Lead with Compassion

I can't believe this is the end of season 1. When I started this podcast, I hoped it didn't turn out like many of my other endeavors, and fade into the background. But through this podcast, I've that compassion expands my capacity for growth. In this final episode of season 1, I take a look at the critical voice that runs most of our lives, and how I've started to lessen its power. Contact us: Share your stories, ask questions, tell us what you want to hear aboutleadwithcompassionpodcast@gmail.comwww.leadwithcompassionpodcast.comPodchaserCatch our host, Niko, on:Facebook: Niko McCallInstagram: @whatsthatnikoSupport the show

In this episode I continue the story of my running journey and the space it gave me to practice self-compassion. I'll give the first step in self-compassion and ways to practice it. Referenced episodes:Episode 22: Running Toward Self-CompassionEpisode 17: How to Do Better Once You Know BetterContact us: Share your stories, ask questions, tell us what you want to hear aboutleadwithcompassionpodcast@gmail.comwww.leadwithcompassionpodcast.comPodchaserCatch our host, Niko, on:Facebook: Niko McCallInstagram: @whatsthatnikoSupport the show

In addition to the positive coming out stories I shared about my work, were times that people didn't respect my privacy, and even tried to turn people against me. I discuss these times in this episode. Mentioned episodes:Episode 8: Anxiety and Coming Out as Transgender at WorkEpisode 9: Facing Judgment Coming Out as Transgender at WorkJodie's Masterclass affiliate linkContact us: Share your stories, ask questions, tell us what you want to hear aboutleadwithcompassionpodcast@gmail.comwww.leadwithcompassionpodcast.comPodchaserCatch our host, Niko, on:Facebook: Niko McCallInstagram: @whatsthatnikoJodie Bentley's free LIVE MasterclassUse this link to sign up for this informative Masterclass. She will be live to answer all your questions!Support the show

In this episode I reflect on my running journey and how it has affected my journey toward self-compassion. Contact us: Share your stories, ask questions, tell us what you want to hear aboutleadwithcompassionpodcast@gmail.comwww.leadwithcompassionpodcast.comPodchaserCatch our host, Niko, on:Facebook: Niko McCallInstagram: @whatsthatnikoSupport the show

In this episode I discuss going from a feeling of having to act hyper masculine to deciding exactly how I want to show up in the world. I also include my thoughts around this hyper masculinity in society.Episodes mentioned:Episode 18: Does How I Look Make You Uncomfortable?Contact us: Share your stories, ask questions, tell us what you want to hear aboutleadwithcompassionpodcast@gmail.comwww.leadwithcompassionpodcast.comPodchaserCatch our host, Niko, on:Facebook: Niko McCallInstagram: @whatsthatnikoSupport the show

In this episode, I finally discuss why this podcast is called Lead with Compassion. It's been a lifetime leading up to this endeavor. Contact us: Share your stories, ask questions, tell us what you want to hear aboutleadwithcompassionpodcast@gmail.comwww.leadwithcompassionpodcast.comPodchaserCatch our host, Niko, on:Facebook: Niko McCallInstagram: @whatsthatnikoSupport the show

In this episode I discuss pronouns. A little about the legal aspect, and a lot about the social aspect. Check out the links below for more info on pronouns.Referenced episodes:Episode 16: Arrogance of Refusing to Use the Correct NameEpisode 17: How to do Better Once You Know BetterEpisode 18: Does How I Look Make You Uncomfortable?Pronoun resources:The Center for Transgender Equality - about trans pageThe Center for Transgender Equality - pronounsAn FAQContact us: Share your stories, ask questions, tell us what you want to hear aboutleadwithcompassionpodcast@gmail.comwww.leadwithcompassionpodcast.comPodchaserCatch our host, Niko, on:Facebook: Niko McCallInstagram: @whatsthatnikoSupport the show

I've felt like I've been pushing life to hard. Trying to force things into being. So join me for a quick break. Allowing things to sit, and rest, before we get back into it.Contact us: Share your stories, ask questions, tell us what you want to hear aboutleadwithcompassionpodcast@gmail.comwww.leadwithcompassionpodcast.comPodchaserCatch our host, Niko, on:Facebook: Niko McCallInstagram: @whatsthatnikoSupport the show

In this Episode, Niko talks about forcing masculinity, how we protect ourselves from being too exposed,  and who is responsible for your discomfort. Other episodes mentioned:Episode 5: Trigger Warning: Injections, Needles, and FaintingEpisode 17: How To Do Better Once You Know BetterContact us: Share your stories, ask questions, tell us what you want to hear aboutleadwithcompassionpodcast@gmail.comwww.leadwithcompassionpodcast.comPodchaserCatch our host, Niko, on:Facebook: Niko McCallInstagram: @whatsthatnikoUse our affiliate link to get a free 30 day trial with Audible. Support the show

When you know better, do better. But how? How do you get from knowing to doing? I break down the steps I use to help me go from knowing better to doing better. Referenced episodes:Episode 5: Trigger Warning - Injections, Needles, and FaintingContact us: Share your stories, ask questions, tell us what you want to hear aboutleadwithcompassionpodcast@gmail.comwww.leadwithcompassionpodcast.comPodchaserCatch our host, Niko, on:Facebook: Niko McCallInstagram: @whatsthatnikoSupport the show

I discuss the term deadname, why I don't like it, and why I think people use the deadnames of trans people. This leads to my thoughts on blaming our reactions on others, and using compassion to take responsibility for our own reactions. Many of us have felt like we are not enough, not worthy, or have feared being found out as a fraud. In this episode I talk about how this shows up for me, and a couple ways I've been able to overcome imposter syndrome.Episode mentioned:Episode 11: Coming Out as Transgender in the Local NewspaperContact us: Share your stories, ask questions, tell us what you want to hear aboutleadwithcompassionpodcast@gmail.comwww.leadwithcompassionpodcast.comPodchaserCatch our host, Niko, on:Facebook: Niko McCallInstagram: @whatsthatnikoSupport the show

Many of us have felt like we are not enough, not worthy, or have feared being found out as a fraud. In this episode I talk about how this shows up for me, and a couple ways I've been able to overcome imposter syndrome.Contact us: Share your stories, ask questions, tell us what you want to hear aboutleadwithcompassionpodcast@gmail.comwww.leadwithcompassionpodcast.comPodchaserCatch our host, Niko, on:Facebook: Niko McCallInstagram: @whatsthatnikoSupport the show

We are taught that we need to hide parts of ourselves to fit in. This often turns into shame and affects how we see ourselves. In this episode, I take a look at this shame and how my transition led me to let go of shame.Contact us: Share your stories, ask questions, tell us what you want to hear aboutleadwithcompassionpodcast@gmail.comwww.leadwithcompassionpodcast.comPodchaserCatch our host, Niko, on:Facebook: Niko McCallInstagram: @whatsthatnikoSupport the show

Right next my fears of coming out as transgender, were my fears of telling my son. Not because I feared his reaction, but because of what it would mean for him. I talk about those fears, and tell the story of coming out to my son in this episode. Contact us: Share your stories, ask questions, tell us what you want to hear aboutleadwithcompassionpodcast@gmail.comwww.leadwithcompassionpodcast.comPodchaserCatch our host, Niko, on:Facebook: Niko McCallInstagram: @whatsthatnikoSupport the showSupport the show

Join me for this episode where I talk about telling my parents that I'm transgender. Contact us: Share your stories, ask questions, tell us what you want to hear aboutleadwithcompassionpodcast@gmail.comwww.leadwithcompassionpodcast.comCatch our host, Niko, on:Facebook: Niko McCallInstagram: @whatsthatnikoSupport the showSupport the show

One big step for me in my transition was changing my legal name. I'll take you back to that story, and how it led me to coming out in the newspaper. Along the way, I experience the first glimmers of excitement. I also uncover a success that remained hidden to me until I recorded this episode. Other episodes mentioned:Episode 10: Coming Out as Transgender in the Doctor OfficeGet information about changing your name and other trans resources here:National Center for Transgender EqualityContact us: Share your stories, ask questions, tell us what you want to hear aboutleadwithcompassionpodcast@gmail.comwww.leadwithcompassionpodcast.comCatch our host, Niko, on:Facebook: Niko McCallInstagram: @whatsthatnikoSupport the show

In this episode I go back to my journey of finding a therapist and medical professional to help me move forward with my transition. Trans healthcare is a tough topic for many of us. Navigating our vulnerability and the need to advocate for ourselves takes courage. If you are a trans person looking for resources, here a few for you. More can be found on our website, linked below. The Galap - A place to find trans affirming therapistsPlanned Parenthood - Provides trans affirming healthcareNational Center for Transgender Equality - Guides and resources for your healthcare and beyondIf you are a healthcare profession, this is a great place to start:World Professional Association for Transgender HealthIf you are already a trans affirming provider, consider adding yourself to the Galap directory:The GalapContact us: Share your stories, ask questions, tell us what you want to hear aboutleadwithcompassionpodcast@gmail.comwww.leadwithcompassionpodcast.comCatch our host, Niko, on:Facebook: Niko McCallInstagram: @whatsthatnikoSupport the show

Sometimes the worst judgment we face is our own. I'm discovering this as I go through these coming out stories. This episode covers coming out to my employees and other people we work with. Perhaps I'm learning that others aren't judging me as harshly as I'm judging myself. Referenced episodes:Episode 6: Coming OutEpisode 8: Anxiety and Coming Out as Transgender at WorkContact us:leadwithcompassionpodcast@gmail.comwww.leadwithcompassionpodcast.comCatch our host, Niko, on:Facebook: Niko McCallInstagram: @whatsthatnikoSupport the show

This is the first of two episodes discussing coming out as transgender in the workplace. This episode focuses on the anxiety of coming out, and getting the support of my boss. As recent as 2020, it was still legal in many states for trans people to be fired. It's hard to think of myself as worthy of anything when having to fight for jobs and healthcare is a real possibility for trans folks. It's hard to not internalize. Please reach out to us. We love hearing from our listeners. leadwithcompassionpodcast@gmail.comwww.leadwithcompassionpodcast.comYou can also find Niko at:www.instagram.com/whatsthatnikowww.facebook.com/NikoMcCallOfficialSupport the show

In this episode I recount the next few people I came out to, and how I'm still coming out to people today. I also spend some time on the anxiety around coming out, the vulnerability it requires, and how I'm working on both of those. If anything in this podcast resonates with you, or raises questions, email us at leadwithcompassionpodcast@gmail.comContact us: Share your stories, ask questions, tell us what you want to hear aboutleadwithcompassionpodcast@gmail.comwww.leadwithcompassionpodcast.comCatch our host, Niko, on:Facebook: Niko McCallInstagram: @whatsthatnikoSupport the show

This episode starts a short series on coming out. I start the series looking back on my first few coming out conversations, when I came out as a lesbian. If you see yourself as someone others could safely come out to, there are some moments in this podcast for you to take into consideration.In moments of coming out, compassion for myself was hard to come by, and something I'm still learning to put into practice. It is easier to look back on moments from the past with compassion, and try to take what I learn into the future.Contact us: Share your stories, ask questions, tell us what you want to hear about:leadwithcompassionpodcast@gmail.comwww.leadwithcompassionpodcast.comCatch our host, Niko, on:Facebook: Niko McCallInstagram: @whatsthatnikoSupport the show

The possibility of an injection comes with a warning from me to the nurse that I'm a fainter. This played out in some terrifying and funny moments when starting testosterone. Join me as I take a look back at my fainting history and how my fear of injections played out at the beginning of my transition.Contact us: Share your stories, ask questions, tell us what you want to hear aboutleadwithcompassionpodcast@gmail.comwww.leadwithcompassionpodcast.comCatch our host, Niko, on:Facebook: Niko McCallInstagram: @whatsthatnikoSupport the show

Following the euphoria I experienced finding my gender expression, I was overcome by depression. This episode covers some of the factors around that depression, and how I'm working to find compassion for self.Contact us: Share your stories, ask questions, tell us what you want to hear aboutleadwithcompassionpodcast@gmail.comwww.leadwithcompassionpodcast.comCatch our host, Niko, on:Facebook: Niko McCallInstagram: @whatsthatnikoSupport the show

If you're like me, you have no shortage of excuses you tell yourself throughout the day. I think it's how we respond to those excuses that determines how much they restrict us. This episode is about where I'm at in that process.Contact us: Share your stories, ask questions, tell us what you want to hear aboutleadwithcompassionpodcast@gmail.comwww.leadwithcompassionpodcast.comCatch our host, Niko, on:Facebook: Niko McCallInstagram: @whatsthatnikoSupport the show

The first episode of Lead With Compassion! Everyone has dreams for their life. Sometimes, we try to live other people's dreams for our life. Just like in this episode, that doesn't usually work out. In this episode I take a look at those dreams and look back on the events that led to uncovering my sexual orientation. Contact us: Share your stories, ask questions, tell us what you want to hear aboutleadwithcompassionpodcast@gmail.comwww.leadwithcompassionpodcast.comCatch our host, Niko, on:Facebook: Niko McCallInstagram: @whatsthatnikoSupport the show

It's the first Transition Tuesday, so I take a look at the story of gender expression and the euphoria I discovered. This is the first of two episodes talking about the yin and yang around the beginning of my transition.Contact us: Share your stories, ask questions, tell us what you want to hear aboutleadwithcompassionpodcast@gmail.comwww.leadwithcompassionpodcast.comCatch our host, Niko, on:Facebook: Niko McCallInstagram: @whatsthatnikoSupport the show