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

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
 
 

Dr. Yasmine S. Ali shares her Positive Vibes roundup for the end of the year (2025): book recommendations for self-improvement, happiness, health, positivity, and creativity; as well as Dylan Crowell’s Christmas letter and a special musical ending. 
Featured books include Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s It Doesn’t Have to Hurt: Your Smart Guide to a Pain-Free Life, Colleen M. Story’s Escape the Writer’s Web, Cal Newport’s Deep Work, Thich Nhat Hanh’s Touching Peace, Dick Van Dyke’s 100 Rules for Living to 100, and Yasmine S. Ali’s The View from the Cliffs and Walk through Fire: The Train Disaster that Changed America.
Dr. Ali’s online bookstore with all of her books and merchandise: https://LastSkyWriting.com
If you’d like to send Dylan some stamps, or become one of his pen pals—he always loves it when people write to him; he will write you back promptly!—you can send those to the following address:
Dylan Crowell 
P.O. Box 517
Burns, TN 37029
 
Show links:
Get your free Positive Vibes e-book: https://yasmine-ali-author.beehiiv.com/
Support the Positive Vibes podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/onthesunnyside
Dr. Ali’s personal website: https://YasmineAliMD.com
Dr. Ali’s online bookstore with all of her books and merchandise: https://LastSkyWriting.com
It Doesn’t Have to Hurt, by Dr. Sanjay Gupta: https://bookshop.org/a/447/9781668014479
Collen M. Story’s book, Escape the Writer’s Web: https://bookshop.org/a/447/9798992617245
Deep Work, by Cal Newport: https://bookshop.org/a/447/9781455586691
Touching Peace, by Thich Nhat Hanh: https://bookshop.org/a/447/9781941529393
100 Rules for Living to 100, by Dick Van Dyke: https://bookshop.org/a/447/9781538777909
The View from the Cliffs, by Yasmine S. Ali: https://lastskywriting.com/products/the-view-from-the-cliffs
Walk through Fire: The Train Disaster that Changed America, by Yasmine S. Ali: https://lastskywriting.com/products/autographed-copy-of-walk-through-fire-the-train-disaster-that-changed-america
Positive Vibes podcast Ep. 1: The Waverly Train Disaster and the Origins of Positive Vibes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YbXASWOgSc
Positive Vibes podcast Ep. 7: The Pen Pals Project (Interview with Dylan Crowell)
Positive Vibes podcast Ep. 8: Follow Your Bliss and Doors Will Open (Interview w/Sarah Samaan)
 
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 Natalie Nixon, PhD, about her latest book, Move. Think. Rest.: Redefining Productivity & Our Relationship with Time. They discuss the importance of creativity to productivity, how to unlock creativity, and how to shift our mindset on the meaning of productivity. They also discuss the critical importance of both movement and rest for whole-body, whole-mind well-being, physical and mental health, and resilience.
Purchase Natalie’s book: https://bookshop.org/a/447/9780306835582
Get Dr. Ali’s free e-book on positive living when you subscribe for free to the Positive Vibes e-magazine and newsletter: https://yasmine-ali-author.beehiiv.com/ or www.YasmineAliMD.com
 
Find all of Yasmine S. Ali’s books and merchandise at https://LastSkyWriting.com
 
Show links:
Get the free Positive Vibes e-magazine and e-book: https://yasmine-ali-author.beehiiv.com/
Dr. Ali’s website: www.YasmineAliMD.com (https://yasminealimd.com)
Support Positive Vibes: https://buymeacoffee.com/onthesunnyside
Purchase Natalie’s book, Move. Think. Rest. : https://bookshop.org/a/447/9780306835582
Find all of Dr. Ali’s books and merchandise at: https://LastSkyWriting.com
Seth Godin’s blog: https://seths.blog/
 

In this season of Thanksgiving, Dr. Ali reflects on the power of gratitude to transform your health and your life--and gives several tips on how you can begin your own practice of gratitude today.
 
Positive Vibes playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5boVIqICuLcRHnIWjlnlP8?si=fa901f9251484330
 
Get your free positive living e-book: https://yasmine-ali-author.beehiiv.com/
 
Learn more about Yasmine S. Ali, MD and connect/contact: https://YasmineAliMD.com
Visit Dr. Ali's online bookstore: https://LastSkyWriting.com
 

Dr. Yasmine Ali talks with David Frei about the amazing healing power of therapy dogs, the upcoming National Dog Show (2025) on NBC, and his long and distinguished career in the world of dogs.
Find this episode on YouTube and see the slideshow: https://youtu.be/Xv1WTAZhV1M
Get the free Positive Vibes e-magazine and e-book: https://yasmine-ali-author.beehiiv.com/
Show links:
Get the free Positive Vibes e-magazine and e-book: https://yasmine-ali-author.beehiiv.com/
Dr. Ali’s website: www.YasmineAliMD.com (https://yasminealimd.com)
Support Positive Vibes: https://buymeacoffee.com/onthesunnyside
 
 
National Dog Show website (NBC Insider): https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/show/the-national-dog-show
 
Both of David’s books: The Angel by My Side (https://bookshop.org/a/447/9781401900588) and Angel on a Leash (https://amzn.to/49j1ekr)
Angel on a Leash website: https://angelonaleash.wildapricot.org/
Link to Dr. Ali’s blog post, “How Dogs Help Our Hearts”: https://yasminealimd.com/how-dogs-help-our-hearts/
Link to Dr. Ali’s post, “The Power of Play”: https://yasminealimd.com/power-of-play/
 
National Dog Show Therapy Dog Symposium: https://sites.rowan.edu/wellness/pettherapy/national-dog-show-therapy-dog-symposium-at-rowan-university.html
Find all of Dr. Ali’s books and merchandise at: www.LastSkyWriting.com