Positive Vibes: On the Sunny Side with Yasmine S. Ali, MD

In honor of America's 250th birthday, I'm bringing back one of the most popular episodes of the Positive Vibes podcast. Archivist, actor, and author Brian Wilson shares remarkable stories from history—including the incredible tale of helping recover and escort Georgia's official copy of the Declaration of Independence.
There's another fascinating historical connection that wasn't mentioned when this interview first aired: Brian is a direct descendant of Richard Stockton, the first delegate from New Jersey to sign the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Stockton was a prominent attorney, a member of the Second Continental Congress, and one of the nation's 56 Founding Fathers. Brian rarely talks about this family connection, but it makes this conversation especially fitting as America celebrates its semiquincentennial.
Beyond history, Brian also offers practical advice as an archivist on preserving family photographs and treasured documents for future generations. He also gives a behind-the-scenes look at life as a professional background actor, sharing stories from major productions including Avengers: Infinity War, Captain America: Brave New World, Jungle Cruise, MacGyver, and more—including a memorable experience working with Ryan Gosling.
Whether you're interested in American history, genealogy, family preservation, filmmaking, or simply great storytelling, there's something here for you.
 
Subscribe to the Positive Vibes e-magazine and get a free e-book, plus notification of deals and discounts! https://www.YasmineAliMD.com
 
Links & Resources:
Support Positive Vibes: www.buymeacoffee.com/onthesunnyside
Find Brian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-wilson-352a93b/
National Archives preservation advice: https://www.archives.gov/preservation/holdings-maintenance/paper
Lineco Archival Document Storage Boxes (recommended by Brian): https://amzn.to/4navK30
America’s Semiquincentennial: Museum of the American Revolution FAQs: https://www.amrevmuseum.org/the-semiquincentennial-frequently-asked-questions
Visit Dr. Ali’s online bookstore and get an autographed copy of Walk through Fire or The View from the Cliffs! Available at https://www.LastSkyWriting.com.
About Yasmine S. Ali, MD: Known as "The Positive Cardiologist," Dr. Ali is an internationally recognized preventive cardiologist and bestselling author of both nonfiction and fiction. She focuses on the science of happiness and the importance of optimism for health and longevity. She is an award-winning speaker and is the creator of the ORCHID Model for Positive Living™. Her work unites science, storytelling, and optimism. She brings three decades of medical experience to her teaching and writing, along with a lifelong devotion to creativity and the pursuit of optimum health.
Yasmine S. Ali is also the bestselling author of Walk through Fire: The Train Disaster that Changed America and The View from the Cliffs: A Novel. Find her books at her online bookstore, https://LastSkyWriting.com
 
The material contained in this podcast is for informational/educational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice.
 

Have you ever wondered what it takes to create an entire world from your imagination?
In this fun episode, Dr. Yasmine Ali explores the “C” for Creativity in her ORCHID Model for Positive Living™ with award-winning fantasy author Barbara V. Evers.
Barbara is the author of multiple fantasy novels, many of which are award-winning, and all of which she describes as “matriarchal fantasies with clever animals.” Her fantasy trilogy, The Watchers of Moniah, won the Imadjinn Best Fantasy Novel twice, and her collection, Pieces of Her, includes award-winning stories, including a Pushcart Prize nominee.
Together, Dr. Ali and Barbara discuss the creative process, worldbuilding, storytelling, publishing, personality types, and the winding paths our lives and careers often take.
Along the way, they also dive into one of Barbara’s greatest passions: giraffes. You'll learn about giraffe conservation, fascinating giraffe physiology, and how a chance encounter with a giraffe helped spark a lifelong fascination that ultimately found its way into Barbara’s fiction.
Find Barbara V. Evers online at: https://www.barbaravevers.com/
And sign up for Dr. Ali’s monthly Positive Vibes e-magazine and get a free guide to Positive Living! Visit https://www.YasmineAliMD.com
In this episode:
How Barbara created the fantasy world of Moniah and its telepathic giraffes
The realities of writing and publishing fantasy fiction
Why creativity often flourishes through unexpected detours
The difference between fantasy, speculative fiction, and epic fantasy
The surprising story behind Barbara's award-winning trilogy
How personality types can influence creativity and storytelling
Why giraffes are more fascinating—and more endangered—than most people realize
What giraffes can teach us about resilience, adaptation, and wonder
Barbara's enthusiasm is contagious, and this conversation is a joyful reminder that creativity can enrich every stage of life.
More Links & Resources:
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6xsWFXA8AzQ
Support the Positive Vibes podcast: https://BuyMeaCoffee.com/onthesunnyside
Barbara V. Evers’ website: https://www.barbaravevers.com/
Books by Barbara V. Evers:
The Watchers of Moniah: https://bookshop.org/a/447/9781959859093
The Watchers in Exile: https://bookshop.org/a/447/9781959859116
The Watchers at War: https://bookshop.org/a/447/9781959859130
The Nature of the Beast: https://bookshop.org/a/447/9781959859185
Pieces of Her: https://bookshop.org/a/447/9781959859055
The Giraffe Conservation Foundation: https://giraffeconservation.org/
Article on giraffe blood pressure/cardiovascular physiology: https://www.zmescience.com/ecology/animals-ecology/giraffe-blood-pressure/
Dr. Ali's episode on natural ways to lower blood pressure: https://www.positivevibessunnyside.com/e/blood-pressure/
 
Visit Dr. Ali’s online bookstore and get an autographed copy of Walk through Fire or The View from the Cliffs! Available at https://www.LastSkyWriting.com.
 
About Yasmine S. Ali, MD: Known as "The Positive Cardiologist," Dr. Ali is an internationally recognized preventive cardiologist and bestselling author of both nonfiction and fiction. She focuses on the science of happiness and the importance of optimism for health and longevity. She is an award-winning speaker and is the creator of the ORCHID Model for Positive Living™. Her work unites science, storytelling, and optimism. She brings three decades of medical experience to her teaching and writing, along with a lifelong devotion to creativity and the pursuit of optimum health.
Yasmine S. Ali is also the bestselling author of Walk through Fire: The Train Disaster that Changed America and The View from the Cliffs: A Novel. Find her books at her online bookstore, https://LastSkyWriting.com
 
The material contained in this podcast is for informational/educational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice.
 

What does it mean to age gracefully—not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually?
Dr. Yasmine Ali speaks with faith-centered brain health coach Janice R. Love in this episode of the Positive Vibes podcast about brain health, mindset, purpose, and intentional living in midlife and beyond.
Also known as “Dr. Janice,” she shares her remarkable personal and professional journey--from biological psychology and healthcare leadership to writing books, coaching women through life transitions, and ultimately returning to her longtime passion for brain health.
Together, Dr. Ali and Dr. Janice discuss:
Brain fog, focus, memory, and sleep in midlife
Why “vegging out” on screens is not true rest
Constructive rest and protecting attention in a distracted world
The importance of learning new skills for brain health
Faith, resilience, and the power of renewing the mind
Reinvention, creativity, and embracing multiple callings
Why your genes are not necessarily your destiny
How movement, joy, music, and even dancing can support emotional well-being
Dr. Janice also shares details about her upcoming “In Her Right Mind” memory and focus bootcamp for women.
Visit Janice Love’s website for the Pearls Perfected Institute: https://pearlsperfectedinstitute.com/
Find her on Facebook and Instagram and on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janicerlove/
 
And sign up for Dr. Ali’s monthly Positive Vibes e-magazine and newsletter and get a free e-book on Positive Living! Visit https://www.YasmineAliMD.com
 
More Links & Resources:
Support the Positive Vibes podcast: https://BuyMeaCoffee.com/onthesunnyside
Dr. Ali and Dr. Janice on the “Asking for a Sister Friend” YouTube show (by Dr. Janice): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaXUxYYzShg
Pearls Perfected Institute, founded by Dr. Janice Love: https://pearlsperfectedinstitute.com/
Books by Janice R. Love:
Divorced and Still Highly Favored : https://bookshop.org/a/447/9780692404157
One Plus One Equals Ten: A First Lady’s Survival Guide for Stepmoms: https://bookshop.org/a/447/9780615695389
Chosen for This: How to Be Married to Ministry and Have Your Own Life Calling: https://amzn.to/49rHESf
 
Visit Dr. Ali’s online bookstore and get an autographed copy of Walk through Fire or The View from the Cliffs! Available at https://www.LastSkyWriting.com.
 
About Yasmine S. Ali, MD: Known as "The Positive Cardiologist," Dr. Ali is an internationally recognized preventive cardiologist and bestselling author of both nonfiction and fiction. She focuses on the science of happiness and the importance of optimism for health and longevity. She is an award-winning speaker and is the creator of the ORCHID Model for Positive Living (TM). Her work unites science, storytelling, and optimism. She brings three decades of medical experience to her teaching and writing, along with a lifelong devotion to creativity and the pursuit of optimum health.
Yasmine S. Ali is also the bestselling author of Walk through Fire: The Train Disaster that Changed America and The View from the Cliffs: A Novel. Find her books at her online bookstore, https://LastSkyWriting.com
 
The material contained in this podcast is for informational/educational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice.
 
 

In need of immediate stress relief? It can begin with something as simple as your next breath.
In a time when so many people are carrying more stress than usual, it can be difficult to know where to begin. The good news is that meaningful relief doesn’t always require a major change; sometimes, it starts with something as simple as your next breath.
In this short solo episode, Dr. Yasmine S. Ali shares two guided deep-breathing techniques designed to bring an immediate sense of calm and centeredness. These practices are simple, accessible, and can be done anywhere, whether you’re in the middle of a busy day or just need a quiet, quick reset.
As a cardiologist, Dr. Ali has seen how quickly the body responds to intentional breathing. With just three deep breaths, you may begin to feel a shift—less tension, more clarity, and a gentle return to center.
Sign up for the Positive Vibes e-magazine and newsletter and get a free e-book on Positive Living! Visit https://www.YasmineAliMD.com
 
More Links & Resources:
Support the Positive Vibes podcast: https://BuyMeaCoffee.com/onthesunnyside
Visit Dr. Ali’s online bookstore and get an autographed copy of Walk through Fire or The View from the Cliffs! Available at https://www.LastSkyWriting.com.
 
About Yasmine S. Ali, MD: Known as "The Positive Cardiologist," Dr. Ali is an internationally recognized preventive cardiologist and bestselling author of both nonfiction and fiction. She focuses on the science of happiness and the importance of optimism for health and longevity. She is an award-winning speaker and is the creator of the ORCHID Model for Positive Living (TM). Her work unites science, storytelling, and optimism. She brings nearly three decades of medical experience to her teaching and writing, along with a lifelong devotion to creativity and the pursuit of optimum health.
Yasmine S. Ali is also the bestselling author of Walk through Fire: The Train Disaster that Changed America and The View from the Cliffs: A Novel. Find her books at her online bookstore, https://LastSkyWriting.com
 
The material contained in this podcast is for informational/educational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice.
 

Have you ever wondered how to build a life—and career—that you absolutely love?
Larry Zetterlind spent a lifetime doing what he loved.
He began flying at age 12, soloed on his 16th birthday, and built a decades-long career as a pilot, from the U.S. Air Force to corporate aviation, eventually serving as a chief pilot for over 20 years. Along the way, he saw the country—and the world—from a perspective few people ever experience.
In this conversation, Larry reflects on that life in full: how an early fascination became a profession, what it means to truly enjoy your work, and how curiosity—about airplanes, trains, weather, and the world itself—can shape a life.
We also talk about:
What it was like to fly in the early days of modern aviation
The difference between corporate flying and commercial airlines
Memorable moments from the cockpit, including storms, long-distance flights, and unexpected discoveries
His lifelong interest in trains and model railroading, and how we connected over my book, Walk through Fire: The Train Disaster that Changed America
The role of family, friendship, and perspective in a life well lived
Toward the end, Larry shares a deeply personal poem written by his daughter—one of the most meaningful reflections on a life in motion, and the idea of “home,” that you’ll hear.
This episode is ultimately about something simple and rare: finding work you love, staying curious, and building a life that feels like your own.
Sign up for the Positive Vibes e-magazine and newsletter and get a free e-book on Positive Living! Visit https://www.YasmineAliMD.com
Links & Resources:
Kinzua Bridge State Park: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/kinzua-bridge-state-park
Purchase Walk through Fire: The Train Disaster that Changed America (unsigned copy): https://lastskywriting.com/products/walk-through-fire-the-train-disaster-that-changed-america-unsigned-copy
Autographed copy of Walk through Fire: https://lastskywriting.com/products/autographed-copy-of-walk-through-fire-the-train-disaster-that-changed-america
Links to Episode 1 (about the Waverly Train Disaster) on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YbXASWOgSc&t=3s
and audio-only: https://www.positivevibessunnyside.com/e/waverly-train-disaster/
 
Support the Positive Vibes podcast: https://BuyMeaCoffee.com/onthesunnyside
 
Visit Dr. Ali’s online bookstore and get an autographed copy of Walk through Fire or The View from the Cliffs! Available at https://www.LastSkyWriting.com.
 
About Yasmine S. Ali, MD: Known as "The Positive Cardiologist," Dr. Ali is an internationally recognized preventive cardiologist and bestselling author of both nonfiction and fiction. She focuses on the science of happiness and the importance of optimism for health and longevity. She is an award-winning speaker and is the creator of the ORCHID Model for Positive Living (TM). Her work unites science, storytelling, and optimism. She brings nearly three decades of medical experience to her teaching and writing, along with a lifelong devotion to creativity and the pursuit of optimum health.
Yasmine S. Ali is also the bestselling author of Walk through Fire: The Train Disaster that Changed America and The View from the Cliffs: A Novel. Find her books at her online bookstore, https://LastSkyWriting.com
 
The material contained in this podcast is for informational/educational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice.
 

St. Patrick’s Day special: Dr. Yasmine S. Ali reads an excerpt from her internationally acclaimed, bestselling novel, The View from the Cliffs, set along Ireland’s western coast.
In these chapters, Ranya, Gabriel, and Rasheed travel through County Kerry—from the stark beauty of the Skellig Islands to a small village shop, and on to the quiet roadside where Michael Collins was killed during the Irish Civil War.
What begins as a shared journey through an extraordinary landscape gradually reveals something more: the subtle tensions of love and loyalty, the weight of history, and the power of place.
This episode offers a glimpse into a story shaped by place, memory, and the competing narratives—personal and historical—that define who we are.
The View from the Cliffs is available here in full-color print and e-book [listen to the podcast for the 20% discount code!]: https://LastSkyWriting.com
Audiobook coming soon! Sign up for the Positive Vibes newsletter to be notified first. Visit https://www.YasmineAliMD.com
Show links:
Purchase The View from the Cliffs full-color print edition: https://lastskywriting.com/products/the-view-from-the-cliffs
The View from the Cliffs e-book: https://lastskywriting.com/products/the-view-from-the-cliffs-e-book
Autographed copy of The View from the Cliffs: https://lastskywriting.com/products/autographed-copy-view-from-the-cliffs
Purchase Walk through Fire: The Train Disaster that Changed America (unsigned copy): https://lastskywriting.com/products/walk-through-fire-the-train-disaster-that-changed-america-unsigned-copy
Autographed copy of Walk through Fire: https://lastskywriting.com/products/autographed-copy-of-walk-through-fire-the-train-disaster-that-changed-america
Support the Positive Vibes podcast: https://BuyMeaCoffee.com/onthesunnyside
Links to Episode 1 (about the Waverly Train Disaster) on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YbXASWOgSc&t=3s
and audio-only: https://www.positivevibessunnyside.com/e/waverly-train-disaster/
 
Visit Dr. Ali’s online bookstore and get an autographed copy of Walk through Fire or The View from the Cliffs! Available at https://www.LastSkyWriting.com.
 
About Yasmine S. Ali, MD: Known as "The Positive Cardiologist," Dr. Ali is an internationally recognized preventive cardiologist and bestselling author of both nonfiction and fiction. She focuses on the science of happiness and the importance of optimism for health and longevity. She is an award-winning speaker and is the creator of the ORCHID Model for Positive Living (TM). Her work unites science, storytelling, and optimism. She brings nearly three decades of medical experience to her teaching and writing, along with a lifelong devotion to creativity and the pursuit of optimum health.
Yasmine S. Ali is also the bestselling author of Walk through Fire: The Train Disaster that Changed America and The View from the Cliffs: A Novel. Find her books at her online bookstore, https://LastSkyWriting.com
 

What does it really take to pursue a creative path—and build a life around it—without losing your energy, your purpose, or your belief in what you’re doing?
In this episode of Positive Vibes: On the Sunny Side, Dr. Yasmine S. Ali explores the idea of creative courage with independent film producer Daren Smith.
Whether or not you’re in the film industry, this conversation offers a powerful look at what it means to:
Discover and commit to your true path
Build something meaningful from the ground up
Stay energized and resilient in the face of uncertainty
Create work that genuinely impacts others
Daren shares the story behind his upcoming film Brotherhood, how he found his way into film production, how independent films are financed, and the mindset that allows him to sustain such a demanding and purpose-driven career.
This episode is part of the Positive Vibes approach to living with greater meaning, creativity, and vitality—key elements of Dr. Ali's ORCHID Model for Positive Living.
Daren Smith is founder of Craftsman Films and managing partner of Producer Fund I. He is also an author; his latest book is Blockbuster: How Independent Creators Can Build Massively Profitable Businesses. Daren is dedicated to financing and creating independent films that deeply resonate with audiences and have the power to change people for good.
Learn more about his upcoming film, Brotherhood: A Cinematic Musical, at: https://www.brotherhoodmovie.com/
Watch this podcast episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/t15XwfWqVfY?si=F3bsTyZYFYxhUqYj
This episode is for you if you’re looking to build a more meaningful, creative, and energized life.
And if you'd like to go deeper . . .
Sign up for the Positive Vibes e-magazine and newsletter and get a free e-book on Positive Living! Visit https://www.YasmineAliMD.com
Show links:
Support the Positive Vibes podcast: https://BuyMeaCoffee.com/onthesunnyside
 
Connect with Daren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darentsmith/
Craftsman Films: https://www.craftsmanfilms.co/
Producer Fund I: https://www.craftsmanfilms.co/fund/
Learn more about the film, Brotherhood: https://www.brotherhoodmovie.com/
Cal Newport’s book, So Good They Can’t Ignore You: https://bookshop.org/a/447/9781455509126
And discover Bookshop.org! The only online bookseller where every purchase supports local bookstores. Enjoy 20% off your first order! https://refer.bookshop.org/yasminesali
 
Visit Dr. Ali’s online bookstore and get an autographed copy of Walk through Fire or The View from the Cliffs! Available at https://www.LastSkyWriting.com.
Dr. Ali’s website and blog—subscribe for free to the Positive Vibes e-magazine on the home page and get a free e-book! https://www.YasmineAliMD.com
 
 
About Yasmine S. Ali, MD: Known as "The Positive Cardiologist," Dr. Ali is an internationally recognized preventive cardiologist and bestselling author of both nonfiction and fiction. She focuses on the science of happiness and the importance of optimism for health and longevity. She is an award-winning speaker and is the creator of the ORCHID Model for Positive Living (TM). Her work unites science, storytelling, and optimism. She brings nearly three decades of medical experience to her teaching and writing, along with a lifelong devotion to creativity and the pursuit of optimum health.
 
The information contained in this podcast is for educational and informational or entertainment purposes only, and does not in any way constitute medical advice.
 

Dr. Ali talks with Kathy Bingham Turner and Leon Alligood, co-authors of the new book, Boss Brooks: A True Story of Fraud, Family, and Forgiveness from Tennessee to Texas.
Purchase the book: https://bookshop.org/a/447/9798895270363
Sign up for the Positive Vibes e-magazine and newsletter and get a free e-book on Positive Living! Visit https://www.YasmineAliMD.com
Show links:
Purchase Boss Brooks book: https://bookshop.org/a/447/9798895270363
Visit the Boss Brooks website: https://bossbrooks.com/
Support the Positive Vibes podcast: https://BuyMeaCoffee.com/onthesunnyside
Links to Episode 1 (about the Waverly Train Disaster) on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YbXASWOgSc&t=3s
and audio-only: https://www.positivevibessunnyside.com/e/waverly-train-disaster/
 
Visit Dr. Ali’s online bookstore and get an autographed copy of Walk through Fire! Available at https://www.LastSkyWriting.com.
 
About Yasmine S. Ali, MD: Known as "The Positive Cardiologist," Dr. Ali is an internationally recognized preventive cardiologist and bestselling author of both nonfiction and fiction. She focuses on the science of happiness and the importance of optimism for health and longevity. She is an award-winning speaker and is the creator of the ORCHID Model for Positive Living (TM). Her work unites science, storytelling, and optimism. She brings nearly three decades of medical experience to her teaching and writing, along with a lifelong devotion to creativity and the pursuit of optimum health.

Dr. Ali talks with veterinarian Dr. Marc Smith about his career path and his unique and holistic approach to veterinary medicine. They discuss some of the biggest decisions facing pet owners (including the question of spay/neuter for large-breed dogs), and how to keep your pet as healthy as possible.
Marc Smith, DVM, is the owner of Natchez Trace Veterinary Services in Nashville, TN, and the co-founder of PET TAO Holistic Pet Products.
“Remember that dogs and cats are very resilient and they’re great masters of their own health.” –Marc Smith, DVM
Sign up for the Positive Vibes e-magazine and newsletter and get a free e-book on Positive Living! Visit www.YasmineAliMD.com
Show links:
Dr. Marc Smith and Natchez Trace Veterinary Services: https://franklintnvet.com/
PET | TAO Holistic Pet Products: https://pettao.com/marc-smith-dvm/
Dr. Smith’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MarcSmithveterinarian
AKC article on updated spay-neuter guidelines for different dog breeds: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/study-updates-spay-neuter-guidelines/
Dr. Ali's article on how our dogs help our hearts: https://yasminealimd.com/how-dogs-help-our-hearts/
Support the Positive Vibes podcast: https://BuyMeaCoffee.com/onthesunnyside
Links to Episode 1 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YbXASWOgSc&t=3s
and audio-only: https://www.positivevibessunnyside.com/e/waverly-train-disaster/
 
Visit Dr. Ali’s online bookstore and get an autographed copy of Walk through Fire! Available at https://www.LastSkyWriting.com.

Optimists are healthier and live longer than pessimists. Why is that, and how can you become more optimistic in a way that genuinely improves your health and well-being? In this episode, preventive cardiologist and bestselling author Dr. Yasmine S. Ali—known as The Positive Cardiologist—shares scientific evidence on the power of optimism to transform health and quality of life, along with her top 5 tips for becoming a more positive, optimistic person. As a New Year reset, she revisits the first pillar of her ORCHID Model for Positive Living™, offering practical, evidence-based strategies to help you cultivate a more positive, resilient mindset in the year ahead.
From Dr. Ali: “To begin the new year—and because the Positive Vibes audience continues to grow—I’m revisiting one of the most foundational episodes of the podcast: Episode 4, 'The Power of Optimism to Transform Your Health and Your Life.' If you missed it the first time, or if you’d like a science-based reset as you think about the year ahead, this replay brings you back to the heart of what Positive Vibes is all about.”
Sign up for the Positive Vibes e-magazine and newsletter and get a free e-book on Positive Living! Visit www.YasmineAliMD.com
Show links:
Support Positive Vibes: https://BuyMeaCoffee.com/onthesunnyside
Article referenced in this episode: “The New Science of Optimism and Longevity” (The MIT Press Reader) : https://thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/the-new-science-of-optimism-and-longevity
Seth Godin’s blog post on doom scrolling: https://seths.blog/2020/07/doom-scrolling/
Richard Leider’s The Power of Purpose
https://LastSkyWriting.com (purchase Walk through Fire and other books by Dr. Ali)
Dr. Ali’s home page: https://YasmineAliMD.com (sign up for the Positive Vibes newsletter and get a free e-book)
Watch the webinar for this episode on the Positive Vibes YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYToat6rWVA&t=1144s