Start Your Day Positive

SPECIAL EDITION: Behind the Scenes of The Chosen with Shaan Sharma!

In this special edition of Start Your Day Positive, Len sits down with actor Shaan Sharma, who plays Shmuel in the worldwide hit series The Chosen.

In this fascinating and personal conversation, Shaan shares insights into his character, the challenges of portraying a Pharisee during the time of Jesus, and how being part of The Chosen has impacted his own journey of faith.

He also shares powerful stories about the show's impact on audiences around the world, reveals the story behind Shmuel's...

The National Toy Hall of Fame has four new members! Bingo, Care Bears, Pokémon trading cards and the playground slide! We look at this year's inductees and some of the toys that didn't make the cut.

A special conversation with Shaan Sharma from The Chosen! He plays the Pharisee Shmuel, a character with a pivotal role in Season 6, which kicks off November 15.

Gen Z is finding a unique way to spread kindness! Sara's daughter Reagan joins us to talk about a growing trend among her generation.

Today in History: In 1995, Cleveland Browns o...

Christmas is brewing at Starbucks with new holiday drinks, festive food and even a special treat for dogs! Could cold showers make you healthier, happier and save you money? And have you heard of "Food Noise"? Researchers say most of us experience it!

Plus, Len and Sara talk about the new for KING + COUNTRY movie The Drummer Boy, with a special invitation from Joel and Luke! Sara shares the power of a simple note of encouragement.

Today in History: Susan B. Anthony makes history by voting, and Monopoly becomes an American classic!

It's...

LIFE magazine is making a comeback 90 years after its debut! Plus, Burger King is winning over customers with an improved Whopper, chicken nuggets, and more changes on the way.

And you won't believe the incredible journey of a man who spent 28 YEARS walking around the world before finally returning home!

Today in History: The discovery of King Tut's tomb and a popular toy that became a childhood favorite. Did you have one?

🎂 Plus, it's Sara's birthday! She's sharing five things she's learned about life, getting older, and why it's never too late to try...

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 definitel...

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...

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...

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 br...

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:

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

AI and the Bible: More than 70 million religion-related questions are being asked of ChatGPT every week! Why...

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 an...

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 o...

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...

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 d...

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 als...

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. Mart...

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 Trad...

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 h...

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...

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...

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 Se...

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 F...

Big shopping deals are here! Walmart and Amazon are going head-to-head this week, but are you really saving money? Plus, fascinating research suggests growing up around farm animals and a little dirt may actually help protect kids from allergies and asthma!

We're also talking about the new workplace trend called "loud working." Are you someone who makes sure the boss notices your hard work, or do you just hope your efforts speak for themselves?

Also on today's podcast:

Pope Leo XIV has an encouraging message for artists and creators: In a world of...

Who wants to save another 20 cents a gallon on gas? Amazon is bringing back Fuel Up Fridays for Prime members, and we’ll tell you how it works.

Plus, which fast-food chain has the best drive-thru experience in America? Researchers made hundreds of mystery drive-thru visits to find out — and Starbucks came out on top.

And if you could work for any company in America, where would you go? Forbes has released its 2026 list of America’s Best Large Employers, and the company at #1 might surprise you.

Today in History: Four very young guys f...

Is pumpkin spice losing its grip on fall? New ordering data shows caramel, apple and cinnamon are now beating pumpkin as the most-ordered fall flavors — and even McDonald’s changed things up this year.

Plus, would you take a vacation just to stay in a really nice hotel room and do...nothing? We’re talking about the “room rotting” travel trend. And if you’re trying to spend less, researchers say there may be a surprisingly simple trick: use cash.

We’ll also find out why laughter really may be good medicine, celebrate some big moments in Tod...

THE DAILY 3: Ohio drivers could soon get a big break at the pump as lawmakers approve a 90-day suspension of the state gas tax. Plus, after eight years, The Chosen has filmed its final scene — and creator Dallas Jenkins is reflecting on the journey with one word: gratitude. And DoorDash isn’t just for dinner anymore. Clothing from Macy’s, The North Face, Vans and Timberland can now show up at your door — sometimes in as little as an hour.

PLUS: On the anniversary of the opening of Walt Disney World, we’ve got some fun Disney facts you...

Why do certain songs give you actual goosebumps? There’s a scientific name for it — and apparently, not everyone experiences it!

Plus, Aldi is dropping prices on nearly a third of its products, and McDonald’s has a surprising new side hustle that could become a billion-dollar business.

We’ll also celebrate The Flintstones, find out where “Yabba-Dabba-Doo!” came from, and talk about why good enough really can be good enough in today’s Win the Day.

Plus Today in History, National Love People Day, and we’ll end the morning with prayer.

Thanks to...

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’...

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 — startyourdayposi...

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 wor...

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 incredi...

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...

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. 

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Email: LenandSara@StartYour...

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 a...

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 sp...

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...

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. 

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 t...