FINE is a 4-Letter Word

Amanda Van Der Heiden could trot on a horse before she could walk. Her parents strapped her legs to the stirrups as a toddler. By age two, when she fell into the sandpit they trained in, they put her right back on before she was done crying. There was no discussion. You get back up. That was the whole lesson.Decades later, with two degrees in psychology and a career built across some of the largest organizations in the country, Amanda has hit the same wall more than once: working 20-hour days, running teams across continents, and eventually burning out so completely that when she left one company, they replaced her with three full-time employees. She saw it as a badge of honor. It took her years to recognize the pattern for what it actually was.On Episode 240 of Fine is a 4-Letter Word, Amanda talks with Lori Saitz about the horse farm childhood that built her resilience without a vocabulary for it, the psychology behind why executive presence is instantly recognizable even when it cannot be defined, the real difference between introversion and extroversion (it has nothing to do with how much you like people), and the framework she now uses to help leaders set their teams up to actually succeed instead of just survive.She also shares her redefinition of failure — you either win or you learn — and why she believes the fear of trying is almost always worse than whatever you were afraid of in the first place.Listen on all platforms:Search "Fine is a 4-Letter Word" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows. Subscribe so you never miss an episode.Timestamps:[00:00] Cold open: there is no choice, you get back up[00:39] Welcome and introduction: setting people up to excel[01:05] Raised on a horse farm: work ethic, determination, resilience[02:14] Empathy as a learned trait — echoing a recent conversation with Rob Scheer[03:21] Raised between Kentucky and Long Island: the dichotomy that shaped her adaptability[04:29] Too city for the country, too country for the city — and how that became a strength[05:05] Two-color hair, a Southern accent in New York, and never being able to blend in[06:08] The chameleon principle: adapting how you communicate without changing who you are[07:19] The horse story: strapped into the stirrups before she could walk[08:06] The sandpit: falling at two years old and being put right back on[09:53] Why staying down was never presented as an option — and the case for why it was actually safer[11:13] How the horse farm resilience shows up in her own parenting today[12:28] Letting her daughter struggle with a 25-pound shaving bag on purpose[13:31] The leadership philosophy: show the vision, let people find their own way there[15:14] Never having had a real manager in her entire corporate career[18:09] The leadership conference: watching executive presence in real time across three tiers of seniority[20:32] Why professional women have to be fine — and what that costs[22:03] The burnout pattern: 20-hour days, a team of 10 across two continents, 17,000 people[23:17] Getting replaced by three full-time employees — and thinking it was a compliment[23:48] Realizing the same burnout happened at a completely different company — the common denominator was her[24:55] What self-care actually means (hint: it is not a manicure)[25:41] Introversion and extroversion explained correctly: it is about refueling, not sociability[28:01] Win or learn: the redefinition of failure that removes the fear[31:20] Get Things Done — the song, the mantra, and the bias toward action[32:29] Where to find Amanda: the free goal-setting workbook at gtdscorp.comConnect with Amanda Van Der Heiden: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandavanderheiden/ Website: https://gtdscorp.com/ About the Show: Fine Is a 4-Letter Word is the show for leaders who are tired of pretending everything is okay. Host Lori Saitz brings on guests who get honest about what it really takes to lead with empathy, vulnerability, gratitude, and courage. New episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if this conversation hit home, leave a review. It helps more leaders find the show.

Cyndy Etler was 13 years old when she chose foster care over going home. Her mother had stood in the bathroom doorway and watched her stepfather hurt her, and that was enough. She chose the ink on the fingertips at the police station over the house she had been living in.What followed was a month at Janus House — a youth shelter in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where the staff were the first adults who ever gave her a choice and respected the answer. It was there, at 14, walking to the corner store with a pack of Marlboro Reds and a new sense of what an adult could be for a kid, that she was struck by lightning. She knew what she was supposed to do with her life.Then her mother enrolled her in Straight Incorporated.Straight was a warehouse program that ran under the guise of drug rehabilitation. Parents signed over their child and left. The ACLU later described it as a concentration camp for throwaway teens. Cyndy had smoked marijuana three times and drunk beer once. She was held for 16 months, with her first contact with her mother not happening until five months in, through a supervised visit with a scripted exchange. She came out brainwashed, isolating in high school bathroom stalls, telling kids who tried to talk to her that they were not in her best interest.Then an English teacher saw her writing, read it out loud to the class, and said: Cyndy wrote that.On Episode 239 of Fine is a 4-Letter Word, Cyndy Etler — foster care survivor, Straight Inc. survivor, trained boxer, summa cum laude graduate, teen life coach, and author of Dead Inside and We Can't Be Friends — talks with Lori Saitz about what it took to get from there to here, what one adult's genuine interest can do for a kid's entire life, and why she tells every teenager she works with to watch for the adult who sees them and wants absolutely nothing in return.Her books are Dead Inside and We Can't Be Friends. Season 2 of Robert Downey Jr.'s podcast The Sunshine Place is the full history of Straight Incorporated, narrated by Cyndy.Listen on all platforms:Search "Fine is a 4-Letter Word" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows. Subscribe so you never miss an episode.Timestamps:[00:00] How they met at a networking event and booked the show within days[01:00] The plan that never happened: her father, the musician, the Costa Rica sabbatical, his death when she was one[02:30] The values she was raised with — and the mother who modeled them[04:30] The age-nine decision: be the opposite of her mother[05:30] Born a fighter: the stepfather, the abuse, the bathroom doorway[07:00] Choosing foster care at 13 — the ink on the fingers, the choice at the police station[09:00] Janus House: the first adults who gave her a choice and respected the answer[10:30] Hit by lightning at 14: walking to the corner store and knowing her purpose[13:30] Straight Incorporated: the warehouse, the ACLU verdict, 16 months, 250 kids, the coercive cult[17:00] Why you could not just fake your way out — the Lord of the Flies dynamic[18:30] Five months before she could speak to her mother, with a script and an observer[19:00] Coming out brainwashed, eating lunch in bathroom stalls, telling kids they weren't in her best interest[21:00] The English teacher who read her writing to the class and said her name out loud[22:00] The book signing reunion: the teacher still Blanche DuBois, still rolling her eyes at the jock[24:30] What the teacher taught without knowing it: one drop of water and a dying plant[26:00] The lesson Cyndy carries into her work: you can change a life without carrying the kid forever[27:00] What teenagers actually need versus what they usually get: autonomy vs. control[29:30] Coaching vs. therapy: no DSM-5, no IEP goals, just what do you want to change[30:30] Education, boxing, and the other building blocks that kept her above water[31:30] The one adult who listens without wanting something in return — what to watch for[33:00] Dead Inside and We Can't Be Friends — the books, the writing process, the hair falling out[34:30] The Sunshine Place podcast Season 2 — Robert Downey Jr.'s series, narrated by Cyndy[35:30] Bobby Brown's My Prerogative as the energy song — and why she almost became a rock star anyway[36:30] Where to find Cyndy: theteenlifecoach.com and cyndyetler.comConnect with Cyndy Etler: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyndy-etler-med-icf-acc-b9149535/ Books and author info: https://cyndyetler.com/ About the Show: Fine Is a 4-Letter Word is the show for leaders who are tired of pretending everything is okay. Host Lori Saitz brings on guests who get honest about what it really takes to lead with empathy, vulnerability, gratitude, and courage. New episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if this conversation hit home, leave a review. It helps more leaders find the show.

Scott Doggett spent 30 years in corporate America — first running hotels and resorts in hospitality operations, then leading learning and development teams up to vice president. He was, by every external measure, successful. Titles. Awards. Promotions. The ladder, climbed. Then came the layoff at the end of 2023. His first in 30 years. He gave himself the six months of his severance package to figure out what came next. He tried consulting. He taught college classes. He worked with a Native American tribe in Alabama. Nothing sparked. On the exact six-month anniversary of the layoff, he had what he describes as a mini panic attack — the realization that he was no closer to his purpose than the day he was let go. That night he prayed and surrendered. The next morning, the first email in his inbox was a LinkedIn job posting for a director role at a Christian nonprofit — a role that described, almost word for word, everything he had spent the last decade building. He applied. He got a call back the same day. He got the job. Nine months later, he was laid off again. On Episode 237 of Fine is a 4-Letter Word, Scott Doggett tells host Lori Saitz the full story: the values from a small New England town, the 30 years of go-go-go that never left room to ask the real questions, the wilderness journey, the two layoffs, the servant leadership he witnessed at the nonprofit that changed everything, and the movement he is now building through National ALD to humanize workplaces across America. Along the way he shares the Gallup numbers that should alarm every business leader (only 30% of your workforce is fully engaged — and 20% are actively working against you), the boat analogy that reframes where leadership energy actually belongs, the Ebenezer Scrooge workshop experience that wakes leaders up to their own future, and why he believes the leaders of tomorrow will be defined not by what they know but by how well they connect. Listen on all platforms: Search "Fine is a 4-Letter Word" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows. Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Timestamps: 00:00 The water-instead-of-coffee opening and getting right into it 01:00 Values from a small New England town: every person is a priceless human being 02:00 Early leadership lessons that didn't fit: the big stick, the raised voice, the five-second experiment 03:30 How authoritarian leadership styles persist — and what is forcing them to change 05:30 Why employees today expect more: options, mobility, and the cost of turnover 06:00 The label problem: why calling people 'resources' and 'assets' changes how we treat them 07:00 The Gallup numbers: 30% engaged, 50% apathetic, 20% working against you 08:30 What that 50% actually wants — and why pizza parties aren't the answer 09:00 Scott's fine-but-not-fine moment: VP title, the layoff, and the six-month wilderness journey 10:30 Consulting, teaching college, the Alabama tribe, and nothing sparking 11:30 The panic attack on the six-month anniversary — and the prayer that night 12:00 The LinkedIn email the next morning and why he almost didn't open it 13:00 Getting the job, nine months at the nonprofit, and getting laid off again 14:00 What he saw at the nonprofit that he had never seen in 30 years of corporate life 15:00 Slowing down, morning walks, scripture, and learning to listen for answers 17:00 What to say to the leader still inside the corporate grind who thinks this doesn't apply to them 19:00 The mirror exercise: changing the label from 'resource' to 'priceless human being' 20:00 The boat analogy: three rowing hard, five barely dipping oars, two rowing backwards 22:00 Practical technique: pause, notice the label, change it to priceless — even in traffic 24:00 Great Aunt Frida in the blue Cadillac convertible, and the grace it teaches 26:00 AI, stress, and why the future of leadership is human connection 27:30 The national movement: nationalald.com, faculty across the country, public workshops 29:00 The Ebenezer Scrooge experience: past, present, future — what do you want to be known for? 30:30 Take care of your geese. The goose and the golden egg. 31:00 Eminem's Lose Yourself as the long-run pick-me-up song Connect with Scott Doggett: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdoggett/ Website: https://www.nationalald.com/ About the Show: Fine Is a 4-Letter Word is the show for leaders who are tired of pretending everything is okay. Host Lori Saitz brings on guests who get honest about what it really takes to lead with empathy, vulnerability, gratitude, and courage. New episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if this conversation hit home, leave a review. It helps more leaders find the show.

Rob Scheer was thrown out at 18 with a trash bag. He was the youngest of 10 children. His mother was married six times. His father beat him and his siblings, punching him in the bladder so repeatedly that by the time Rob joined the Navy, it ruptured. He had spent his senior year of high school homeless — sleeping in the bathroom of the taco restaurant where he worked, on beanbag chairs in the public library after closing, and on the floors of friends' homes. He barely graduated. He had no family to go back to. He had no picture to put on his bunk in boot camp except one of Tina Turner. Then he became one of the most successful mortgage bankers in the country. On Episode 237 of Fine is a 4-Letter Word, Rob Scheer sits down with Lori Saitz to share the full arc: the teachers who believed in him when no one else did, the Navy discharge that sent him hitchhiking down Route 7 with a Salvation Army suit and a fabricated resume, the mortgage industry boss who ripped that resume in half and told him he was the most honest person he had ever met, the 28-year banking career, and the moment he looked at his four children in designer clothes and realized he had raised entitled kids who had never learned empathy. That realization led to Comfort Cases — a nonprofit that packs backpacks filled with brand-new essentials for children entering foster care on their first night. No more trash bags. Over 320,000 cases delivered to all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom. Three-month waiting list for volunteers. Published by Derek Jeter. Featured on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Rob also shares what it means to be a foster and adoptive father to five sons, including one adopted at 18 in an adult adoption. He talks about why empathy is not in our DNA and must be taught, what leadership actually looks like outside of a job title, and why a five-year-old named Grayson was the one who understood from the very beginning that every backpack needs a blanket. Listen on all platforms: Search "Fine is a 4-Letter Word" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows. Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Timestamps: 00:00 How Rob's team pitched this episode: "Anytime I can talk about foster care, I'm gonna do that" 01:30 The teachers who shaped him — not parents — and the book signing reunion with Mrs. Boley 05:00 Aging out of foster care at 18: the trash bag at the door, the youngest of 10 06:30 His mother's choices vs. her environment — and why Rob refuses to blur that distinction 07:30 Senior year homeless: the taco bathroom, the library beanbags, the school breakfast line 09:30 Joining the Navy to have somewhere to go — and being voted Honor Man at boot camp 11:30 The bladder rupture: 12 years of his father's abuse, and how the Navy discharged him 13:00 Hitchhiking down Route 7, the Salvation Army suit, and the fabricated resume 14:30 Confessing the lies to his boss — and the boss who ripped the resume and said "get back to work" 16:00 28 years in banking, mortgage companies across the country 17:00 Looking at four entitled children in designer clothes and realizing something had to change 18:00 What five-year-old Grayson said about the blanket in the backpack 19:00 320,000 cases delivered to all 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, and the UK 19:30 Empathy is not in our DNA — it has to be taught 23:00 Derek Jeter published his memoir. The Ellen Show. Walking away from banking for purpose. 25:00 740 children enter foster care every day in the United States 25:30 Three-month volunteer waiting list, 40,000 cases this year, and the expansion plan 28:00 Leadership: not a title, not followers, not waiting for someone else to fix the problem 29:00 How you can help: used books, hotel toiletries, yarn for the women at Topeka Correctional Facility 31:00 The gecko/iguana/frog stuffy knitted by women at a Kansas prison — and Melissa Etheridge's role 32:00 Tina Turner's Simply the Best — the only picture he had in boot camp 32:30 How to reach Rob Connect with Rob: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-scheer-27482653/ Website: https://comfortcases.org/ About the Show: Fine Is a 4-Letter Word is the show for leaders who are tired of pretending everything is okay. Host Lori Saitz brings on guests who get honest about what it really takes to lead with empathy, vulnerability, gratitude, and courage. New episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if this conversation hit home, leave a review. It helps more leaders find the show.

Jodi Scott fell off her bike. That's how Green Goo started. Riding the same Texas road she rode every day, her laces caught in the spokes, and she looked up at an overgrown driveway leading to a white Southern colonial estate she'd somehow never noticed before. The next day, a for sale sign appeared. Her realtor grandmother told her she'd never qualify for the loan and that no one goes to Kyle, Texas. She bought it anyway. That one bed and breakfast became four B&Bs, four wedding venues, and three event services companies. Then she got pregnant, found a first aid cabinet full of ingredients she couldn't justify, and called her mom and sister to start making plant-based salves in the kitchen — production eventually took over so completely they had to cook meals outside on camping equipment. Green Goo grew into a national retail brand. Then came the pandemic, a sale to what looked like the right partner, and a federal raid on that partner that gave Jodi less than 24 hours to terminate her entire team — her mom, sister, husband, brother-in-law, and closest friends. On Episode 236 of Fine is a 4-Letter Word, Jodi Scott tells Lori Saitz the full story: the military upbringing that shaped her values, the pivot from psychoneuroimmunology into entrepreneurship, the coach who wouldn't let her cancel her Monday session, and the two-year fight to buy Green Goo back. Plus how Taylor Swift's Ready For It became her boardroom pump-up song — a detail her 14-year-old daughter had to remind her of.Listen on all platforms: search "Fine is a 4-Letter Word" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows. Timestamps: 00:00 How Jodi found the show and why she insisted on reaching out personally 01:30 Military upbringing: honor, integrity, commitment, and overdue library books 02:30 Her mother, the self-taught programmer who predicted mobile business in the third grade 04:00 Pre-med pivot: double major in biology and psychology, master's in health psychology 04:45 Psychoneuroimmunology: training physicians on the biopsychosocial model 06:30 Why international medical students were the most open to holistic thinking 09:30 The bike fall, the overgrown driveway, and the phone call to her grandmother 11:30 One bed and breakfast becomes four, plus four wedding venues and three other companies 15:00 A pregnant Jodi, a first aid cabinet full of chemicals, and the idea for Green Goo 16:30 Growing herbs in Idaho, drying them on screen doors, selling at farmers markets 18:00 Why they renamed the entire brand Green Goo — because customers kept calling it that 19:30 Plant-based first aid before plant-based was a category: the uphill battle with buyers 23:30 The pandemic pivot from retail to online, and why they almost did not survive 25:00 Selling the company to find a financial partner — and what happened next 26:30 The acquirer gets raided by the feds. 24 hours. Entire team terminated. 28:30 The kitchen table moment: running out of lip balm and getting emails from customers 30:30 The coach who refused the cancellation and started a mental fitness boot camp 32:30 Micro-meditations every three hours: how presence rebuilt her decision-making 34:30 Leadership advice: anticipate the worst contractually, invest in mental fitness 36:30 Taylor Swift's Ready For It as her boardroom prep song, revealed by her daughter 37:30 Where to find Jodi: greengoo.com and LinkedIn at Jodi Scott Guest Bio: Jodi Scott grew up in a military family, drawing service and resilience from her father and reinvention from her self-taught programmer mother. After studying biology and psychology (plus a master's in health psychology) and training physicians in holistic care, a chance bike accident redirected her into hospitality — building four B&Bs and four wedding venues. A sketchy first aid cabinet during pregnancy inspired her, her mother, and sister to launch Green Goo, a plant-based first aid and skincare brand that grew from an Idaho herb garden into national retail. After a sale to Green Goo collapsed when the acquirer hit federal legal trouble, Jodi spent two years rebuilding — then bought the company back. She now runs Green Goo with her family in Colorado. Connect with Jodi Scott: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodi-scott-7234331b8/ Website: https://www.greengoo.com/ Jodi is open to connecting with people who reach out directly. About the Show: Fine Is a 4-Letter Word is the show for leaders who are tired of pretending everything is okay. Host Lori Saitz brings on guests who get honest about what it really takes to lead with empathy, vulnerability, gratitude, and courage. New episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if this conversation hit home, leave a review. It helps more leaders find the show.

What do you do when you get offered the top job in your industry and you turn it down anyway? Will Steel did exactly that. He grew up in rural Yorkshire, delivering milk at the age of three alongside his mother, who ran the family's milk round for 40 years just to cover the grocery bill. He worked for a stonemason from age 12 to 16, digging graves and mending roofs. He talked his way into an engineering apprenticeship, earned two technician qualifications simultaneously, got into university, discovered the Royal Air Force Flying Club, and became an RAF pilot — something he describes as almost impossibly unlikely for someone with his background. Then he joined the airlines. And hated it. He calls commercial flying "like being a bus driver" — rigidly routed, waiting to get home, doing it for the paycheck and nothing else. When he discovered the Landmark Forum and realized he could make a real difference with people, he was offered the top role in UK aviation: flying long-haul 747-400s out of Heathrow for British Airways. At the same time, he was offered a job starting at the bottom in personal development work — with a 75% pay cut. He took the pay cut. On this episode of Fine is a 4-Letter Word, Will Steel — now a business coach, author of Free to Lead, and host of the Free to Lead podcast — talks with Lori Saitz about the values he was raised with, the career pivots that looked like madness from the outside, and the core problem he now spends his days solving: business owners who are working 65-75 hours a week, trapped inside their own companies, unable to delegate, and wondering why the business is not growing. He also shares the practical tool he uses to help clients get their time back, the story of a car body shop owner who went from chasing $2.5M to landing a $23.5M acquisition offer, and why authenticity is not a feeling — it is a practice of catching yourself being inauthentic and telling the truth about it. Listen on all platforms: Search "Fine is a 4-Letter Word" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows. Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Timestamps: [00:00] Will calls in from Costa Rica, about to go surfing after this [01:30] The values he was raised with — and delivering milk at three years old in Yorkshire [04:00] His mother's 40-year milk round and what his parents built from nothing [06:00] Hard work vs. working smart: how his thinking evolved [08:30] The car body shop owner who went from $2.5M to $23.5M in 12 months [11:00] The unlikely career path: stonemason, engineer, university, RAF pilot [14:00] Joining the airlines — and why it felt like being a bus driver [15:30] The Landmark Forum, the British Airways offer, and the 75% pay cut decision [18:00] "You can't get enough of what you don't really want" [20:00] Why business owners get stuck in the doing, and what it costs them [23:00] The 15-minute time audit tool that reveals where the hours actually go [25:00] The architect who spent 7.5 hours a week driving kids to school — and got it all back [27:00] Delegation done right: pay for outcomes, not doing [31:00] What the Saudi Arabia pharmaceutical executive learned about his own communication [32:00] Authentic leadership: it is not a feeling, it is a practice [34:00] Rock 'n' Roll Star by Oasis — and why Will almost became a singer instead [36:30] How to reach Will: willsteel.com | Book: Free to Lead | Podcast: Free to Lead Guest Bio: Will Steel grew up in rural Yorkshire, England, in a family built on work ethic and honesty. His mother ran a milk delivery round for 40 years to cover household expenses while his father worked in a tractor factory. Will worked alongside a stonemason from age 12, completed dual engineering apprenticeships, earned a degree in electronic engineering, and discovered flying through his university's Royal Air Force squadron. He became an RAF pilot, joined commercial aviation, and then walked away from a British Airways 747 captain position to pursue work in personal development after attending the Landmark Forum. He has since spent 27 years coaching business owners and leading large-format programs across industries, helping them identify where they are stuck, recover their time, and grow their businesses by working less hours while generating substantially more. He is the author of Free to Lead and hosts a podcast of the same name. Connect with Will Steel: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-steel-business-coach-high-performance-transformation/ Website: willsteel.com Book: Free to Lead About the Show: Fine Is a 4-Letter Word is the show for leaders who are tired of pretending everything is okay. Host Lori Saitz brings on guests who get honest about what it really takes to lead with empathy, vulnerability, gratitude, and courage. New episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if this conversation hit home, leave a review. It helps more leaders find the show.

Candice Van Dertholen did not arrive at her work in energy healing by reading about it. She lived through it.In this episode of Fine is a 4-Letter Word, host Lori Saitz sits down with energy practitioner Candice Van Dertholen for an unflinching conversation about single parenthood at 22, a Texas maximum security prison career she stumbled into out of financial desperation, an abusive marriage that escalated into a violent car ride with her children in the backseat, and the night she nearly took her own life — waking up in a hospital bed furious that she was still alive.From Joyce Meyer's Battlefield of the Mind on a hospital nightstand to affirmations she wrote thousands of times before she even knew what affirmations were, Candice traces the slow, unglamorous, piece-by-piece rebuilding that took two years before she felt like herself again. She also shares the complicated grief of finding out both ex-husbands had died within the same year, and why disenfranchised grief rarely gets the space it deserves.Now a practitioner who holds space for others in those same pivotal moments, Candice talks about why self-sabotage is almost always a story, why money in alignment multiplies, and what happens when we finally stop running from the relationship with ourselves.Listen on all platforms:Search "Fine is a 4-Letter Word" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows. Subscribe so you never miss an episode.Timestamps:[00:00] Introductions — Candice and Lori on mutual friend Chris Schembra and life in Charlotte[01:45] The values she was raised with: personal integrity and the discipline of non-judgment[03:00] Growing up between two worlds — her mother's nursing work with terminally ill children[06:00] Her mother's unrecognized PTSD and the compassion Candice finally found, decades later[08:30] Becoming a single parent at 22 and the judgment she faced in Texas[09:45] The unexpected detour: corrections officer at a Texas Level 5 max security prison[13:00] The abusive marriage — how familiar energy patterns kept her from seeing the signs[15:30] The violent car incident that involved her children and set off a CPS investigation[18:30] The night she nearly took her life and the hospital room that changed everything[20:00] The books, therapy, affirmations, and two-year rebuild that followed[22:00] Finding unexpected permission to leave through a hospital chaplain's words[24:00] Complex grief: losing both ex-husbands within a year[28:00] Burnout, 75 Hard, and the yoga studio that led her to energy healing[30:00] What to do when you feel stuck and unworthy of the next level[33:00] The song that gets her going: Ready or Not by Britt NicoleGuest Bio:Candice Van Dertholen is an energy practitioner whose path to healing work was forged through personal experience. A single mother of three from a young age, she has navigated poverty, domestic abuse, correctional work, burnout, and near-fatal crisis to arrive at a practice centered on helping others break the self-sabotaging patterns that keep them from the next version of themselves. She works with clients in pivotal transition moments and offers pay-it-forward sessions for those who cannot afford standard rates. She found her work in energy healing through a yoga studio in Virginia, where she met her first practitioner after years of seeking the missing piece in her healing journey. She and her husband are military family who have relocated multiple times across the US.Connect with Candice:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicevandertholen/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_elizabeth.co/Candice also offers pay-it-forward sessions for those who need support but are working with limited means.About the Show:Fine Is a 4-Letter Word is the show for leaders who are tired of pretending everything is okay. Host Lori Saitz brings on guests who get honest about what it really takes to lead with empathy, vulnerability, gratitude, and courage. New episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if this conversation hit home, leave a review. It helps more leaders find the show.

Everte Farnell spent seventeen years married to a partner he now believes had borderline personality disorder, enduring verbal, emotional, and eventually physical abuse before everything came to a head in his own kitchen. In this conversation, he opens up about why men rarely report abuse, what changed the night his daughter stepped in, and how he rebuilt his health, his confidence, and his life from the ground up.What You'll LearnWhy a majority of domestic abuse incidents involve female aggression toward male partners, and why almost none of it gets reportedHow borderline personality traits can drive a partner to undermine the people closest to them out of fear of abandonmentWhat it actually took for Everett to leave a marriage he had stayed in for years out of fear and outdated research about kids and divorceHow losing over 100 pounds became part of Everett's recovery from years of stress eating and undiagnosed sleep apneaWhy filing for a protective order as a man can come with its own uphill battle in the legal systemHow Everett went from believing the world was an emotional hellscape to seeing it as full of opportunityGuest BioEverte Farnell grew up in the small town of Umatilla, Florida, and built a career as an entrepreneur, including scaling a roofing company to ten times its weekly sales in under sixteen months. After surviving a seventeen-year marriage marked by abuse, he rebuilt his life, lost over 100 pounds, and remarried into what he describes as the healthiest relationship of his life. He now shares his story to help others recognize and talk about abuse that often goes unreported.TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Introduction and Everett's background growing up in rural Florida04:00 — The toxic beliefs about money Everett had to unlearn06:00 — How Everett rewired disempowering beliefs over time13:00 — Living with smiling depression and undiagnosed sleep apnea14:00 — Seventeen years married to a partner with borderline traits20:00 — Why Everett stayed longer than he should have25:00 — The night everything changed in the kitchen28:00 — The truth about domestic abuse against men31:00 — How Everett became more empathetic and rebuilt his lifeConnect with Everte Farnell:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/everte-farnell-aa77556/Website: https://evertefarnell.com/About the ShowFine is a 4-Letter Word is a podcast about what happens when people stop pretending everything is fine and start telling the truth about what they are really going through. Host Lori Saitz brings on guests for honest conversations about the moments that changed everything.Subscribe so you never miss a conversation that might change how you see your own story.

You're not failing because of lack of skill or effort. You're failing because of patterns you picked up before you were old enough to choose them. Dr. Kevin Mays, leadership coach and author of Lead Yourself First, built a career helping executives see that the behaviors driving their success are often the exact same ones quietly sabotaging what they're trying to build.What You'll LearnWhy childhood patterns like people-pleasing and humor as a deflection tool show up in the boardroom decades laterHow to shift from being run by unconscious programming to making intentional choices from a place of presenceThe difference between geographic disruption and internal disruption, and why the latter is the harder and more powerful pathHow to reprogram your subconscious using 'I am' statements rather than 'I would like' statementsWhy comfort is the true enemy of growth, and what to do about it when you're not at rock bottomWhat it really means to step into the void with no plan B and why that clarity can change everythingAbout the Guest:Dr. Kevin Mays is a leadership coach, speaker, and author based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Through his company, Upgrade Your Leadership, he works with executives and founders to uncover the unconscious patterns holding them back and develop the self-awareness needed to lead at a higher level. His book, Lead Yourself First, recently made the Amazon best-seller list.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 — Cold open and show introduction01:25 — Welcome and breathing exercise before the call03:36 — Kevin's upbringing in Michigan: the car company culture and what it programmed05:22 — Birth order, family patterns, and the youngest child's drive for attention08:11 — How Kevin began studying self-awareness and what opened that door09:12 — The motorcycle trip: riding to the Pacific Coast until the bike broke down12:50 — Aeronautical engineering, near-miss in the airplane, and choosing a different road15:48 — Identity falling away piece by piece and the moment of real surrender19:22 — How to strip away constraint without hitting bottom first22:48 — Quitting his job, moving to Michigan, and committing with no plan B27:06 — Overcoming early programming: affirmations, rewiring neural pathways, and the piano analogy31:48 — Releasing constraint vs. replacing it: Kevin pushes back on 'brainwashing'34:37 — Music, Rumi, and how Kevin finds presence and energy35:18 — Lori's five key takeaways from the conversation38:12 — ClosingConnect with Dr. Kevin Mays:Website: https://upgradeyourleadership.com/Book: Lead Yourself First (available on Amazon)Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kevin-mays/Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maysleadershipKevin's hype song: Friday I'm In Love by The CureAbout the Show:Fine Is a 4-Letter Word is the show for leaders who are tired of pretending everything is okay. Host Lori Saitz brings on guests who get honest about what it really takes to lead with empathy, vulnerability, gratitude, and courage. New episodes every week.Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if this conversation hit home, leave a review. It helps more leaders find the show.

Scott Lackey grew up as a free-range kid roaming the woods and building forts, convinced he had all the time in the world. Then three questions from three people in the span of two weeks turned everything upside down. What followed was a winding path through the military, a failed invention, a Ponzi scheme, and a long list of promises he kept breaking to himself — until one sleepless night during Covid changed the trajectory of his life.In this episode of Fine Is a 4-Letter Word, host Lori Saitz sits down with Scott to unpack the stories behind his upcoming book, including why crossing the finish line is never the actual victory, how military service wired him differently than the civilian world could handle, and why the Ironman he completed wasn't really about endurance at all.Scott shares the moment he realized broken promises to himself were the root of his unrest, and why learning to listen to your inner voice, whether you call it God, instinct, or something else entirely, changes how you move through every challenge.Key Topics Covered:How Scott's free-range upbringing shaped his sense of adventure and created the blind spots that nearly derailed his early adult lifeThe two-week period where three questions from a coach, a teacher, and his father forced him to think about the future for the first timeHow an Army commercial became the clearest sense of direction he had ever feltServing with the 1st Infantry Division in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, and why four years of military service were irreplaceableThe Wire Dog invention he built in the desert, the $10,000 Ponzi scheme that ended the dream, and what those failures actually taught himWhy Scott believes the gifts are always in the pain, and how that principle shaped his leadership philosophyThe danger of taking advice from people who have nothing at stake in your decisionHow broken promises to yourself erode self-trust, and the internal wake-up call that led him to register for the IronmanThe practices Scott uses to stay connected to his inner voice, including journaling, fasting, long workouts, and meditationWhat the Ironman's question 'What are you willing to sacrifice?' ultimately revealed to him If you've ever felt stuck at 'fine' and couldn't put your finger on why, this conversation will hit close to home.GUEST BIO: Scott Lackey Scott Lackey is a US Army veteran, entrepreneur, Ironman athlete, and author whose life story reads like a series of pivot points, each one forced by failure, chance, or a voice he couldn't quite ignore. He grew up in rural America, joined the Army after seeing a TV commercial that spoke to something he couldn't articulate, and served with the 1st Infantry Division across Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.After leaving active duty, Scott pursued an entrepreneurial dream built around an invention he'd prototyped in the desert, only to have it derailed by a Ponzi scheme. What followed was years of building, failing, learning, and ultimately creating something worth sustaining. His upcoming book draws on all of it, examining why failure and pain carry more lasting value than the victories people celebrate, and why the hardest promises to keep are often the ones made in private, to yourself.Scott completed a full Ironman (140.6 miles) after a period of quiet internal reckoning during Covid, a decision he kept to himself for six weeks because he didn't yet trust himself to follow through. He's a husband, father, and dedicated student of what it means to live with integrity to your own inner compass.Connect With Scott:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottlackey1/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescottlackey/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Thescottlackey/X: https://x.com/thescottlackeyYou may find some of the topics in his top 10 most requested keynotes of topical interest. Link on his website: https://scottlackey.com/speaking/Another area of possible interest is his published short stories: https://scottlackey.com/published-work/Subscribe to Fine Is a 4-Letter Word wherever you listen to podcasts.Invitation from Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit.Smart business leaders know trust is the foundation of every great workplace. And in today's hybrid and fast-moving work culture, trust isn't built in quarterly town halls or the occasional Slack message. It's built through consistent, clear, and HUMAN communication.Companies and leaders TALK about the importance of connection and community. And it's easy to believe your organization is doing a great job of maintaining an awesome corporate culture. Because you've got annual all-hands and open door policies, and “fun" team-building events.But let's be real. Leaders who are serious about building real trust are finding better ways to strengthen culture, create connection, and foster community.That's where I come in. Forward thinking companies are hiring me to produce internal/private podcasts. To bring leadership and employees together through authentic stories, real conversations, and meaningful connections. Think of it as your old-school printed company newsletter - reinvented for the modern workforce. I KNOW, what a cool idea, right?!If you run, work for, or know of a company that wants to upgrade communication, facilitate connections, build community, and maintain culture, let's chat. Message me at Lori@ZenRabbit.com.Because when people feel heard, they engage.

Raised in a household steeped in integrity, respect, and love, Dr. Andrena Phillips credits her upbringing and the strong leadership modeled by her Marine father and telephone company manager mother for shaping her approach to life. Those early foundations became the fuel for a lifetime of showing up authentically, keeping her word, and encouraging others to live by values that go farther than any resumé line or professional accolade.And Dr. Andrena carried all of that — through a nursing career, through raising three kids as a single mom, through earning her doctorate, through building a business that certifies coaches and develops leaders — into every chapter of her life.She met her late husband in Walmart when she walked up to a tall, bald, hazel-eyed stranger and told him his wife was a lucky woman. He followed her to the hair gel aisle and told her he wasn't married. They were together from that moment on.When he got sick, they had what she calls the "hard truth conversations." He was a military man — practical, prepared, purposeful. He told her two things to hold onto: never question the man above, because He knows our beginning and our ending. And run your race, Andrena, whether I'm here or not, because you had purpose from the very beginning.And so she did. She kept showing up. She kept building her business. She kept dancing — because she and Mr. Phillips used to dance together on social media and people loved it, and dancing still brings him close. From the outside, people saw her and thought, she's fine. But what they didn't see was the therapist, the long walks, the internal work happening behind the scenes. She wasn't fine. She was just getting through and those two things are not the same.Three years later, Dr. Andrena is still doing the deep work and letting it show up in how she leads, how she loves, and how she lives. She's still grieving — she'll tell you straight up that grief has no timeline and no rulebook — and she's also still growing, still coaching, still owning her greatness.Hype Song:Affirmations by Flippa T Affirmations (Radio Edit)Resources:Dr. Andrena's website: https://KeepMovinWithAndrena.comLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/andrenaphillipsFacebook: https://facebook.com/KeepMovinWithAndrenaInstagram: https://instagram.com/Keep_MovinWithAndrenaTwitter: https://twitter.com/AndrenaKMovinDr. Andrena's book: https://keepmovinwithandrena.com/walkingagain/Invitation from Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit.Smart business leaders know trust is the foundation of every great workplace. And in today's hybrid and fast-moving work culture, trust isn't built in quarterly town halls or the occasional Slack message. It's built through consistent, clear, and HUMAN communication.Companies and leaders TALK about the importance of connection and community. And it's easy to believe your organization is doing a great job of maintaining an awesome corporate culture. Because you've got annual all-hands and open door policies, and “fun" team-building events.But let's be real. Leaders who are serious about building real trust are finding better ways to strengthen culture, create connection, and foster community.That's where I come in. Forward thinking companies are hiring me to produce internal/private podcasts. To bring leadership and employees together through authentic stories, real conversations, and meaningful connections. Think of it as your old-school printed company newsletter - reinvented for the modern workforce. I KNOW, what a cool idea, right?!If you run, work for, or know of a company that wants to upgrade communication, facilitate connections, build community, and maintain culture, let's chat. Message me at Lori@ZenRabbit.com.Because when people feel heard, they engage.

From a childhood shaped by the loss of her father and the blending of deeply religious family values, Kym Coco developed an early appreciation for spirituality as a lived sense of connection and empowerment. Her journey began with the awareness that we are spiritual beings within physical bodies, a notion both comforting and inspiring when navigating life's difficult moments. As Kym grew older, especially after her father's passing, she felt compelled to internalize and reinterpret her spiritual upbringing, seeking an authentic alignment with her own experiences and needs. This was the foundation she leaned on when her husband Steve became ill. Their rich conversations about meaning and connection to something greater became the foundation of Kym adult life. Before he passed, Steve told her plainly: "Kym, you're gonna need structure when I'm gone." So she bought a van. (He wasn't thrilled about it.) But that van became a beacon of hope and the centerpiece of a solo golf adventure across the western U.S. where Kym played courses from the Oregon coast to Montana to Wyoming. She met wonderful people, played in the rain, dodged lightning, and caught a double rainbow. Meditation, learned in her twenties, became a lifeline, a practice to quiet the chaos, cultivate presence, and forge mind-body-spirit alignment. For Kym, meditation was about learning to witness and gently release the tension, angst, and old energy patterns of childhood and young adulthood. Her willingness to try different modalities, whether a 10-day silent retreat or simply stepping away from her phone, reflects a growth mindset and playful curiosity that infuse her journey. Kym's not someone who pretends the hard stuff isn't hard. She recognizes that the stubborn patterns of worry or fear don't dissolve overnight; instead, it starts with small acts of awareness, self-compassion, and the willingness to let go of static definitions of self. She highlights the importance of sampling different “flavors” of transformation, just as one might experiment with various styles of yoga or tea. Because who you are today isn't fixed, and your resources for change evolve alongside you. Hype Songs: Real Good Feeling by Oh the Larceny Andy Grammer - Damn It Feels Good To Be Me (Official Video) Resources: Kym's website: https://swagtail.com/ LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/swagtailyoga Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swagtailyoga Attention is our greatest resource, and we can train it to focus on what matters most. I'm sharing a free 20minute class to start boosting it now. https://swagtail.com/podcastbonus/Invitation from Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit.Smart business leaders know trust is the foundation of every great workplace. And in today's hybrid and fast-moving work culture, trust isn't built in quarterly town halls or the occasional Slack message. It's built through consistent, clear, and HUMAN communication.Companies and leaders TALK about the importance of connection and community. And it's easy to believe your organization is doing a great job of maintaining an awesome corporate culture. Because you've got annual all-hands and open door policies, and “fun" team-building events.But let's be real. Leaders who are serious about building real trust are finding better ways to strengthen culture, create connection, and foster community.That's where I come in. Forward thinking companies are hiring me to produce internal/private podcasts. To bring leadership and employees together through authentic stories, real conversations, and meaningful connections. Think of it as your old-school printed company newsletter - reinvented for the modern workforce. I KNOW, what a cool idea, right?!If you run, work for, or know of a company that wants to upgrade communication, facilitate connections, build community, and maintain culture, let's chat. Message me at Lori@ZenRabbit dot com.Because when people feel heard, they engage.

What if everything you've gone through in life — the chaos, the loss, the addiction, the grief — was the exact preparation you needed to save someone else's life?Dan Flanagan grew up surrounded by strong values of integrity, hard work, and loyalty, anchored in the rhythm of small-town Ohio life and Catholic faith. His childhood had a kind of Norman Rockwell quality to it — a baseball field in the backyard, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, his mom ringing a bell to call the kids in for dinner. But underneath that idyllic surface, something harder was brewing.Dan's dad, his hero, his best coach, was secretly battling severe clinical depression. When Dan was 15, his dad went away to a psychiatric unit an hour from home to undergo treatment and was gone for over a year. His mom held down the fort working 12-hour days.The sudden loss of his parental anchor left Dan and his siblings with too much freedom, few role models, and an onslaught of confusion and pain. He went off the rails. Started drinking, making bad choices, falling in with the wrong crowd.The darkness in his family didn't stop with his dad. His brother Sean also developed mental illness in college and attempted suicide more than once.Dan managed to earn a degree and build a sales career out of sheer determination and grit, the unresolved trauma and anger simmered beneath the surface. He masked his struggles with alcohol and bravado, insisting that everything was “fine,” when he was far from it.The turning point came on May 6th, 2019, when he finally said enough. He enrolled himself in an intensive outpatient program at the Cleveland Clinic, started showing up at the gym at 4:45 AM, and began listening obsessively to Eric Thomas, Tony Robbins, Jocko Willink, and David Goggins — anyone who had built something from nothing and come out the other side.About a year into his sobriety, he was listening to a Jocko podcast and heard about Dr. Daniel Amen, a world-renowned psychiatrist who developed brain SPECT imaging, a tool that shows what's happening in a living brain rather than just guessing. Dan ordered the book “The End of Mental Illness” before he even got home. And sitting on his couch that Saturday, something cracked open. He describes it as a spiritual moment, followed by a question that felt like it came from somewhere bigger than him: what if all of this was the preparation?Motivated to make a difference, Dan leveraged his story and his sister's expertise to launch the Brain Enrichment Initiative, a peer-to-peer mentoring and mental wellness program for students. Rooted in authenticity and vulnerability, the program aims to help young people break the silence around emotions, teaching them proactive brain health strategies and creating space for real connection.The urgency behind BEI is very real to Dan. He is out there doing the work every single day — for his family, for those kids, and for every version of himself that didn't have someone showing up to say: your brain can get better, and so can you.Hype Song: Dan's hype song is Zach William's “Survivor” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8R4tdF2s42w Resources: Dan Flanagan's website www.bei-neo.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-flanagan-a4934850/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dqflanagan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dqflan/ Invitation from Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit.Smart business leaders know trust is the foundation of every great workplace. And in today's hybrid and fast-moving work culture, trust isn't built in quarterly town halls or the occasional Slack message. It's built through consistent, clear, and HUMAN communication.Companies and leaders TALK about the importance of connection and community. And it's easy to believe your organization is doing a great job of maintaining an awesome corporate culture. Because you've got annual all-hands and open door policies, and “fun" team-building events.But let's be real. Leaders who are serious about building real trust are finding better ways to strengthen culture, create connection, and foster community.That's where I come in. Forward thinking companies are hiring me to produce internal/private podcasts. To bring leadership and employees together through authentic stories, real conversations, and meaningful connections. Think of it as your old-school printed company newsletter - reinvented for the modern workforce. I KNOW, what a cool idea, right?!If you run, work for, or know of a company that wants to upgrade communication, facilitate connections, build community, and maintain culture, let's chat. Message me at Lori@ZenRabbit dot com.Because when people feel heard, they engage.

Welcome to the celebration of five years of fine is a four letter word. I'm your host, Lori Saitz, and man, what a ride it has been. Five years. I don't know that I could have said five years ago that I would expect to be still doing this show five years later. mean, man, that's like another lifetime ago.Think of everything that's happened in your life in the past five years. I mean, I had different cats, I lived in a different state. I've had so many adventures in the past five years and met so many amazing, incredible people and been through so many experiences. Someone asked me the other day, I was a guest on someone else's show, and they asked me what I was grateful for, and I said, all the incredible experiences I have gotten to experience, all the incredible adventures I've gotten to experience in my life. So grateful.You know what else I'm grateful for? Every single guest, more than 200 of them who have been on this show, and especially the first 20 who trusted me enough to give me their time and say yes to being on a brand new show. Because stats show 80 to 90 % of shows never make it past the first 20 episodes. 44 % don't even get past the first three episodes. And here we are at episode 227, five years of weekly publishing. Wow. Sure, there have been some vacation weeks like last year when I was in Tanzania and that year, Panther and I were on our month long road trip sabbatical, but average it out and we've published 45 episodes a year.When I say we, I'm referencing that this show isn't a solo effort from the people who've helped me with strategy before it even launched, specifically Donnie and Mark, to my editors Greg and Chad and Adam and team and Jennifer, who put it all together after it's recorded. I thought for this episode, we do a little review of some especially memorable moments and shows.This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit. Listen, we all know that no one's reading emails and those all hands meetings and Slack messages can feel a little impersonal. How do you make work feel more human? Leaders who are serious about building real trust with their teams are finding more modern and effective ways to strengthen culture, create connection and foster community. That's where I come in.Forward-thinking companies, and specifically those with new CEOs, are hiring me to produce internal podcasts, to bring leadership and employees together through insightful stories and personalized conversations, and to share information that actually helps you move your career and company forward. Think of it as your old school printed company newsletter, reinvented. I know, what a cool idea, right? If you run, work for, or know of a company that wants to upgrade communication, facilitate connections, build community, and maintain culture, let's chat. Message me at lori at zenrabbit.com.As I look ahead, I can't necessarily promise another five years, but I can promise I'll keep doing this for as long as it brings me joy. And right now, it brings me SO MUCH JOY to meet all these fantastically interesting people and hold space in my studio for them to be seen and heard and to tell their stories.Thanks for listening to Fine is a 4-Letter Word. If you enjoyed the show, please follow and share it with a friend. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite platform to help others discover it too.Remember, you do not have to settle for FINE. You have the power to become a leader people respect and want to follow AND create a life you love. Now let's f-ing go!

What would you do if your business partner, the woman who recruited you, trained you, and believed in you before you believed in yourself, didn't come home from vacation? That's exactly what happened to Nicole Milone, wealth advisor and founder of Solaris Strategic Wealth.Raised as the oldest of three in an entrepreneurial family, Nicole Milone internalized the values of compassion, curiosity, and resilience from an early age. Helping run her family's shoe store, she learned firsthand the value of hard work, adaptability, and the complexities of money. After studying finance and spending years in the banking industry, Nicole was invited by her mentor and financial advisor to move into the world of financial planning. What began as helping with processes and paperwork grew into a deep calling to empower others around money. She recognized from her own experience how few people truly understand or feel confident in their financial lives.Nicole's world was turned upside down when her business partner and mentor, Debbie, passed away unexpectedly, suddenly leaving her in charge. There was a succession plan — on paper. But the real knowledge, the day-to-day operations, the payroll, the bank accounts — all of it lived in Debbie's head. Overnight, Nicole became the owner of a business she didn't fully know how to run. She was forced to hold it all together for her team and clients, without ever really stopping to grieve.She was waking up at 3am, making massive decisions with a brain that grief had essentially rewired. She still can't fully recall that entire first year. She thought she had to do it all. That was the only model of business ownership she'd ever seen. But she finally realized she couldn't — and more importantly, she didn't have to.With her husband by her side, and professionals she learned to trust and delegate to, Nicole rebuilt both the business and herself. She did the deeper work around her own complicated relationship with money, the fear of losing it, the silence around it she grew up with, and how all of that quietly drives our financial decisions without us realizing it. Now she's on a mission to make sure no one else gets caught as unprepared as she was.Hype Song:Fireball (feat. John Ryan) - song and lyrics by Pitbull, John Ryan | Spotify Resources:Nicole Milone's website: Strategic Wealth Management Services | Solaris Strategic WealthLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-milone/Facebook: Https://www.facebook.com/solarisstrategicwealthInstagram: @thenicolemiloneTwitter (X) @Solaris_SW Episode with Kristi StrawInvitation from Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit.Smart business leaders know trust is the foundation of every great workplace. And in today's hybrid and fast-moving work culture, trust isn't built in quarterly town halls or the occasional Slack message. It's built through consistent, clear, and HUMAN communication.Companies and leaders TALK about the importance of connection and community. And it's easy to believe your organization is doing a great job of maintaining an awesome corporate culture. Because you've got annual all-hands and open door policies, and “fun" team-building events.But let's be real. Leaders who are serious about building real trust are finding better ways to strengthen culture, create connection, and foster community.That's where I come in. Forward thinking companies are hiring me to produce internal/private podcasts. To bring leadership and employees together through authentic stories, real conversations, and meaningful connections. Think of it as your old-school printed company newsletter - reinvented for the modern workforce. I KNOW, what a cool idea, right?!If you run, work for, or know of a company that wants to upgrade communication, facilitate connections, build community, and maintain culture, let's chat. Message me at Lori@ZenRabbit dot com.Because when people feel heard, they engage.

What would you do if you woke up one day to find the California Attorney General was suing you for $60 million — and you hadn't done anything wrong? That's exactly what happened to Shane Barker, digital marketing expert and founder of TraceFuse.ai, and the way he navigated it says everything about who he is.Shane was shaped by the loving, free-spirited energy of his family in Sacramento, California. It was a household with hippie leanings where kindness and connection were valued above all. Though he acknowledges that no childhood is perfect, Shane credits his upbringing with teaching him resilience and the ability to view life's challenges through a lens of growth and learning. He's a big believer that every experience, even the tough ones, is an opportunity to evolve.This mindset was severely tested when Shane found himself at the center of a high-profile, $60 million lawsuit from the California Attorney General. He was the owner and marketing leader of a real estate company created to fight predatory lending and help vulnerable homeowners after the 2008 housing crash. The company grew rapidly, making waves by standing up to big banks and brokers who had exploited countless families. But the very system he sought to challenge turned its sights on him, launching a very public PR battle, freezing his bank accounts, and painting him as a villain in the court of public opinion.The experience was a brutal, wild ride. He was working 18-20 hours a day, 40 pounds heavier, running on energy drinks and determination, endlessly battling negative narratives online and in the media, trying to protect his family from the chaos while simultaneously fighting for his reputation and his business. He was showing up and arguing with strangers online who weren't even customers and confronting the reality that truth isn't always what gets broadcast or believed.He thought he was winning. But he finally realized he was losing. Losing his health, his time, his energy, and his opportunity to be at his son's baseball games.Throughout it all, Shane remained steadfast, refusing to flee or hide. He eventually realized that other people were living rent-free in his head, and he was handing them the keys. He stopped fighting every battle on the internet, started walking 10 miles a day, and began asking a very different question: what can I learn from this?When we spoke, Shane and his family were beginning a 45-day vacation in a small little beach town in Oregon. He's come a long way from what he called Shane 1.0 who was in a room with coffee, going to war every day. Now he's looking at animals and enjoying life and continuing to grow.Hype Song:Shane's hype song is "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill WithersResources:Shane Barker's website: https://shanebarker.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanebarker/Invitation from Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit.Smart business leaders know trust is the foundation of every great workplace. And in today's hybrid and fast-moving work culture, trust isn't built in quarterly town halls or the occasional Slack message. It's built through consistent, clear, and HUMAN communication.Companies and leaders TALK about the importance of connection and community. And it's easy to believe your organization is doing a great job of maintaining an awesome corporate culture. Because you've got annual all-hands and open door policies, and “fun" team-building events.But let's be real. Leaders who are serious about building real trust are finding better ways to strengthen culture, create connection, and foster community.That's where I come in. Forward thinking companies are hiring me to produce internal/private podcasts. To bring leadership and employees together through authentic stories, real conversations, and meaningful connections. Think of it as your old-school printed company newsletter - reinvented for the modern workforce. I KNOW, what a cool idea, right?!If you run, work for, or know of a company that wants to upgrade communication, facilitate connections, build community, and maintain culture, let's chat. Message me at Lori@ZenRabbit dot com.Because when people feel heard, they engage.

What if the secret to being an exceptional leader isn't about being stronger, working harder, or having all the answers — but about being the first one in the room to say *I need a break*?Sounds counterintuitive, right? Maybe even a little reckless. But stick with me here.Vanessa McDowell-Atlas grew up deeply rooted in the values of faith, family, and community, shaped by her upbringing in Madison, Wisconsin. The McDowell household instilled a strong connection to God, encouraged giving back, and fostered authenticity. These ideals were lived out every day.Authenticity, though often overused in today's cultural landscape, holds a deeper resonance for Vanessa. She notes that the pressure to perform and conform is magnified by technology and social media, where curated lives and even AI-generated content can make “real” feel elusive. The craving for genuine connection, she believes, is stronger than ever because so much of what's presented isn't authentic at all. Growing up without the noise of constant screens, Vanessa learned the value of face-to-face relationships and the grounding that comes from truly being seen and heard.From these foundations, Vanessa's journey into leadership and service was anything but random. Each step in her career was guided by faith and an intentional sense of purpose. She describes her path as a series of conscious choices—listening, reflecting, and praying to discern where she was meant to serve. Even when the path was uncertain or intimidating, she adopted the mantra “do it scared,” understanding that courage grows in the doing, not the waiting.She's a natural introvert. She deals with anxiety. And somehow, she ended up as the CEO of a century-old organization — becoming the first Black woman in its entire history to hold that role. No pressure or anything.She didn't stumble into it either. Her boss announced she was leaving, tapped Vanessa on the shoulder for the interim role, and Vanessa thought, *sure, six months, I can hold it down.* Spoiler: it became permanent. And what she inherited? Her words — a mess. On top of that, she was carrying what she calls "three isms" — racism, sexism, and ageism — every single day, before she even opened her laptop.So she did what a lot of leaders do. She worked twice as hard, carried the load silently, and told everyone she was fine.Burnout came for her anyway… because it always does. But here's where Vanessa's story takes a turn most leaders never make: she told her team the truth, took two weeks completely off, and came back so recharged that her staff literally noticed the difference and asked why she didn't do it sooner.By giving herself permission to pause, rest, and ask for support, Vanessa not only transformed her approach to her own well-being but also modeled a new kind of leadership for her team and community. As she puts it, being a “strong Black woman” is not about never taking a break. It's about having the wisdom to know when to recharge, so you can serve from a place of wholeness.Oh, and did I mention she's also a DJ on the side? Yeah. DJ Ace is in the building.Vanessa is now a transformational leadership coach, and in this conversation, she's about to share what it actually looks like to lead from your values, do it scared, and give yourself, along with everyone watching you, permission to be human.ResourcesVanessa McDowell-Atlas' website: vmatransformationalcoaching.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vanessarmcdowellHype SongVanessa's hype song is You've Been So Faithful by Eddie James & The Phoenix Mass Choir https://youtu.be/m28IBrcgSIo?si=kE2OV_-o0msqb7vCInvitation from Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit.Smart business leaders know trust is the foundation of every great workplace. And in today's hybrid and fast-moving work culture, trust isn't built in quarterly town halls or the occasional Slack message. It's built through consistent, clear, and HUMAN communication.Companies and leaders TALK about the importance of connection and community. And it's easy to believe your organization is doing a great job of maintaining an awesome corporate culture. Because you've got annual all-hands and open door policies, and “fun" team-building events.But let's be real. Leaders who are serious about building real trust are finding better ways to strengthen culture, create connection, and foster community.That's where I come in. Forward thinking companies are hiring me to produce internal/private podcasts. To bring leadership and employees together through authentic stories, real conversations, and meaningful connections. Think of it as your old-school printed company newsletter - reinvented for the modern workforce. I KNOW, what a cool idea, right?!If you run, work for, or know of a company that wants to upgrade communication, facilitate connections, build community, and maintain culture, let's chat. Message me at Lori@ZenRabbit dot com.Because when people feel heard, they engage.

What happens when your life looks successful and you keep telling yourself it is… but then you find yourself pulled over on the side of the highway with clammy hands and unable to breathe? Growing up in a loving, hard-working family deeply rooted in farming traditions, Melissa Coloton learned early on the importance of honesty, compassion, and the power of expressing love. Unlike most families, hers openly verbalized affection. “I love you” was the punctuation to every goodbye. This warmth, however, was balanced with discipline and high expectations. Because Melissa's mother became a parent at sixteen, she was vigilantly determined to give her children the best possible chance, insisting on hard work, achievement, and a relentless pursuit of success. Melissa spent 20 years building a successful career in sales. She was really good at it. The kind of good that keeps you locked in. Promotions, performance, steady income… all the things that say, “stay right here.” And for a long time, she did. But underneath that success was constant pressure to get it right. To not mess up. To keep proving herself. What looked like ambition on the outside was really a fear of failure she didn't even recognize at the time. That panic attack on the highway left her feeling lost, disconnected, and unraveling, fearful that she'd die without ever honoring her true purpose. With the help of a life coach and the practice of self-compassion, Melissa learned to listen to her own needs, confront the chronic sources of anxiety, and eventually gained the tools to manage and move through challenging emotions. Eventually she was able to unlock the “golden handcuffs” of her sales career and step into work that centers around honoring yourself and creating aligned success so you can avoid the kind of burnout that she experienced. We're talking about how technology and societal shifts have fostered loneliness and a loss of communal support. But our conversation is optimistic about the resurgence of retreats, gratitude dinners, and analog gatherings. Listen in to hear the whole story.Resources Website: www.melissacoloton.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-coloton-coach/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissa_coloton/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568472840753 Hype Song Unstoppable by Sia https://open.spotify.com/track/1yvMUkIOTeUNtNWlWRgANS?si=a2507f11148f41b1 Invitation from Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit.Smart business leaders know trust is the foundation of every great workplace. And in today's hybrid and fast-moving work culture, trust isn't built in quarterly town halls or the occasional Slack message. It's built through consistent, clear, and HUMAN communication.Companies and leaders TALK about the importance of connection and community. And it's easy to believe your organization is doing a great job of maintaining an awesome corporate culture. Because you've got annual all-hands and open door policies, and “fun" team-building events.But let's be real. Leaders who are serious about building real trust are finding better ways to strengthen culture, create connection, and foster community.That's where I come in. Forward thinking companies are hiring me to produce internal/private podcasts. To bring leadership and employees together through authentic stories, real conversations, and meaningful connections. Think of it as your old-school printed company newsletter - reinvented for the modern workforce. I KNOW, what a cool idea, right?!If you run, work for, or know of a company that wants to upgrade communication, facilitate connections, build community, and maintain culture, let's chat. Message me at Lori@ZenRabbit dot com.Because when people feel heard, they engage.

What happens when the thing you pride yourself on most… is the very thing quietly breaking you? Janice DaCosta grew up in a world where excellence wasn't optional. You hold it together. You don't fall apart. You make it work—no matter what. Until one day, standing in front of a mirror with scissors in her hand, she couldn't hold it together anymore. What followed was a complete Control, Alt, Delete reset. Raised in a family of serial entrepreneurs with deep roots on Wall Street, Janice DaCosta grew up learning values centered around excellence, rigorous work ethic, and community upliftment. Love was at the core, but hustle was integral too. Janice's professional journey began in the corporate world, navigating high-pressure environments across multiple continents as a global logistics leader. She excelled in male-dominated environments, but behind the scenes, it was a different story. She was holding together a marriage that wasn't working. Showing up strong, being everything to everyone in every role she played. And quietly, she was unraveling. That pivotal “mirror moment” happened on a regular day when the façade finally cracked. It became the catalyst for radical change. She realized true failure wasn't in letting go and not being perfect. It was in sacrificing herself at the altar of perfection. Thus began her long, messy, honest healing process. She started recording raw, unfiltered conversations with herself on video through which she allowed herself to unpack, witness, and process what she'd been holding back for years. This practice of speaking aloud, instead of shoving the emotions down, helped her cultivate self-trust and gave her the courage to finally seek support from others. Through this introspective journey, Janice unlocked the transformative power of “unshakable relief.” She learned to define her worth outside productivity, to let go of shame, and to give herself permission to feel all the emotions that make us human. That journey and its hard-won wisdom are now at the heart of her latest book on emotional wealth, which reimagines the concept of “pay yourself first.” Keep listening to hear what it sounds like when someone who “has it all together” finally admits… yeah, I don't—and can't keep pretending I do. Because you might recognize yourself here. Hype Song Janice's hype song is Run the World (Girls)- Beyonce https://youtu.be/Xqo08TXbxWQ?si=jvYs5OeWT25608Wr Resources Janice DaCosta's website: iamjaniceclaire.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janicedacosta Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamjaniceclaire Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjaniceclaire Invitation from Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit.Smart business leaders know trust is the foundation of every great workplace. And in today's hybrid and fast-moving work culture, trust isn't built in quarterly town halls or the occasional Slack message. It's built through consistent, clear, and HUMAN communication.Companies and leaders TALK about the importance of connection and community. And it's easy to believe your organization is doing a great job of maintaining an awesome corporate culture. Because you've got annual all-hands and open door policies, and “fun" team-building events.But let's be real. Leaders who are serious about building real trust are finding better ways to strengthen culture, create connection, and foster community.That's where I come in. Forward thinking companies are hiring me to produce internal/private podcasts. To bring leadership and employees together through authentic stories, real conversations, and meaningful connections. Think of it as your old-school printed company newsletter - reinvented for the modern workforce. I KNOW, what a cool idea, right?!If you run, work for, or know of a company that wants to upgrade communication, facilitate connections, build community, and maintain culture, let's chat. Message me at Lori@ZenRabbit dot com.Because when people feel heard, they engage.

We're more connected than ever… and more lonely than ever. Because connected online is very different than connected offline.In this solo episode, I'm exploring the quiet epidemic of loneliness and why it shows up in places most leaders overlook.If you're interested in being successful – whether you're running a business or working for someone – no matter what your definition of success is… and you want to amplify or upgrade your abilities, this episode is for you. If you're interested in living longer without having to eat kale and work out two hours a day, seven days a week, this episode is for you.More than 10 years ago, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy uncovered an epidemic of loneliness in the U.S. What surprised him the most was the degree to which people described feeling lonely. And the diversity of people affected – all genders, all ages, all levels of education and professionalism and wealth.People were reporting they didn't feel like they belonged. And people felt embarrassed and ashamed to admit they felt lonely. Because they didn't want to appear needy or inadequate. Because of course, in America, we're all about independence and self-sufficiency.Nothing has changed since then. If anything, these findings have only intensified in the past decade and were especially exacerbated by pandemic times.When people don't feel seen, known, or supported, collaboration suffers, trust erodes, and work becomes heavier than it needs to be.The truth is, humans aren't designed to operate like machines behind screens all day. Real connection fuels creativity, resilience, and engagement. It also plays a surprising role in how long and how well we live.If you want a stronger culture, better communication, and a team that actually enjoys working together, this episode will give you a place to start.Resources:My Website: https://ZenRabbit.com/LinkedIn: https://zenrabbit.com/linkedin/Facebook: https://zenrabbit.com/facebook/Instagram: https://zenrabbit.com/instagram/Visit the “FINE is a 4-Letter Word” store at https://zenrabbit.printful.meInvitation from Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit.Smart business leaders know trust is the foundation of every great workplace. And in today's hybrid and fast-moving work culture, trust isn't built in quarterly town halls or the occasional Slack message. It's built through consistent, clear, and HUMAN communication.Companies and leaders TALK about the importance of connection and community. And it's easy to believe your organization is doing a great job of maintaining an awesome corporate culture. Because you've got annual all-hands and open door policies, and “fun" team-building events.But let's be real. Leaders who are serious about building real trust are finding better ways to strengthen culture, create connection, and foster community.That's where I come in. Forward thinking companies are hiring me to produce internal/private podcasts. To bring leadership and employees together through authentic stories, real conversations, and meaningful connections. Think of it as your old-school printed company newsletter - reinvented for the modern workforce. I KNOW, what a cool idea, right?!If you run, work for, or know of a company that wants to upgrade communication, facilitate connections, build community, and maintain culture, let's chat. Message me at Lori@ZenRabbit dot com.Because when people feel heard, they engage.

Shaped by a childhood of resourcefulness and grit, Barry Bradham's story moves beyond your usual rags-to-riches narrative. Raised in a family where money was often scarce, his parents displayed both strong work ethics and unconventional life choices. Barry started honing his sales skills at just eight years old; he was trading toys and selling bubblegum and baseball cards from a table on the corner. These formative experiences not only instilled the value of integrity but also introduced him early to both the highs of self-sufficiency and the lessons that come when the money in play isn't as innocent as it first appears.From those humble beginnings, Barry followed an untraditional but ambitious route, blending work ethic with curiosity. His adolescence and entry into adulthood were marked by a succession of odd jobs, guided mentorship from community figures, and a constant drive to improve his financial footing. It was this drive, combined with the influence of books like "Rich Dad Poor Dad" and real-life examples of side hustles and entrepreneurship, that sustained his hunger for financial autonomy. But it was also a journey fueled by necessity and wanting a sense of control over his life that he didn't always see modeled at home.In college, Barry took those scrappy entrepreneurial skills to the next level, helping launch new student organizations and eventually moving into a career in banking and real estate. By outward appearances, things looked, well, fine.He had an expanding portfolio, social credibility, and an impressive track record managing both businesses and teams. And yet, beneath the surface, Barry was making decisions in isolation, he no longer had the mentorship and strategic counsel that are vital when navigating high stakes. This was his first “fine but not fine” phase.It all came to a head during the economic downturn, when his calculated risks unraveled. He lost properties, financial security, his fiancée, and his sense of direction. And still, he kept the front up. Smiling. Positive. “I've got this.”But as often happens, those lowest moments became catalyzing ones. One day he was on a bus in the rain in Manhattan Beach, whispering to his sister through the phone that he felt like he was living out the movie The Pursuit of Happyness in real time.He was determined not to stay in that place though. He taught himself graphic design and studied Adobe programs late into the night. Slept on his office floor when he had to. Sold his car. Kept showing up to meetings with a belief that he could still create value.Barry credits his resurgence to humility, learning to ask for help, and embracing community instead of going it alone. His second “fine” season taught him something even bigger. And that story? Tune in to hear him tell it.Resources: Website: https://digilink.global/barrybradham-entrepreneur LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrybradham/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barrybradham Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barrybradham_entrepreneur/ Hype Song: Robin Thicke - Blurred Lines ft. T.I., Pharrell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyDUC1LUXSU&list=RDyyDUC1LUXSU&start_radio=1 Invitation from Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit. Smart leaders know trust is the backbone of a thriving workplace, and in today's hybrid whirlwind, it doesn't grow from quarterly updates or the occasional Slack ping. It grows from steady, human communication.Plenty of companies think they're doing great because they host all-staff meetings, keep “open door” policies, and throw the occasional team-building event. Meanwhile, leaders who truly care about culture are choosing better tools.That's where I come in. Forward-thinking organizations bring me in to create internal podcasts that connect people through real stories, honest conversations, and genuine community—your old printed newsletter reinvented for the way people actually work now.If you run, work for, or know a company ready to upgrade communication and strengthen culture, reach out at Lori@ZenRabbit dot com.Because when people feel heard, they engage. When they engage, they perform. And when they perform, the business succeeds beyond projections.

If your body pulled the emergency brake tomorrow, would you wish you'd slowed down sooner?Growing up on a dude ranch in the remote town of Utica, Montana, Lindsey Korell was immersed in a world where hard work, family, and a curious eye toward the wider world set the tone for her upbringing. Surrounded by international guests drawn by her grandfather's innovative marketing and her father's relentless entrepreneurial drive, Lindsey developed a deep-rooted wanderlust and a respect for building success through grit and persistence. Early lessons included watching her dad make cold calls every evening after family dinner—a practice that became both a source of admiration and apprehension, showing Lindsey the realities, and costs, of uncompromising dedication.Curiosity about life outside Montana led Lindsey far from home, first to England on a Rotary Foundation scholarship and later to Turkey, where she wrote her master's thesis on a bridge-building project. These adventures expanded her worldview, helping her recognize just how small her perspective had been and igniting what would become a lifelong passion for travel and understanding diverse cultures. A stint in the Peace Corps working with banking co-ops in developing countries taught her the profound importance of flexibility and humility. The world looks a lot different when you experience it on the ground and she learned how vital it is to see life through more than one lens.Back in the U.S., Lindsey's career spanned real estate, launching her own businesses, and high-level operations in the corporate world. For years she thrived on the illusion that she could handle everything herself. Then came the wake-up calls she never expected. First a serious autoimmune diagnosis discovered by chance and, not long after, a heart attack that forced every assumption about work, life, and health into question.Lindsey's journey is one of repeated reinvention, and one that includes unlearning the myth of invincibility and gradually accepting that genuine success is as much about surrendering control as it is about seizing it. Today, she helps women create more breathing room in their businesses. Through lessons learned in moments of both triumph and adversity, Lindsey embodies a philosophy that true fulfillment is about presence, perspective, and prioritization.Hype Song: Lindsey's hype song is “Something's Got a Hold On Me” by Christina Aguilera Resources: Lindsey's website: dailyprincipal.com LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/lindseykorell Invitation from Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit. Smart leaders know trust is the backbone of a thriving workplace, and in today's hybrid whirlwind, it doesn't grow from quarterly updates or the occasional Slack ping. It grows from steady, human communication.Plenty of companies think they're doing great because they host all-staff meetings, keep “open door” policies, and throw the occasional team-building event. Meanwhile, leaders who truly care about culture are choosing better tools.That's where I come in. Forward-thinking organizations bring me in to create internal podcasts that connect people through real stories, honest conversations, and genuine community—your old printed newsletter reinvented for the way people actually work now.If you run, work for, or know a company ready to upgrade communication and strengthen...

What if the moment you tell yourself “I'm fine” is the exact moment you should be paying closer attention?Rooted in the core values of hard work, family, and emotional restraint, Emma Collyer grew up with the unspoken rule to “just get on with things.” This principle followed her well into adulthood. Raised in the UK and now residing in Canada, she learned early how to be dependable, observant, and low maintenance. The kind of person organizations love. The kind of leader who listens deeply, carries a lot, and rarely asks for help. This early belief of not causing a fuss left Emma wrestling with the tension between being a good listener and risk fading into the background vs speaking up and voicing her ideas.Her tendency to overcommit reached its breaking point during a pivotal leadership assignment. Wanting to prove herself, Emma found herself saying yes to every task. Investigations. Operational work. Emotional labor that wasn't on any job description.Then one afternoon, she broke down in the middle of a busy city center, unable to maintain the “I'm fine” façade any longer. The emotional moment prompted honest conversations with supportive colleagues and forced her to reconsider the self-imposed pressures behind her relentless hustle.Reflecting on this turning point, Emma candidly admits that old habits sometimes resurface, but now she's equipped with greater self-awareness and boundaries that keep her from sliding back into overwhelm.A large part of Emma's work today centers on helping people master difficult conversations in the workplace – the ones most people avoid – the ones about capacity, trust, feedback, and what's really happening beneath the façade of professionalism. She emphasizes the importance of using frameworks that shift the focus from accusation to collaboration, encouraging leaders to approach issues as shared challenges rather than personal failings. She understands why people disappear in meetings. Why feedback feels threatening. Why managers stop hearing the truth the higher they climb.This episode is about recognizing the quiet patterns that lead smart, well-intentioned people to override themselves and learning how to interrupt them sooner. Let's shift conversations from transactional to human, from faking it to honesty.Hype Song:Emma's hype song is “Unstoppable - R3HAB Remix” by Sia, R3HABhttps://open.spotify.com/track/0F3v8p8ZnEGtZDxNcJ5Klq?si=6cHF8iauRkWszhx3gI_mQ&context=spotify%3Aplaylist%3A2fmxVDpboTzLaLAfj5ZaQWResources: Emma's website: aspireexecutivecoaching.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-collyer-aspire/Instagram: https://instagram.com/aspireexecutivecoaching/Invitation from Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit. Smart leaders know trust is the backbone of a thriving workplace, and in today's hybrid whirlwind, it doesn't grow from quarterly updates or the...

What happens when the life you worked relentlessly to build suddenly stops feeling like you belong in it?From the outside, Ali Brown had it all. An epic brand. Massive influence. Serious revenue. The kind of success most people spend their lives chasing. But from the inside, something was missing.Growing up, Ali Brown was surrounded by the stability of a working father and a creative, stay-at-home mother who filled her days with books, crafts, and art. She credits her self-sufficiency and drive for entrepreneurship to this blend of independence and encouragement. With no explicit entrepreneurial role models, her path to self-employment emerged almost by necessity and through sheer resourcefulness, with how-to books from Barnes & Noble as her guides. Back in a time without the relentless comparison and distraction of social media, she learned to “do what she could from where she was with what she had.”The journey from being a freelance writer to running a multimillion-dollar coaching empire wasn't planned. Ali describes a period of explosive growth, fueled by her willingness to share freely, innovate with early email marketing, and cultivate a loyal following of women in a space otherwise dominated by “bro marketing” and big promises. Her signature info products complete with big instruction binders and CDs felt radical at the time. As her brand grew, so did her sense of responsibility, not only to her expanding team and loyal clients, but to her own evolving sense of purpose.Despite the incredible outward success, she found herself pulled in a different direction after a life-changing appearance on ABC's “Secret Millionaire” and the birth of her twins.She had to figure out what to do after her identity outgrew the model that built it. And have you ever assured yourself that listening to your heart was the right thing to do even though it felt disloyal to everyone else? Motherhood, faith, and finally finding clarity forced Ali to make a hard pivot.This episode is about permission. The kind of permission you give yourself. To change. To disappoint people. To shut things down that still make money. To choose peace over approval. And to stop confusing momentum with meaning.If you've ever wondered why the thing you worked so hard to build suddenly feels heavy, keep listening.HYPE SONG:Ali's hype song is “I Know a Name” by Brandon Lake and “Sure Shot” by the Beastie BoysRESOURCES:Ali Brown's website: www.alibrown.comAli Brown's other website: www.JoinTheTrust.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alibrownla/Instagram: instagram.com/alibrownofficialInvitation from Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit. Smart leaders know trust is the backbone of a thriving workplace, and in today's hybrid whirlwind, it doesn't grow from quarterly updates or the occasional Slack ping. It grows from steady, human...

What happens when you get everything you thought would finally make you feel okay… and it doesn't?Anthony Spark grew up in chaos, learned independence early, and chased financial freedom with relentless focus. He did what so many people are told will fix everything: worked harder, made more money, built businesses, climbed the mountain. And then he discovered something he didn't expect. Success doesn't save you from yourself.As a child, Anthony witnessed the challenges of a single-parent household and the consequences of generational dysfunction. From his mother, he learned independence and personal responsibility. She made it clear that actions have consequences. You handle your own stuff. You clean up your own messes. That foundation taught him self-reliance early and shaped his drive to stand on his own two feet rather than wait to be rescued.His father struggled with addiction, incarceration, and emotional instability. But even through that, Anthony heard a consistent message: you'll be better than me.As Anthony set out on his own path to financial independence, He achieved great success but also discovered that winning the so-called “game” didn't fill the void he felt inside. He felt so much tension between striving for success and accepting oneself as “enough.” When his business became his mistress, he almost lost his marriage.Through counseling, he learned true success requires presence, vulnerability, and emotional intimacy. And that genuine happiness is cultivated through loving relationships, inner peace, and staying committed to personal values, even as you pursue ambitious goals.This was his reckoning. Then came his reinvention.If you're leading a team that looks productive on the surface but feels fractured, exhausted, or misaligned underneath, this conversation will hit close to home. It's for leaders who know that performance problems are rarely about strategy alone and are ready to address the human dynamics that drive trust, clarity, and momentum.HYPE SONG:Anthony's Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1EptZxSk8ZSptt?RESOURCES:Anthony's websites: https://sparkachangecoaching.com/https://extraordinaryexcellence.com/https://phoenixevolution.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonykspark/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mr.anthony.sparkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_spark_is_born/Invitation from Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit. Smart leaders know trust is the backbone of a thriving workplace, and in today's hybrid whirlwind, it doesn't grow from quarterly updates or

Growing up in Iowa, Allie Jones was immersed in a culture of “Iowa nice,” a brand of politeness defined by being helpful, agreeable, and perpetually pleasant. So not surprisingly, niceness became a core value for Allie, one that was reinforced by her community, but also complicated by its shadow: the tendency to avoid hard conversations and uncomfortable truths in favor of small talk and surface-level connections.Early in her career as a third-grade teacher, she poured herself into her students, striving to live up to the expectations of hard work and service. But as she recounts, supportive words from administrators weren't matched with real action, and the relentless pace of changing curricula and high standards left her burnt out. When she realized that staying in the classroom would be the wrong kind of responsible, she left teaching, took a sabbatical to explore the country, house sat, and dipped her toes into freelance writing and marketing.Navigating this period of uncertainty, Allie was challenged by the perennial question, “Who am I if I'm not what I do?” She realized that so many of our identities are tied up in our job titles and professional achievements, but true fulfillment lay in embracing her transferable skills, resiliency, and capacity for connection.Allie now has an intention to cultivate a new version of “Iowa kind,” because there's a difference between nice and kind. This version is rooted in authentic connection and courageous conversation, not just politeness.As a business and leadership consultant, Allie is also helping others step into their own authenticity.Listen in to hear her story of moving beyond the safety of “nice” to the richer, more complicated rewards of being kind, in community, conversation, and career. In facing discomfort and embracing change, Allie models what it means to answer the question “How are you?” with truth and intentionality.Allie's hype song is Honeypie by JAWNY RESOURCESAllie Jones' website: alliejonesconsulting.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/allie-s-jones/Instagram: instagram.com/alliejonesconsultingInvitation from Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit. Smart leaders know trust is the backbone of a thriving workplace, and in today's hybrid whirlwind, it doesn't grow from quarterly updates or the occasional Slack ping. It grows from steady, human communication.Plenty of companies think they're doing great because they host all-staff meetings, keep “open door” policies, and throw the occasional team-building event. Meanwhile, leaders who truly care about culture are choosing better tools.That's where I come in. Forward-thinking organizations bring me in to create internal podcasts that connect people through real stories, honest conversations, and genuine community—your old printed newsletter reinvented for the way people actually work now.If you run, work for, or know a company ready to upgrade communication and strengthen culture, reach out at Lori@ZenRabbit dot...

Raised in a hardworking, Catholic family that seemed picture-perfect from the outside, Andrew Quebbemann learned early on the value of self-reliance and doing things for yourself. But it was during a pivotal moment at age sixteen—choosing not to get confirmed into the church—that he first exercised the courage to honor his own convictions over societal or familial expectations. That decision, viewed as rebellious by his parents, was also his first bold step toward living authentically and questioning what really worked for him, rather than simply following the script laid out for him.This early demonstration of independent thinking set the stage for a pattern that has defined Andrew's adult life. Whether leaving corporate America after looking around and finding no one he wanted to emulate or choosing to go plant-based overnight simply because it felt right for his body, Andrew developed what he calls psychological agility—the capacity to make swift decisions and take action when something no longer serves him.However, this same strength became a source of deep conflict within his family, where relationships had always been transactional and understanding seemed impossible to achieve. After years of trying to navigate increasingly difficult family dynamics that affected both him and his wife, Andrew made the painful decision to request a three-month break from his parents to reevaluate their relationship as adults. Their response was a brutal phone call filled with insults, which marked the beginning of a three-year estrangement that continues today, despite Andrew's willingness to engage in family therapy.The loss of his parents while they're still alive has required Andrew to mourn a relationship he thought he had. He candidly shares how stepping away from toxic dynamics allowed him to embrace self-care, protect his marriage, and redefine how he wants to show up in the world.Through therapy and a daily meditation practice inspired by Indian mystic Sadhguru, Andrew has learned to find peace within himself rather than seeking validation from those who may never be capable of providing it. His story illustrates the heartbreaking reality that sometimes loving someone means accepting that a healthy relationship with them may not be possible, and making decisions that honor your well-being is necessary for survival.Hype Song:Andrew's hype song is One Step Closer by Linkin ParkResources: Andrew's Website: https://goldbookfinancial.com/our-team/andrew-quebbemann/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-quebbemann/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewquebbemann/ Invitation from Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit. Smart leaders know trust is the backbone of a thriving workplace, and in today's hybrid whirlwind, it doesn't grow from quarterly updates or the occasional Slack ping. It grows from steady, human communication.Plenty of companies think they're doing great because they host all-staff meetings,

Stef Warlick grew up with the kind of values that leave a lasting imprint. Guided by a mother who came from a strict Catholic upbringing and believed deeply in championing the underdog and showing relentless kindness, Stef was immersed from a young age in principles of empathy, hard work, and accountability. “If you can't change something, change your mind about it” was a guiding family mantra.Those early teachings became the blueprint for how Stef approached life and work. Stef's career in government contracting and corporate environments taught her invaluable lessons about gathering complete information before making decisions, thanks to a mentor who emphasized that "there are more than two sides to every story." This wisdom became crucial during a devastating personal tragedy involving her beloved pets, which left Stef walking through life in a fog. It was a period of numbness so acute it felt like an out-of-body experience.Worse still was overhearing people, unaware she was within earshot, harshly judging her character based solely on this single, painful event. That incident carved a groove in her understanding of empathy: you never know what someone else is carrying, and judgment without context is more than unfair—it's destructive.Stef became even more attuned to the stories people keep hidden and the resilience they muster just to keep going.Now focused on building inclusive teams and communities, Stef has learned that diversity isn't just about checking boxes but about creating environments where people feel genuinely seen and valued. Her approach to working with people with disabilities exemplifies this philosophy. Rather than tiptoeing around differences or making assumptions, she advocates for direct, respectful communication that treats everyone as a whole person worthy of authentic connection. Her story illustrates how our most painful experiences can become our greatest teachers if we're willing to learn from them.Hype Song:Stef's hype song is Girl on Fire by Alicia KeysResources: Stephanie Warlick's website: https://www.stephaniewarlick.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniewarlick/X: https://x.com/5FTV_ConsultingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579261754103Invitation from Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit. Smart leaders know trust is the backbone of a thriving workplace, and in today's hybrid whirlwind, it doesn't grow from quarterly updates or the occasional Slack ping. It grows from steady, human communication.Plenty of companies think they're doing great because they host all-staff meetings, keep “open door” policies, and throw the occasional team-building event. Meanwhile, leaders who truly care about culture are choosing better tools.That's where I come in. Forward-thinking organizations bring me in to create internal podcasts that connect people through real stories, honest...

Kathryn Eipl spent much of her professional life doing exactly what she was trained to do: keep everything together, move forward no matter what, don't feel too much, and definitely don't let anything fall apart.Raised in a household where emotions were weaponized as jokes and communicating risked having your vulnerabilities shared with the entire extended family, Kathryn learned early to guard her feelings. She joked that she had "a black heart" and simply "didn't feel."This emotional armor served her well in the notoriously cutthroat entertainment industry, where she thrived managing complex projects while navigating an environment that demanded perfection and offered little room for human vulnerability.Not surprisingly, the constant stress and emotional suppression took their toll, leading to burnout and an unhealthy relationship with alcohol as her primary coping mechanism. Despite achieving professional success, Kathryn found herself caught in a cycle of reactivity, letting her emotions run the show while simultaneously denying they existed.The turning point came when friends convinced her to try hot yoga. Despite her initial resistance, the fast-paced vinyasa classes in heated rooms provided the perfect entry point for someone accustomed to constant motion, allowing her mind to finally quiet as she moved through poses too quickly to overthink. This practice became her gateway to emotional awareness and regulation, teaching her the crucial difference between reacting to life's challenges and consciously responding to them.As Kathryn deepened her yoga practice and completed teacher training, suppressed memories and emotions began surfacing during her sessions. She put a journal beside her mat to process the revelations. This journey of emotional archaeology taught her how to respond instead of react. She also learned to advocate for herself. That meant walking away from the entertainment industry completely after promises made for a prestigious overseas project were broken, even though fear, guilt, and old stories tried to talk her out of it.Now as a yoga instructor and wellness coach, she helps others develop the emotional intelligence and self-regulation skills that the entertainment industry—and many other high-stress environments—actively discourage, proving that it's never too late to learn a healthier way of being in the world.Kathryn's Hype Song:Masterpiece by Able HeartResources:https://eiplhealing.com/ (1 Free Neuro-Resonance Strategy Session use code WELCOME at checkout.)LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-eipl/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eiplhealingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/eiplhealing/# Invitation from Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit. Smart leaders know trust is the backbone of a thriving workplace, and in today's hybrid whirlwind, it doesn't grow from quarterly updates or the occasional Slack ping. It grows from steady, human...

Growing up in the Midwest during the 1980s, Kristi Straw was raised with traditional values of being the quiet, grateful “good girl," don't speak too boldly, and never outshine others. Alongside this mandate to be humble and accommodating came the classic Midwestern lessons in kindness, like let others go first at an intersection, and cook a pot roast for the new neighbors. But lurking underneath the surface was an undercurrent of self-diminishment. These expectations and beliefs would be both barriers and fuel for Kristi's eventual rise in the corporate world. Leaning into relentless drive and adaptability, she climbed from individual contributor to bank president and C-suite executive in just a few years. But behind the impressive title and substantial paycheck was a steadily growing sense of inauthenticity. She describes years of “chameleonizing” or masking her true self to fit an environment that wasn't built for her bold ideas, her height, or her emerging leadership voice. Ultimately, her success required constant shape-shifting and sacrificing parts of herself, a survival tactic rooted in childhood messages about what women “should” be. Everything came to a head when, after finally reaching the top, Kristi realized three hours into her dream job that she simply couldn't conform anymore. She found herself lying on her office floor with the stark realization that this life was no longer "fine." The money, status, and access couldn't mask the fundamental misalignment between who she was becoming and who she wanted to be. That raw acknowledgment sparked her greatest pivot yet. Now, Kristi is fiercely committed to building communities based on authentic connection, collaboration, and high standards of integrity. As a coach and author, she champions what she calls “psychological agility,” aka the ability to adapt, stay open to surprise, and continually learn regardless of the outcome. I suspect you'll relate to her story of realizing that sometimes the most successful-looking life is in fact the one that's keeping you furthest from your true potential. And that no matter what, you have to find the courage to break the rules that never fit you in the first place. Kristi's Hype Song All I Do is Win https://youtu.be/GGXzlRoNtHU?si=9dwag_ZqVPmTJhgV Resources Website: www.LighthouseLeadershipConsultants.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kstrawmba/ Instagram: @LighthouseLeadershipConsultant Invitation from Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit. Smart leaders know trust is the backbone of a thriving workplace, and in today's hybrid whirlwind, it doesn't grow from quarterly updates or the occasional Slack ping. It grows from steady, human communication. Plenty of companies think they're doing great because they host all-staff meetings, keep “open door” policies, and throw the occasional team-building event. Meanwhile, leaders who truly care about culture are choosing better tools. That's where I come in. Forward-thinking organizations bring me in to create internal podcasts that connect people through real stories, honest conversations, and genuine community—your old printed newsletter reinvented for the way people actually work now....

Growing up in a household where freedom was paramount, Pia (Myo Lischter) Mailhot-Leichter was raised by rebellious, artistic parents. From her mother's escape from small-town Quebec at 19 on the back of a motorcycle bound for Morocco and New York, to her artist father who lived outside society's lines, Pia inherited both a fierce independence and a romanticized view of constant movement as the solution to life's problems. Education was another cornerstone value, instilled early on as the key to independence, especially for women. The foundational beliefs of freedom, strength, and visionary self-expression became the undercurrents that shaped Pia's journey. By seventeen, Pia had already left home, continuing her mother's legacy of carving her own path through life. After years of living what appeared to be a successful creative life in London and Copenhagen, Pia found herself caught in a destructive pattern of using movement and busyness to avoid dealing with deeper issues. Following a messy divorce, an unhealthy rebound relationship, and throwing herself completely into building a creative studio, she was maintaining the facade that everything was "fine" while internally falling apart. The wake-up call came when she was fired from her partnership role, leaving her metaphorically thrown through the windshield of the fast-moving car that was her life, staring at the shards of what she thought was working. Instead of immediately jumping into job hunting mode, Pia listened to her intuition and made a radical choice to embark on a solo four-week journey across China, Mongolia, and Russia via the Trans-Siberian Railway. A therapist invited her to learn how to stay instead of running, which became a catalyst for her inner transformation. Pia learned that staying busy and on the move was a form of distraction, a way to avoid sitting with pain and uncertainty. Through stillness, she gradually rewired her nervous system and uncovered the importance of discernment. She built resilience to sit with discomfort, understanding that pain minus the mental story is simply pain, not suffering. Throughout this conversation, Pia reminds us that uncertainty is actually fertile ground for creativity and growth. By running “experiments” in life, leaning into discomfort, and treating every chapter as an adventure rather than a test to win or fail, she embraces messy, beautiful humanity. Her story is an invitation to break free from inherited scripts, anchor into self-compassion, and write entirely new lines—proving that sometimes, the bravest act is simply to stay. Resources: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pia.leichter/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pialeichter LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/pialeichter/ Website https://kollektiv.studio/ Pia's Hype Song: Messy by Lola Young Invitation from Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit. Smart leaders know trust is the backbone of a thriving workplace, and in today's hybrid whirlwind, it doesn't...

Raised with strong faith values across multiple religious traditions, Meshell Baker discovered early on that the best people she encountered weren't defined by their specific beliefs, but by how consistently they practiced core principles of love, kindness, and service. In the beginning of her career, Meshell was exposed to diverse spiritual communities while selling Yellow Pages advertising in the most racially diverse county in America. Her experience would later become the foundation for everything she built. After a period of incarceration that stemmed from personal trauma and lost confidence, Meshell threw herself into rebuilding through corporate success. She became exceptional at climbing the ladder. You know the routine, the one that involves chasing promotions, better cars, bigger paychecks. On paper, she was winning. But she felt like she was running on a hamster wheel, hitting milestones that gave her five minutes of satisfaction before she had to chase the next achievement high. The turning point came during a Bible study group where she discovered her gift for helping women transform their confidence and step into their power. She realized this work brought her more joy than any corporate achievement ever had. Now as an entrepreneur and confidence coach, Meshell has learned the crucial difference between transformation and transaction. She emphasizes that once you transform internally, the external transactions (success, money, opportunities) naturally follow, but the reverse isn't true. Her story illustrates how confidence isn't something you summon on demand like an Amazon delivery. It's a way of being that you embody through consistent practice and self-compassion, even when, or especially when, you don't feel like it. Resources: Meshell Baker's website: https://meshellrbaker.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meshellrbaker Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeshellRBaker Instagram: http://instagram.com/MeshellRBaker Meshell's Hype Song is Confident by Demi LovatoInvitation from Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit. Smart leaders know trust is the backbone of a thriving workplace, and in today's hybrid whirlwind, it doesn't grow from quarterly updates or the occasional Slack ping. It grows from steady, human communication. Plenty of companies think they're doing great because they host all-staff meetings, keep “open door” policies, and throw the occasional team-building event. Meanwhile, leaders who truly care about culture are choosing better tools. That's where I come in. Forward-thinking organizations bring me in to create internal podcasts that connect people through real stories, honest conversations, and genuine community—your old printed newsletter reinvented for the way people actually work now. If you run, work for, or know a company ready to upgrade communication and strengthen culture, reach out at Lori@ZenRabbit dot com. Because when people feel heard, they engage. When they engage, they perform. And when they perform, the business succeeds beyond projections.

Holiday solo episode today. On what might be a controversial topic, but what the hell. LFG! It's no secret that this girl loves shopping. I inherited this love from my grandmothers. The small state I grew up in has at least 12 major shopping malls. It's a challenge right now to not get sucked into all the Black Friday sales. Although my favorite protein powder is 30% off and I can't guarantee some new leggings won't end up in my shopping cart. All this to say it's no surprise that when my two besties from high school and I get together for girls' weekends, we go shopping. No matter what city or town we're exploring, we tend to find ourselves in those cute home décor or specialty kinds of stores. You know the ones with mugs and glassware and candles and soaps and locally packaged food items. And there's something I've noticed in recent years. The more I've thought about it, the more it disturbs me. It's the dish towels that say “They should put more wine in the bottle. So there's enough for two people.” Or “Wine, because adulting is hard.” And the coasters that scream “I'm one glass away from a good mood.” It seems we live in a culture that promotes drinking as a way to have a good time or wash away all your negative emotions. “Everything's just fine! Have some wine.” I haven't seen that one yet, but maybe it's out there. Stay with me here because this episode is not about shaming you if you enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail. I'm here to have a chat about how we've seemed to normalize drinking as a coping mechanism. And how it's entirely built into the way we socialize. Since we're right in the thick of the holidays now, I thought it would be interesting to look at this concept and ask, is it fine or not fine? Maybe it's simply about becoming more aware of this social habit and giving yourself the opportunity to evaluate your participation in it. Thanks for spending part of your holiday with me. Wishing you all the feelings of joy, love, belonging, and gratitude, my friend. Invitation from Lori: This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit.Listen, we all know that work emails from leadership and all staff meetings can feel…a little bit impersonal. How do you make work feel a little more human? Leaders who are serious about building real trust with their team are finding more modern and effective ways to strengthen culture, create connection, and foster community.That's where I come in. Forward thinking companies are hiring me to produce internal podcasts. To bring leadership and employees together through insightful stories, personalized conversations, and the information you ACTUALLY want to hear that helps you move your career and company forward. Think of it as a way to your old-school printed company newsletter - reinvented for the modern workforce. I KNOW, what a cool idea, right?!If you run, work for, or know of a company that wants to upgrade communication, facilitate connections, build community, and maintain culture, let's chat. Message me at Lori@ZenRabbit dot com.

Christopher Bylone grew up on a New Jersey family farm where no one was above mucking stalls, and lending a hand wasn't optional. His grandfather, decades ahead of his time, taught him that inclusion wasn't a corporate policy; it was just what decent people did.Those lessons stuck. They carried Christopher from agriculture to analytics to becoming a respected voice in diversity, equity, and inclusion. When his company's diversity metrics stalled, he spoke up, “We have no strategy.” That bold truth redirected his entire career toward DEI leadership. He went on to build a team from zero headcount and zero budget into a million-dollar operation. On paper, he was thriving. But inside? He was the four letter “fine.”Working at Krispy Kreme, he loved the mission but dreaded the grind. Seventy-five percent of his time was spent executing instead of shaping strategy. Then came the layoff. And with it, the uncomfortable truth that “fine” had become his hiding place.That pattern didn't stop at work. After years of insisting he could lose weight on his own, Christopher realized grit wasn't enough. Well-meaning people told him to “just diet harder,” but he made a different choice and underwent bariatric surgery. It was a turning point that forced him to evaluate not only his habits but his relationships as well.Now, 90 pounds lighter with 30 left to go, he's learned that accepting help isn't weakness: it's wisdom. The people you surround yourself with can either hold space for your growth or keep you stuck in the old story. As a lifelong gardener, he'll tell you not everything that looks like a weed needs to be pulled. Sometimes, it just needs to be moved.Through therapy, reflection, and better boundaries, Christopher discovered that true friends don't have to agree with your decisions but they do have to respect them enough not to stand in your way.Christopher's hype song is “Proud” by Heather Small. Resources:Christopher Bylone's website: https://www.innovationunbiased.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbylone/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbylone/Listen to Christopher's podcast I Know I Belong When: https://www.iknowibelongwhen.com/Invitation from Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit. Smart leaders know trust is the backbone of a thriving workplace, and in today's hybrid whirlwind, it doesn't grow from quarterly updates or the occasional Slack ping. It grows from steady, human communication. Plenty of companies think they're doing great because they host all-staff meetings, keep “open door” policies, and throw the occasional team-building event. Meanwhile, leaders who truly care about culture are choosing better tools. That's where I come in. Forward-thinking organizations bring me in to create internal podcasts that connect people through real stories, honest conversations, and genuine community—your old printed newsletter reinvented for the way people actually work now. If you run, work for, or know a company ready to upgrade communication and strengthen culture, reach out at Lori@ZenRabbit dot com. Because when people feel heard, they engage. When they engage, they perform. And when they perform, the business succeeds beyond projections.

What happens when a basketball star loses everything from his NBA dream, his identity, and even his beloved coaching job at his alma mater?In today's episode of "Fine is a 4-Letter Word," you get to meet Coach Matt Doherty, who opens up about the masks we wear, the power of vulnerability, and why saying "I'm fine" can be the most dangerous lie we tell ourselves.Coach Doherty grew up on Long Island with dreams of basketball greatness. He achieved remarkable success as a three-year starter at the University of North Carolina under legendary coach Dean Smith. But his NBA dreams were cut short, leading him to Wall Street during the decade of greed where he began self-medicating with alcohol.After building a successful coaching career that culminated in his dream job as head coach at UNC, Matt's world came crashing down when he was fired after just three years in a very public manner. This devastating blow, combined with his struggle with alcoholism, forced him into a period of deep self-reflection and transformation. The turning point came through discovering emotional intelligence and the power of vulnerability, leading him to remove what he calls his three masks: the "tough guy mask," the "smart guy mask," and the "I got my shit together mask."Today, Matt is an executive coach using his hard-earned wisdom to help leaders avoid the landmines he stepped on during his own leadership journey. Through his work with peer advisory groups and his book "Rebound: From Pain to Passion," Matt demonstrates that true strength comes from exposing your struggles to the light instead of hiding them.Get ready to hear about the morning routine that changed his life, why he believes vulnerability is the new invincibility, and the surprising origin of the word "coach." Whether you're leading a team, building a business, or just trying to get out of bed some mornings, this episode will challenge you to take off your masks and step into who you're meant to be.Matt's hype song is Ramble On by Led ZeppelinResources:Coach Matt Doherty's websites: https://coachmattdoherty.com/ and https://dohertycoaching.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachmattdoherty/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachmattdoherty/ Claim your copy of “Rebound: From Pain to Passion” at https://dohertycoaching.com/books/ Invitation from Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit. Smart business leaders know trust is the foundation of every great workplace. And in today's hybrid and fast-moving work culture, trust isn't built in quarterly town halls or the occasional Slack message. It's built through consistent, clear, and HUMAN communication. Companies and leaders TALK about the importance of connection and community. And it's easy to believe your organization is doing a great job of maintaining an awesome corporate culture. Because you've got annual all-hands meeting and open door policies, and “fun" team-building events.But let's be real. Leaders who are serious about building real trust are finding better ways to strengthen culture, create connection, and foster community.That's where I come in. Forward thinking companies are hiring me to produce internal podcasts. To bring leadership...

Fine is a 4-Letter Word is all about those moments when “fine” is just the mask we wear before life gives us a loud wake-up call.For Massimo Backus, that wake-up call came wrapped in a leadership 360 evaluation that painted a picture he didn't recognize. The team he thought he was inspiring and supporting saw someone defensive, unsafe to approach, even a bully. Gut punch, right?Raised by creative, supportive parents who met in a woodworking class over a three-legged chair, Massimo learned the values of creativity, acceptance, and generosity that would later guide his unconventional career path. He also carried the invisible weight of childhood dyslexia and a lifelong habit of needing to prove himself. That pattern followed him into adulthood and eventually showed up in how he led others. His relentless pursuit of purpose-driven work eventually led him to a prestigious position as global head of leadership development for a large international consulting firm, where he thought he had finally “made it.” However, that 360-degree feedback assessment came as an unexpected wake-up call.Massimo first tried to “fix” himself on his own. It wasn't until he surrendered control and attended the Hoffman Process, a weeklong retreat, that he uncovered the real saboteur: his own inner critic.Through self-compassion, Massimo finally found the power to stop performing and start being. Listen as we unpack his journey from overactive inner critic to radical freedom.Massimo's hype song is Dance Yrself Clean by LCD Sound SystemResources:InKind Leaders Website: https://www.inkindleaders.com/Massimo's Personal Website: https://massimobackus.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/massimo-backus/Claim your copy of: “Human First, Leader Second” bookInvitation from Lori: This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit. Smart business leaders know trust is the foundation of every great workplace. And in today's hybrid and fast-moving work culture, trust isn't built in quarterly town halls or the occasional Slack message. It's built through consistent, clear, and HUMAN communication. Companies and leaders TALK about the importance of connection and community. And it's easy to believe your organization is doing a great job of maintaining an awesome corporate culture. Because you've got annual all-hands meeting and open door policies, and “fun" team-building events.But let's be real. Leaders who are serious about building real trust are finding better ways to strengthen culture, create connection, and foster community.That's where I come in. Forward thinking companies are hiring me to produce internal podcasts. To bring leadership and employees together through authentic stories, real conversations, and meaningful connections. Think of it as your old-school printed company newsletter - reinvented for the modern workforce. I KNOW, what a cool idea, right?! If you run, work for, or know of a company that wants to upgrade communication, facilitate connections, build community, and maintain culture, let's chat. Message me at Lori@ZenRabbit dot com. Because when people feel heard, they engage. When they engage, they perform. And when they perform, the business succeeds beyond projections.

Hey high achiever, what if the only way to save your life… was to finally stop doing all the things and learn how to be?In this powerful and deeply honest episode of Fine is a 4-Letter Word, we sit down with Karen Brown, a global leader, poet, and mentor who has lived and worked in nearly 90 countries—and once wore her “busyness” like a badge of honor. I know you can relate to that. Raised in Jamaica on the values of personal identity, learning, and service, Karen built her life around helping others. But when decades of stress and 18-hour workdays landed her in the emergency room, she was forced to face a painful truth: the woman who'd mastered productivity had forgotten how to pause.What followed was a journey of rediscovering the power of silence. Because for Karen, silence wasn't just absence of noise; silence was painful and jarring. It was a void she tended to fill with constant learning and doing. Over time, though, she learned to sit with silence, to let it restore her body, calm her mind, and reconnect her to herself. That transformation didn't just heal her—it deepened the way she serves others.Now, Karen changes lives through the simplest of acts: truly seeing people. Whether mentoring a young professional, writing letters to hotel staff around the world, or stopping a stranger just to say, “You are seen,” Karen reminds us how small moments of kindness can heal invisible wounds and ripple outward into the world.But here's the question that lingers: when silence finally knocked on her door… what truth did it whisper that changed everything?Tune in to find out how Karen turned stillness into strength—and how you can, too.Karen's hype song is "We Pray" by Coldplay.Resources:Karen Brown's website: https://bridgearrow.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bridge-arrow/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BridgeArrow/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoeKJ8Bnc_POr-IidXaNAFgInvitation from Lori: This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit. Smart business leaders know trust is the foundation of every great workplace. And in today's hybrid and fast-moving work culture, trust isn't built in quarterly town halls or the occasional Slack message. It's built through consistent, clear, and HUMAN communication. Companies and leaders TALK about the importance of connection and community. And it's easy to believe your organization is doing a great job of maintaining an awesome corporate culture. Because you've got annual all-hands meeting and open door policies, and “fun" team-building events.But let's be real. Leaders who are serious about building real trust are finding better ways to strengthen culture, create connection, and foster community.That's where I come in. Forward thinking companies are hiring me to produce internal podcasts. To bring leadership and employees together through authentic stories, real conversations, and meaningful connections. Think of it as your old-school printed company newsletter - reinvented for the modern workforce. I KNOW, what a cool idea, right?! If you run, work for, or know of a company that wants to upgrade communication, facilitate connections, build community, and maintain culture, let's chat. Message me at Lori@ZenRabbit dot com. Because when people feel heard,...

Stop and ponder for a moment.Is it possible that everything you thought was keeping you “safe” was actually keeping you small?We often look to resolve our issues through self-help books, seminars, and courses. But if they really worked, we'd all be perfectly fit, deliriously happy, worry-free millionaires! No, we need to dig deeper.Angie Tumlinson's story is a roadmap on how to find that higher level of fulfullment.She grew up with the values of hard work, perfectionism, and fear-driven faith—beliefs that shaped, then nearly broke, her life. From running a booming church to walking away from it all, from building businesses out of sheer grit (and $27 in her pocket) to discovering the power of belief and imagination, Angie's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and radical self-discovery.Then came the devastating losses of both parents, the identity crisis that followed, and the unexpected mentor (a name you might know!) who appeared just when she needed him most. Along the way, Angie learned the difference between “need” and “want,” how to let go of old paradigms, and why most of us are terrified to admit what we truly desire.When Angie finally allowed herself to envision the life she really wanted, something extraordinary happened—her income multiplied tenfold, her relationships transformed, and her voice grew stronger than ever.So how did she go from exhausted pastor's wife and overworked business owner to creating abundance, freedom, and authenticity on her own terms? And what powerful lesson did she learn about love, control, and partnership that changed her marriage forever?Tune in and find out…Angie's hype song is “Can't Stop The Feeling” by Justin Timberlake.Resources:Angie Tumlinson's website: https://www.elevateyouinstitute.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angietumlinsoncoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angietumlinsonWatch Angie's webinar, “Go For It”, and discover priceless insights that help you start living the life you dream about at https://www.elevateyouinstitute.com/go-for-it Invitation from Lori: This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit. Smart business leaders know trust is the foundation of every great workplace. And in today's hybrid and fast-moving work culture, trust isn't built in quarterly town halls or the occasional Slack message. It's built through consistent, clear, and HUMAN communication. Companies and leaders TALK about the importance of connection and community. And it's easy to believe your organization is doing a great job of maintaining an awesome corporate culture. Because you've got annual all-hands meeting and open door policies, and “fun" team-building events.But let's be real. Leaders who are serious about building real trust are finding better ways to strengthen culture, create connection, and foster community.That's where I come in. Forward thinking companies are hiring me to produce internal podcasts. To bring leadership and employees together through authentic stories, real conversations, and meaningful connections. Think of it as your old-school printed company newsletter - reinvented for the modern workforce. I KNOW, what a cool idea, right?! If you run, work for, or know of a company that wants to upgrade communication,...

Welcome to a new season of Fine is a 4-Letter Word. I'm excited for today's guest because there is no better time for you to meet someone who embodies what it means to live boldly, build with purpose, and refuse to accept “fine” as a final answer. Dr. Kimberly McGlonn spent 18 years as a high school teacher, a job she loved thoroughly. She could have stayed there and finished up an amazing career. But she realized she was only reaching about 100 people a year. And she wanted to reach thousands.So Kimberly took a sabbatical and traveled to East Africa where she dove deep into creativity. She came back with a mission of starting a new breed of fashion design company she called Grant Boulevard.The first Black woman-owned B Corp in the U.S. fashion industry, her design firm aligned with a value she learned in childhood of combating disenfranchisement. Going way beyond creating eye-grabbing blouses and fashion tastemaking, this brand was interested in sustainable materiality. Focused on supply chain and procurement and climate action, but also very interested in not separating climate action from the need to take care of workers. They recruited women in the Philadelphia area whose lives had been impacted by the criminal justice system to sew the clothing, creating empowerment and opportunity.We're connecting with Kimberly just at the point where she sunsetted Grant Boulevard and is bringing to life another design company – Black Ivory Thrift. And she has taken the powerful step of writing a book to exponentially share her message of sustainability, service, and advancing the common good.So far, we've only scratched the surface. Over the next 30 minutes, you're about to discover Kimberly's fascinating story which goes into so many more areas as well!Kimberly's hype song is “New Day” by Alicia KeysResources:Dr. Kimberly McGlonn's website: https://www.drkimberlymcglonn.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkimberlymcglonn/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlymcglonn/ Claim your copy of “Build It Boldly” in audiobook, paperback, and e-book format by visiting the links at https://linktr.ee/builditboldlyInvitation from Lori: This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit. Smart business leaders know trust is the foundation of every great workplace. And in today's hybrid and fast-moving work culture, trust isn't built in quarterly town halls or the occasional Slack message. It's built through consistent, clear, and HUMAN communication. Companies and leaders TALK about the importance of connection and community. And it's easy to believe your organization is doing a great job of maintaining an awesome corporate culture. Because you've got annual all-hands meeting and open door policies, and “fun" team-building events.But let's be real. Leaders who are serious about building real trust are finding better ways to strengthen culture, create connection, and foster community.That's where I come in. Forward thinking companies are hiring me to produce internal podcasts. To bring leadership and employees together through authentic stories, real conversations, and meaningful connections. Think of it as your old-school printed company newsletter - reinvented for the modern workforce. I KNOW, what a cool idea, right?! If you run, work...

By the time you see this episode, I'll be in Tanzania, petting lions and riding zebras.(Ok, I KNOW, that's not likely to happen, but I wish it could!)This week marks a lot of milestones.It's the one-year anniversary of my father's passing, and part of my reason for visiting Tanzania is to honor his memory and express gratitude for making sure he left behind the funding I'd need for the trip.It's also the 200th episode of Fine is a 4-Letter Word – and as I was doing my last-minute packing and thinking about what I'd share, what immediately came to mind are the many valuable friendships and connections I've made through interviewing our amazing guests, working with our production team, and having the chance to dialogue with you – the listener – about what we share here.Thus the topic of this very short (just 12 minutes and 50 seconds) episode, which is all about valuing yourself equally in friendships.I've been around long enough to see friendships come and go – and stay – and am convinced of the validity of the saying “Some are for a season, some are for a lesson, and some are for life.” In today's episode, YOU are the subject.When you tune in now, you'll discover a simple but powerful blueprint that helps you determine which of your friendships serve you equally with the other person, which don't, what you may be able to do to correct it, and what happens if you can't.At the very end, I have two very short “asks” of you – one is about the podcast, and one is about the status of your friendships.I only ask if you could please give each one of them their due – it will take but a couple minutes – because the benefits you gain may astound you.Lori's hype song as she records this special episode is “Raise Your Glass” by Pink.Resources:My Website: https://ZenRabbit.com/ LinkedIn: https://zenrabbit.com/linkedin/ Facebook: https://zenrabbit.com/facebook/ Instagram: https://zenrabbit.com/instagram/Visit the “FINE is a 4-Letter Word” store at https://zenrabbit.printful.me Invitation from Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit. Smart business leaders know trust is the foundation of every great workplace. And in today's hybrid and fast-moving work culture, trust isn't built in quarterly town halls or the occasional Slack message. It's built through consistent, clear, and HUMAN communication. Companies and leaders TALK about the importance of connection and community. And it's easy to believe your organization is doing a great job of maintaining an awesome corporate culture. Because you've got annual all-hands and open door policies, and “fun" team-building events.But let's be real. Leaders who are serious about building real trust are finding better ways to strengthen culture, create connection, and foster community.That's where I come in. Forward thinking companies are hiring me to produce internal/private podcasts. To bring leadership and employees together through authentic stories, real conversations, and meaningful connections. Think of it as your old-school printed company newsletter - reinvented for the modern workforce. I KNOW, what a cool idea, right?! If you run, work for, or know of a company that wants to upgrade...

If you're having difficulty finding what you're looking for in life, have you thought about looking in a completely different place? One that might require walking away from what you have?Of course you can say that's a lot easier said than done, especially if it feels like there's not a whole lot out there for you. For Shaun Murphy, known internationally as Mister Motivation, the idea of staying in place, settling, and subsisting never really worked for him. Fine is a 4-Letter Word, and at every step of the way, standing still has never been “fine” for him.His father was murdered when he was six years old. His mother, an immigrant from Barbados, was poverty-stricken yet resourceful and would go through walls to make sure the family had enough – not much, for sure, but enough – with about $100 per month to spare. And yet, if she was down to her last $20 and met a starving stranger on the street, she'd buy them a good meal. So showing up, working hard without complaining, staying grounded in service, and helping other people – these were the core values the experience imprinted on Shaun.After high school, he briefly went to college then dropped out to serve in the military for eight years. But when he got out, he discovered three unpleasant truths. One, there is not nearly enough support for military servicepeople transitioning to civilian life. Two, after eight years of active duty and living well, all of a sudden he was back to not knowing for sure where his next meal would come from. And third, he found that as a man in his community, a man just couldn't talk about it when things aren't fine. Even if his buddies gave him an understanding ear in the moment, they might embarrass him over it a few weeks down the road. And women would see him as soft.Shaun's next job was working in the mailroom at NYU, where he learned a priceless lesson I'll let him tell you about. Next it was off to Iraq, working as a combat civilian working the postal mission. And then he was introduced to Teach for America and realized this was his calling. By now, he had a good-paying steady job and career prospects. “Impact over income”, Shaun tells us – so he got the degree he needed and took a huge pay cut for the opportunity to spread wealth into the lives of others.Fast-forward a bit, and Shaun found himself a former college dropout who had become a college professor teaching college students how to succeed in college.There's so much more to this story, as I'm going to let Shaun tell you in his own words. Now, he's an accomplished motivational speaker, musician, author – and sports team owner. I can't wait to share.Shaun's hype song is "The Bunker" by Mister Motivation.Resources:Shaun Murphy's website: https://mister-motivation.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmurphy1/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/misterm0tivati0nInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/misterm0tivati0n/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mistermotivation492 Claim your copy of Shaun Murphy's book, Unbreakable Valor: Triumph Through the Soul of...

A lot of companies use positive-sounding cliches like “people over profit” and “work-life balance”. This sounds good, until somebody pulls the sales reports and says “we need more revenue and profits”. Then, the bottom line becomes the bottom line. This is sometimes served with a side of “you come to work to do work, change the world on your own time”.Now, picture a model where putting people over profit actually increases profits. Where work-life balance is not measured using number of hours worked or percentage of time in the office vs. working remotely. Being involved with a company that breaks the rules and norms for its industry, where coming to work to do work means doing your part to change the world.Christian Agulles has created all of these things in an industry known for squeezing its engineers like getting that last drop out of the toothpaste tube.Born and raised in College Point, a little town in Queens, Christian was a devout Catholic who went to church, went to Catholic school, and had the whole Catholic experience that, as he describes it, formed him and scarred him at the same time. His father, a police officer, was shot in the line of duty when Christian was seven. Even being able to retire on three-quarters pension, that money didn't go far supporting a family including Christian and his two younger brothers. His mother went to work in the school cafeteria so she could align her schedule with her sons, and cleaned houses on weekends. By example, she taught Christian to not be afraid to do hard things and to do them with grace.While starting his family, Christian spent the first 20 years of his career with an engineering firm that moved him around the country to open new offices. But over those 20 years, his employer was repeatedly acquired and evolved into company that focused more on acquisition, revenue, and EBIDA. It was right around this time he was recruited to join PAE. Everything worked out fine, yes? Well, Fine is a 4-Letter Word. Did his moment of realization come from a coaching session at PAE with Sandy Lindstrom, known for the “polishing the diamond” principle, where he found out they did not feel he was very good at delivering feedback? Was it discovering that his foundational values around doing hard work with grace could be merged with volunteerism, altruism, and contribution?In a moment, when I bring Christian on, he's going to guide us through his experience leading a Certified B-Corporation and how he's taken one of their metrics – utilization – and redefined it to build PAE into a company that has a net positive impact not only on its employees, but on society as a whole. If, up until now, you've seen your best-laid plans get trumped by “the bottom line” when bills are due, this could be what you need to hear. Christian's hype songs are "Bring It On Home To Me" by Sam Cooke and "Right to Be Wrong" by Joss Stone.Resources:Christian Agulles' website: https://www.pae-engineers.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-j-agulles/Invitation from Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit. Smart business leaders know trust is the foundation of every great workplace. And in today's hybrid and fast-moving work culture, trust isn't built in quarterly town halls or the occasional Slack message. It's built through consistent, clear, and HUMAN communication. Companies and leaders TALK about the importance of...

What if the secret to a peaceful, impactful life is simply refusing to live by anyone else's rules?”Then imagine what would change if you stopped living for a legacy and started living like today is all that matters.As you get to know Andrew Brummer and his journey toward self-actualization, you'll discover the seeds harvested with him were planted early. He had a difficult childhood for various reasons, but his parents provided a sound upbringing. His father taught him to be a “multiplier”. This means, to not only enhance others, but to be skilled in many areas rather than have a narrowly-focused specialty. Add his mother's teaching that nobody is going to make things better for you and you alone choose how to live, and you combine resourcefulness with resilience. His mother also taught him to accept people as they are and love them the way they want to be loved. Over time, this liberated Andrew to be of better service to his employees, his teammates, and his community. It also helped him find his own True North and build a solid foundation for himself.All in all a good package, and on the surface it looked fine. But Fine Is a 4-Letter Word. We all wear what Andrew calls “the Facebook mask”, where we make it seem like everything is great and watch everyone else do the same. Andrew admits here he's gone through many tough times, including in his relationships, work situations and immigration challenges. Plus, he's had a lifetime of medical issues that have required numerous surgeries.But what did he discover?Ultimately, nobody is going to put their nose to the grindstone and do the work for you. It's up to you to make it happen. And, like his mother taught him, it's up to you to decide what kind of day you'll have when you wake up in the morning and get moving.Today, Andrew is not only a fractional COO, he's also either leading or launching several other companies, including one that's building a firearms training system that can even teach kids to use them safely. He is a coach and a mentor. Plus, he has a radio station that has a 200-song playlist. And that's when he's not doing woodwork or decorating his house with 35,000 Christmas lights. Skilled in many areas, as his father taught him. Sounds like an interesting guy, yes?In a moment, when you hear from Andrew, you'll discover a lot more about his journey. One key lesson was finding his own truth and coming to embrace that each of us has our own truth. There are so many more in his new book, “Leading Magnanimously”, which you'll hear more about.Andrew's hype song is "Kiss Off" by Violent Femmes.Resources:Andrew Brummer's website: https://ardunan.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewbrummer/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewbrummer X: https://x.com/andrewbrummer Claim your copy of Andrew's new book, “Leading Magnanimously”, at https://ardunan.com/village/books/land-lm Invitation from Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit. Smart business leaders know trust is the foundation of every great workplace. And in today's hybrid and fast-moving work culture, trust isn't built in quarterly town halls or the occasional Slack message. It's built through consistent, clear, and HUMAN communication....

Do you believe God talks with you? In fact, God is never not talking with you!Depending on your background, beliefs, and point of view, this might sound crazy. If you're actively involved in any of the 4,223 religions currently practiced around the world today, the elders of whatever your formal congregation is called will probably say you ARE crazy. They might also call you a sinner, a heretic, a blasphemer, or worse.So imagine a man who'd seemingly had it all going for him. He was a former radio broadcaster who then made a name for himself as a newspaper reporter, rising to managing editor of a weekly newspaper in Annapolis, MD. He made good money. He had a wife and kids. Everything was fine – more than fine. But one day his wife decided she wanted a divorce. It was amicable, but still difficult. Five days after the end of his marriage, he was downsized out of his job. His boss gave him a glowing recommendation though and he was off to another job interview faster than it took to brew some coffee… and on the way there he got in a car accident that broke his neck and left him lucky to be alive.After he got out of the hospital, the job interviews kept coming, but nobody would hire him. Like it or not, he was told, that neck brace he was wearing scared employers because if anything happened to him while he was at work, they'd be paying his medical bills for the next five years. He lost his apartment because he couldn't come up with rent money. He ended up living on the street for a year. Moving back in with his ex-wife even temporarily was out of the question – fair enough – but she wouldn't even let him come in the house. He had to visit the kids in the garage.Fine is a 4-Letter Word, indeed.Well, eventually he found some work and was able to rent a tiny studio apartment. This man, who had grown up religious, woke up at 4:23 one morning and wrote an angry letter on a yellow notepad to God, asking in essence, “What do I have to do to make it in the game of life?”Then he heard a voice… God answered. (Or was that God?)For Neale Donald Walsch, that was a good question. But then these conversations became a regular thing. He was writing, or channeling, everything he heard. Eventually, God told him he would publish his writings, and the answers, as a book. Neale's publisher told him it would never sell 500 copies since nobody would believe God spoke directly to anyone who wasn't a pope, patriarch, preacher, rabbi, or imam. Turns out, his publisher was right – it didn't sell 500 copies. It sold FIVE MILLION. Conversations with God, Book 1 was published in 1995 and I'm pretty sure I have one of the first copies, which I devoured cover to cover. It all made so much sense to me. But back then, and even up until a couple months ago, I would never have imagined having an hour-long conversation with Neale. But now that I have, you don't have to imagine it either. You get to hear it.Resources:Neale Donald Walsch's websites: http://www.nealedonaldwalsch.com/ and https://CWGconnect.com. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NealeDonaldWalsch/ Also, check out Episode #190, Study That Which You Desire To Become with John Morris - it was John who introduced me to Neale!Invitation from Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit. Smart business leaders know trust is the foundation of every great workplace. And in today's hybrid and fast-moving...

How many battles are you fighting without even being aware you're in the arena?It might seem like everything is “fine”. Sure, you had struggles, some hard times and bad luck, and things that didn't quite go your way. Many people have a story or two about the time they got fucked over BECAUSE they were doing the right thing.That boomerang can spin around and hit you when you least expect it, like it did for Tony Crescenzo.Tony grew up in a family of mechanics. Really, all the men in his family were mechanics, except for one grandfather who retired relatively young and bought a farm. They all lived in that same South Philadelphia neighborhood where the Rocky Balboa character trained for his fights with Apollo Creed. So young Tony worked Saturdays as a mechanic and Sundays on his grandfather's farm, learning the value of good, honest work.Tony's parents divorced. His mother remarried to a Navy officer and they moved to Hawaii. His stepfather's friend was an old-school Marine whose John Wayne-esque tales of service and heroism inspired young Tony to join the Marines. That's where he learned priceless lessons about teamwork, being part of something greater than yourself, and the importance of service. That's until he was assigned to NIS (which is what it was before NCIS), working in criminal investigations to bring down a paycheck scam. As the only witness for the upcoming court-martial of the accused, he soon found himself being court-martialed – and convicted – for a plethora of exaggerated charges, one of which was that he was UA (think AWOL) even though he was on an approved leave!So much for Semper Fi, right? Well, not exactly. Tony did get the conviction reversed, along with a commendation for his service and $20 for his trouble. But he decided to pivot to the private sector, working for, leading, and owning various companies and becoming a sort of “Clint Eastwood” of corporate restructuring. The thing is, his penchant for fighting was affecting every aspect of his life. Both his first and his second wives were used to Tony waking them up in the middle of the night screaming in his sleep. In his own words, he was was one of those people who goes from zero to fuck you in 10 seconds. So things weren't “fine”. It's a four-letter word. And then everything changed when he mis-Googled directions to the CIA.In a moment, when we meet Tony, he is going to give us a master class in accountability, vulnerability, and leadership including the power of meditation and an innovative method he is bringing to market for treating PTSD. As you listen, reflect on the fact that PTSD is not limited to those who have seen death and destruction on the battlefield. It comes in many different forms from triggers you might not even know.Tony's hype song is “Summer Wind” by Frank Sinatra. Resources:Tony Crescenzo's websites: https://peakneuro.com/ and https://intelligentwaves.com/. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonycrescenzo Invitation from Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit. Smart business leaders know trust is the foundation of every great workplace. And in today's hybrid and fast-moving work culture, trust isn't built in quarterly town halls or the occasional Slack message. It's built through consistent, clear, and HUMAN communication. Companies and leaders TALK about the importance of connection and community. And it's easy to believe your organization is doing a great job of...

Ever heard the phrase “may you live in interesting times?” Seems applicable these days. And it's causing a lot of people to live with a constant feeling of anxiety that nags at you, sapping at your energy throughout the day, so by bedtime, you're exhausted but still can't sleep. Financial stress is a primary source. According to an April 2025 survey, fewer than 45% of Americans say they're in better than fair shape financially. Which means more than 50% are not ok. Well, there's a good chance that it's not your fault. Because many Americans did not grow up with the family support to develop financial literacy from a young age. Maybe you were told family finances were “none of your business.” Layer on top that often parents and grandparents didn't have a strong financial foundation of understanding to start with either. Anders Jones has been taking matters around this topic into his own hands ever since a series of twists and turns brought him into what he and his mother jokingly call "the family business", even though the family doesn't have a business and they never worked together.Growing up, Anders was fortunate to not really want for much of anything. His mom worked at Fidelity and helped millions of Americans prepare for retirement. His stepdad was a British guy who gifted him his first car, complete with a single CD disc changer and two requirements.Graduating college in 2009, at the height of a financial crisis, he didn't have a whole lot of prospects for becoming an investment banker or going into private equity. So he joined a Web 2.0 company owned by a serial entrepreneur whose method was to hire young, promising talent and empower them to figure things out. After a while, they sold the company. Since then, he's become involved with several ventures, including co-founding a financial planning firm called Facet.Now, Anders says that he feels so fortunate that if he were to die and be reincarnated, he'd want to come back as himself. That's not something many people would say. So at what moment did the boomerang whack him in the face and show him why Fine Is a 4-Letter Word?Well hang on, because when you meet Anders, you'll find out that this time, it's you, the listener, for whom things are not "fine". Up until now, you've been told that money is a taboo topic. Up until now, you've been told to trust your gut, then gotten lambasted when you did and things didn't work out as planned. It's time for new conversations on a lot of topics. Anders is going to get us started on three - gratitude, mindfulness, and financial literacy. There's a reason he picks three, which you'll also find out. Anders' hype song is “Riding With The King” by B.B. King & Eric Clapton.Resources:Anders Jones' website: https://facet.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anders-jones/ Invitation from Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit. Smart business leaders know trust is the foundation of every great workplace. And in today's hybrid and fast-moving work culture, trust isn't built in quarterly town halls or the occasional Slack message. It's built through consistent, clear, and HUMAN communication. Companies and leaders TALK about the importance of connection and community. And it's easy to believe your organization is doing a great job of maintaining an awesome corporate culture. Because you've got annual all-hands meeting and open door policies, and “fun" team-building events.But let's be real. Leaders who are serious about building real trust are finding better ways to...

If the self-help industry was actually effective, the world would be full of people in perfect health with boundless wealth, always succeeding at everything they set out to do. They'd have perfect relationships, be surrounded by nothing but love and harmony, and know the definition of paradise!The first time things seem a little off, you'd just buy one book, read it, and voila! You'd never need another book because the stars would align like some freaking celestial rapture put at your service personally. Alas, that's not the case.Eddie Sand started reading one of those books. Rather than solve his problem instantly, it put him in such a tailspin that he ended up spending five months going through hell. Even his wife couldn't say much that would help him along or make him want to get out of bed.Raised by his grandparents, lack showed him how different people had different things in their lives, which made him want to become better. And contributed to what's become one of his biggest values - being genuine.After several failed attempts to join the Army, he enlisted in the Marines because he noticed a Marine recruiter at his high school who seemed to have a bunch of girls crushing on him. What guy doesn't want that? I *may* have had a thing for a few Marines myself

Some people are just born with it. Whether it's the intelligence you need to thrive, personality traits that make you likable – or your dad owning the company you grow up to become “Chief Servant Leader” of – we all have something going for us.Throughout the 192 (and counting) episodes of Fine Is a 4-Letter Word, I've covered stories of pain, struggle, perseverance, and salvation. One of my guests even went to prison for a murder she did not commit!Kevin Schnieders is one of those guys who, when you first meet him, strikes you as the kind who was just born with it. But as we peel back the layers, you're going to get to know a man who shows there's always room to grow and boundless opportunities to make an impact when you see them.Kevin's dad was a school administrator who took a bold leap in founding EDSI, a workforce development, customized training, and consulting company focused on providing innovative solutions to close workforce skills gaps around the country. His mom was his dad's biggest cheerleader, not a big departure since she had actually been a cheerleader for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was the middle child, partially in awe of his brother who was brilliant in his studies. Kevin was less academic, but he found a niche as an athlete and pursued a dream of becoming a sportscaster. Rather than take to the mic, Kevin went into teaching and then came to work at EDSI – first as a training consultant, then as Director of HR and Operations, then as COO, before becoming CEO. Then he bought the company. Along the way he married and has two wonderful daughters who make him proud every day.You'd think – wow, everything's fine for Kevin. We could say, “He's doing great and he lived happily after ever. The end!” But Fine Is a 4-Letter Word, as Kevin discovered when he was asked at a seminar how intelligent he was on a scale of 1 to 10, and he answered “6”. Bang! At that point, he realized he'd been carrying weight around for not being “as smart” as his brother. I'll let Kevin explain. Then he attended another seminar and found out that for as compassionate as he always is toward others, he'd been falling short in practicing self-compassion.In a moment, when you meet Kevin, you'll discover what came next. How does all this impact him as a father? How does he pass his values to his daughters? As the owner of a company with 856 employees, what's his secret for creating a sense of personal connection with every single person who works for him – all 856 of them? Whether you have zero, ten, or 856 employees, or you are the employee, get out a note card – yes, an actual note card – and prepare to write.Kevin's hype song is "Be Who You Are" by Michael Franti & Spearhead.Resources:Kevin Schnieders' website: https://www.edsi.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/edsi/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EDSITalent Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edsi_careers/ X: https://x.com/EDSI_Solutions YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EDSIvideos Invitation from Lori: This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit. Smart business leaders know trust is the foundation of

Time and again, as you go through nearly 200 episodes of Fine Is a 4-Letter Word, you'll find stories from guests who found themselves disconnected from what's supposed to be a connected world.Your circle of close friends you see all the time - your "besties"? Go back two years and tell me how many of them are the same people.Your avid following on social media who hang on your every post? Delete your account and I bet maybe two of them even try to reach out somewhere else.Sometimes being disconnected is a lonely place to be. Other times, it gives you the advantage of not being indoctrinated into other people's beliefs.It could also mean your tribe is quietly forming behind you as you go through this journey called life - as Margaret Rogers discovered when her own journey became a giant a-ha moment.The daughter of Taiwanese immigrants, her parents' cultural way of showing love was to make sure she had the security that came with providing for her basic needs. She wanted for little materially, but the rest was up to her. Her parents told her two things: "We want you to be happy, healthy, and have a steady job" and "Money's easy to spend and very difficult to make".In school, she was the only Asian girl in class. There weren't the thriving, nuclear Asian communities that exist in almost every city today. In college, taking an engineering class filled almost entirely with white men, her professor interrupted his lecture and singled out the woman, asking her, "do you understand?" for no particular reason at all.Graduating with degrees in both electrical engineering and computer science, Margaret easily got a job during the dot-com boom. But then the bubble burst. She decided she really wanted to do "consulting" with only a vague notion of what that is. So she said "if you're laying people off, pick me" and started her own firm. This was all turning out just fine. Really. But Fine is a 4-Letter Word, as Margaret found out after another company acquired hers and she became an executive there. When it hit her that the acquirer had bought the company's technical skill but abandoned the culture she had built, she felt like she'd let down the team she'd nurtured and assured she'd take good care of.So, who had Margaret's back now?You'll discover that in a moment. You'll hear her story about the power of mentorship that began when she hired her first employee and recognized how that changed her own life forever. You'll also see how everybody from her Taiwanese grandmother to so many she's met along the way have come together behind her like a posse. Like she's Wonder Woman and they're her Avengers.Listen all the way through as it will hit you right at the end.Margaret's hype song is "Let's Get It Started" by The Black Eyed Peas.Resources:Margaret Rogers' website: https://parivedasolutions.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretpengrogers/Invitation from Lori: This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit. Smart business leaders know trust is the foundation of every great workplace. And in today's hybrid and fast-moving work culture, trust isn't built in quarterly town halls or the occasional Slack message. It's built through consistent, clear, and HUMAN communication. Companies and leaders TALK about the importance of connection and community. And it's easy to believe your organization is doing a great job of maintaining an awesome corporate culture. Because you've got annual all-hands meeting

Being an outsider can be challenging – but it can also be your absolute superpower!We all come into the world as a blank slate with the opportunity to form and grow organically. Taking in the world as you find it before being tethered to a rigid or strongly defined set of predetermined beliefs set for you by others.John Morris started out that way too, but unlike most people, he never took on the opinions of others. He began questioning fear-based systems, trusting inner knowing, and seeing the world through a wildly different lens than most. This approach has given him a unique ability to use a few simple tools to reinvent himself every time he finds the world not to his liking and decides he can have better and do better.Growing up, while his mom chased the current popular thing, his dad didn't really instill a structured set of beliefs – his motto was “as you see it, as you get it”. Not only that, but he was isolated as a child, which had the silver lining of sparing him from having his beliefs molded by others in a hundred silent ways. When he was a teenager, there was a big part of him that knew he was different, knew he didn't process the world in the way that other people did.John's grandmother instilled in him his strong religious beliefs, which contrary to some of the stories you've heard from others on our show, weren't constricting to him at all. After 15 years as a youth minister and 20 years as an evangelist, he left the church because of what he saw as scaremongering and politics.But John came to understand that Fine is a 4-Letter Word because of how the word “fine” was an acronym commonly used in his youth ministry: “feeling inadequate, needing encouragement” – and how this version of “fine” can be brought about by pressure to conform and not speak of anything others don't want to hear. I love this!You're about to meet a man currently in a profound state of metamorphosis. In addition to being a preacher, he has also built up an international reputation as an artist – something that he may be limited doing in the future due to a recent onset of dyspraxia. So with the additional ailments of amaurosis (which affects vision) and dyslexia (which affects the ability to read), what is John doing? He's on his way to becoming an acclaimed author and is working with some of the biggest publishing houses and powerhouse editors to make it happen. In just the past couple years, he's written 25 complete novels, of which there are only two original manuscripts. He has one and His Majesty the King has the other.All of this is possible due to a few simple understandings and ways of being, which we'll circle back to after we chat with John.John's hype song is "Art From The Heart" by John Morris.Resources:John Morris' website: https://thejohnmorris.co.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnmorrisartfromtheheart/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnmorrisartfromtheheart/During the episode, we discussed Wayne Dyer's “Everyday Wisdom” recording – watch it on YouTube or download the audio.Claim your 10% off your first 3 mental health sessions with John Morris - limited to the first 10 persons who mention his appearance on our show, “Fine is a 4-Letter Word”, by...

Have you been moving through life feeling like there's something else out there?You can't put your finger on it. Even though nothing outwardly seems off, there's more to the story than you've been told or that you can see. Something's not adding up, but how do you make 2+2=4?For Jill Valdez, this crept up on her in a hundred small ways. Although she went through some experiences that were far less traumatic for her than they are for others – there was always something else behind door #1.Born to an 18-year-old mother who put her up for adoption, Jill was raised in a conservative Christian home – but it didn't feel constricting to her. Her values included faith and knowing that you reap what you sow – all well and good, but she'd come back to question those later.When she was 15, she felt like she lost both her adoptive parents at once when her mother died and her father emotionally abandoned the family as he became a workaholic to deal with grief that would affect him for many years. Jill went through a rebellious-teenager streak, but recognized that wasn't the life she wanted. Both she and her husband were called to traditional pastoral work, which she enjoyed until she decided to change how she leads people. Jill went through a lot, but somehow it always worked out. Everything seemed fine. But Fine, as you know, is a 4-Letter Word.It definitely was NOT fine when shortly after her sister died, a man at church asked, “where's your smile?” For f*cks sake, her sister had just died! It also wasn't fine when her beloved nephew Kirky died just 11 days after being diagnosed with acute leukemia. Nor was it fine that Jill wasn't sure she knew where she came from, other than that she was adopted.So, she did her homework, found her maternal grandmother, and gave her a call. It took two hours to get through… but her grandmother, with whom she had never communicated before, instantly knew who was calling. As Jill got to know her biological mother, she discovered that being put up for adoption was a blessing. They have a great relationship now – and good thing they didn't know each other when Jill was growing up!In a moment, when you meet Jill, you'll discover what could be a new point of view about why things happen. That in order to be authentic, it's okay to question your values and the world as you see it, even if you come to agree that it's… fine. Or more than fine, for that matter. And as you hear about what Jill is doing now with her consulting work, helping her clients get out of the weeds of chaos, it may hit you like a boomerang right at the end how everything she's gone through has led to this moment. Jill's hype song is "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey.Resources:Jill Valdez' website: https://www.linkconsulting.info/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillvaldezlink/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j_valdezlink/Invitation From Lori:This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit. Smart business leaders know trust is the foundation of every great workplace. And in today's hybrid and fast-moving work culture, trust isn't built in quarterly town halls or the occasional Slack message. It's built through consistent, clear, and HUMAN communication. Companies and leaders TALK about the importance of connection and community. And it's easy to believe your organization is doing a great job of maintaining an awesome corporate culture. Because you've got annual all-hands...