hear yourself say, “Sure, I can make that work.”

And just like that, a full schedule becomes an overloaded one.

Sound familiar?

Many capable professionals find themselves in this situation. Not because they cannot manage their time, but because they have developed a reputation for being the person who always manages to get things done.

And while being dependable is a wonderful quality, there is a difference between being dependable and becoming endlessly available.

When Being Capable Becomes a Complication

The more capable we are, the more people may turn to us.

We become the problem solvers, the organizers, the people who can take something complicated and somehow make it work.

And often, we enjoy that role. There is satisfaction in being trusted, knowing others value our judgment and depend on our ability to deliver.

But responsibility can quietly become overload when we accept new commitments without evaluating the ones we already have.

The challenge is not necessarily the additional project.

The challenge is everything we have agreed to without asking what must change to accommodate it.

We begin stretching our time, attention, and energy to meet expectations that may no longer be realistic.

And before long, the quality of our work can suffer along with our sense of well-being.

Boundaries Are a Professional Skill

We often think of boundaries as something personal.
But boundaries are just as important in business.

A well-communicated boundary can protect a deadline, improve collaboration, establish realistic expectations, and prevent unnecessary frustration.

It tells people what is possible rather than allowing them to assume everything is possible.

That is not a lack of commitment.
That is professional judgment.

Calm plays an important role here because we are more likely to make a thoughtful commitment when we are not answering from the immediate pressure of wanting to please.

We can acknowledge the request, assess our capacity, and communicate what is realistic.

The Capacity Conversation

Here is a practical tool to use when a new responsibility lands on an already-full plate.

Rather than immediately accepting or declining, have what I call The Capacity Conversation.

It begins with three questions:

What is the priority?

Before accepting an additional assignment, establish where it fits among existing commitments.

Is this more important than the work already scheduled? Is the deadline fixed? What outcome is expected?

What is the trade-off?

Every new commitment requires something: time, attention, resources, or the adjustment of another responsibility.

If you take on this project, what may need to move?

What can I realistically deliver?

Define a workable timeline, the scope of your involvement, or the support needed to complete the request well.

Consider how this might sound in a professional conversation:

“I'd be happy to help move this forward. I'm currently working toward two deadlines this week. Which project would you like me to prioritize?”

Or:

“I can take this on, but to give it the attention it deserves, we'll need to adjust the timeline for the other assignment.”

Notice what is happening.
You are not simply saying no.
You are creating clarity.

You are inviting a conversation about priorities instead of silently accepting an impossible workload.

And you are demonstrating that you care about the quality of the outcome.

A Boundary Can Strengthen Trust

Sometimes we hesitate to communicate capacity because we worry about disappointing people.

But think about the alternative.

We accept the work, become overwhelmed, rush to meet the deadline, and potentially deliver something below our usual standard.

That does not serve us.
And it does not serve the people who depend on us.

Clear expectations create stronger working relationships because everyone understands what has been agreed upon.

A thoughtful boundary today may prevent a difficult conversation tomorrow.

It also models something valuable for colleagues and team members: being committed does not require pretending we have unlimited capacity.

Calm First. Then Commit Clearly.

The next time someone asks you to add one more thing to an already-full schedule, resist the temptation to answer immediately.

Not because the request is unreasonable.
Not because you are unwilling to help.

But because your work, your energy, and your existing commitments deserve thoughtful consideration.

Ask what matters most.
Identify what needs to shift.
Communicate what you can realistically deliver.
Boundaries are not barriers to professional success.
They are part of what makes sustainable success possible.

Calm first.
Then establish clarity.
Then perform better.

---

About the Author

Mary-Anne Schelb is a Life Coach, Holistic Lifestyle Consultant, Holistic Health Practitioner, and founder of Intentional Calm. Through her work, Mary-Anne helps busy professionals calm the chaos, reduce stress, and move forward with more clarity, steadiness, and intention.

She is the creator of the Intentional Calm Method™, a practical framework that blends holistic wellness, nervous-system support, mindfulness, energy work, journaling, and intentional living tools to help people return to center and make clearer, more grounded decisions. She is also the author of Calming the Chaos: The Intentional Calm Method™.

In addition to her holistic wellness practice, Mary-Anne is an educator, speaker, and workshop facilitator. Her signature message is simple: calm is not a luxury — it is a lifeline.

Learn more at Intentional Calm.

Real Estate Agent & Mortgage Professionals...Count the People!

 

Want to know where the next decade of housing business is coming from? Count the people!

Today, two generations are driving the lion share of real estate activity: Millennials (Generation Y) and Baby Boomers. Together, they represent nearly 153 million Americans and are creating opportunities at opposite ends of the housing journey. Millennials are buying first homes in massive number (87 million), while Boomers are retiring, relocating, downsizing, and purchasing second homes (66 million).

Millennials: The First-Time Homebuyer Wave

Born between 1985 and 2004, Millennials have become America's largest adult generation by a lot. Now you know why we have a housing crisis.  Many delayed marriage, children, and homeownership compared to previous generations, but they never abandoned the dream of owning a home. 

Who are they…Consider Jake, a 34-year-old renter. Before contacting a lender or realtor, he's watched YouTube videos, read countless articles and reviews, checked rates and homes on five different websites. By the time he reaches out, he isn't looking for a salesperson. He's looking for a trusted guide.

That's the marketing lesson: educate first, sell second.  The lenders and agents who answer questions, produce useful content, and simplify the process are often the professionals who win Millennial business.

Baby Boomers: The Great Housing Reshuffle

Born between 1945 and 1964, Baby Boomers are now entering or enjoying retirement. Nearly 79 million Americans were born during the Baby Boom, making it one of the largest generations in U.S. history behind Generation Y.

Many Boomers are asking different questions:

• Do we really need all this space?
• Should we move closer to family?
• Is now the time for a warmer climate?
• Would a second home fit our lifestyle?

Who are they…Meet Susan and Tom. Their children have moved out, yet they're still maintaining a large four-bedroom home. After years of mowing, cleaning, and climbing stairs, they decide to sell, move to a smaller ranch, and use some of their accumulated equity to buy a snowbird condo.  

One life decision creates multiple opportunities for real estate and mortgage professionals.

Selling Lifestyle, Not Just Housing

The most successful marketing recognizes that these generations are motivated by different goals. Millennials want answers before they want applications. Boomers want freedom.

Millennials respond to messages like:

• "How Much Down Payment Do You Really Need?"
• "5 First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes to Avoid"

Boomers respond to:

• "Turn Home Equity into Lifestyle Equity"
• "Is It Time for Your Next Chapter?"

In both cases, the transaction is emotional before it's financial.

The Housing Relay Race

Perhaps the most interesting trend is that many Millennials are buying homes from Baby Boomers.  A Boomer family sells the four-bedroom colonial they've owned for 30 years. A Millennial family buys it and starts the next chapter of its story. The Boomer moves to a condo, a ranch, or a 55+ community.

It's a housing relay race, and both sides need trusted advisors.

The Bottom Line

Interest rates and housing prices matter, but demographics drive long-term opportunity.

Right now, roughly 87 million Millennials are moving into their prime homebuying years, while 66 million Baby Boomers are making retirement and lifestyle housing decisions.

One generation is asking,"How do I buy my first home?"

The other is asking,"Where do I want to spend the next chapter of my life?"

For mortgage and real estate professionals, understanding those two questions may be the most powerful marketing strategy of all.

Mark Harrington is co-owner of Horizon Home Mortgage since 2007 and SMJ Insurance (an Allstate Ins. Agency) since 2011.  My passion is helping homeowners and those who want to own a home achieve their homeownership goals in CT and MA.  I also specialize in Reverse Mortgages.  I am a self-proclaimed ‘Power Networker’ and ‘Demographic Nerd’.

Horizon Home Mortgage is a mortgage broker only, not a mortgage lender or mortgage correspondent lender.  CT License#16745 & MA License#MB69164

 

The True Rock Behind Rocky

By John P. Slosek Jr., The Insurance Coach®

Would you turn down a life-changing amount of money when you were struggling just to get by?

Before you answer, picture overdue bills, uncertain work, and years of people telling you that your dream was never going to happen.

Now imagine someone offering you financial relief—with one condition. You must surrender the part of that dream that matters most to you.

That is the decision that stayed with me after listening to Sylvester Stallone’s memoir, The Steps.

Most of us know Rocky Balboa, the underdog boxer who gets his chance. But listening to Stallone describe his own struggles made me appreciate the man behind the character.

Before Rocky ever stepped into the ring, Stallone had already spent years fighting to find his place.

His account of childhood is painful. As I listened, I heard the story of a boy who often felt unwanted, misunderstood, and alone. The encouragement and security we hope every child receives seemed terribly scarce.

He also carried the effects of an injury suffered during birth. Facial nerve damage affected his appearance and speech. Features that would eventually become recognizable around the world first made him a target for ridicule and doubt.

Imagine aspiring to act while repeatedly hearing that your face and voice would keep audiences away.

How long would you keep trying? 

Stallone took work to survive, including cleaning lion cages at the Central Park Zoo. Meanwhile, he continued pursuing acting and writing. At one desperate point, he sold his beloved dog, Butkus, because he could no longer afford to feed him.

As someone who loves his dogs, that part hit me hard.

Then he wrote Rocky.

Producers were interested in the screenplay. But Stallone attached a condition: he wanted to play the lead. They wanted someone else.

Here was the opportunity to sell his work and finally have money in his pocket. The offers grew, but the obstacle remained. They wanted his story without him as its star.

He refused.

I keep coming back to that moment. We know how the story turned out. He did not.

He could not look ahead and see the movie audiences, the awards, or the career that would follow. He had to make his decision while still living with uncertainty.

Accepting the money for the movie script would have been understandable. He was offered $360,000.00 for the script and not acting. There is nothing shameful about wanting security, especially after years of hardship. But Stallone believed this was his chance to do the work he had been preparing for. Here is my thought process, what would you have done if it were you? 

He was willing to risk losing the deal to preserve that opportunity.

Eventually, by his dogged determination he got the role. Yet getting permission to play Rocky did not make the fear disappear. His account describes uncertainty continuing through production, when he worried that each day on the set might be his last.

Think about the pressure of finally receiving the chance you demanded—and then having to prove you deserved it.

Rocky went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture and launch an extraordinary career.

There was another victory, too.

Stallone bought Butkus back, and his dog appeared in the movie with him.

To me, that reunion gives the story something more personal than an award or a box-office total. He had the chance to recover a companion he had painfully given up during his struggle.

He had not forgotten.

So what can the rest of us take from this?

Most of us will never face a Hollywood negotiation. But we do face decisions about what matters to us and how much effort we are willing to invest.

Perhaps you want to write, teach, start a business, learn a skill, or speak in front of an audience. Perhaps you tried once, received criticism, and quietly put the idea away.

Sometimes we call that being realistic. Sometimes it is. Other times, we are protecting ourselves from the discomfort of trying again.

Only an honest look inward can tell us the difference.

Stallone’s story does not mean every gamble succeeds or every compromise is wrong. It reminds me to pause before allowing someone else’s judgment to become my own final verdict.

You may need more practice. You may need advice, preparation, or a different approach. None of those things means you have nothing to offer.

Give yourself the opportunity to find out.

The true rock behind Rocky was a man who kept working toward a possibility that others could not see.

And perhaps that is the question worth carrying with us:

What might we accomplish if we gave our own possibilities that same patient, determined effort?

Author’s Note: The experiences, observations, opinions, and central message expressed in this article are those of the author, John P. Slosek Jr. Artificial intelligence was used as an editorial and creative-assistance tool to help organize the author’s original thoughts and assist with grammar, wording, structure, and presentation. The personal experiences and viewpoints presented remain those of the author.

 © 2026 John P. Slosek Jr. 
— The Insurance Coach® — All Rights Reserved.

 

 

Holiday CRAZY...how to not survive instead thrive and have fun.

Written by Lisa A. Barrett, M.S., LPC, ATR

Speaker | Author | Coach | Artist | Podcast Guest

Blog #5: October 22, 2026 

Isn't it interesting what happens when the holidays arrive?

Can you identify with any of these feelings: overwhelmed, stressed, exhausted, or simply wishing there were more hours in the day?

Does any of this sound familiar: Overbooked schedules to accommodate extra events, shopping for food and gifts, those inevitable last-minute stops, increased traffic, no parking, too much company in one day, too much noise, lack of self-care and self-love, going over budget, and everyone wanting your time all at once.

Uuuggghhh!

Just because the holidays have always been a certain way doesn't mean they have to continue that way.

YES! You can move beyond survival mode and create a new way of experiencing the holidays—one where you thrive, enjoy yourself, and actually have fun!

How? That's always the question!

Let's begin with some wonderful reminders we often forget as we selflessly give our time, money, energy, and talents to others.

First and foremost, WE are the keepers of our schedules!

Balance, flexibility, pre-paving, healthy boundaries, self-care, and self-love are essential ingredients for thriving rather than merely surviving.

1. Balance: You Don't Have to Do It All!

Yes, there is the office party, the children's concerts, family gatherings, visiting relatives, and numerous other social events.

The Solution:

Make conscious choices about what takes priority and be willing to release something else. This can make a tremendous difference in eliminating those packed schedules. Although these events may be enjoyable and even memorable, attending too many can drain your energy.

When we operate from a state of exhaustion, we deprive ourselves of the opportunity to be fully present with ourselves and those around us. And when we're not fully present, no one truly benefits.

Remember: You don't have to attend everything to enjoy the holidays.

2. Flexibility: When Life Doesn't Go According to Plan

Wouldn't it be wonderful if everything went exactly as planned? Well, we know that doesn't always happen, especially during the holidays!

For example:

Your child announces at the last minute that they need to bring a gift to school tomorrow.

You discover you're expected to bring an appetizer to work—today!

Your in-laws are arriving earlier than originally planned.

A good friend decides to host a last-minute party and insists you attend.

Your car suddenly needs an urgent repair.

And once again... uuuggghhh!

The Solution:

When circumstances change, something may need to give. Allow the change to be simply a fact rather than another source of emotional stress.

It's perfectly okay to let something go. Adaptability can be approached with grace rather than frustration.

You may not be able to change what has happened, but you can absolutely choose how you respond to it. By shifting your attention from emotional reactivity to the facts of the situation, you create space for solutions.

Remember your power to make choices about how and where you expend your energy—including your emotional energy.

This is where you can access what I call Calm Clarity, found within the Neutral Zone.

And isn't a little more calm—and perhaps even some magic—exactly what the holidays could use?

3. Pre-Paving and Healthy Boundaries: You Have Choices!

Do you ever feel as though you're at the mercy of other people's schedules, expectations, or agendas?

Let's explore two powerful tools: pre-paving and healthy boundaries.

Pre-paving simply means preparing the pathway ahead of time by becoming clear about your intentions for yourself and sharing them with others.

Healthy boundaries are the personal limits we establish to protect our physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

The Solution:

When we become clear about our intentions and communicate healthy boundaries, we honor ourselves while giving others a clearer understanding of our choices.

Here are two examples.

Example 1: The Holiday Party

When I decide which parties or social events to attend, I may communicate ahead of time that I would love to join everyone but will only be staying for a few hours. By doing so, I am pre-paving and establishing a healthy boundary. My intentions are clear, and others know what to expect. When it's time for me to leave, I can graciously say my goodbyes without feeling obligated to stay longer.

Example 2: The Holiday Invitation

"Yes, I would love to see you! Unfortunately, I can't make it that day. How about we plan to get together after the holidays when we can relax and really catch up?"

Simple, respectful, and empowering! Remember, setting boundaries isn't about rejecting others. It's about respecting yourself while honoring your relationships.

4. Self-Care and Self-Love: Remember to Include Yourself!

During the holidays, we can become so focused on making everyone else happy that we forget to include ourselves in the experience.

Ask yourself:

Am I allowing enough time to rest and recharge?

Am I making choices based on what truly matters to me?

Am I enjoying the holidays, or simply completing another list of obligations?

Am I giving myself permission to say no without guilt?

The Solution:

Make yourself part of your holiday plans!

Self-care and self-love are not luxuries reserved for when everything else is finished. They are important daily practices that help us maintain balance, emotional well-being, and healthier relationships. When you care for yourself, you have more energy, patience, and presence to share with others.

From Emotional Reactivity to Calm Clarity

At the heart of everything I teach is the ability to create space between an emotional reaction and our response.

When we pause, reframe, and consider another possibility, we begin shifting from emotional reactivity into what I call Calm Clarity, found in the Neutral Zone.

This is where we can approach situations with greater perspective, creativity, and confidence.

The holidays don't have to be about doing more, spending more, or pleasing everyone. They can be about making conscious choices, honoring yourself, and creating meaningful experiences.

Imagine approaching this holiday season with less stress, greater balance, more laughter, and the freedom to truly enjoy yourself!

After all, isn't that what the holidays are meant to be about?

This holiday season, don't just survive. Choose to THRIVE!

Learn More

These concepts are central to my book, How to Live an Empowered Life: Easy and Daily Practical Tools, where I share accessible tools designed to help you move from emotional reactivity toward Calm Clarity, reframe situations and emotions, and approach your personal and professional life from a more empowered place.

I am also available for professional speaking engagements, workshops, and individual coaching for professionals, parents, and educators.

Connect with Lisa A. Barrett, M.S., LPC, ATR

Book: https://www.amazon.com/How-Live-Empowered-Life-Practical/dp/B0G33GPQML

Website: https://www.touchedbyart.net/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CalmClarity-LisaBarrett

From Emotional Reactivity to Calm Clarity.

Travel in Time with Dan: Interview from the Past with Cass Gilbert

 🎤 Travel in Time: Dan Blanchard Interviews Cass Gilbert

Location: CT's Abandoned Seaside Sanatorium – Year: Timeless*

Dan Blanchard: Mr. Gilbert, it’s an absolute honor to speak with you today. Your work has shaped some of America’s most iconic spaces—from the U.S. Supreme Court to the Woolworth Building. But today, I want to talk about something closer to my home: the Seaside Sanatorium in Waterford, Connecticut.

Cass Gilbert: Thank you, Mr. Blanchard. I’m pleased someone still remembers Seaside. It was one of my most humane and hopeful designs—less monumental than my other projects, but perhaps more meaningful.

Dan: I’m glad you said that. The Seaside Sanatorium wasn’t just another building. It was a response to crisis—a stand against the horrors of tuberculosis, especially for children. What inspired your design?

Cass Gilbert: In the 1930s, we were losing far too many young lives. The state of Connecticut asked me to design a place for healing—one that didn’t feel like a cold institution. The guiding idea was heliotherapy. Sunshine. Fresh air. Nature’s remedies. The architecture needed to support that.

Dan: And you certainly delivered. The open-air ground floor, the southern exposure, the gentle curve of the building—all brilliant. But it almost feels ironic now, doesn’t it? That such a place of light would later become so dark?

Cass Gilbert: (pauses) Yes. Buildings often outlive their first purpose. But they carry memories. When Seaside became a geriatric hospital and later a mental health facility, the light dimmed—not just literally, but symbolically. These were some of society’s most voiceless people. And when the care faded… well, the building could only echo what was happening inside.

https://www.amazon.com/Travel-Time-Connecticut-Timeless-Leadership-ebook/dp/B0CYM3WB22/

Dan: And that’s the hard part. I’ve walked the perimeter of that property. It’s beautiful—Long Island Sound shimmering, gulls flying—but there’s a stillness that feels… haunted. Not by ghosts, necessarily, but by forgotten stories.

Cass Gilbert: Precisely. Architecture is storytelling in stone. But if no one listens… the story fades. That’s why what you’re doing—bringing these hidden histories forward—is vital. The past has value when it teaches us something.

Dan: Thank you. One of the leadership lessons I’ve tried to draw from Seaside is this: Real leaders advocate for the forgotten. People often think leadership is standing at a podium or holding power. But true leadership means standing beside someone who has no voice.

Cass Gilbert: I couldn’t agree more. In my day, I advocated through design. Today, you advocate through storytelling. And both are necessary. Tell me, what do you hope happens to Seaside now?

Dan: I dream of someone with imagination—and resources—transforming it into something new. Maybe part museum, part hotel. A place that honors the past but brings joy and purpose into the future. Just like you intended: sunlight, healing, and fresh air.

Cass Gilbert: (smiling) That would be a second life worth living for a building born of hope. Let’s hope your generation doesn’t forget.

Dan: We won’t. Not if I have anything to say about it. Thank you, Mr. Gilbert.

Cass Gilbert: And thank you, Mr. Blanchard—for listening to the stones and the stories they still carry.

---

🧭 Post-Interview Reflection:
Cass Gilbert may be gone, but his vision lives on. And now, the torch is ours to carry. The lesson of Seaside is clear: beauty and pain can coexist, and leadership often means shining light into forgotten corners.

www.GranddaddysSecrets.com