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Articles by Michael Rucker
Interview with Bree Groff about Fun at Work
Bree Groff is the author of Today Was Fun: A Book About Work (Seriously) and a workplace culture and transformation advisor focused on making work more human and more enjoyable. She is a senior advisor at SYPartners and has partnered with leaders at companies including Microsoft, Pfizer, Google, Hilton, Stripe, Atlassian, Calvin Klein, Alphabet, and Target. Previously, she served as CEO of NOBL Collective, and she writes and speaks widely on change, employee experience, and the future of work.
Phillies place OF Brandon Marsh on injured list with right hamstring strain
About 2 minutes reading time. PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies placed outfielder Brandon Marsh on the 10-day injured list on Monday with a strained right hamstring. The NL East leaders also put infielder Kody Clemens on the 10-day IL with low back spasms. Outfielder David Dahl and utilityman Weston Wilson were promoted from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, and right-hander Michael Rucker was transferred to the 60-day IL. Marsh, 26, got hurt during Sunday night’s 5-4 loss to St. Louis.
The 2024 Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide is Here - Get Your Copy Now
If you click on a link on this site which takes you to a bookmaker or casino and you subsequently open an account, Fantasy Alarm may receive a commission. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA/MI), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-888-532-3500 (VA) or call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN).
5 Ways Employers Can Support Their Employees’ Work Psyche
Finding ways to enable our workforce to enjoy themselves, protect their mental health, and thrive within the workplace should concern us all. There has never been a more important time to implement strategies that help employees enjoy and stay engaged with their work. When employees find their work pleasurable and feel connected to the company they serve, this inherently supports their work psyche. Here are five ideas you can explore that do just that.
Interview with Lee Huffman about Travel Hacking
Lee Huffman hosts the weekly ‘We Travel There with Lee Huffman’ podcast. His freelance work has been published on many popular websites, including Forbes, Investopedia, FinanceBuzz, NerdWallet, SlickDeals, and more, and he also maintains his own travel website at BaldThoughts.com. Lee lives by the motto “Travel More. Spend Less.
How Yoga Can Be a Fun Way to Roar Back Into the 2020s
How Yoga Can Be a Fun Way to Roar Back Into the 2020s Yoga: A Path of Building Mental Resilience while Having Fun! Similar to the roaring 1920s after the 1918 flu pandemic, many of us are eager to engage in more self-care, as well as more fun, to help us separate ourselves from the unpleasantness of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yoga, through movement and exercise, is an excellent way to restore our mental resilience while having a bit of fun at the same time.
I'm A Behavioral Scientist & This Is The Habit I Recommend For Greater Happiness
Variety is the spice of life, as they say—but how exactly should that old adage be embraced? Well, that depends somewhat on how you apply variety to your life. For instance, some might thrive having a “year of yes” where they accept any invitation that comes their way. Others might find this type of variety exhausting. The good news: there are plenty of ways to add variety to your life, all of which can increase your potential for fun and add opportunities for more joy in your day-to-day life.
Télétravail : conseils pour lutter contre les burnouts
Le télétravail est souvent une demande des salariés. Mais sur le long terme, il peut aussi générer un nouveau type de fatigue et flouter la limite entre vie privée et professionnelle. Heureusement, il existe des solutions simples pour remédier à ses conséquences les plus négatives. par Michael Rucker, consultant et auteur de « The Fun Habit » Publié le: 30 juil.
Interview with Tasha Eurich about Personal Insight
Dr. Tasha Eurich is an organizational psychologist, researcher, and New York Times bestselling author. As Principal of The Eurich Group, she uses science to help successful executives achieve dramatic personal and organizational change. Globally recognized as the top self-awareness coach and organizational culture expert, her clients include Google, the NBA, IBM, and the White House Leadership Development Program.
This Is What Scheduling 30 Minutes Of Fun Daily Can Do For Your Health
Psychologist & Behavioral Scientist By Michael Rucker, Ph.D. Our editors have independently chosen the products listed on this page. If you purchase something mentioned in this article, we may earn a small commission. May 23, 2021 — 14:02 PM Although fun has various contextual definitions, the act of fun is only truly defined by the person experiencing it. Each one of us has the power to elicit more fun in our lives—sometimes we just require the right nudge.
How companies can lessen employees' virtual meeting fatigue
Problem solve Get help with specific problems with your technologies, process and projects. As employees face uninterrupted screen and video meeting time, their risk of ill health and burnout increases. Here's a look at how employers can help.
How companies can lessen employees' virtual meeting fatigue
Article 4 of 4 Part of: Guide to supporting employee mental health As employees face uninterrupted screen and video meeting time, their risk of ill health and burnout increases. Here's a look at how employers can help.
Interview with Iris Mauss about the Consequences of the Pursuit of Happiness
Iris Mauss is a professor in the psychology department at the University of California Berkeley and director of the Emotion & Emotion Regulation Lab. She’s known for her research on emotions and emotion regulation, with an emphasis on their influence on health and well-being. In her studies, she also explores the negative consequences the pursuit of happiness can have. Her research has been cited in popular media outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Psychology Today.
Understanding the Various Degrees of Cryotherapies
Treating injury with cold temperatures is a widely accepted therapy modality in both medicine and rehabilitation. In cryosurgery, for example, tissue is destroyed by controlled freezing. Cryotherapy has been used in oncology, and the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of ice have been explored in rheumatology since 1978.
Interview with Mike Rucker about the Science of Fun
This special edition marks the 100th post in the thought leader interview series. For this interview, I asked five respected individuals that have helped me in some way with my upcoming book (about the science of fun) to submit a question they have about fun. The book, The Fun Habit, launches at the end of 2021. 1) [Ursa Bratun] On the assumption that set-point theory can be applied to fun, what do you think was the strategy (or insight) that helped you reset your set point for fun the most?
Wind energy myths generate confusion | Guest Opinion
At Scout Clean Energy, we know that big ideas sometimes lead to big questions. That’s why transparency with the local community about our wind energy projects is important to everyone here at our company and most especially to me. After many years of developing renewable energy projects across the country, I’ve heard just about every myth and misconception about wind turbines.
Interview with Gary Ware about the Power of Play
Gary Ware is the founder of Breakthrough Play, a consultancy that helps professionals and companies “level up” through the power of play. When Gary is not doing improv or working with others to better integrate play into their lives, he is speaking on the topic of play. His most recent presentation on the subject is a TEDx talk called How Play Saved My Life.
Michael Lee Rucker
Michael Lee Rucker, 63, of Harrison, OH, died on Monday, Aug. 26, 2019, in Harrison, in a fatal car accident. He was born in Marietta, on December 11, 1955, and was a son of Mike and Louise Yoho Rucker of Stockport, formally of Hackney. Michael was a 1974 graduate of Fort Frye High School and graduated from Ohio University in 1978. He also studied church growth and received a Master’s Degree in Divinity at Cincinnati Bible Seminary.
Interview with Charlie Hoehn about the Power of Play
Charlie Hoehn is an author, keynote speaker and expert on the power of play. Charlie worked for three years with Tim Ferriss, the author of The New York Times bestseller “The 4-Hour Work Week,” and helped Tim edit and launch the #1 New York Times bestseller The 4-Hour Body. Charlie currently functions as the head of video for Book in a Box.
Interview with Erik Paquet about Travel Hacking
Erik Paquet started travel hacking while studying at the University of Michigan almost 10 years ago. He developed expertise as a travel hacker, finding ways to travel for free by strategically redeeming rewards points and frequent flyer miles. To date, Erik has earned and redeemed over 2.5 million frequent flyer miles, making him a leading authority in travel loyalty programs. Wishing to share this knowledge, Erik co-founded Abroaders, a company whose mission is to democratize travel.
How publishers will survive Facebook’s newsfeed change
Facebook announced on January 11 that it would change its News Feed algorithm to prioritize posts from friends and family over public content. Say goodbye to never-ending sponsored posts from Tasty, CNN, and other brands that have embraced the platform. Time to say hello to more personal posts featuring commenting and sharing from your friends. Sounds like the original version of Facebook, no?
How publishers will survive Facebook's newsfeed change
Facebook announced on January 11 that it would change its News Feed algorithm to prioritize posts from friends and family over public content. Say goodbye to never-ending sponsored posts from Tasty, CNN, and other brands that have embraced the platform. Time to say hello to more personal posts featuring commenting and sharing from your friends. Sounds like the original version of Facebook, no?
Interview with Morten Hansen about Being Great at Work
Morten Hansen is a world-renowned organizational consultant who is a thought leader in many areas of business, some of the most notable being collaboration and high performance. Morten wrote the book Great by Choice with Jim Collins. His new book, Great at Work, discusses ways top performers work less while achieving more.
Retention: The Secret of the Fishbowl
At almost every fitness industry conference I attend, the No. 1 problem I hear facing health clubs is retention. The proliferation of marketing and sales tools in recent years is exciting, if not exhausting to keep up with. However, retention technology has not evolved at the same pace, and that is likely because as an industry we still do not fundamentally understand how churn works.
Technology Adoption: How to Make an Informed Decision
In many respects, there are signs that our industry is progressively embracing technology. For example, we are seeing that small operators—once intimidated by social media—are using these digital communication tools in increasingly creative ways. The innovative, scrappy campaigns of single-site studios sometimes outshine what established players are doing with sizable budgets. In many ways, technology is leveling the playing field.
The Science of FOMO and YOLO • Mike Rucker, Ph.D.
I recently went to the French Laundry to celebrate my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. Those that are connoisseurs of gastronomy are aware that the French Laundry is one of the most exciting culinary experience one can have. Nonetheless, I watched in amazement as many of the tables around me spent a majority of their time one their smartphones.
Dynamic Pricing - Friend or Foe of the Health Club Industry?
It has been reported that, on average, consumers waste approximately $39 of monthly gym membership dues from underutilization. On the operator side, especially single-site studios, unused class capacity represents real dollars left on the table. Most industry experts agree there are market inefficacies on both sides of the health club offering. Moreover, convenience, value, choice and flexibility are important to the modern consumer.
'Don't blame Ford for anthem protests. Blame NFL players'
It's not about the sponsors. It's about honor and respect for our national anthem and flag. You should do a little history on how the Ford Motor Company helped make this country into what it is today, and putting people to work with good-paying jobs and building a war machine to help win the war against Germany and Japan during World War II — and all that Ford contributes to the world. NFL players have done nothing to help America.
Interview with Matt Holt about Health 2.0 • Mike Rucker, Ph.D.
Matthew Holt is the eccentric Co-Chairman of the Health 2.0 Conference. Before helping launch the Health 2.0 movement, Matt was a survey researcher at Harris Interactive, as well as being involved with the Institute for the Future. In 2003, he started The Health Care Blog, one of the first blogs of its kind to specifically address the trials and tribulations of health care.
Visit Spain’s (almost) secret islands
When the late summer heat kicks in, it’s hard not to daydream about laying out on an island shore. Due to their ecosystems and biodiversity, there is limited access to many of the islands around Spain. But that makes the desire to visit these unspoiled nature reserves even greater. Each island is its own separate universe, each with its own defining characteristics and exciting activities.
5 effective and smart ways to do VR marketing today
If you’ve been following the exciting developments in virtual reality and the 360-degree video industry, you’ve probably noticed VR’s fragmented distribution experience. Today, more than 6 million major VR headset brands, including PlayStation VR, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Samsung Gear VR, and Google DayDream, have been sold. More than 88 million Google Cardboard units have been handed out to consumers. And over a billion smartphone users now can view 360-degree video experiences without headsets.
What is Fun Anyway?
What is Fun? The Oxford English Dictionary (O.E.D) defines fun as “amusement, especially lively or playful.” As an adjective, the word is described as “amusing, entertaining, enjoyable.” “For fun” or “for the fun of it” means “not for a serious purpose.” The standard definition of fun suggests some overlap with the concept of play. In fact, these two words are often mentioned together (e.g. fun and games).
The Value of Friendships (Kids & Our Own) — Musings from a Bounce House • Mike Rucker, Ph.D.
I live on the island of Alameda, California — here on the island there is a place that has begun to wear on me. It’s called Pump It Up, a favorite among local parents for children’s birthday parties, and there is nothing inherently bad about this place. I suppose selfishly I do not like it because I have not connected with many people in the parent circle of my kids … and this type of event is solely for our kids.
Can You Really be Addicted to Fun? • Mike Rucker, Ph.D.
This should not surprise anyone. I pretty much have been my whole life. Admittedly, this passion has gotten me into trouble from time to time. For me, channeling this obsession by creating better user experiences (UX) grounds my passion with a purpose. I want people to enjoy what they are doing. I want people to have more fun. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for things that are initially described as “fun” to turn into addictions — and, at extremes, pathological obsessions.
Could You be a Fun Addict?
Hello, my name is Mike Rucker, and I am a fun addict. This should not surprise anyone. I pretty much have been my whole life. Admittedly, this passion has gotten me into trouble from time to time. For me, channeling this obsession by creating better user experiences (UX) grounds my passion with a purpose. I want people to enjoy what they are doing. I want people to have more fun.
Is Ignorance Bliss? • Michael Rucker
I am an endless knowledge seeker, so on first pass, I naturally scoff at the notion that somehow ignorance is bliss. As such, on face value, “is ignorance bliss?” seems like an asinine question. My desire to educate myself on how to be happy has fueled my involvement with the International Positive Psychology Association and my study of academic thought leaders in this space — people like Martin Seligman, Ed Diener, and Barbara Fredrickson — to learn ways to be happier.
Why You Need More Fun in Your Life, According to Science
Most of us want to have more fun, it just seems like it is not as easy as it used to be. The reasons are many: guilt (because others aren’t having fun), perceived inappropriateness (because others around us cannot have fun) or lack of time (because our commitment to others won’t let us have fun). Yet, science gives an encouraging nod that we need to make time for fun and should perhaps prioritize it.
What is the Meaning of Legacy and Why Do You Want to Leave One? • Mike Rucker, Ph.D.
Have you ever thought what you want on your tombstone? Or wondered what gives you the drive to hustle? Are you the benevolent type, but still have enough ego that you want to be remembered for all the good you did in the world? There are many forces that help drive us to pursue, and the desire to leave a legacy is one of the strongest.
Can a person change their behavior?
Why Behavior Change is a Bunch of BS and What You Can Do about It Can a person change their behavior? I have generally been an advocate of behavior change science, however, I am not so sure anymore. Designing healthy habits and routines can be an effective way to elicit change in the appropriate environment.
Op-Ed: 'The historic truth' about Peoria's relationship with the Duryeas
In publishing a photo of the mural in Peoria Heights of the Duryea automobile, the Journal Star referred to the vehicle in the image as a "Peoria Trap." The vehicle is indeed a "Duryea" but it is not of the model that Charles Duryea called the "Peoria Motor Trap."
Guest commentary: In Colorado, more jobs, less carbon
Earlier this month, a new report titled "Winds of Change" highlighted the major positive impact Colorado's booming wind energy industry is having on our economy. The report, which was rolled out by the national nonpartisan business group Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) at the Alliance Center in Denver, found that Colorado is home to nearly 10 percent of the entire nation's wind energy workforce, with more than 2,500 jobs announced in the state's wind sector the past three years alone.
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