Start Your Day Positive

What in the world is “maxxing” — and why is it Dictionary.com’s Word of the Year? We’re breaking down the latest word taking over the internet, including “nonnamaxxing,” which honestly sounds pretty good to us.

Plus, a new survey finds Americans are now choosing convenience over health when deciding what to eat, and Christmas movie season is officially here with 82 new holiday movies and specials headed our way.

And Len has found a recipe influencer he LOVES and can’t wait to show Sara. There’s just one little detail about this guy that Len definitely didn’t know… 😂

We’ll also look back at the night The Wizard of Oz became a television event in Today in History, plus a little encouragement to help you Win the Day.

Thanks to our sponsors Northeast Factory Direct and Liberty Healthshare

The Daily 3

1. Christmas Shopping Is Becoming a Social Event! 🎄

Forget just buying presents! Half of Gen Z shoppers see holiday shopping as a social outing, and 97% plan to visit a physical store this season. Are we coming full circle to the days when Christmas shopping at the mall was an event?

2. Thanksgiving Dinner for Less Than $4 a Person! 🦃

Major retailers are competing for your Thanksgiving grocery dollars! Walmart, ALDI and Target are offering affordable holiday meal bundles, while Sam's Club and Costco have options for families looking for something more elaborate.

3. Forget Relaxing Vacations — Try a DARECATION! 🏔️

A growing travel trend is all about challenging yourself! From mountain climbing to endurance adventures, more vacationers are choosing experiences that push their limits. Searches for adventure tourism are up 75%!

Today in History – National Ohio Day! 🌰

Celebrating the Buckeye State, which became America's 17th state in 1803! Ohio has given us seven U.S. presidents, the nation's only nonrectangular state flag, and some of America's most famous restaurant chains!

Ohio Trivia: The state flag, the cardinal, "Hang On Sloopy," and Ohio's surprising connections to Wendy's, Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings, White Castle and more!

Also on Today's Show

A Little More Spontaneity! Len talks about the fun of being more spontaneous in everyday life.

Put Down the Phone and Pick Up a Hobby! Sara shares her growing interest in Diamond Art and the trend of rediscovering hands-on hobbies.

A brand-new week, a brand-new month, and plenty of reasons to start your day POSITIVE!

Start your Friday with Len and Sara and a little positivity to carry into the weekend!

In today's Daily 3, we're talking about a new social media trend called "bloomscrolling" that could actually leave you feeling BETTER after spending time on your phone! Plus, Airbnb is changing the rules on what hosts can ask guests to clean before checking out. And don't forget to FALL BACK! Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend, bringing an extra hour of sleep but earlier sunsets. Could Congress finally put an end to changing our clocks?

In Today in History, we look back at the 1938 War of the Worlds radio broadcast that had some Americans believing Martians were invading Earth!

And one of the greatest upsets in sports history! In 1974, Muhammad Ali knocked out George Foreman in the legendary Rumble in the Jungle. But for Foreman, losing that fight eventually became part of a much bigger victory in life. Hear his remarkable reflections on faith, friendship, and how Muhammad Ali went from being his rival to one of his dearest friends.

Plus, Sara shares why taking a little time to decompress and play games might be just what we need!

A little laughter, a little perspective, and a positive way to head into your weekend!

Thanks for starting your day with us!

#StartYourDayPositive #LenAndSara #PositivePodcast

Start Your Day Positive | Thursday, October 29, 2026

Would you take a pay cut for a three-day weekend every week? A new survey reveals how much Americans value their free time — and why younger workers are more willing to trade money for an extra day off.

In today's Daily 3, we're also talking Thanksgiving! Campbell's annual State of the Sides report reveals just how much Americans LOVE their holiday side dishes. Could you skip the turkey altogether? Plus, new research suggests that staying socially active may be one of the best things you can do to keep your brain sharp as you age.

Today in History: We're celebrating some remarkable milestones! From the first ballpoint pens sold in America to Ohio's own John Glenn returning to space at age 77. We'll share some inspiring reminders that you're never too old to chase a dream. And we'll look back at the NBA debut of an 18-year-old kid from Akron named LeBron James!

Our Win the Day Moment: Sometimes the best gifts are the ones nobody sees coming! Len shares the simple joy of surprising someone with an unexpected gift of appreciation — and why a little thoughtfulness can make someone's entire day.

Plus, a positive thought, a little laughter, and a closing prayer about seeing the goodness, joy, and little blessings all around us.

Start Your Day Positive with Len & Sara. A feel-good way to start your day!

Start Your Day Positive | Wednesday, October 28, 2026

What happens when somebody tells you NO? Sometimes that's exactly where a great story begins!

Join Len and Sara for another feel-good way to start your day, filled with interesting news, fascinating history, a little fun, and encouragement for whatever comes your way.

In Today's Daily 3:

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Instagram vs. YouTube? Instagram is testing full-length videos up to 90 minutes, potentially changing how we watch podcasts, interviews, and shows.

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AI and the Bible: More than 70 million religion-related questions are being asked of ChatGPT every week! Why are so many people turning to artificial intelligence to better understand their faith?

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Memories Over Merchandise: More Americans are choosing experiences over traditional Christmas gifts. Would you rather receive another present or make a memory together?

Today in History – October 28

We look back at the founding of Harvard University in 1636 and its surprising Christian roots. Plus, the dedication of the Statue of Liberty in 1886, including Thomas Edison's unusual idea to make Lady Liberty TALK!

It's STUMP DAY!

Play along with our weekly trivia challenge for a chance to win TWO DOZEN delicious cake pops from Daisy Pops! Visit DaisyPops.com.

Our Win-the-Day Moment: Don't Take NO for an Answer!

When the creator of Pashion Shoes introduced her innovative convertible high heels on Shark Tank, the Sharks said NO. But that wasn't the end of the story! Sometimes rejection isn't a dead end. It's just a different road to something great.

Start your day with a smile, a little inspiration, and a reminder that today is full of possibilities!

Start Your Day Positive with Len and Sara!

What's America's favorite season? The answer might surprise you, especially if you live in Ohio! Plus, air fryers are hotter than ever, and a new study reveals something interesting about how the emotions in popular music have changed over the years..

Today in History: A vision that changed the course of Christianity, the incredible engineering behind New York City's first subway, and the Taylor Swift album that took her career to a whole new level.

Win the Day: Don't just take a walk — go climb something! Discover how a little adventure can bring fresh energy and wonderful memories to your day. Plus, Sara shares how one simple change at home is a great reminder that sometimes mixing things up can make all the difference.

And since it's National Cranky Co-Workers Day, we might have a little fun with that, too!

Positive Thought: Romans 12:2 reminds us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Sometimes changing our lives for the better begins with changing the way we think.

Start your Tuesday with a smile, a little inspiration, and a positive outlook on life!

Start Your Day Positive with Len & Sara — A Feel-Good Way to Start Your Day

What will we be eating in 2027? Whole Foods just released its annual food-trend forecast, and “Freezer Fine Dining” is only the beginning. We’re talking upgraded instant foods, sophisticated alcohol-free drinks, a surprising rise for vinegar, and why fiber could be everywhere next year.

Plus, more Americans are getting their news from TikTok... especially younger adults. We’ll look at the new numbers and ask: would you trust TikTok to keep you informed?

And America officially has a brand new national park!! We’re taking you to Arizona’s “Land of Standing-Up Rocks” and telling you what makes our 64th national park worth putting on your travel list.

We’ll also look back at what happened Today in History, and in our Win the Day moment, Sara’s new living-room rug sparked a bigger thought: sometimes one small change makes you see everything around it differently.

Thanks to our sponsors Liberty Healthshare, Northeast Factory Direct and Sweetie's Candy

Could starting a business actually help you live longer? A new study found an interesting longevity advantage among entrepreneurs — and researchers think purpose, independence and doing work you enjoy may have something to do with it.

Plus, can you pronounce America’s most-mispronounced word? We’re counting down the words sending people to Google for help — including the one Ohioans apparently struggle with most.

And meet Chicken Nugget, one of the fastest-rising pet names of 2026. We’ve got the other names taking off for dogs and cats this year.

Also today: Sara shares a simple H.A.L.T. check-in that might explain why you’re having a bad day — and what to do about it.

Thanks to our sponsors Liberty Healthshare, Northeast Factory Direct and Sweetie's Candy!

Join Len & Sara for a fun-filled edition of Start Your Day Positive!

Toys “R” Us Is Back! A childhood favorite returns to Northeast Ohio! Find out where you can be a Toys “R” Us kid again.

Shooting Stars! Halley’s Comet is putting on a show, and Friday morning could be a great opportunity to catch it.

Fake Shopping? Shop till you drop without spending a dime! The unusual online trend that lets you fill your cart without emptying your wallet.

Today in History: The first parachute jump from a balloon! Meet the daring Frenchman who took a 3,000-foot leap of faith in 1797.

International Stuttering Awareness Day: Meet Browns rookie KC Concepcion, whose confidence and courage remind us that what you have to say matters more than how smoothly you say it.

Win the Day: Less scrolling, more connecting! Sara shares the growing interest in getting together with friends, plus an invitation to a beginner's mahjong night!

A little laughter, encouragement, friendship, and a positive thought to carry into your day.

🎧 Start Your Day Positive with Len & Sara!

Lay’s is taking potato chips in a VERY unexpected direction including two new flavors that have the internet searching before they even hit shelves.

Plus, Walmart just announced a new membership deal with Sam's Club that could save shoppers nearly $100 a year, and a new study gives us a pretty good reason to put on our dancing shoes.

And in Today in History: the thousands of experiments behind Edison’s light bulb, the real story that inspired “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” and some typing records that are almost impossible to believe.

We’ll also share a remarkable story about what can happen when things don’t go according to plan and the reminder we can all take from it.

Thanks to our sponsors Liberty Healthshare, Universal Windows Direct, and Northeast Factory Direct.

Holiday shopping is starting early... and Gen Z and millennials are changing how we spend. Plus, Chick-fil-A’s CEO says the chain’s Sunday tradition isn’t going anywhere, and a new study suggests a simple snack swap could be good for your blood pressure.

In Today in History: the Louisiana Purchase and the high-jump move that changed the sport forever.

And Sara shares a Win the Day thought about the labels we put on ourselves during seasons of transition.

A feel-good way to start your day with Len & Sara! ☀️

Is Tesla really developing a car that can fly, flip upside down, and jump over traffic? A wild viral video has everyone talking, and we're separating fact from fiction!

In today's Daily 3, we're also talking about why so many drivers admit to speeding, what AAA discovered about our driving habits, and a major shakeup in the cola wars! After more than 40 years, KFC is saying goodbye to Pepsi and hello to Coca-Cola!

Today in History: We remember a courageous moment in 1960 when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested for peacefully protesting segregation at a department store lunch counter. It's a powerful reminder that one simple act of courage can help change the world.

Plus, it's National New Friends Day! Could a simple hello lead to a lifelong friendship?

Our Win the Day Moment: An Exclusive Conversation with Joel Smallbone of FOR KING + COUNTRY!

Len & Sara caught up with Joel immediately after he watched the completed version of his new movie, Drummer Boy, for the very first time! Joel shares his first reactions, the creative vision behind this unique musical film, and the powerful message he hopes audiences will take away. Drummer Boy arrives in theaters November 6!

We'll wrap things up with an encouraging thought and a prayer about being open to life's unexpected surprises — because what surprises us is never a surprise to God. Sometimes those unexpected moments are opportunities waiting to be discovered!

Start your day with a smile, a little laughter, some inspiration, and a whole lot of positivity!

Start Your Day Positive with Len & Sara — New episodes Monday through Friday!

A Feel-Good Way to Start Your Day! Join Len & Sara for another Friday filled with good news, fun conversation, encouragement, and a little inspiration to carry into your weekend!

In Today's Daily 3:

🥗 What's Coming to Your Grocery Cart in 2027? Whole Foods predicts a comeback for beans and lentils, Japanese comfort foods, simpler ingredients, and a surprising new trend called "beautrition!"

📚 Students Grade the Grading System! Kids actually like traditional letter grades, but they have some ideas about making the system a little fairer.

🛒 Are You a Superfan of Your Favorite Store? From Trader Joe's and Aldi to Costco and Target, some retailers have developed loyal followings that rival sports teams! Which store has YOUR loyalty?

Today in History: We're celebrating one of life's greatest conveniences — indoor plumbing! Plus, the remarkable story of Watergate figure Chuck Colson, whose life was transformed by faith and who went on to establish a ministry that has touched millions of lives.

⚾ Win the Day: Never count yourself out! The Cleveland Guardians are giving us a great reminder that being the underdog doesn't mean you can't accomplish something extraordinary. After all, we all put our pants on one leg at a time!

🙏 Positive Thought & Closing Prayer: As we head into a beautiful fall weekend, take time to appreciate God's incredible creativity — and the unique gifts and talents He's placed in each of us.

Start Your Day Positive with Len & Sara — good news, great conversation, and a little faith-filled encouragement to help you WIN THE DAY!

A feel-good way to start your day with Len & Sara!

The Daily 3: Aldi is making Thanksgiving more affordable with a complete holiday feast for 10 people for less than $39! Plus, a new sunscreen ingredient is coming to America, and research reminds us why good friendships are so important to our health and happiness.

Today in History: I Love Lucy premiered 75 years ago! We'll share some incredible facts about one of the most popular television shows of all time. Plus, Dolly Parton's unforgettable hit "Jolene" makes music history.

Win the Day: Know someone who ALWAYS has to be right? Communication expert Jefferson Fisher shares two simple ways to turn an argument into a conversation. And Sara reminds us of the surprising value of casual friendships and everyday connections.

Positive Thought: A little encouragement to carry with you throughout the day.

Closing Blessing: May God's peace, wisdom, and love go with you wherever today leads.

Start Your Day Positive with Len & Sara — a little news, a little laughter, and a lot of encouragement to help you win the day!

Want to save money at the grocery store? A new study says the secret may be having a plan before you walk in.

Plus, America’s favorite Halloween candy, an American Girl favorite who’s all grown up, and two fascinating moments in history involving Teddy Roosevelt and the Cuban Missile Crisis.

And in today’s Win the Day, Sara shares the surprising story of someone who found major success later in life — this one may surprise you.

thanks to our sponsors Liberty Healthshare, Northeast Factory Direct, and Universal Windows Direct.

Apple may be ready to make your whole house smarter with a new HomeView device designed to let you control your home simply by talking to Siri.

Plus, a new study has encouraging news for diet soda drinkers, and researchers near Mount Ararat say they’ve uncovered new clues in the search for Noah’s Ark.

Today in History: The White House cornerstone, the launch of the ABA, and the incredible rescue of 33 Chilean miners after 69 days underground.

Win the Day: Simple tricks to help your carved pumpkin last longer.

Everything you need to know. None of the doom. Plus, encouragement and prayer to help you Start Your Day Positive.

Thanks to our podcast sponsor Liberty Healthshare, Northeast Factory Direct, and Sweetie's Candy!

Could Cedar Point really get a new name? We’re talking about the Six Flags survey that has fans buzzing.

Plus, Starbucks is reportedly exploring a possible acquisition of Chipotle, and SpaceX is moving us closer to a future where your cell phone could connect directly to satellites.

We also look back at a moment in history from October 12, and today’s Win the Day shares a simple trick that can help you remember things better.

Thanks to our sponsors Northeast Factory Direct and Liberty Healthshare.

Wired Headphones Are Back, a Grandma's Five-Hour Plank & Love Goes Old School!

On today's Start Your Day Positive with Len & Sara:

Everything old is new again! Wired headphones are making a comeback, and even Bose is getting back in the game. Would you ditch your wireless earbuds?

Grandma's got staying power! A 61-year-old grandmother breaks her own Guinness World Record by holding a plank for FIVE HOURS!

Love needs a little help from friends! A new dating app is bringing back the old-fashioned matchmaker—with a modern twist.

Today in History: The Washington Monument opens, a meteorite crashes into a Chevy Malibu, and we celebrate the shared birthdays of John and Sean Lennon, including Sean's sweet memories of his famous dad.

A little encouragement for your day: Sara shares how life's unexpected slowdowns can help us recognize the blessings all around us. And Len passes along a simple piece of wisdom from a senior citizen about the power of sharing a smile.

A little news, a little nostalgia, a little laughter, and a whole lot of positivity. Let's start your day together!

Listen to Start Your Day Positive wherever you get your podcasts!

#StartYourDayPositive #LenAndSara #PositiveNews #DailyPodcast #GoodNews #DailyEncouragement

Two Hollywood giants are becoming one — and it could mean another big change to your streaming lineup. We’re talking about the Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery merger, what it means for HBO Max and Paramount+, and whether having fewer streaming apps would actually be a good thing.

Plus, could a handful of pistachios before bed help support better sleep? And if you don’t hit 10,000 steps every day, don’t give up... new research suggests how fast you walk may matter, too.

Also today: the microwave turns 81, we remember the only perfect game in World Series history, and it’s National Pierogi Day... which is basically a holiday made for Northeast Ohio.

Thanks to our sponsors Liberty Healthshare, Universal Windows Direct and Squeaky Clean NEO

Something interesting is happening with Gen Z and faith. New research suggests this generation may be more spiritually open than we realize — and a growing number of young adults say they're looking to reconnect with their faith.

Plus, if we finally stop changing the clocks twice a year, which time should we keep? Researchers say one choice may be better for our health. And while other fast-food restaurants experiment with AI at the drive-thru, Chick-fil-A is choosing to keep a real person taking your order.

We’ll also take a trip through Today in History — from Ford’s assembly line to the most lopsided college football game ever — and find out what Simon Cowell was doing before American Idol.

Plus, Sara has some easy date-night ideas.

Thanks to our sponsors, Liberty Healthshare, Northeast Factory Direct, and Universal Windows Direct.