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Start Your Day Positive

Len and Sara

Start Your Day Positive is the feel-good way to start your morning. Every weekday, we bring you uplifting news (yes, it exists!), trending stories worth talking about, real-life conversations, a little humor, and those fascinating “Today in History” moments that make you say, “I didn’t know that!”
And we always wrap up with a heartfelt prayer to center you, strengthen you, and remind you that you’re not walking into the day alone.

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#426
Yesterday · 22 min
The Daily 3: Dish Soap Is More Powerful Than We Thought
Could ordinary dish soap be more powerful than we give it credit for? Researchers put it up against 70% alcohol and a professional-grade disinfectant — and the results might make you look at that bottle by your sink a little differently. Plus, Chili’s is having a major comeback, with five straight years of sales growth and plans for more restaurants — including possible expansion in Ohio. And if you noticed Al Roker suddenly disappear from TODAY, we finally know where he went. Spoiler: he had a pretty good excuse. Also today: It’s National Coffee Day! We’re sharing the very American reason coffee got a boost after the Boston Tea Party — and Len puts Sara to the test with a Price Is Right–style coffee game. Today in History: Confucius was born, the five-day workweek begins to take shape, and we look at how much the workweek has changed over the years. Win the Day: Len shares what he says is the best cure for the hiccups. And as always, we’ll end the morning with a little encouragement and prayer. Everything you need to know. None of the doom. Start your day with Sara & Len! Thanks to our sponsors Northeast Factory Direct and Liberty Healthshare
#425
Monday · 26 min
The Daily 3: The two words that can make you a better boss, Gen Z's Spiritual Awakening
Two little words could change the way your entire workplace treats each other... and researchers say there’s a reason it works. Today’s Daily 3: the surprising ripple effect of saying “thank you,” why Gen Z may be bucking the trend when it comes to faith, and Meta’s new animated AI assistant that can actually get things done for you. Plus, Sara goes to her first Banana Ball game, Ted Williams’ record that still hasn’t been matched, and a memorable final moment on the mound for Justin Verlander. Get our newsletter inbox free — startyourdaypositive.com Thanks to our sponsors Universal Windows Direct and Liberty Healthshare
#424
Friday · 27 min
Taylor Swift’s “Cleveland!” Is Here — New Meta Smart Glasses, America's All Time Favorite One-Hit Wonders
Taylor Swift’s new song “Cleveland!” is out, and we’re using it as a reason to celebrate the city — including Cleveland’s connection to rock and roll, Superman and Monday Night Football, along with the surprising number of songs that have mentioned Cleveland through the years. We’re also talking about Meta’s latest vision for smart glasses, including camera-free Ray-Bans, new VR glasses and an AI assistant called MUSE. McDonald’s is planning an $8.5 billion global makeover, with more emphasis on chicken, breakfast, specialty drinks, AI-assisted drive-thrus and even higher-protein menu ideas. And could exercise work nearly as well as over-the-counter medication for some types of pain? A huge analysis involving more than 220,000 people found significant pain relief from exercise Today in History: The beginning of the five-day work week with no reduction in pay. We’ll also test your age radar with birthdays for Will Smith, Scottie Pippen, Heather Locklear, Mark Hamill, Anson Williams and Cheryl Tiegs. And it’s National One-Hit Wonder Day! We count down a listener-favorite list - What is America's all time favorite One Hit Wonder? \
#423
Thursday · 32 min
Taylor Swift’s “Cleveland!” Song + New Clues Near Noah’s Ark
Taylor Swift just put “Cleveland!” on the track list for her new release — and Northeast Ohio has a few questions. We’ll tell you about that, plus the unusual new findings near Mount Ararat that have researchers taking another look at a formation some believe could be connected to Noah’s Ark. Then, some genuinely encouraging news about teen mental health from the CDC’s latest national survey. Plus, we run through 10 popular home remedies for headaches — and what doctors actually say about which ones may help. And in Today in History: Babe Ruth’s incredibly heavy bat and the surprising place the very first KFC franchise opened. Plus something to send you into the day on the right foot. Thanks to our sponsors Liberty Healthshare and Universal Windows Direct.
#422
September 23 · 24 min
McDonald’s Monopoly is Back, Fall Colors & Why You Should Say Hello First Today
McDonald’s Monopoly is coming back, Northeast Ohio could be in for a beautiful fall color season, and a new survey shows just how overloaded many Americans feel by the everyday “mental load” of life and how we can help share the load. Plus, in Today in History, we look back at the debut of The Jetsons and how many of the shows futuristic inventions exist today, and on this day Lewis and Clark’s returned from their trip. It was truely providential that they made it back! It’s also Stump Day, with a chance to win two dozen Daisy Pops. And Sara talks with her daughter Reagan about Start With Hello Week and the simple but powerful importance of reaching out, including others and choosing kindness.
#421
September 22 · 28 min
Back to the 90's and How to Tell if it's Fake News
Capri Sun is going BIG with a giant 24-ounce reusable pouch, and we’re talking about a possible new mystery inside King Tut’s tomb that could lead to hidden rooms — maybe even the tomb of Queen Nefertiti. Plus, a new study on the best way to spot fake news, Friends turns 32, Abraham Lincoln’s preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, and Len shares a little locker-room encouragement that really stuck with us. Thanks to our podcast sponsors Liberty Healthshare and Northeast Factory Direct. Sign up for the Morning Boosts newsletter HERE! Email: LenandSara@StartYourDayPositive.com Our Website: StartYourDayPositive.com HOSTS: Sara Carnes // @SaraCarnes4 Len Howswer // @LenHowser
#420
September 21 · 31 min
What It’s Like to Be an Emmys Seat Filler + Best Ohio Fall Color Spots
Fall is officially here, and Ohio is showing off! We’re talking about two Ohio destinations just named among the best places in America for fall color, plus the comeback of Toys “R” Us and a fun Cleveland connection to the very first Monday Night Football. Plus, why September 21 will forever belong to Earth, Wind & Fire, a little gratitude for National Gratitude Day… and have you ever wondered what it’s REALLY like to be an Emmys seat filler? Sara’s friend Todd joins us with behind-the-scenes stories about sitting among the stars and what happens when the cameras aren’t rolling. Thanks to our sponsors today Universal Windows Direct and Liberty Healthshare
#419
September 18 · 25 min
The 2027 Color of the Year + The 20-Second Compassion Trick
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.
#418
September 17 · 26 min
Why Adults Are Buying Toys Again + Spider-Man Makes History
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.
#417
September 16 · 24 min
Another Reason to Love Coffee + A Wordle Trick
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.
#416
September 15 · 28 min
Sounds to Help Your Brain While You Sleep + The Restaurant America Agrees On
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
#415
September 14 · 33 min
Dolly Parton's New Song, Baby Names Trending and We Chat with Luke from For King+Country
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
#414
September 11 · 28 min
Walmart Adds Tap to Pay + Why Everyone Is Posting 80s Photos
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.
#413
September 10 · 31 min
Apple’s Foldable iPhone + What’s the Greatest Sitcom Ever?
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
#412
September 9 · 28 min
Taylor Swift’s Beautiful Tip to Better Collaboration & Gen Z Leading a CD Comeback
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.
#411
September 8 · 25 min
The Starbucks Cup That Changes Flavor + What Makes a Joke Funny
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
#410
September 7 · 23 min
91-Year-Old Hikes the Appalachian Trail + Can Music Ease Pain?
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!
#409
September 4 · 26 min
Taylor & Travis, Google’s Birthday & a Human Cannonball
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
#408
September 3 · 24 min
DWTS Reveals Its New Cast + The Movie That Almost Never Got Released
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
#407
September 2 · 22 min
Winner, Winner, Chicken… Purse? + Sleeping In May Help Your Heart!
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

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