Folks, The Ziglar Show isn’t an interview heavy show. We have Zig, how could you want more! But then, Zig inspired people, and was a fan of others who inspired. And when there is someone changing the world today, with truth and love and inspiration, it’s our duty and honor to bring them to you.
Today we’re going to talk about parenting, but I guarantee it’s going to be highly relevant for everyone. Why? Because we were all parented by someone, and it effected who you are. For those of you who are currently parents, wow. This show is going to resonate in some deep ways. Let me tell you what and who we have for you today…
Have you ever see a homeless person? Someone panhandling or sleeping in a park? Did you ever suppose what led them there? Our guest today was one of those people. His parents died when he was young and he didn’t handle it well. He ended up living under a pier for a time. But today we’re not discussing that story. You can go read about it later. We’re focusing on many years later. Decades. After he learned and grew and overcame.
Many will recognize our guest from his highly rated PBS special - The Seven Decisions. He appears consistently on CNN, FOX News, and ABC’s Good Morning America. He is the author of more than 25 books, including the New York Times bestsellers, The Noticer, and The Traveler’s Gift. He’s been a guest to the White House on several occasions and has spoken at the request of four different presidents of the United States. He works as a consultant to many Fortune 500 companies who have hired him to create a starting point for long-term success. Our guest, is Andy Andrews. A New York Times reporter recently wrote, “Andy Andrews has quietly become one of the most influential people in America.”
Which is interesting, as I’ve known Andy's name for as long as I can remember, though I don’t always see him on marquees or at the head of social media. Yet so, so many influential people cite his significant influence in their lives. Including my Dad, Dan Miller.
Before we bring Andy on, I’m going to bring together and share two short clips from Andy on parenting. One, I’m honestly sharing because it showcases an incredible talent for communication. The other, because it showcases heart and connection that will touch you. Both clips are about six minutes total, together.
And by the way, please check out what Andy has to offer at http://www.andyandrews.com/
Here you go, the first video is titled, The 50 Famous Parental Sayings. This is impressive. Here is Andy:
The second clip here is titled, Putting the boys to bed. This will touch your heart. Imagine receiving it as a child, from a truly loving, caring, supporting parent. And for you who ARE parents, imagine giving this blessing:
So now let’s dig in with Andy, as I’ve got Tom Ziglar and Andy both on the line with me.
Here is the show in entirety!
Andy, I normally start every interview by asking the interviewee about their personal Zig story. And I’ll do so here with you now. But when I write shows, I always do some search. One of the things I do is type in the interviewees name, along with Zig Ziglar. So I did it with you. I typed in “Andy Andrews Zig Ziglar”. Our last interview was with Dave Ramsey and I found this quote from him, about you:
“This is no ordinary author. Andy Andrews is a Life Whisperer. He has a way of taking life's most confusing issues and simplifying them, allowing us to harness principles and reach our fullest potential. His book The Final Summit is his best work yet...and that's really saying something!” - Dave Ramsey
This is a weighty testimonial! But the first page of google was primarily filled with references to this quote. Listen folks:
“Every generation or so, God produces a person who can communicate like no one else. His words are like cool water to a thirsty civilization. Andy Andrews is one of the best I have ever seen.”
Folks, that quote was from…Zig Ziglar,
Zig. One of the best communicators of all time. I already had reverence for you Andy. But when I read that testimonial from Zig…it was like hearing Michael Jordan reference you as one of the best basketball players of all time.
So to start off with Andy, I want to ask you two things:
- What is…your personal Zig story?
- How did you come to be a guy who one of the world’s best communicators, says is one of the best communicators?!
> > Andy discusses the power and necessity of communicating EFFECTIVELY, and connecting with the audience. That it's a process of awareness, wisdom and experience. "People are so often not aware of how others take their words."
Today we’re going to talk about your work on Parenting Andy. I’m the biological father of seven children and have two more who call me Daddy. I count my role as Daddy to Caleb, Autumn, Eliza, Ian, Canyon, Serene, Nekoda, Isaac and Mason as my personal testimony of God’s grace and unmerited favor.
Andy, I generally do my interviews by researching an interviewees content, then crafting questions that intrigue me and we dig in deeper. On average I write 3,000 words in prep for an interview. This will be the first interview I do…from a totally different perspective.
In prep for this interview, your team sent me some primer questions on your parenting focus. Honestly, I normally ignore these and again, craft my own. But as I read these, I wanted to know your response! So this is going to be a fully open, candid interview. We’re “going Rambo” as my buddies in my youth used to say when we were diving in unrehearsed and fully raw. Four questions to get your feedback on.
The first question that was posed:
- 1. Why have you become so passionate about the topic of Parenting
> Andy cites that “Parenting is the fulcrum that our society tilts on” - Next question, “What is the Gold Standard of Parenting”
> > "The best agreed upon level that we will adhere to," says Andy. "If you ask what the standard is for parenting, people agree to disagree. There is none anymore." - What do you believe is the most common mistake made by today’s parents
> > Andy shares, "It's thinking logically to an incomplete solution. There are many things in parenting that are truth, but we aren’t going far enough to know the full TRUTH."
[Andy also shared a quote that really impacted myself and Tom Ziglar. He stated that as parents, our goal shouldn't be to raise great kids. Our goal is to raise great adults!]
Andy has a new product, the “100 year Parenting Series”, which has 4 free videos and then a paid video series if you want more.
To get the 4 free videos, text 'parenting' to this number: 33444