On This Walk is a podcast that explores meaning, purpose, alignment, and listening to the deeper call for our lives. It’s a journey of exploration, of questions, of experiences and hard-won wisdom. It’s a journey of re-membering and re-connecting. And personally, this is my offering, my prayer, my meditation to the universe, for us to once again live in the authentic, true nature and essence of who we are—healed and whole, personally and collectively.
In our pursuit of a healthier and happier society, it is vital that we recognize the often-overlooked struggles faced by men concerning their emotional well-being. Despite living in a world brimming with technology and constant communication, an alarming number of men silently battle feelings of loneliness and disconnection. It's a subject that deserves our attention, empathy, and understanding. This week on "On This Walk," my walking partner is Jed Diamond, founder of Men Alive. We discuss men's health and well-being, particularly the issue of male loneliness and the importance of connection. Jed shares his personal experiences and journey to becoming a hands-on father and promoting healthy fatherhood. We explore the concept of the shadow self, the need for balance between outer success and inner fulfillment, and the historical context of male-female relationships. We also discuss personal responsibility, the role of men's groups in fostering connection, and Jed's work with Men Alive and the Moonshot for Mankind project. In This Episode (03:18) Jed's journey to becoming a hands-on father (11:18) The dichotomy between success and connection. (14:14) The historical perspective on male and female roles (21:33) The tendency to project our own unresolved pain and wounds onto others (24:05) The need for a new paradigm to understand disconnection, trauma, and healing (26:05) The importance of personal change and self-reflection in addressing societal issues (33:28) Recognizing and addressing male loneliness as a fundamental need for connection (33:28) Reconnecting to aliveness and purpose: Advice for men seeking fulfillment and overcoming loneliness. (36:28) Men's historical need for connection and the importance of male companionship and support. (43:13) The concept of a new paradigm shift and its potential impact on creating positive systems for mankind and humanity. (47:06) Jed's work with Men Alive and the Moonshot for Mankind project Notable Quote “Our sons and our daughters are not saying, ‘Dad, I wish you would be more successful and spend more time away and make more money. They want your presence. And so my journey, what I've been teaching and writing about is to help men and the women who love them, the families that are connected, to find the way to be a full, complete whole man, which for me includes being successful in the outer world and making a good living and doing something that we believe in, but also being able to be a hands-on dad and a hands-on husband and a hands-on mate, and a hands-on person that is present to himself and other people.” – Jed (12:07) Our Guest Jed Diamond is a prominent expert in gender-specific healing and men's health, with 17 books to his name, including bestsellers The Irritable Male Syndrome and Surviving Male Menopause. He holds a Ph.D. in International Health and has practiced psychotherapy for over 50 years. Together with his wife, Carlin, they have five children, 17 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. For more information, visit http://www.MenAlive.com. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow https://www.onthiswalk.com/alignment Jed Diamond https://menalive.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jed-diamond-a1580b/ https://twitter.com/menalivenow https://www.facebook.com/MenAliveNow/ https://menalive.com/about/my-moonshot-mission/ Mentioned 12 Rules for Good Men- https://www.amazon.com/Rules-Good-Men-Jed-Diamond-ebook/dp/B07Z1FBG74
Are you tired of drifting through life, yearning for something more? Deep within us all, there's an insatiable craving for purpose and meaning that ignites our souls and drives us to make every moment count. But in today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get lost in the chaos, losing sight of what truly matters. This week on "On This Walk," my walking partner is Ryan Matthew. We dive into a deep conversation about personal journeys and finding purpose in life. Ryan shares his experiences of seeking external solutions to his problems, only to realize that the root of his issues was internal. Through self-discovery and facing suppressed emotions, Ryan undergoes significant changes, including divorce and loss of financial wealth. Ryan shares a profound story about a transformative experience he had, which symbolizes personal and collective transformation. We also discuss the fear some men have of embracing their feminine side and the importance of integrating both masculine and feminine energies. We challenge the notion that exploring emotions and self-discovery is solely feminine and advocate for a holistic approach to personal growth. We invite you to reflect on your own journey and how you may be locking yourself away from experiencing the fullness of life. The journey to self-discovery is a personal one, but it's also a journey we all share as human beings. In This Episode (03:30) Ryan's struggle to find purpose and meaning in life (05:19) His journey of deconstruction and self-discovery (08:32) Finding greater purpose and resilience through deconstruction and divine guidance (12:23) The fears and needs that arise when making a major life change. (13:12) The story of the man in the cage (20:55) How Ryan showed love and compassion to the broken man in the story (22:00) The man's transformation from being wretched. (28:25) The symbolism of the man's loss of his wife, daughter, and mother (34:11) The man's de-evolution and carrying the weight of pain (43:21) The transformation that occurred in Ryan's life when pouring love into the man in the cage (45:37) The fear of losing joy and love (48:14) The fear of merging in relationships (49:11) The individuality and collectivism pendulum swing (50:24) Fear of losing masculinity in personal growth (52:51) The transformation journey and the reunification of self (59:16) The universe's bigger signs and ignoring inner whispers Notable Quote “I had just lost all of my financial wealth. I had just lost my marriage. My band had just ended all of these big things, and so there was a lot of turmoil in my life at the moment. But as I was pouring love into this man, I was pouring love into myself. The impact that those losses had on my life started to lessen. And it was like I was able to feel the emotion. And I was also able to feel a ton of joy. I realized that so much of what I was running away from in my life was this joy. This joy that was growing inside of me, and I'm still experiencing it today. The more I sit out in nature, the more this joy just continues to bubble up in me.” – Ryan (43:51) Our Guest Ryan Matthew is a tenacious truth seeker, certified professional coach, lightning protection master installer, and a powerful musician/songwriter. He has spent the second half of his life dedicated to unlocking his deeper purpose here, bringing his healing music to the people and becoming a lover of life and all things alive. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow Ryan Matthew https://www.facebook.com/RyanPolingLLC https://www.instagram.com/ryan_matthew_official/ https://www.facebook.com/ryan.poling.355/
What does it mean to be a man in a world where divorce rates are soaring? Are we missing a vital piece of the puzzle, a key ingredient that can unlock the secrets to successful relationships? It's time to confront these questions head-on and embark on a journey that steps in between the current, conflicting notions of masculinity. This week on "On This Walk," my walking partner is Elliott Katz. We discuss the challenges men face in relationships and explore the importance of leadership, decision-making, and taking responsibility in relationships. Elliott shares his personal journey of realizing the need for these qualities after his divorce. We also discuss the impact of gender roles, media stereotypes, and the importance of respect in relationships. We emphasize finding a balance between vulnerability and strength, as well as the significance of personal growth and communication. In This Episode (02:28) Elliott's journey of self-discovery (06:45) Navigating the path towards seeking and finding timeless wisdom for personal growth and leadership development. (10:30) The shift in gender roles due to industrialization. (12:23) How negative stereotypes in the media can affect men's behavior and lead to relationship issues. (13:48) Understanding warning signs for personal introspection and relationship assessment in men's lives. (21:37) The balance between strength and vulnerability (24:35) The importance of men taking charge and making decisions in relationships (27:00) Reflecting on experiences and integrating new ways of showing up. (30:33) Why do men need to trust their own judgment? (33:03) Effective communication in relationships (37:31) The evolution of masculinity and the future of manhood (39:07) Elliott's guide for men to follow on their personal growth journey. Notable Quotes “You see a difficult situation, step forward, take charge, and it makes the woman feel so safe and protected. It makes her love you so much. That's what she wants. She wants a man who takes charge and the decision to be made. You're not imposing your decision. You can say, “Well, I think we should do this here. What do you think?” Instead of asking, “What should we do?” Don't say that. Come forward. Don't come empty-handed. Make a decision. And if she has input, that's great, but don't just leave it to her. Don't think you're being too passive. Don't think, well, I'm showing her I believe in gender equality. To me, the main thing is leadership.” – Elliott (18:32) Our Guest Elliott Katz is an accomplished author, penning two books, including his remarkable debut titled "Being the Strong Man a Woman Wants: Timeless Wisdom on Being a Man." Not stopping there, he has also graced the airwaves, making appearances on over 200 radio shows and television broadcasts. Utilizing his expertise as a coach and guide, Elliott has established himself as a prominent figure for men seeking personal growth and self-discovery. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow Elliott Katz https://www.elliottkatz.com/ elliottrkatz@aol.com https://twitter.com/elliott_katz?lang=en Mentioned How to Get Your Man to Wear the Pants ... So You Don't Have To: Inspiring him to make more decisions, take the lead and STOP LEAVING IT ALL TO YOU!: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Wear-Pants-Dont-Have-ebook/dp/B09SVLHPN6 Being the Strong Man a Woman Wants: Timeless Wisdom on Being a Man: https://www.amazon.com/Being-Strong-Man-Woman-Wants/dp/0973695102
In the realm of human existence, one difficult truth continues to show itself: trauma, a seemingly relentless force, can grip our very souls and leave an indelible imprint on our physical form. It weaves its tendrils through our thoughts, actions, decisions and our relationships. This week On This Walk, my walking partner is Jennifer Wallace. We dive deep into the world of trauma and its impact on our bodies and minds. We also explore the concept of post-traumatic growth and the importance of working with the nervous system to release trauma and facilitate healing. Jennifer shares her personal journey of overcoming a kidnapping and a rare form of breast cancer and how healing her nervous system has been crucial in finding safety, joy, and self-expression. This episode helps listeners break free from the chains of trauma and rediscover their unique path to true freedom. In This Episode (00:29) The concept of trauma and how it affects the body and mind, regardless of its intensity. (06:46) Jennifer's journey: Trauma, breast cancer, and healing (09:58) The impact of trauma on the nervous system (20:00) Jennifer's belief that trauma, emotions, and memories are stored in the water in our bodies. (23:39) Jennifer's journey of finding healing through neuro-somatic approaches (29:38) How trauma healing allows for the return of joy and aliveness (31:30) How men tend to dissociate from their feelings and emotional experiences (39:05) The impact of repressed emotions and anger as a coping mechanism (40:22) The importance of expressing anger and rage [43:45] Creating safe spaces for emotional expression and regulation [48:20] The transformative potential of anger and how it can be used as a tool for communication and self-awareness. [51:04] Initial steps to regulate the nervous system [53:45] The transformative power of somatic and nervous system work [57:05] The burden of complex trauma Notable Quotes “When people begin these journeys, there can often be these thoughts of like, there's something wrong with me. I'm the bad one. Like that's what complex drama teaches us. Like it's me, I'm the one who needs to change, and that's not true. Whoever's listening like that is not true. You are not broken. You are buried under complex trauma. You are buried under stories and emotions that just do not serve you anymore. And I think a lot of times on this journey, it is about the uncloaking of the soul. It is about the you that is you, to come forward and be fully self-expressed, to feel safe in your body to be whatever it is that you wanna experience, but you're just buried and it doesn't have to stay like that.” - Jennifer [57:09] Our Guest Jennifer Wallace is an expert in neuro-somatic intelligence coaching for promoting brain-based wellness and is also a knowledgeable psychedelic integration coach with a trauma-informed approach. Through her podcast, Trauma Rewired, she aims to emphasize the idea that by establishing a secure nervous system, it is entirely feasible to achieve healing, and behavioral transformation, and ultimately create the life one desires. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow Jennifer Wallace https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-wallace-13b42b186 https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/trauma-rewired/id1537602643 Mentioned Unbroken: The Trauma Response Is Never Wrong: And Other Things You Need to Know to Take Back Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Unbroken-Trauma-Response-Never-Things/dp/1683648846
In the hustle and bustle of our modern lives, we often get caught up in the daily grind and forget to prioritize ourselves. It's so easy to lose sight of what truly brings us joy and fulfillment. But picture this: a life where we're no longer held captive by our own unconscious thoughts and behaviors. A life where we can tap into those hidden parts of ourselves that hold the key to happiness, beauty, and a sense of playfulness. This week On This Walk, I welcome back Tim Corcoran – previously on Episodes 15 & 16 – as we discuss the benefits of parts work and the ecology of self, and how it can help you rediscover your unique path to true freedom. Tim shares his personal experience with parts work and how it has transformed his life, emphasizing the importance of understanding and loving all parts of ourselves, even the destructive ones. The conversation also touches on how to discover your purpose through vulnerability, stillness, and connecting with nature and the importance of judgment as a tool for self-growth. In This Episode (06:17) How parts work transformed Tim's life (06:28) Three primary benefits of parts work (10:05) What is parts work and the ecology of self (12:55) The invention of the practice of voice dialogue (16:17) The power of identity formation through the use of "I am" statements (23:23) Understanding and loving destructive parts (25:07) Reclaiming vulnerability and its importance in self-love (32:47) How parts work can help individuals rediscover their aliveness (35:29) How the lack of polarity in relationships can actually hurt them (40:51) How parts work can be used to improve relationships (47:05) How the parts of ourselves that we show up with can create our reality (51:03) 2 keys to discovering purpose (54:31) The importance of stillness and connecting with nature to access the soul and intuition (58:47) How judging others can be a tool for self-growth [01:03:26] Vision quest as a way to encounter the deepest parts of oneself [01:04:28] The significance of childlike parts in accessing the soul [01:06:56] How Tim received guidance from a dead Joshua tree Notable Quotes “All parts serve and all parts deserve love. Even if they are destructive parts, even if they are parts that have caused great damage and great pain, a part cannot exist without a function. They don't just exist randomly and they all serve the self in some way. It might get really twisted and sometimes it does, and the key is not to kill the part, the key is not to throw it away. That just leads to more pain and suffering. The key is to understand it and ultimately to love it. And it's through that embracing that we can really experience transformation.” - Tim (22:36) Our Guest Tim Corcoran is the founder of Purpose Mountain, where he offers Nature Based Purpose Guidance to support people with a love for wild nature who feel a deep yearning to discover their purpose. Tim also serves as co-Director of Twin Eagles Wilderness School, an organization he co-founded with his wife in Sandpoint, Idaho in 2005 dedicated to facilitating deep nature connection mentoring, cultural restoration, and inner tracking. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow Tim Corcoran https://www.linkedin.com/in/timcorcoran4 https://www.purposemountain.com/ https://www.twineagles.org/
Are you tired of constantly feeling like you're not enough? Do you find yourself yearning for a deeper sense of well-being and connection in your life? If so, then we have great news for you. A transformative practice called effortless mindfulness can help you unlock a world of inner peace and profound connection. This week On This Walk, my walking partner is Loch Kelly, an award-winning author, licensed psychotherapist, and recognized leader in the field of meditation and awakening. He is the founder of the nonprofit Effortless Mindfulness Institute. The institute is dedicated to teaching direct methods to access awake awareness, living from a flow state, nondual mindfulness, and heart mindfulness. We discuss the concept of effortless mindfulness and how it differs from conventional mindfulness. Loch shares his journey toward mindfulness and how his father's passing led him to explore and develop effortless mindfulness. Loch provides a simple five-minute practice to help listeners access this more spacious awareness. The conversation also covers the importance of acknowledging the different parts that makeup who we are and how being aware of these parts can help us make more conscious choices. In This Episode (00:53) Introduction to Loch and his approach to mindfulness (04:15) Loch's first glimpses that led him toward mindfulness (10:28) What is effortless mindfulness? (17:09) The glimpse practices that are part of the effortless mindfulness tradition (18:14) How effortless mindfulness helps people feel relaxed and calm (19:57) The deeper sense of well-being that exists within us and how it can be difficult to connect to it (24:43) Optimal functioning from a non-worried being (27:54) How effortless mindfulness leads to deeper well-being and a more fulfilling life (29:51) How parts work helps you be present to all within you that needs to speak (33:56) The importance of acknowledging and holding all parts of ourselves in our awareness (36:55) Building awareness and recognizing the capacity to hold challenging experiences (38:11) What is non-dual feeling (40:17) Benefits and an example of effortless mindfulness in relationships (47:02) Waking up: accessing awake consciousness and deconstructing the ego (54:30) Upgrading our operating system (56:21) The practice of letting go of the problem solver Notable Quotes “One of the unique premises of effortless mindfulness is that you're remembering to remember that the peace, love, freedom, clarity, and the optimal sense of self is already here within us and it's just uncovering, discovering, or remembering that it's not like other skills or knowledge where we need to use our mind to read a lot of books or develop a skill called meditation that will lead us to a cleaner mind. It's literally just like opening up to find a dimension that's subtler and more spacious, but more pervasive and more interconnected. And when we find that sense of being, then that's the goal of what we're looking for because there's a sense of wellbeing, bliss, and clarity that's already here within us.” - Loch (11:10) Our Guest Loch Kelly, M.Div., LCSW, is an award-winning author, psychotherapist, and meditation expert. Founder of Effortless Mindfulness Institute, he collaborates with neuroscientists, teaches nondual pointers, and promotes open-hearted awareness to reduce suffering and support personal development. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow Loch Kelly https://www.linkedin.com/in/loch-kelly/ https://lochkelly.org/ https://www.facebook.com/LochKelly1/ Mentioned The Way of Effortless Mindfulness https://www.amazon.com/Way-Effortless-Mindfulness-Revolutionary-Awakened-ebook/dp/B07FDR6M2T Zen in the Art of Archery https://www.amazon.com/Zen-Art-Archery-Eugen-Herrigel/dp/0375705090
Are you feeling stressed out and overwhelmed? Do you find yourself suppressing emotions and putting on a brave face, even when you're struggling? If so, you're not alone. In today's fast-paced world, it can be hard to find the time and space to truly connect with our emotions and process what we're feeling. This week On This Walk, my walking partner is Fish Fischer, co-founder of Somatic Breathwork™️, an emotional wellness modality designed specifically to help people clear out suppressed emotions, trauma, stress, and anxiety. We discuss Fish's journey from being a caddy in the PGA to discovering the benefits of somatic breathwork in helping him overcome stress and anxiety. We also explore the use of breathwork and somatic practices in helping men move through deeper blocks and feelings of being stuck. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of emotional intelligence and embracing our emotions to become more grounded and powerful leaders. In This Episode (03:02) - The benefits of somatic breathwork (06:02) - The repression and suppression found in the golf world (08:54) - Fish's journey as a former caddy in the PGA and how a sudden end to a relationship led him to his discovery. (12:14) - The importance of allowing emotional cycles to fully complete and how to support this process. (15:19) - Conforming to expectations (17:44) - How to overcome stress and anxiety by releasing pressure and expressing one's self (21:10) -The importance of somatic literacy and getting into the body (27:47) - The benefits of emotional release (31:43) - The distinction between somatic breathwork and other types and styles (34:06) - The importance of re-patterning the emotional body after clearing out blocks (39:01) - How breathwork allows us to tune into what's going on in our body and connect to our inner space. (43:21) - The importance of turning toward our emotions (46:07) - How our bodies have a unique relationship with trauma and emotions (52:03) - The importance of connecting with our bodies (53:59) - The movement of Somatic Breathwork Notable Quotes “To feel your life is like a living death. To feel your life is to actually be alive. Once you start to feel emotions, maybe a little bit of sadness, maybe a little bit of tears, maybe a little bit of anger, that is to truly feel alive. It's not to repress it. It's to know that it's there. See that is an actual feeling that's coming up in your actual body and then recognizing that there's a story with that. And really what that is, reading your body is the ability to actually understand somatic literacy. Can you be fluent in your own body sensations, feelings, and emotions, and can you know the story behind those? If you can do that, you can become fluent in your own body and the vessel that you have had your entire life is the vessel that has moved you. – Fish (20:00) Our Guest Fish Fischer is a visionary co-founder of Somatic Breathwork. His expertise in breath work merges ancient wisdom with modern science, empowering individuals to heal and transform through conscious breathing. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow Fish Fischer https://www.linkedin.com/in/fishfischer/ https://somaticbreathwork.com/ https://www.instagram.com/fish.fisher/ https://www.instagram.com/somaticrelease/ Mentioned Book: https://www.amazon.de/-/en/MaryCatherine-Ph-D-McDonald/dp/1683648846 Alignment Workbook: https://onthiswalk.com/alignment Gabriel Writer https://www.instagram.com/golfinfluencer/?hl=en
Have you ever felt like you were alone in your journey as if you were left to make things work on your own? It's a common feeling that many of us experience at some point in our lives. But what if there's a much larger story that you're a part of? A story that is bigger than you, bigger than your problems, and bigger than your wildest dreams. This week On This Walk, my walking partner is Jeff Harmon, founder of Brilliance Within Coaching, an innovative training and coaching firm. We talk about his journey toward realizing that he is part of a much larger story. We explore the importance of intentional connections with people who support and speak truth into our lives, regardless of whether they are part of a church community. We also touch on the concept of benevolent detachment, detachment out of love, and deep care. We conclude our conversation by delving into the importance of choosing from love, instead of fear. In This Episode (05:33) - The enormous story we are part of (13:48) - The idea of co-creation and partnership with a divine presence (17:54) - Connecting to nature and bigger wisdom (19:30) - The bigger story: Jeff's journey towards realizing the larger story and how he found his mission. (20:24) - The importance of being in service of something bigger than oneself (32:42) - How we can better pay attention to the signs in our lives (37:10) - Freedom and benevolent detachment (39:22) - Apprenticeship and a safe container (44:13) - Counterintuitive truth: When stakes are high but the pressure is low (49:06) - Supportive circles in the journey of doubt (50:01) - The importance of support (53:03) - Choosing love over fear Notable Quotes “I'm not the hero of my story, and that's a relief. I think you said in our group last night, so many of us act as Atlas to put the world on our shoulders. And to have this moment, and it's not just one moment, it's over time to be able to say that it's not up to me, life is not up to me. I'm an active participant, or partner even. But it's just a big relief. And so that's the invitation that is available for everyone. And that's the conversation that I love to have because, you know, religion today, by its own doing, has such a horrible rap. But this isn't about going to church on Sundays or being part of an organization, just that it's the farthest thing from that. This is about entering into this love affair, this relationship, this bigger, and thereby this enormous story."- Jeff (09:58) Our Guest Jeff Harmon, a brilliant coach with 20+ years of relationship-building experience, empowers leaders to achieve their goals. Faced with a degenerative nerve condition in 2006, he embraces each day's value. Jeff's mission is to elevate leaders through innovative solutions, fostering high-performing teams that prioritize commitment and mutual respect. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow Jeff Harmon https://www.linkedin.com/in/brilliantcoach/ https://brilliancewithincoaching.com/ Mentioned Jayber Crow - https://www.amazon.com/course-Miracles-Foundation-Inner-Peace/dp/1883360269 The Lion Tracker's Guide to Life - https://www.amazon.com/Lion-Trackers-Guide-Life-ebook/dp/B07LC9C7Q4
What is it like to live your life from a place of love instead of fear? Imagine the impact it could have on your relationships, your sense of fulfillment, and your overall well-being. In today's fast-paced and often stressful world, it's easy to let fear creep into our decisions and actions. But what if we chose love instead? This week On This Walk, my walking partner is David Henzel, CEO of the online coaching platform, upcoach. Our conversation revolves around the significance of living with love instead of fear, and how it can influence our relationships and overall sense of fulfillment. We also delve into the importance of the narratives we create for ourselves, as they shape our life experiences, and explore how vulnerability and transparency build trust and strengthen team bonds. Stay tuned for more! In This Episode [00:01:24] The impact of love not fear [00:09:11] David's self-discovery and impact project [00:13:21] How David overcame his fear [00:16:36] How David manages his life and business [00:18:03] Love not to fear in spiritual traditions [00:25:41] The importance of finding a balance between accountability and empathy in leadership and personal relationships. [00:28:39] The impact of fear on our lives [00:33:31] The different manifestations of love and how it can show up in our lives [00:35:37] The importance of self-care and self-love [00:40:32] The concept of building a muscle when it comes to choosing love over fear [00:48:18] Gratitude and changing perspectives [00:49:12] The power of storytelling [00:50:00] The idea that life is happening for us, not to us. [58:13] The importance of trust in building a successful business Notable Quotes “All the extreme things that happened to me in my life, I can grow from and learn from them. If you change the way you look at things, for example, my mother passed away 10 years ago and she was an amazing person. Not because she was my mom, but because she was really an outstanding, phenomenal person. And if I look at it from the standpoint like, ‘oh, poor me, I don't have her anymore. She would be retired by now living in our other house here on the property. Our daughter would learn so much from her, suck so much. She's not there'. Then I'd drag myself down versus if I turned around and see it from a place of gratitude. I had this amazing person in my life that I learned so much from. I'm so grateful that I had her, it's unbelievable how lucky I consider myself that I had this amazing person in my life. Then it just completely changed the story.” – David (48:10) Our Guest David Henzel is a veteran entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience building successful companies. He is the CEO of upcoach, leading a portfolio of businesses with more than 500 employees. With a personal mission to help individuals and organizations reach their full potential, David's passion project is ManagingHappiness.com, an online platform dedicated to personal development akin to Toastmasters, and LoveNotFear.com, a community-driven initiative focused on helping people and organizations to act out of love and not fear. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow David Henzel https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhenzel/ Mentioned books A Course in Miracles - https://www.amazon.com/course-Miracles-Foundation-Inner-Peace/dp/1883360269 Conscious Capitalism - https://www.amazon.com/Conscious-Capitalism-New-Preface-Authors/dp/1625271751 Napoleon Hill's Outwitting the Devil - https://www.amazon.com/Outwitting-Devil-Secret-Freedom-Success/dp/1469259036
The mental well-being of men has received some more attention of late—but not in a good way. Brace yourself as we share some painful truths about the stigma surrounding male mental health… And discuss the way back to true well-being. This week On This Walk, my walking partner is Tim Perreira who shares his personal journey with mental health. After hitting a plateau in his life and being fired during the pandemic, he faced depression, weight gain, and a serious reconsideration of what matters. However, these challenges became a turning point for him to prioritize his well-being. We delve into men's challenges when seeking support and the importance of morning routines for productivity and mental health. Please join us as we break the silence on men's mental health and much more! In This Episode (08:22) Tim's shift from external to internal orientation (11:07) Men's pursuit of external peace (13:11) The challenges men face in seeking help for mental health issues (15:16) Transformation and understanding of the human mind (17:26) Depersonalizing mental health (22:23) Reasons why men are not seeking help (26:30) Men's struggle with societal norms (35:48) The benefits of joining a men's group (37:33) The importance of having a supportive community (40:48) Men's reluctance to explore emotional and mental health (41:00) Creation of narratives and limiting beliefs in the mind (42:20) Seeking fulfillment in core human emotions (48:17) Tim's modalities for mental well-being (50:54) Creating a morning routine (59:10) Micro-commitment for meditation (01:03:32) The importance of intention (01:09:47) An advice for those struggling with mental health Notable Quotes “Strength is recognizing that something's off and doing something about it. You know, strength isn't bearing it like that's easy to bury it and to cover it and sweep it under the rug. It is hard to stare at your deepest fears and insecurities in the face and say, I'm going to do something about this, I don't know what it's going to be, I have no idea what I'm doing. Like extremely vulnerable to even step into that world but just to reinforce that, it takes such a massive amount of strength.” – Tim (01:10:35) “External peace has been so much what we've been taught to chase. We're told that this is the image of what it means to make it in the world as you maybe turn towards family and things. This is what it means to be the provider and the protector of that family. And this is what you got to do to prepare yourself for that role. And so we get so oriented and caught up in that external there to flip it and say, actually, no, you've got to build a life from the inside and then bring it out. It literally feels like flipping our whole world upside down.” – Luke (00:11:07) Our Guest Tim Perreira is a former college athlete turned tech sales pro who struggled to find purpose after sports. Despite achieving sales success through job hopping, he felt unfulfilled and realized something was missing. After being fired during the pandemic, Tim decided to pursue his passion for mental health and wellness. He founded PER, a company focused on improving men's health and crushing stigmas. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow Tim Perreira https://www.linkedin.com/in/timperreira/ Mentioned Atomic Habits by James Clear - https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299 Unbroken: The Trauma Response is Never Wrong by MaryCatherine McDonald, PhD - https://www.amazon.com/Unbroken-Trauma-Response-Never-Things/dp/1683648846#:~:text=%22Unbroken%22%20by%20Dr.,a%20demonstration%20of%20its%20strength. F3 Nation - https://f3nation.com/
Are you afraid of suffering? What if we told you that suffering is not a curse, but a true gift? This week on On This Walk, my walking partner is Boaz Feldman. We dive deep into the theme of suffering and the freedom that comes from its alleviation. We explore the power of group work and social interaction in facilitating healing and growth, as well as the importance of somatic expression and co-regulation. We also discuss the societal and cultural factors that impact individual experiences of suffering and the role of group processes in addressing these patterns. Get ready for an enlightening conversation filled with insights and much more! In This Episode (08:16) - Boaz's motivation to alleviate suffering and promote liberation (12:53) - The healing power of social engagement and interaction (18:07) - The Social Baseline Theory (31:29) - How connecting to a wider system can lead to healing (34:02) -The impact of community and tribal leaders on mental health and wellbeing. (36:50) - The effectiveness of groups in facilitating healing and recovery from trauma. (45:12) -The principle of encouraging embodied action in group therapy (57:28) -The importance of relationships for happiness, well-being, and longevity (01:00:01) -The lazy person's way to happiness (01:00:18) -Why shame and social exclusion are like a physiological death. Notable Quotes “Gratitude is a pretty cool and enjoyable feeling. And so when there are these enjoyable feelings that are particularly sort of low arousal like gratitude, because you can also have joy and ecstasy and excitement and all that, that's a bit more difficult to go into the body then. But when you have low arousal and positive energy, a really interesting question could be, oh, you feel gratitude now Luke, how does that gratitude manifest in the body? What's the felt sense of that in your experience right now? And maybe they don't even describe a physical sensation because maybe they're not ready to go into the body, or maybe that's not what's most present. But at least there's the invitation, and again, it's like a ritual quality of the deepest way in which we can land things in the present moment is through our somatic experience.” – Boaz (49:45) “The more that we cannot only deepen the way in which we use our presence, things like deep listening and things like that with others, that's certainly true in the way that it changes. But when we get that present, we become more present to what our experience is in relation to others. And that usually is going to surface things of helping people recognize some of maybe what they're struggling with or what are some of the things that come up for them when they're out and about in their other relationships the rest of their life. But if that can begin to come up as part of these interactions inside of a container that's been crafted, we can talk about those things, we can surface those things, we can explore those things and people feel safe and accepted and not judged while they're doing that because of the container that's been created.” – Luke (13:49) Our Guest Boaz Feldman is a practical visionary, experienced psychologist, keynote speaker, and trainer for worldwide positive change. He is a Somatic Experience Practitioner, Organic Intelligence core faculty, and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy graduate. Boaz founded NeuroSystemics, a somatically-centered approach for meditation training, therapy, and group therapy. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow Boaz Feldman https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazbfeldman/
This week on "On This Walk" my walking partners Debra Hess and Matt Hogan will challenge your thinking as we examine the influence embodiment has on our feelings and sense of self-alignment connecting with our bodies and finding inner peace. We go into the concept that embodiment is the key to experiencing genuine vitality, and how letting go of inhibitions and embracing every sensation may free our full potential. Debra and Matt share rituals and advice that might help us feel comfortable expressing our feelings and tapping into our intuition. Listen as we help you overcome your inhibitions and see your feelings as a force for a positive change in your life. In This Episode (13:35) Overcoming the fear to find inner alignment. (16:09) Is embodiment the key to feeling alive? (19:48) Embracing vulnerability and shedding fears (25:15) Unleashing the power of emotions (32:11) Discovering inner guidance and the hallmarks of an embodiment for a lighter life (43:53) What are we really after? (47:48) Unleashing creative solutions through love, and exploring uncertainty (49:43) The path to co-creation and inner wisdom (57:52) The journey of threading versus the journey of evolving (01:05:35) Uncovering the hidden forces behind our emotions Notable Quotes “A big piece of this is restoring the balance that our systems naturally have, but have then lost their way because of all the holding, all the suppressing. And so in that vein, something that's been really useful for me to create safety and create my willingness to move forward and trust this path is having time devoted like a ritual, a container in my morning that I said this time is for me to feel everything that I need to feel and literally put it all on the table and literally have this demarcation point into this container and out of this container.” Matt - (37:40) “There's an infinite amount of possibilities within us. And once you come in and realize that there are resources, there's an inner resource designed by your divinity to help you access and co-create these solutions that are far beyond what your mind could come up with. Your mind has knowledge, experience, and buffers. Your intuitiveness and your wisdom don't feel those risks, and so it presents them as you take that dive in, knowing there's mystery and unknown, and being comfortable with the unknown as this place of possibility.” – Debra (48:38) Our Guests Debra Hess is a sacred midwife who helps others navigate the Narrow Gate of Love. With years of psychotherapy, 500 hours in yoga teacher training, a Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy, and certifications in Laughter Yoga and Yoga Nidra, Debra has honed her skills in guiding individuals toward peace, wholeness, and happiness. Through her own healing journey, Debra has discovered that all of existence flows through us, and she considers it an honor to serve others with the joy that overflows from her own awakening. Matt Hogan is a self-mastery enthusiast and coach who has dedicated his life to living in alignment. From battling depression and attempting suicide to reaching the heights of corporate success and traveling the world, Matt's personal journey has inspired his work in helping prominent entrepreneurs, executives, and change-makers bring their full selves into their work and relationships. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow Debra Hess https://www.lightseekersyoga.com/ Matt Hogan https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-hogan-44b5b869/ https://www.facebook.com/Theworldwidefearconversation/ https://matthoganworldwide.medium.com/
This week on On This Walk, I'm joined by my walking partner, David Mehler, as we discuss how he is helping men overcome internal despair and disconnection to become the kings they were born to be. In this episode, David shares his first conscious awakening experience when he was 26 years old and experienced his fifth session of NSA. He describes the experience as a cathartic experience where he felt like he came home to himself and was embodied by the experience of grace and gratitude. Listen as we discuss what David's journey from the head into the body and back into the heart, which is an opportunity to experience the full array of different emotions that are afforded to us as human beings. He also explains that the more we allow ourselves to face and feel, the more we can experience joy, pleasure, awe, and all of the beautiful things within our life. In This Episode (09:31) – The idea of a safe haven. (14:04) – How our traumas create a distortion in our posture (23:58) – The distortions in our frequencies (29:57) – What if your reality is just a tiny fragment of a much grander scheme? (31:55) – Identifying the distortions behind our patterns (34:47) – Masculine and feminine energies (38:11) – How our patterns, traumas and hurts are unique (40:02) – Who exactly are we? (43:29) – How do we make that shift when we find the energy? (54:59) – What is a man's purpose and how does he find one? Notable Quotes “A spiritual journey for anyone is really to drop out of the head, back into the body, back into the heart, where you actually could start feeling again, come back into the safe place… What if you could go into the center of the pain and actually use it as fuel, as leverage for transformation and growth in your life? What if the pain, hurts, wounds, and traumas were not an accident, but were divinely placed there and planned by your soul, so you ultimately one day would have the leverage to discover more of who you are and give your gifts out to the world? This journey from the head into the body, back into the heart is an opportunity to experience the full myriad, full array of different emotions that are afforded to us as human beings.” – David (10:14) “The mind can be a beautiful and powerful tool for us, but it can also ensnare us as it wants to keep us safe, certain, and focused on problems for the sake of either solving those problems or because of perceived danger. It's the interpreter of our nervous systems, which are all too often dysregulated and on overdrive. These practices, among many others, help us to move back into a regulated, regenerative, more conscious and more mindful state. From there, we can receive information from our bodies, hearts, energy, as well as our minds in a clear and calm state. This opens us up to many more great possibilities for how we can navigate our lives, and in particular, our relationships. Now, more than ever, we need those calm and clear minds, and the best way to get there is through your body, and most definitely through your heart.” – Luke (30:09) Our Guest David Mehler created Man on Fire in 2015 to help men who, on the outside, seem to have everything going for them—they're running at top speed in their career or business—but on the inside, they're drowning in the monsoon trenches of internal despair. His passion, power, and purpose are to save these men and help them become the kings they were meant to be. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow David Mehler https://manonfirerising.com/ https://www.instagram.com/manonfireofficial/ https://www.facebook.com/manonfireofficial https://www.youtube.com/@ManOnFIRERising
This week on On This Walk, we're talking about helping people go on a deep inner journey to find themselves, their deepest truth, and the fulfillment they've longed for their whole life. My walking partner today, Jennifer DePascale, understands this all too well. Jennifer DePascale is a self-realization expert, international speaker, coach, and RTT therapist. She believes that each and every one of us has unique gifts, a powerful intuition, and a call from life that only we can connect to. She is a student of life and has studied at the Marisa Peer School, the Four Winds Society, Vesica Institute, Mind Valley, and many others. Listen in as we discuss a variety of topics including a recent Oxford Talks she participated in, the process of internalization and the concept of radical responsibility, and how she brings her clients back into alignment with their inner knowing so they can live to their full potential. In This Episode (06:54) – When we talk about our power, what do we mean? (09:28) – Explaining the process of internalizing and how it happens. (14:12) – Clearing out and arriving at a more empowered place. (16:04) – The little voice, the inner guidance system calling you to your true self. (20:36) – The idea of how we learn to listen within. (27:22) – Going deep into nature to receive deeper messages. (30:06) – The path of speaking up and staying true. (34:35) – Creating space to relate and work with life differently. (36:51) – Changing the collective by working on ourselves. (43:22) – The concept of radical responsibility. (52:31) – Jennifer on coming full circle and how her life is different now. Notable Quotes “There is so much hurt and pain that we are walking around with at any given time and we are projecting that out onto the world. But if we want to actually change that collective, we don't change the collective by working on the collective. We change the collective by working on ourselves so that we show up differently, so that we let different information in, we let different experiences in, and then we begin to shine that light, that consciousness, that awareness back out. But it's not by trying to fix the other, but by trying to heal ourselves, by trying to create that space within us.” – Luke (36:19) “The more that you come into alignment with your soul and what your purpose is and what your higher self wants from you, the more of all of those above-the-line emotions you feel. The peace, the joy, the happiness, the fulfillment, the ‘I don't know what tomorrow is going to bring', ‘I don't set goals the way that all the business people do', we're much more open to life and knowing that I am on the right path, it's like life happens for us. Everything around you, all of the forces are like cheering you on and saying, yes, we've got your back. And you start seeing signs of it in your life and synchronicities, and all sorts of amazing things happen.” – Jennifer (53:28) Our Guest Jennifer DePascale believes that each and every one of us has soul gifts and a unique call from life. After years of unlocking her own truths, she was called to teach and coach others on how to quiet the noise of their inner and outer worlds to find the messages hiding in the depths of stillness within. She has been helping people go on a deep inner journey to find themselves, their deepest truth, and the fulfillment they've longed for their whole life. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow Jennifer DePascale www.jenniferdepascale.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdepascale/ https://www.instagram.com/jdepascale/ https://www.facebook.com/jdepascale Mentions Oxford Talks - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiBh3CrqukQ&ab_channel=OxfordTalks
This week on On This Walk, we're talking about thresholds — big life thresholds —and how to cross them. We are brought to moments and experiences that when we step into and through them intentionally, we create change. These changes aren't about becoming something different. In fact, they're about becoming more of who and what we really are. I've been dancing around these thresholds for many years with my clients; talking to you, the audience, about the inflection points that I have faced and many of us will face on this long walk back home to ourselves. Joining me today are two amazing walking partners, Kristina Marie, and Aaron Rose, who know this subject very well, personally and professionally. Listen in as we talk about the New Myth, the Last Temptation, and the difference between living for compared to living from. In fact, there are two main sources we tend to draw from but one leases to suffering while the other to liberation. My interaction with Kristina and Aaron hit home on many occasions and I am certain it will for you as well. In This Episode (05:54) – Creatrix of the new myth helping authors and writers. (11:44) – The cycle of weaving of different energies that embody within. (14:56) – Kristina talks about all the thresholds up to the Last Temptation. (20:38) – Aaron and Kristina reflect on their experiences with the last threshold. (24:48) – Discussing temptations disguised as sneaky invitations. (35:59) – How do you know it's time to move forward as you arrive at the last threshold? (40:39) – The reality vs the blind faith leap from the outside looking in. (53:26) – How we live mythically. (1:00:31) – Living for something vs living from. (1:06:03) – Connections between the means and the ends. (1:11:17) – Kristina and Aaron's advice for people who are at the threshold. Notable Quotes “If you're listening to this right now, if you're resonating with this, you're exactly where you need to be on your path. And there are more or less aligned choices, but all of it is data collection. We only know about what the know feels like because we've done the know and then we've seen what the result is. So, I would invite Courage to make the choice, you know, you need to make. I would invite compassion for yourself within the process, and I would invite gentle awareness of where you are on your path.” – Aaron (1:11:15) “I wish someone would have said to me then when I was really flailing around and had nobody even to talk to about this kind of stuff, let alone guide me. I was very much a fish out of water doing my own thing, and I feel like the simplest, truest thing I could have heard then is, be still. Just create one minute of silence with yourself. Every day. One minute. Anyone can do anything for one minute. I don't care how busy you are or what you got going on. One minute is possible.” Kristina (1:15:15) Our Guests Kristina Marie is a transformational story mentor and the creatrix of the New Myth. She worked as a journalist and an editor at top national publications, such as The New York Times for more than a decade. Now she combines her publishing skills, intuitive gifts, and creative wisdom to mentor transformational leaders, visionaries, and storytellers. Aaron Rose is a writer, mentor, and teacher. He combines transformational coaching, subconscious reprogramming, meditation, and prayer to support leaders and visionaries in discovering their divine mission, following their inner authority, and co-creating their wildest dreams with God. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow Mentions EMERGE — Voyages of the Spirit - https://www.voyagesofthespirit.com/emerge Sacred Passage - https://www.the-sacred-passage.com/
This week on On This Walk, we cover a lot of ground — leadership, love, culture, and our walks towards deeper Truth. My walking partner for today is Ryan Hartley, father of two and host of the globally popular podcast, Always Better Than Yesterday. Ryan has been a featured guest on over 30 podcasts and is regularly invited to speak at events internationally. His podcast is currently listened to in over 140 countries. Listen as Ryan and I really get into it. We talk about what it means to live from love as opposed to for love. We discuss the influence of society and how it actually makes us feel incomplete and inadequate. We even touch on faith, religion, Christ consciousness, and spirituality. It's all happening right here On This Walk. In This Episode (04:01) – Evolving into the heart-centered leadership style. (11:40) – Changing course and steering into leadership. (16:22) – Living from love, not for love. (22:39) – Why culture is not our friend. (25:50) – What are our desires based on? (31:00) – Ryan describes the challenge with the pursuit of happiness. (34:12) – Talking about faith and seeing through a Christian lens. (41:23) – On relating to the energy that is God. (46:12) – Luke on the feeling of being separate. (52:39) – Heartset - Loving with all of your minds. (58:51) – Reflecting on what it means to be human. (1:02:33) – The masculine and feminine views of heart-centeredness. (1:04:44) – How the journey has changed Ryan as a father. Notable Quotes “The reason I say culture is not our friend is because sometimes we have to take a step back and go, where are my desires coming from? Because you might say from a heart-centered perspective, should we follow our heart's desire? And I've had to get my head around this. I try every single day to get to Psalm 23, which starts with ‘The Lord is my shepherd. I have all that I need'. And I think that is the perfect scripture to remind myself every single day that in this moment I have all that I need. I do not lack anything. And when I do that, when I truly feel blessed, grateful, appreciative, that I can look around and choose my life, then whatever I do becomes an expression of that love and gratitude.” – Ryan (24:04) “Anytime you feel lost, separate or lacking, close your eyes. Breathe, slow down and feel. Feel for that breath that runs through you and runs through all things, all of life. You're a part of that great mystery. Source yourself from that knowing, from that love and connect to that playful, creative, rambunctious, curious, loving, generous, even weird little inner child that you are. And this again, is a practice. This remembering doesn't always happen overnight, but taking the time to feel it, to breathe with it, to touch it within us and around us. Doing this as a practice allows us to remember, it's always been there. It will always be there, and we always have access to it. No need to think your way there. Just feel for it.” – Luke (49:33) Our Guest Ryan Hartley is the Chief Heart Officer of Always Better Than Yesterday, a company that develops heart-centered leaders through coaching, consulting, community building, and podcasting. Before that, he served as a local police force for 12 years in a variety of leadership roles. Founded in 2017, Always Better Than Yesterday survived the global pandemic and thrived by helping many leaders and businesses to do the same. He's the host of the podcast with the same name that's listened to in over 140 countries. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow Mentions Letting Go by David Hawkins - https://www.amazon.com/Letting-David-Hawkins-M-D-Ph-D/dp/1401945015
This week on On This Walk, we are talking about empowerment and upgrading the human operating system. Accompanying me today is a very special guest who has been working in this field for more than 30 years and has published many books on the subject. I have spoken before about the challenge of breaking away from engrained recurring patterns that keep us stuck where we are and referenced the work of Steven Karpman, who proposed the Drama Triangle and its 3 chief roles, the victim, the perpetrator, and the rescuer. In this episode, I sit down with David Emerald Womeldorff to talk about the roles in more detail; especially the rescuer role which actually perpetuates these recurring patterns, and together we try to answer the ultimate question: how do we switch to a new and different paradigm in order to upgrade our human operating system? In This Episode (07:01) – Upgrading our operating system for humanity. (12:46) – The need for new paradigm thinking ideologies. (14:10) – Dissecting the disempowering dynamic in more detail. (17:12) – Elaborating on the role of the victim mindset. (25:59) – The outcome of the empowerment dynamic. (31:07) – Anything that challenges us is a stimulus. (41:00) – How do we switch dynamic? (47:44) – Compassion-based medication and empathy. (50:22) – Connecting with someone on an empathetic level. (52:55) – Developing the capacity to see the creator's essence in the other. (55:43) – Economic growth as the center of our outcome orientation. (58:44) – The seven generations perspective. (1:02:22) – On humanity being on the verge of an inflection point. Notable Quotes “Empowerment is not that you are giving power to somebody. It is that you are reminding them they already have the power in the first place. And everybody inside of the empowerment dynamic maintains that as kind of this underlying belief is that each person here that is involved in the dynamic or the situation, there is power that is here and there is power that creates choice. We need to respect that choice and respect the sovereignty of what is involved as well. But the coach is there to support that, not to jump in. Not to solve it for somebody, not to do any of those things, but instead to be part of supporting the container that's been created and with that curiosity, with that openness, with those questions, help people start to connect to the answers that already lie within for themselves.” – Luke (34:27) “The outcome orientation is we put our focus on the outcome or outcomes we wanna create in our lives. And if we care about it, it engages our passion, our sense of purpose, our desire for that outcome, which gives us the energy to engage in what I call baby steps, but in whatever next action is that is gonna help me get closer to or clearer about the outcome they wanna create. So the outcome orientation is the upgrade, the outcome operating system is the upgrade that I think is humanity we're being called to step into. What kind of world do we wanna create? What kind of personal lives do we wanna create? And to be clear about that rather than reacting to what is coming at us.” – David (10:15) Our Guest David Emerald Womeldorff is the co-founder of the Center for The Empowerment Dynamic. As director of the center's Organizational Leadership and Self Leadership Practice Areas, David's passion is in supporting individuals, teams, and organizations in leading and working from an outcome-focused and passion-powered orientation. His principles and frameworks are based on his 30 years of study, observation, and application of his lessons of collaboration with a wide range of individuals and organizations. He's the author of the bestselling book The Power of TED, and Three Vital Questions. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow
This week on On This Walk, I am speaking directly to you, my audience. Join me as I talk about second-guessing, sowing fear, and creating doubt; and how the mind plays these tricks on our human design in order to distract us from the obvious truth; that the mind was never meant to be in charge; rather a faithful servant of the heart and soul. This is one episode you don't want to miss. In This Episode (00:30) – Revisiting my human design. (05:18) – Concerns about sowing the seeds of doubt. (10:25) – Second guessing your wisdom. (12:20) – Listening to the inner voice and where it's coming from. (15:30) – What part of you is second-guessing? (17:00) – What is the game your doubt is playing? Notable Quotes “I'm asking you to second guess your second guessing. I'm asking you to doubt your doubt. And that's where I want you to use your skepticism. I want you to break free from what limits you and begin to trust the truth that's trying to speak through you, that's calling you to the life that you really wish to create.” Luke (16:30) “More often than not, it's the mind that is afraid and it's projecting its fear onto you and onto what it sees. Because at some point the mind is worried that you might just discover the mind was never meant to be in charge. The mind was meant to be a faithful servant of the heart and of the soul. The mind is meant to be a tool, a powerful tool, but a tool that serves you.” Luke (17:29) Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow
What would it mean for you to be without shame? As human beings, as part of nature, we're naturally drawn to wanting to restore balance and peace within our lives, and there are two ways in which we can do it – the healthy way, or the unhealthy way. In today's episode, we dig deep into how we can allow ourselves to feel the things we do not want to feel: shame, anger, grief, and so on, and learn to find the deeper message underneath it. Accompanying me on today's walk are William Walker and David Bryan, and together we discuss shame from multiple angles and views ranging from shame being a protective shield to shame redefining our masculinity. In This Episode (05:54) – Describing the different types of shame. (08:53) – On being riddled and crippled by shame. (17:31) – Disempowering patterns, beliefs, and behaviors. (22:13) – Giving voice to all parts of you, shameful and proud. (32:36) – Beautifully redefining manhood. (35:32) – Shame is your protector. (51:08) – Identifying the definitions of masculinity within you. (51:33) – David recalls a moment of self-accountability and self-acceptance. (1:03:00) – William on how men are terrified of knowing who they are. (1:03:26) – On being accountable to align your souls. (1:11:18) – Creating a compelling vision to justify the pain of change. Notable Quotes “My experience working with a lot of men and also myself is that sometimes men are terrified to know who they are. They're terrified because they built a life in an image around being a certain kind of man, and they're being loved for being a certain kind of man. What if they change what people still love them? Will they still have the status they have? Will their wife still love them? Will their kids still love them? Men are terrified about that because they want to be responsible for their environments and they should be. But there is a part of this I think every man has to face, which is you have to be responsible, but you also have to be true to yourself. If you're not true to yourself, you're going to be miserable. You're going to make people suffer anyway. So you have to do both.” William (1:03:00) “My father stood in front of them, and he said these words. Every one of you on this committee I've gotten to know personally and each of you has shared intimate details about things that you would not want to be mentioned in this room. So, if you're judging me today and you want to excommunicate me, pull the trigger. I've never been more proud of my father than in that moment because he knew his humanity. He knew who he was. He knew he had failed.” David (56:04) Our Guests William Walker coaches men and leaders on their personal and leadership development. Over the past 20 years he has worked with diverse adult and youth populations including men, executives, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, community leaders, inmates, adolescent boys, at-risk teenagers, and university students. He is the author of Walk of Honor and Stories of Sovereign Man and has written several articles on men's health, organizational learning and leadership, personal mastery, and masculinity. David Bryan became a father at 21. Throughout much of his life in both white-collar and blue-collar jobs, he struggled to provide financially, wrestled with a victim mindset, and lived paycheck to paycheck. In 2013, David committed to changing his life and was immersed in the teachings of Tony Robbins, and Eric Thomas, among others. Over the next decade, David went from being homeless to building a multi-million-dollar construction management firm, in the halls of Harvard Business School. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow
My guest on today's walk has experienced burnout personally and has been on a multi-year journey of healing and compassion that brought her back together again. Avery Thatcher is the CEO and founder of The Truth About Burnout Podcast and the Flow State Membership. When she started her career as a Registered Nurse working in the ICU she noticed that the majority of the reasons people found themselves in the ICU were because of illnesses and diseases that could be linked to chronic stress. She decided to get out of the reactive side of medicine and now helps highly sensitive high achievers prevent burnout and reverse the negative health effects of stress. After experiencing a significant change of health and severe burnout in 2018, Avery had to learn to redefine her identity and grieve the loss of who she used to be. Now she shares her story openly to help others realize that they are not alone in their struggles and talk about the strategies that helped her heal along the way. I sit down with Avery to reflect on the dichotomous way of living, the importance of compassion in her own healing, how she came to terms with the sick and hurt side of her personality and turned her health around. In This Episode (05:55) – Reflecting on the dichotomous way of living. (08:35) – The red flag of a toxic ICU. (12:09) – How Avery started to numb out. (15:06) – My experiences with burning out. (21:40) – Going through the five stages of grief in two years. (23:39) – Coming to terms and working out stuff with the sick Avery. (27:32) – On changing her name and telling her family. (35:31) – Asking yourself: What do I actually need? (37:13) – Measuring achievement in terms of impact and creating. (42:25) – Discussing labels and satisfying an underlying need. (44:49) – Bringing awareness around differing values. (48:51) – Returning to the wholeness and fullness of who we are. (52:07) – The role of compassion in Avery's journey. (57:47) – What makes suffering so challenging? Notable Quotes “This is still a part of me and all of me deserves compassion. And then I wrote to this part of me that is sick. This part of me that is disabled, this part of me that is keeping me from who I used to be, who I identified as. And I said, I love you. Let's figure this out. You are along for the ride. I'm going to work with you rather than against you. And it was at that moment that I realized that I needed to somehow create a fresh start.” – Avery (24:32) “Compassion and authenticity aren't an end goal. They're not an outcome. They are a path themselves that's creating. When we create with the same energy that we want in the outcome, that's how we actually get the outcome. Both Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr spoke about how the means and the ends must be one and the same in a sense, and to quote Gandhi specifically, means are ends in the making.” – Luke (37:59) Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow Avery Thatcher https://becomingavery.com/ https://instagram.com/becomingavery
Today's episode is truly unique, as we have not one, but two special guests to accompany us on this walk. The topic of discussion is sensitive and personal. Today, we talk about sexual abuse and its effects on mental health in men; a path both of these men have experienced and are now standing strong to support others. We talk about fighting the monster within, the role of radical acceptance, how we create new commitments, and key pivot points in each of our journeys. Both Tom and Reggie accompany me on this walk and together, we turn towards our hurts, our pain, and our mental health, as men. In This Episode (07:46) – Tom's transition into a speaker and a coach. (09:22) – Fighting the monster they were initially running from. (19:10) – The importance of having compassion for yourself. (26:30) – Unlock your self compassion with Equal Empathy Meditation. (27:16) – Taking that step to radical acceptance. (37:22) – Rebalancing yourselves in your masculine through healing. (44:22) – Saying “enough!” to create new commitments. (48:30) – Cultivating the gift of curiosity. (1:01:40) – Always remember: Pain is sacred. (1:07:10) – Reggie on helping athletes get through stressful times. Notable Quotes “As I grew older, and I grew the capabilities to help myself, I no longer needed that gremlin. But that gremlin was always there holding me back. Then when I got to the point where I had to talk directly to myself and who I was, I realized that I was not a monster. The feeling was compassion. There was so much compassion that came over me that, ‘why am I being so hard on this guy', because he is a beautiful human being. Like any of us, we are harder on ourselves than we are on anyone else. I was so hard on myself that when I got the opportunity to love who I was, having that compassion was so beautiful. It was a big hug that I gave myself and I still do to this day, when there are times when they are challenging. I realize I am not that person I think I am right now. So it was compassion that overwhelmed everything when I allowed that to happen.” Tom (15:37) “Listening is huge. Making sure that they know that I am available. As an athlete, even when it came to my own parents, when you are going through this experience, very few people understand how you really feel; how it actually is, because they have never actually done it themselves. They can study it. You can look at it in a book or look at it on TV but you are never going to understand the feeling that someone like me would have that justified. The background that came from; why I am doing this. Why I am finding enjoyment out of this. One thing I have that I feel saved me going through this experience, even going through all the abuse, was I had a system for solving problems. I came into an environment and I studied the environment first and the people. I had a way of going about things that ensured my success.” Reggie (1:07:18) Our Guests Tom Kress is a public speaker, certified life coach with a mission to guide people to live a powerful life. As a survivor, he has spoken to over 400 schools and thousands of students on sexual abuse, awareness and prevention. To date, Tom has empowered 180 students to come forward about their abuse. Reggie Walker has been on the show before. He is the creator of the Personal Mastery school, a program built to help anyone find answers to what is their purpose or plan in life. Reggie suffered sexual abuse when he was young, which affected him all the way to the NFL. He is a TEDx speaker, public speaker, consultant, and problem solver for businesses. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow
In today's walk, we're taking on a very special topic with an equally special guest. Today we talk about human design, a very deep and complex concept that has intrigued me ever since I was introduced to it, many years ago. To accompany me on this journey is my walking partner for today, Nik McRae, who I first met 3 years ago. Over the years, my conversations with Nik have been extremely helpful and insightful and have taught me many deep things about myself. Nik helped me understand some of the tendencies that are innately baked into the design of who I am. This also allowed me to connect with some tools and gifts that I didn't even realize I had. So for this conversation, not only do we discuss more about human design but I put my own design fully on view as Nik uses my profile to illuminate this system and wisdom. As part of this, we get into the importance of waiting to act at the right time, how stress and urgency affects our design, and finding our rhythms in life… among a lot more. In This Episode (07:46) – How to be skeptical without being in denial. (09:22) – Finding out my human design. (10:05) – How our design helps us navigate our experiences. (13:13) – Finding your voice and making it impactful. (22:22) – The importance of waiting to act at the right time. (23:46) – My actual lived experience of being a splenic manifestor. (32:35) – Navigating through what you're seeing. (48:15) – The impact of stress and urgency on our design. (52:00) – Building awareness on the dynamics of close relationships. (1:05:19) – Taking on the form of someone else's design. (1:14:55) – How current events corresponded to today's discussion. (1:26:30) – Discussing personal timings and finding our rhythms. Notable Quotes “We go through these changes of season because there are meant to be these cycles that are recurring within our universe. One of the seasons specifically is reminding us of that process of birth, life, death. Going into death and then the rebirth cycle. And we go through these different phases throughout the course of our lives. And to me, the more that we start to pay attention to what feels like the divine timing or life's timing for us as it begins to unfold is becoming more and more felt to me because it doesn't feel like I'm trying to force my way through the way things are happening and instead to work with it, to be in the flow of the river as opposed to trying to direct the river in a given way.” - Luke (1:26:39) “What I have been finding to be most beneficial in working with friends and clients and family members and especially with my own designs over the years, it's not how we fit into our design but how our design helps us navigate our own experiences more innately, more instinctually. The more you start to learn about the nuances of these systems and when you have someone to help translate that into actual experiences of your life, that when we can start to see how to apply these things in a practical way that has nothing to do just with the belief of it but has everything to do with the application of it.” – Nik (09:48) Our Guest Having been introduced to the world of emotional and energetic repatterning as a child, Nik McRae has been studying and practicing in the ascetic arts all of his life. With 10 + years working professionally as a mentor of astrology and human design, he specializes in shadow work integration and ascetic tool building practices using the language of metaphors, vibrational resonance and a unique tool forging process, Nik reveals how fundamental principles and practices can be refined into specialized patterns that apply to our lives directly every day. Find Nik and learn more about your own design at www.BeyondIroNik.com. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow
Today's walk is a special one. We're not just diving into a topic; we're diving into an edge, a sharp one at that. I am talking about the edge of ‘not enough' and the many forms it takes; like not good enough, not strong enough, not smart enough, not fast enough, not young enough, the list goes on as to how it chooses to appear before us. Ultimately, this not enough-ness takes on the form of familiar questions mainly, who am I? and subsequently, who are you? On this walk, I invited back a familiar face from Episode 17, Genevieve Georget, to discuss at length, this feeling of not enough-ness as we begin to respond to our lives and respond to whatever spotlight is shown our way. In This Episode (04:31) – How today's conversation emerged from Genevieve's new magazine. (08:54) – The dilemma of sharing or not sharing. (11:18) – On honoring our own stories as well as other people's. (15:22) – What's the difference between vulnerability and fragility? (20:20) – Diving into a writer's journey on facing the question of ‘who am I?' (28:40) – Why I often held back my vulnerability and openness. (35:45) – The importance of not retreating when feeling vulnerable. (40:50) – The editor side of Genevieve and finalizing drafts of storytellers. (53:05) – Living in a world that leans into gentleness. (57:05) – The reason why I've done coaching, guiding, and why I started On This Walk. Notable Quotes “This isn't simply about sharing your stories as a writer or being vulnerable in your art. This is about us finding that edge within our lives. I've often held back that vulnerability and openness because of my own self judgment; those feelings of not enough-ness or shame or even just not wanting to look as if I was clueless and as confused as I actually was feeling. I feared embarrassing myself or being judged, by holding back that often perpetuated whatever the situation was for longer than it needed to be. I'd walk around with that feeling of constriction and dissonance within me because I knew that I had retreated. That I hadn't spoken to whatever was there at the moment. For me, I hid. And then I beat myself up for not having the courage to learn. Ultimately, I needed to find that edge and start stepping past it.” – Luke (28:30) “I think it also highlights that vulnerability is a learned skill. The more we practice it, the easier it becomes, more comfortable. We become in that space of sharing those things. Of course, it's super normal if all you have ever known is superficial conversation and it's completely normal to feel afraid of how this piece of yourself, of your heart is going to land especially with strangers. But the more you do it, the easier it becomes. The more you start to see that people are actually very open and receptive and grateful for that vulnerability but also you begin to have space. The more you practice it, the more you create space between yourself and other people's responses to it. So, on both levels it becomes easier, it becomes a love bubble that you create around yourself. The right people are drawn to it. The people who aren't or who are critical, you start to care less.” – Genevieve (08:54) Our Guest Genevieve Georget is a writer and photographer from Ottawa, Canada that believes in cultivating space for vulnerability, truth, authenticity, and storytelling. In her last two books, Solace: A Journal of Human Experience (2019) and Her Own Wild Winds (2016), Gen explored grief, pain, love, and inspiration. Genevieve finds joy in her life with her husband, her kids, and her golden retriever. Her newest project is her new magazine called Gray and Granite, which she describes as a story teller's journal, a place for stories to land, life to be shared and connections to be made. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow
For a big part of my life and even to this day, I have been a yes person; always willing to help people in whatever capacity they need me. However the energy behind my actions today is much more centered and genuine than it was before. Before it was more about pleasing others and wanting the world to have a favorable view of me. Now it's all about who I truly am. I had to reflect on myself in order to realign my beliefs and let go of some commitments that I had unconsciously made about why I was helping others. In short, I had to own myself and my actions in order to find purpose, meaning, balance and fulfillment. Today's walk is about owning who you are, and my walking partner understands this all too well. Liz Brunner has committed herself to reinvention and to something I call a re-deepening process allowing her to move closer to the center of who she is. In This Episode (04:43) – Making the connection between commitments and beliefs. (12:50) – Feeling, listening, and exploring your inner voice. (15:48) – On being authentic and letting go in order to succeed. (18:52) – Managing expectations with purpose and passion. (22:45) – Holding on to the family beliefs. (26:30) – Evaluating the risk between where you are and the unknown (42:50) – How to rewrite your own narratives. (47:41) – On making the crucial decision of seeking help. (50:52) – Owning all of who we are when seeking help. (57:34) – Recreating, re-inventing, and re-deepening. Notable Quotes “Very often, I would be one of the first ones to say yes to jump in and help out a friend or a colleague. However, ultimately, I recognized that most of my yeses stemmed from a combination of people pleasing or wanting others to have a favorable view of me. It wasn't as genuine as true service because I wasn't being honest with myself as to where my yeses were actually stemming from. And that led to a deeper exploration of my needs; my need to be liked or recognized; my need to avoid conflict or rejection or judgment, and so on. It opened up an opportunity for me to get to know myself better; to release some of those blocks and some of those old commitments that I had unconsciously made about why I was helping others. I still have that commitment to service. It truly is a part of who I am, but the energy behind it now is so much more genuine. It's congruent and it's centered because the way that I serve is much more aligned with who I really am and not based on the expectations of others or my need of their approval.” – Luke (01:56) “A lot of people think vulnerability and authenticity is ‘oh you just wear your heart on your sleeve, and you share everything with everybody.' No! You share your stories with people who have earned the right to hear them. That's vulnerability. Authenticity is there is never a question about your actions and your behavior. They are in sync. That's being authentic. And I think it's really important that people, particularly when you are in this position of saying, maybe I should do something else, what am I going to do, how do I figure it out; you do have to be that authentic and that vulnerable with the people who have earned the right to hear your stories and people you trust. And that's not easy.” – Liz (48:37) Our Guest Liz Brunner is the CEO and founder of Brunner Communications and the bestselling author of Dare to Own You. She leverages more than 30 years of media and communication experience and expertise to support individuals and organizations in building meaningful reputations and powerful brand identities. She is also the host of Live Your Best Life Podcast, where she shares success stories of recreation, reinvention, and re-deepening. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow
For the longest time, I believed that the whole idea of living a balanced life where your entire day is compartmentalized was total nonsense. Speaking from personal experience, I knew that no matter how hard you tried to stay on course, life would always get in the way and alter your routine. I was convinced that balance was an illusion until I realized that my understanding of balance and freedom were incorrect. To expand on that, today I am inviting back someone who you have seen here before on ‘On This Walk'. Matt Hogan has an endless fascination and devotion to the path of self-mastery in living an aligned life. His own personal journey of mastering his life through a growing connection with his own inner teacher and guidance has forged the foundation for what inspires and propels him. I am hoping that it will inspire you and many others as well. In This Episode (10:17) – Matt's perspective on balance based on his journey and experience. (13:57) – Matt's misguided relationship with balance prior to mastering it. (24:46) – Striking the right balance between being and doing. (32:32) – Identifying forces within that create less balance. (35:07) – Seeking answers from the body and the heart. (41:21) – Matt's take on stability as the inner path to balance and peace. (44:17) – Recognizing inner structures and its connection with stability. (47:45) – On making major shifts in orientation to life and its impact. (58:16) – Restoring Balance, a program to make life more aligned and at peace. (59:28) – How to tell when life is in balance or not. Notable Quotes “This is then finding that balance between being and doing, which I also didn't have a great understanding of because I was always so active. And so there was never space to just simply be and then allow whatever needed to unfold, to unfold. Or when you can be in that spaciousness and content to just be in that spaciousness. You can begin to connect to things that are more deeply aligned because you're seeing and feeling them beneath all the mind chatter, beneath the need to be doing, beneath the need to answer other people about what you're doing. And you connect to these more authentic answers and insights or directions. And then you do, and then you take action, then you move something forward and you don't just go for the next 10 years. You move something forward a little bit and then you stop again. And you pause and you be, and you start to more fluidly move through the being and doing until there is a partnership, there is a dance between them that works very well.” – Luke (22:36) My first orientation to life when I was 18 was that life was scary. It was scary to be alive than to be dead. I literally oriented through life that everyone was out to get me. I was weak. I was powerless. And there was nothing I could do to change it. Over time, going through university and all the different material expressions of my life, university, being engaged, corporate life, all those things, my internal experience and my self-concept started to shift. The essence though that has pulled me these past two decades when I really started to look at it differently was that I was about rising up and overcoming pain but when I really stop to look at it, there is another lens that works too. All this time I have been remembering how to love myself. I've been remembering how to love life. I've been remembering how to enjoy life. To love other people. To have other people love me. To enjoy my time here. To find magic in the moment. To really being able to wake up and go, ‘Damn I'm happy to be alive.'” – Matt (49:11) Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow Matt Hogan https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-hogan-44b5b869/ https://www.facebook.com/Theworldwidefearconversation/ https://matthoganworldwide.medium.com/
How do you listen within? How do you begin to center yourself and hear the deeper messages trying to come from within you? These are questions I have asked myself many times over the years. On my personal journey toward an authentic connection to my innermost self, I have taken many paths. Some were more difficult than others. Some were not as helpful as others. Some require little effort, and some require significant effort. On my personal journey, I realized the “right path” is not always linear or clear. Perhaps many of you are struggling to find the right path toward an authentic connection and cannot seem to find a path that feels aligned with your goal. On today's walk, I pull from my years of academic and experiential education to share with you a few ways to start this practice and navigate your journey toward an authentic connection with your innermost self by giving you some guidance that worked for me in the hope that the lessons I've learned on my journey to an authentic self will help you find the path to yours. In This Episode (01:18) - My journey to finding paths for tuning in to your inner voice (02:43) - Listen within by learning how to listen through your body and to your body (06:01) - Listen within by learning how to listen to and under your emotions (11:18) - Listen within by learning how to listen to your heart (17:14) - Listen within by learning how to listen to what needs to be expressed (19:32) - Automatic writing helps you pour out your stream of consciousness and connect to your higher self (21:48) - Circling gives you permission to sit with and express what needs to be expressed at that moment (24:41) - You have to sink beneath the mind chatter. Notable Quotes “What's important here is to recognize that the body is always talking to us through sensations - through feelings, even those feelings of tension and stress. The body is trying to communicate with you and the body holds extraordinary intelligence and wisdom that it's trying to bring to the surface. We've got to slow down long enough and bring our awareness to it. So to spend time to really begin to feel into whatever it is that is present within your body. To feel for where there is comfort and where there is discomfort; where there is ease and where there is strain. Where do you feel expanded and where do you feel constricted, whatever that might be. It might even be a little knot in your muscles. It might be a creak in your neck. It could be any number of different things. But just take time to scan the body and get present to what is there right now.” - Luke (2:52) “The heart communicates best when it is in what is called a coherent state...meaning a natural, peaceful, balanced rhythm that allows our body to be in a more restorative and generative state of being…When we are in this state, there is a different level of fluid connection between the heart and the brain. They are coherent. They are in balance. And, therefore, they are communicating more fluidly and intuitively and not as many distractions are getting in the way. Which is why we wanna ask the questions in this type of a present state - a coherent state. So to ask questions like this: “what is it that you are truly longing for? What sorrow do you feel for the world, your family, or your communities? What joy or beauty or love do you feel for the world, your family, loved ones, or community? What do you wish for me to see, to feel, or to know? What is it that you know that I need most right now? What might most support me at this time?” And you can even ask your heart, “What would you ask of me? What would you have me do?” You can ask any number of questions of your heart that can take you deeper and deeper into your experience.” - Luke (12:43) Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow
Have you ever felt like your introversion has left you feeling inferior because you choose to observe rather than speak up? How can introverts find balance in solitude and simultaneously be in a community with others? Our heart-centered guests on this week's episode of On This Walk are two of my past walking partners, Jenny Wiley and Michael Smith. They both have experience working with others in their respective positions and helping communities of individuals find their purpose and fulfillment. Also, as people with introverted qualities, they know the struggle to find a balance between solitude and socialization. Today, we're unpacking that challenge and exploring how meditation, boundaries, and permission can allow us to find safety in ourselves and our identities. In This Episode (0:25) The importance of finding the natural balance in introversion (8:50) The main reason Susan Cain's book, Quiet, spoke to Jenny (14:48) Why we must balance the need to be with people and the need for solitude (19:49) The layers of beauty that emerge when we set boundaries surrounding our time and energy (23:22) Why we have to work through the challenging feelings that can come when we're quiet (29:28) The major milestone that balance and meditation can help us reach (34:15) The valuable give and take that comes when we turn toward the practice of meditation (43:30) The power to cultivate a sense of safety is within YOU (51:28) Why permission is at the heart of practical boundaries Notable Quotes “Now I'm like, ‘Bring on the yoga! Bring on the mindfulness movement!' That's totally my jam. But thinking about slowing down enough to feel exactly what was going on in my life at the time, and it's still even hard now sometimes, but slowing down to feel all of that, because I was experiencing a lot of shame and judgment around what I should be feeling at that time, it was often very intense for me to slow down and feel those things. Because not only was I slowing down and feeling them, I was judging them too in that quiet space. And that judgment added a layer of pain that now I know was just not even necessary.” – Jenny (25:39) “There's one really important energy that we need to embody and live, and that is the energy of permission and giving ourselves permission. When we are not creating boundaries in the way that our true self might be asking us to create boundaries, it's usually because we are not giving ourselves permission to do more of something or less of something. And it's usually often around early childhood experiences, the way that we grew up, traumas in our past, and the fears that are attached to that.” – Michael (52:25) Our Guests Jenny Wiley specializes in community coaching and helping organizations rebuild, reenergize, and grow. She currently serves as Director of Programming & Community Growth for the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC), which works with committed individuals to help them reach their goals, dreams, and realize their potential. Doctoral-trained therapist and healing practitioner Michael Smith is the founder of Empath Connection. As a leader in mind-body holistic healing for nearly two decades, Michael has personally coached thousands of individuals to make stronger connections between mind, body, and spirit. Resources & Links On This Walk Website Facebook LinkedIn Instagram On This Walk IG Jenny Wiley Website LinkedIn Michael Smith Website LinkedIn
After the valuable and intimate conversation that Robert Cumming and I shared in the last episode, we realized that our walk together was not finished. Today, he's joining me for another episode to discuss the task of loving ourselves well, the difference between positive and negative shadows, and raising children that can balance both. One thing that really struck Rob in our last conversation was this idea that Rob is still on a journey to loving himself. After recording part 1, that sentiment stuck with him, and questions and thoughts began to circulate about this topic. Tune in to this episode to explore what it means to prioritize rest, learn about how we are approaching balance in fatherhood, and discover how you can begin showing your whole self to the world. In This Episode (1:09) How Rob and Luke view their roles as fathers (10:23) The importance of teaching children to balance selflessness and caring for themselves (13:48) The most difficult balance that parents face (16:01) Negative shadows vs. Positive shadows (21:04) Why rest and rejuvenation are necessary pieces of life (25:19) How to understand what healthy rest looks like for you (27:31) The importance of finding inner balance (29:58) The realization that helped Rob shift his life (33:06) Why parenting requires us to take care of ourselves first (39:20) Key practices to help you find balance, love, and acceptance (47:33) How Rob shows the wholeness of who he is Notable Quotes “As I started to look more introspectively and use that mirror to stop looking out there and start looking in here in all circumstances, what really became very clear was I had to prioritize my own, what I'd call, healing and wholing… is that recognition of that which I need to heal within myself, that which brings me back to wholeness within myself. Those were the introspections, reflections, practices that I needed to prioritize because it did fundamentally show up differently. And the way that it showed up – I have this conversation so often now with clients – I can't say that somebody from the outside looking in may or may not see a very obvious difference in the way I'm relating at times. But now, to me, it's not something I'm doing. It's just something I am. It's being in that more centered place.” – Luke (34:13) “It's that whole idea of exclusion. We exclude so many things in our lives. And I like to think of it kind of like numbing. Like when we sit too long and our leg goes numb, what happens? You have no feeling. There's no sensation, but love is sensation. How many things in our lives have hardened or gone numb that we're just aren't connected with? We're not moving with it. So when we get up and we start moving again, what happens? Things start to flow. Things start to flow, and we get more connected and we start to have feeling again… What would actually happen if we went and started to move a bit? Cause I know for me, when my leg gets numb, it's not a comfortable feeling to try and get it moving again. It's actually quite uncomfortable. But doing it is important to allow me to do all the things I'm capable of doing.” – Robert (44:07) Our Guest Robert Cumming is a leadership expert and martial artist that teaches others the art of connection, compassion, and discipline. After being bullied as a child/young adult and struggling to find healthy friendships, he found solace in the sport of taekwondo. Today, he teaches kids martial arts and coaches others on leadership and empathy in every environment. Resources & Links On This Walk Website Facebook LinkedIn Instagram On This Walk IG Robert Cumming Website LinkedIn Instagram
Being in community with others is an important piece of the human experience, but how do we differentiate between belonging and simply being accepted? In this episode of On This Walk, I'm chatting with Robert Cumming, 6th degree taekwondo black belt, leadership coach, and martial arts teacher. He pours into the lives of his students by teaching them to balance compassion, self-discipline, connection, and determination. He knows the struggle to find a healthy community well, and he uses that life experience to help others become who they are meant to be and ultimately find belonging. In Part 1, we discuss becoming rather than achieving, the importance of conscious leadership, and how his unique journey has led him through the full spectrum of emotions. In This Episode (0:26) How Luke's life changed when he considered what he wanted to be rather than achieve (11:26) How Luke's life story impacted Robert (14:18) How Rob's desire for acceptance fueled his passion for connection (25:19) How Rob's first leadership role helped him develop his identity (27:38) The power of conscious leadership (31:31) How leadership uncovered Rob's personal need for mentorship (36:44) The realization and event that changed Rob's career (40:48) The emotion that Rob had to work through to process his trauma (46:00) Rob's intense pivot and and how he shared the lessons he learned (55:28) How the pandemic forced Rob to adjust his relationship with work, his family, and himself (1:00:58) Why we have to confront our fear to grow (1:06:43) The importance of asking, “What does my behavior say?” (1:10:22) How our egos can hold us back from connection (1:15:21) Rob's hope for who he will continue to become Notable Quotes “Respect essentially is re-spect. ‘Re' – like a rerun, redo, replay. It's just again. And ‘spect' or like spectacles on your face. So to look. So, it's to look again. Respect means to look again. So what I found myself doing is looking at him as a father, as a husband, as those things, as a person who has some growth. There's a lot of growth that needs to come in that regard. But I had to look at him as a person first, and that actually helped me to move forward. But at the same time, respect myself. Look at myself again. Because I think we often don't do that. We don't pause and look at ourselves: ‘OK. Where am I at? And where are we going?'” – Robert (43:17) “One of the things that gets pointed out to people at times is, ‘OK what's being expressed is that you want to be right.' And some people will go, ‘Yeah, actually I do. I want to be right. I want my perspective to be seen.' And then there's others that will say, ‘No, that's not it. That's not it. I don't need to be right. They, however, need to know that they're wrong.' Either way, it's our ego beginning to present itself in such a way as our right and wrong definitions are the way in which we want others to be, the way we want the world to be, and no understanding gets created in that space… There's no connection that's there… I can promise you, you will never have any form of agreement with an individual or any type of alignment, you're certainly not going to change their mind, if you don't first begin to understand them.” – Luke (1:10:30) Our Guest Robert Cumming is a leadership expert and martial artist that teaches others the art of connection, compassion, and discipline. After being bullied as a child/young adult and struggling to find healthy friendships, he found solace in the sport of taekwondo. Today, he teaches kids martial arts and coaches others on leadership and empathy in every environment. Resources & Links On This Walk Website Facebook LinkedIn Instagram On This Walk IG Robert Cumming Website LinkedIn Instagram
I'm sure you've encountered a moment where your gut and intuition is nudging you in a different direction… But what do you do with that small cue? How do you know when it's time to move toward new purpose and fulfillment? Mario Lanzarotti knows this journey well, and now as a public speaker, conscious leader, and mindset coach, he helps solopreneurs and high-achieving individuals find their sense of self and the path that is meant for them. He has a heart for helping others and continually furthering his growth. In today's episode, he's sharing how he found his calling after initially chasing a completely different career, how this process led him through moments of necessary vulnerability, and the lessons he's learned about finding purpose, hope, and the divine. In This Episode (6:59) How peace and freedom helped Mario understand what he truly wants (10:02) The unique catalyst that reformed Mario's perspective on his purpose (16:36) How to approach the threshold of change and transformation (20:10) Why we have to pay attention to the breadcrumbs leading us to fulfillment (26:15) The valuable lesson he learned from vulnerability (29:18) Why we need more than just hope to move forward (33:25) When hope plays an active role in our conscious choices (37:37) The unhealthy advice that slowed his growth (43:36) The monumental moments of surrender in Mario's life (47:46) His overwhelming experience of connecting with the divine (55:18) The distinctions between “doing” and “being” (1:05:28) The question that can shift your entire world (1:08:03) How to know when enough is truly enough Notable Quotes “Hope is not meant to simply be whether we are kind of wishful about how things are going in the world and just viewing things as, ‘well I hope this works out,' and you know, kind of orienting towards this outcome. Hope is meant to be a very co-creative process, hope was, ‘OK, it's possible, and it requires me to believe in myself to take these little steps, to make these little changes, to put myself in these situations that challenge me, that grow me, that evolve me, that occasionally knock me back on my butt.' And I've learned from that too. And so even in that, hope creates that little bit of spark, but it's then an active process that we engage in that actually allows it to come to fruition.” – Luke (29:40) “I have a credo that I follow that I've created for myself, and in it, I have, ‘I choose love over being right. I choose to view people that trigger me as my best teachers.' Why? Because I know they trigger something inside of me where I'm not free and where I'm not healed. And that might be a very uncomfortable realization, and I'm very happy that I have them because then again, I can say, ‘Well what is the condition that I've unconsciously created for myself in which I'm not allowing myself to feel the way I want to feel? OK, how can I change the condition?' Ahh. That's when you truly become the master of your mind because now you can unravel blueprints quickly and you can say, ‘OK, doesn't work for me anymore. Let me change that.'” – Mario (1:07:20) Our Guest Mario Lanzarotti is a public speaker, conscious leader, and mindset coach that supports solopreneurs on their journey to finding their purpose, utilizing their unique skills, and silencing their self-doubt. His mission to build up and foster a community of healthy, hopeful, and highly-motivated individuals is evident through his determination and perseverance after his own period of uncertainty surrounding his calling. Resources & Links On This Walk Facebook LinkedIn Instagram On This Walk IG Mario Lanzarotti Website LinkedIn Instagram The Five Steps to Overcoming Self Doubt and Taking Massive Action
Have you ever felt like your trauma is keeping you frozen in time, unable to move forward? What if this also holds the possibility for serving as a pathway to greater relational intimacy and fulfillment? Amilya Antonetti is my walking partner on today's episode of On This Walk to break down these very questions. As the creator and CEO of Designing Genius and a world-renowned human behavior expert, she helps individuals and leaders in and out of workplaces move through challenging moments in their lives, find their purpose, and unpack their trauma. Amilya is also full of fire, passion and personal experience. In today's episode, we're discussing how to move past trauma and into fulfillment, how her trauma informed her perspective on the world, our tendency toward “sloppiness” in our relationships, why isolation is a trauma response, the importance of restoring harmony after a trigger, and the moments in her life that acted as turning points. In This Episode (4:43) Amilya shares how trauma has played a role in her everyday life (8:54) Why empathy and care in our relationships are so critical (13:14) Beware of the impact of minimizing our own pain in our healing journey (17:50) How a lack of safety as a child shows up decades later (25:32) Amilya uncovers the trauma that's at the heart of isolation (28:17) The turning point that changed everything for Amilya (33:58) How to find your way back to the present and verbalize triggers (37:23) Important anchor points: communicate, develop trust, and ground yourself (43:07) Trust is like tree rings (50:42) The truth about introverts and extroverts (55:43) How trauma allows us to balance our masculine and feminine energy (59:20) The role of intimacy in pain and trauma Notable Quotes “For me, I follow a tree… Inside of a tree and then there's rings… You have to demonstrate to me my ability to trust you based on your ability to take responsibility for it. And so my inside ring of a tree has very few people in there, and then I have a next layer and a next layer and a next layer. And those layers are based on my comfortability of how they can or cannot trigger me and work through that. So not everybody is invited into the inside circle. And they shouldn't be because there's a lot of responsibility there. And then I loosen the responsibility as I move out, and then I'm always gauging where somebody really should live to honor them and honor myself.” – Amilya (43:59) “We're holding onto certainty because that's our house of cards. That's the way that we believe that we feel and hold onto safety. I can tell you right now, regardless of whatever the trauma is that you've been through in your life, if you're listening, this is true for you. And I know that this wrestling match that we have with uncertainty is at the core of so much of the struggle and so much of the dance where we'd rather put up the illusion. We'd rather believe that we're in this house of cards but it's built with brick. Even though it's NOT.” – Luke (24:58) Our Guest Amilya Antonetti is the creator and CEO of Designing Genius and a world-renowned human behavior expert that has been featured on Oprah, The Steve Harvey Show, Dr. Phil, and more. Her mission is to help individuals and leaders in and out of workplaces move through obstacles and come out the other side with greater insight on their purpose. Resources & Links On This Walk Facebook LinkedIn Instagram On This Walk IG Amilya Antonetti Website LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Instagram
How do we forgive ourselves when we've hurt the ones we love, and how do we simultaneously extend grace and compassion to others when they make mistakes? We're all human, which means we've all hurt someone at one point or another, but the defining moments often come after when we have to decide how to restore balance. The most harmonious relationships require us to lead with love, and in today's episode, my walking companion, Lisane Basquiat, is sharing how she applies this philosophy in her life. As we continue our conversation from our recent episode together on her podcast, Shaping Freedom, we dive deeper into how she has worked to restore balance internally and externally, how this shift requires flexibility and determination, and why it's important for us to evaluate our wants vs. our needs. Join us on this walk to find out how you can foster alignment and harmony in yourself and your relationships. In This Episode (3:30) Lisane shares the experience that acted as a catalyst for change (8:16) How to be aware of our tendency to hurt the people closest to us and how to restore balance (17:00) Why we have to lead with love in our relationships (22:15) The role of forgiveness and grace in fostering balance (24:55) The importance of forgiving ourselves while remaining compassionate with others (28:18) How to approach balance with a sense of flexibility (32:13) Why we have to see, hear, and understand others in conflict (38:37) Evaluating our needs vs. our wants (44:25) “We are all creators.” (47:00) Lisane shares her tips for honoring your harmony and agency Notable Quotes “Just like in the relationships that we have with other people, there is this ongoing dialogue with ourselves, and it includes the same elements of a quality relationship that we have with other people. Forgiveness, you know – ‘Please forgive me, and let's move on.' Because that's the way, I believe, that you get right with yourself… Because once I'm willing to see myself as a human being who makes mistakes and is trying her best, then I can have true compassion for other people.” – Lisane (24:00) “Now I'm asking myself some very different questions that are not about ego. They're about something beyond that, something broader than that. And I say it that way because very often, I had to go through this. When I would ask questions like, ‘What are my values?', a lot of the values that I had, or I should say the definitions of the values that I had, were chosen out of ego and preference. They were chosen out of, ‘If things are like this, then I feel like life is aligned and life is good.' And now it's, ‘Actually, no. Let me look at what are the qualities in me that are part of my essence that, when I bring them out, I'm bringing the value to my life – as opposed to lining things up that feel valuable.'” – Luke (43:08) Our Guest Lisane Basquiat is the founder of Shaping Freedom®, a personal growth company that trains individuals on how to gain empowerment through internal congruence and spiritual alignment. She also owns Hera Hub Carlsbad, a female-focused and gender inclusive community, co-working space, and business accelerator. She's Co-Administer of the Jean-Michel Basquiat Estate, Board Certified by the Association of Integrative Psychology as a Master Practitioner and trainer of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), a Master Practitioner of Mental and Emotional Release® (MER) Therapy and Hypnotherapy, a Certified Professional Coach (iPEC graduate), an Accredited Energy Leadership Coach, a Reiki practitioner, and a Certified Advanced Theta Healer. Resources & Links On This Walk Facebook LinkedIn Instagram On This Walk IG Lisane Basquiat Instagram Website Shaping Freedom Podcast Hera Hub
“It does start with forgiveness.” Reggie Walker learned this many years after sustaining trauma and abuse as a child and struggling with his mental health as an adult. He lives his life by the sentiment that forgiveness is at the center of healing. And beyond forgiving others, we have to forgive ourselves. As the former NFL athlete walks with me today, we discuss how he found alignment after his football career, what it means to put your peace first, and his journey to living a life that's true to who he is. His story is one of determination, healing, thoughtfulness, forgiveness, and embracing his own individuality, so join us today as we discover how Reggie found his way to happiness and peace. In This Episode (6:53) Reggie unpacks how he began to really chase his own happiness (10:10) Why sitting with himself helped Reggie prioritize his mental health (22:33) How to leave people-pleasing behavior behind and define what you truly want/need (25:33) Making the shift from self-centered to centered-self (33:37) Why celebrating our own uniqueness and the uniqueness of others helps us become better individuals (38:42) How embracing forgiveness and pain allowed Reggie to heal (43:24) The role of the “protector” in our psyche (49:01) Why we need to break down generational trauma for ourselves and our children (57:19) There is beauty and joy to be found in our weird little worlds (1:00:59) Reggie shares his passion for loving others Notable Quotes “You gotta love yourself enough to let the protector go. Because if you don't let the protector go, it's gonna protect you away from happiness and peace and contentment and fulfillment. And it's been a constant act of letting that go, and forgiving them, forgiving myself for not sticking out, for not saying this, for not doing that… You understand, hurt people do hurt people. And when you start analyzing and understanding people and having conversations with them, there's a very logical reason why people do things in their own minds. I might not agree, but in their minds that's what it is. And that's okay. Because at this moment in time, if I really want that life that I want to have, I have to let it go.” – Reggie (41:20) “I recognize I live in my own weird little world. I think we all do, right? We all have our own weird little world that we live in – nobody gets to know it! It's all up in here, it's in our bodies, it's in our minds, right? I know that that's where I am, and the more that I get to play with that, it's like I have more fun. I don't take myself as seriously. I enjoy myself more because I'm not trying to like, ‘Wait, how am I going to put myself out there?' ‘What's this going to look like?' I've given up those controls and I've like owned the fact that I've got some weird stuff going on in my head and occasionally I've got some weird stuff coming out of my mouth, and that's okay! It's more fun. It's freeing.” – Luke (57:19) Our Guest Reggie Walker is a former NFL athlete and the founder of the Personal Mastery School – a program that helps individuals find themselves, their purpose, and create a plan for their life. After sustaining significant trauma in his childhood and then working to process those experiences as an adult, he found a way to support others on their journey to health and happiness. He's also a mental, physical, and sexual abuse survivor advocate, Tedx speaker, consultant, connector, and problem solver. He wants to equip others with the skills to win the battle against their biggest enemy – themselves – so they can move with confidence and tenacity towards their life mission. Resources & Links On This Walk Facebook LinkedIn Instagram On This Walk IG Reggie Walker Twitter 1in6
How do we begin to unpack and update our traditional understanding of masculinity – for ourselves, our friends, our partners, and our children? Today I'm walking with Bob Conlin – an ontological coach, a Professional Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation, founder of The Alchemy of Men, and the co-founder of the Living In Love Incubator program – and Brad Golphenee – a Senior EVRYMAN Facilitator and Professional Somatic Coach for Men – to dive into a discussion regarding masculinity, forming healthy relationships, connecting with our emotions, and discovering our purpose. Both fathers and great men who are committed to holding space for the feelings and experiences of those around them, Brad and Bob offer intimate details and valuable insight into how they became the men they are today. In This Episode (0:40) Two threads we'll follow in today's episode (7:29) Brad reveals how leaving his last business allowed him to break a negative cycle (11:08) The effect men's groups had on Bob's unhealthy mindset (15:39) Why shifting their understanding of identity was challenging (23:53) How Bob found peace and new possibilities in the unknown (28:14) Finding the courage to ask for help (35:32) The importance of finding community and accountability (41:00) Addressing the daunting questions: “Who am I?” and “What is my purpose?” (45:38) Leaning into discomfort as we raise our children (54:00) The energy of being a father (1:00:14) Bob and Brad discuss purpose (1:06:02) Closing thoughts on masculinity Notable Quotes “To have people to hold me in the highest light and to hold me in new ways is so remarkably important because even those that were close to me, and I see this all the time, my family, even out of love, they would often hold me in old ways. Because that's what they're comfortable with, that's how they know me. So going through very transformative processes and then going back into my old environment, I'm still held in an old way. And so it's just an important distinction that as we change as men, we need each other to hold ourselves in the highest light possible.” – Brad (42:00) “When I got to that point, I realized how much help I actually needed. You know, self-sufficient guy, self-proclaimed ‘I don't need anybody,' and it really pointed to, wherever I was going, I wasn't alone. Wherever I wanted to go, I needed an army of people around me to hold me up, lift me up, love me until I could learn to fully love and embrace myself and who I was becoming. And I really think that, that was the hardest lesson I learned was to ask for help… But that was the thing that helped me move through the in-between, the upside down – whatever you want to call it – that time.” – Bob (27:26) Our Guests With extensive training and experience as an ontological coach, a Professional Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation, founder of The Alchemy of Men, and the co-founder of the Living In Love Incubator program, Bob Conlin helps people bring awareness and accountability into action and receive abundance in its many forms. Brad Golphenee is a Senior EVRYMAN Facilitator and Professional Somatic Coach for Men who has been involved with men's groups for 15 years and professionally working with men for 10 years. Brad holds a BSBA from the University of Denver and has continuing education in Shamanic Studies and Somatic Experiencing for Trauma. Relationships and parenting are topics that Brad loves to process with his client base. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow Brad Golphenee https://www.bradgolphenee.com/ Bob Conlin https://conlincoaching.com/about/
“Art can serve as our metabolizer.” It's a sentiment that struck me as soon as I heard it, and it's no surprise that the individual behind this poignant quote is none other than writer, wedding photographer, and storyteller Genevieve Georget. On today's walk, Gen joins me to discuss how she became a writer, finding balance as we experience the full range of human emotions, the ways in which stories and narratives can both free and hinder us, how to manage the tendency toward perfectionism, and ultimately to share where she is in what she refers to as possibly her most important piece of work yet. In This Episode (3:18) Introduction to our guest, Genevieve Georget (7:57) How writing and photography influence Gen's relationship with time (12:22) Gen recalls a moment that brought perspective (18:33) How authenticity and intimacy allow us to unburden ourselves (20:23) What You Don't See (27:52) Carrying others' stories while making space for your own (32:13) A note about generational trauma and childhood experiences (39:07) “How do you feel about somebody controlling the narrative of your life?” (49:20) Intimate and honest confrontation (56:13) Gen's current, deeply healing project (1:01:56) My mindfulness journey and equal empathy (1:04:30) How storytelling allows for connection Notable Quotes “When we do have the strength, it allows us to be that anchor for other people. And to say, ‘I've got ya. I can hold this space. I can be here and listen to your story as you let it unfold in front of you and as you take down the veil, as you take down the wall.' And just open up about ‘This is what I've been walking with. This is what's been on my shoulders.' It's an unburdening process, and I think it's interesting because we talk about art as a metabolizer or others have heard me talk about circling and things like that on this show as well, and to me, I think that's the beauty of a practice like circling where we can verbalize what it is that we are working to process. And when we can do that in a communal way, it opens something up because it allows more and more people to know ‘I'm not alone.'” – Luke (19:18) “One of the ways that I am learning to dismantle some of those narratives, and that is an aggressive word, but I think it's necessary sometimes to take a sledgehammer to some of the stuff that we've been carrying around for so long. It's also a method that we're starting to use with our children a lot. And it's by asking the question, ‘What story are you telling yourself about that situation?' So if one of our kids comes home from school and they've had something happen with some friends, the first thing we ask them is, ‘What meaning are you putting to that situation? What's the story you're now telling yourself?' to try to help them, ourselves, recognize that we are only one part of that story. – Gen (44:47) Our Guest Genevieve Georget is a writer and photographer from Ottawa, Canada that believes in cultivating space for vulnerability, truth, authenticity, and storytelling. In her last two books, Solace: A Journal of Human Experience (2019) and Her Own Wild Winds (2016), Gen explored grief, pain, love, and inspiration. Solace was also named Ottawa FACES Magazine's 2020 Book of the Year. Currently working on a healing-centered project, she is finding joy in her life with her husband, kids, and golden retriever. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow Genevieve Georget https://gengeorget.com/ https://www.instagram.com/gen_georget/?hl=en https://ca.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-georget https://gengeorget.com/books Mentioned: Living Untethered: Beyond the Human Predicament by Michael A. Singer
In the last episode, Tim and I spoke about our personal journeys with purpose, belonging, taking soul wanders, and how this brings us into this incredible space where nature reflects what truly lies within. As we continue with Part 2 of our walk with purpose in today's conversation, we dive deeper into the ancient ritual of a Vision Quest – sharing what this ritual is and what it can reveal. I've been on a personal vision quest with Tim's guidance and, on this transformative journey of mine, I encountered deep questions with tough to grasp answers. But as I interacted with these questions, so much more than guidance was revealed. Join me as we step into this vision quest with my walking partner, Tim Corcoran. In This Episode (04:58) - What is a vision quest? (13:36) - The two sides of preparing for a vision quest (17:00) - What does Life want to do with me? (18:39) - The grounding mantra of ‘trust the ceremony' (25:53) - Establishing a conversation with the ancient one (33:38) - The post-vision quest return (35:14) - Proper preparation and proper integration before and after the quests (39:00) - My journey towards peace (42:51) - “To quest is to go experience the fullness of life.” (47:53) - The most important changes that take place when we go out in and return from quest Notable Quotes “I've used different versions of this phrase before at different parts of my life, ‘trust the process'. But really, I wanted to honor the ceremony, the sacred ceremony I was entering. And so that mantra became to trust the ceremony. I'm gonna connect to my soul, I'm gonna connect to my purpose. I'm gonna connect it by all these intentions of what I wanted out of the process. And then ultimately that was able to fade away so that I could turn and say, I'm gonna trust the ceremony. And it was through the journey itself, through the vision quest that I recognized that the mantra that I came up with had nothing to do, or it didn't only have to do with the vision quest. That's pretty much become my mantra, because I now understand for me, this life is the ceremony. We're in the ceremony right now in this grand experiment. This is the ceremony.” - Luke (18:39) “I want the fullness of life and if there's darkness in me that I have to face, then so be it. I'll face it. And I think that's a mindset that is appropriate especially for a quest. And it's that willingness, it's that vulnerability, it's that courage that's so important. My hope is for our listeners that maybe this inspires you to find that. Because I do believe we all as human beings have that potential inside of us to face these depths. And it's only in facing our darkness that we'll be able to face our light and yeah, it gets pretty dark, and yeah, it gets pretty bright. In the end, I've never worked with anybody who didn't say that it was worth it.” - Tim (43:20) Our Guest Tim Corcoran is the founder of Purpose Mountain, where he offers Nature Based Purpose Guidance to support people with a love for wild nature who feel a deep yearning to discover their purpose. Tim also serves as co-Director of Twin Eagles Wilderness School, an organization he co-founded with his wife in Sandpoint, Idaho in 2005 dedicated to facilitating deep nature connection mentoring, cultural restoration, and inner tracking. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow
What is my purpose? What is the meaning of this life? There are moments when these questions come screaming at me with this tremendous sense of urgency for years. At times, I've had answers to some of these questions, and other times I've struggled greatly when these answers no longer held true. One of the most recent chapters of this walk that I've been on is something that I wanted to share with you in this two-part conversation because it was such an extraordinary experience. Join me as we unfold this part of my journey with my walking partner for today, Tim Corcoran. In This Episode (04:48) - What the Buddha did not know about hunting (09:14) - Losing my connection with nature (15:51) - My path with mindfulness, Buddhism, and other related wisdom traditions (24:09) - Why conversations about purpose have become so prevalent (32:05) - Belonging is worth investing in (40:10) - What is a soul wander? (47:00) - How my hibernation in a cave led to my first intimate experience with a guardian tree (53:19) - Tim's story of Grizzly Butte (1:07:58) - Within your wanders, pay attention to your noticings (1:14:20) - Tim's philosophy on healing Notable Quotes “Many people are waking up and saying, okay, how can I help? This is not right. Okay sure, I can ascend, I can experience meditation. It's a great break from the craziness and the suffering of the physical world. I've got kids, I have a wife, I have children in my community I care about. What are future generations going to experience? What can I actually give to this? What am I gonna leave behind? ‘It's all temporary, don't worry about it, I'll meet you on the other side'. No, you know, I care about this earth. This earth has helped me, so I love it so much, and I want to leave the best gift I can to this planet. I think more and more people are waking up to that or asking those questions, why the heck am I really here? Is it just random? Was it just an accident? No, there must be a reason why I have taken birth at this time. There must be something I have to offer. That's what I hear from the people I work with, and the people who reach out to me and conversations like this that need that yearning just grows and grows, and so that is hopeful to me.” - Tim (24:45) “There's something that we are connecting to through those experiences that is either informing or working with our soul to transform us into the path that we're meant to be on. And it's in those moments of balance that we start to connect to that and see what we've been through in a very, very different light. And it opens up something beautiful in us. I love that perspective of the language of minimum amount of healing. Because we're not meant to stay perpetually in that cycle. We're not meant to be perpetually in any cycle, and that's where we don't wanna get lost in the healing. We don't wanna get lost in dreaming of this life. We want to be able to continue. Let's move forward in that dream. Let's be aware that we're dreaming and let's interact with it in a very different way. But as we continue to grow from that place of being, and being able to bring that forward, and pay that forward, and offer that giveaway to others, and we'll heal along the way as we need to continue to because it's gonna happen.” - Luke (1:17:58) Our Guest Tim Corcoran is the founder of Purpose Mountain, where he offers Nature Based Purpose Guidance to support people with a love for wild nature who feel a deep yearning to discover their purpose. Tim also serves as co-Director of Twin Eagles Wilderness School, an organization he co-founded with his wife in Sandpoint, Idaho in 2005 dedicated to facilitating deep nature connection mentoring, cultural restoration, and inner tracking. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow
Some people might view audacity as the willingness to take bold risks, but sometimes, it can also mean being rude or having disrespectful behavior. Isn't it interesting that this word can be seen as both a positive and negative quality? In today's conversation, we explore these moments in our journey where we found the need to be audacious in following our own path, without having that fear of being judged by the people around us. What does it mean to have that sense of agency? How do we develop that type of connection to it? Join me as I go on this walk with my partners today, Lisa Hopkins, and a familiar voice from Episode 002, Tambre Leighn. In This Episode (00:33) - The two primary definitions of audacity (05:56) - The need for Lisa to be audacious in her journey (08:10) - How Lisa responded to her sense of agency (10:35) - Tambre's experience with audaciousness (13:56) - How do we connect to our sense of agency? (16:53) - The energy of needing to be bigger or push beyond (21:48) - How my inner voice gives me clarity on the path that I should take (34:18) - Our strengths are exactly where our weaknesses lie (44:45) - Weaknesses are gifts (59:21) - The audacity of being in our own path Notable Quotes “If you think about your strengths as just part of your toolkit, not about your way of being, and then your weaknesses, weaknesses are gifts because you don't attach them to anything. Strengths, you know what you can do, you know what you're expected to do. So there's this sort of expectation. I mean, have you ever played something and you sort of preface it with, ‘I'm no good at this' and you have so much fun because you're not attached to being good at it to anyone thinking.I feel like weaknesses are so ripe, they're like seeds that you don't think will grow. So you just toss them out there. And sometimes they do and sometimes they also help nurture, something grows that you didn't know would grow or maybe it actually helps your strength.” - Lisa (44:37) “If I'm gonna be curious about something, I just can't jump into doing mode because then I'm just, step, action, outcome, re-evaluate, reassess, which will have a little bit of insight, but it doesn't give me the opportunity to take a breath and say, what else can I do? What else can I bring into this moment as far as a different perspective, a creative idea, a different way of looking at this or perhaps even somebody bringing somebody else into the conversation so that I can expand my awareness, my growth, my skills, my insights? I love the idea of embracing what we might consider weaknesses and asking what can I do differently that might give me not only a different outcome in this situation, but going forward, give me more tools to choose from?” - Tambre (43:26) Our Guests Lisa Hopkins is an ICF Certified Professional Coach, Energy Leadership Master Practitioner and CORE Performance Dynamics Specialist. She hosts the STOPTIME: Live in the Moment podcast and has a vision to share the power of her coaching work with the entertainment community and beyond by creating safe, mentally & spiritually healthy spaces for all to thrive creatively and become artists of their lives. Certified professional coach Tambre Leighn is the founder of Well Beyond Ordinary, a consulting company that helps healthcare clients use coaching skills to improve communication, patient engagement, and build trust. Tambre's work integrating coaching into patient support was inspired by her experience as a caregiver for her late husband. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow
Have you ever been at that point in your life where everything seems to go well, then all of a sudden, it just doesn't feel right anymore? This is something that has come up to me as I was looking back at my journey for the last couple of years. I'm blessed to have a beautiful family, career, business, and a whole lot of opportunities that have helped me along the way. But once you realize that some of the great things you have in your life aren't aligned with your purpose anymore, do we have the willingness to let go of it? Do you take the risk of going on another journey not knowing if everything will work out? These questions led me to connect with my walking partner for today, Corey Blake. In This Episode (01:01) - Understanding the journey that I've been on for the last couple of years (03:39) - Approaching purpose as a way of being with my life and the world (09:43) - Being in a limbo, and why it's an uncomfortable place for Corey (13:51) - The disorientation phase of Corey's journey (16:51) - Taking our frustration and anger out on the people that are closest to us (18:57) - Corey's collisions in life (23:20) - The ongoing connection to personal development (26:31) - The transition Corey's currently walking through (31:08) - What have I not been willing to admit to myself that I actually need to see? (38:36) - Learning how to let things fall apart (41:04) - The empowerment dynamic - the coach, the challenger, and the creator (46:04) - Why we're getting trapped in seeing the world (51:24) - The need to create more space for others to share their story (1:00:41) - Corey's water and oak tree imagery Notable Quotes “Some of these challenges are so big that they certainly can feel overwhelming and we can't tackle all of them. If we all cared about the thing I care about the most, who would care about all the other things? And they would just fall apart. We have that natural human desire for the thing that matters most to us, to matter to everyone else. The arrogance that I have to look squarely in the face when I'm inclined to rescue that asks me, who am I to think that my solution is appropriate for this person? What if they manifest what's appropriate for them? What would it look like for me to be a support mechanism for that, so they can become more of themselves as opposed to me thinking they should be more like me?” - Corey (44:12) “If we have the ability to create more healing and wholing within ourselves, the medicine that that provides to the collective is something that is immeasurable. We've got the collective purpose, which is how do we, in any way that we choose to, share that with the world? And then we've got this other kind of like, for the sake of humanity healing that we're doing by working through our journeys in this way. Because that now creates the possibility. Roger Bannister breaks the 4-minute mile after nobody else had ever done it, and then look at the next couple of years and people are breaking it left and right because now it's a possibility. If we create that healing and wholing within ourselves, even if it's not published around the world like the 4-minute mile, it creates the energetic possibility now for others. It creates a blueprint, which however we do it, somehow we connect to it.” - Luke (1:07:49) Our Guest Corey Blake is the founder and CEO of Round Table Companies (RTC). In 2021, Corey launched Round Table Storytelling Academy, where he focuses on his passion for the deeper sense of belonging that arises within a company culture when employee purpose is connected to organizational purpose. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow
How do we navigate between ease and easy? My walking partner for today, Michelle Bannister, is a former colleague of mine who reached out to me after hearing a few episodes of On This Walk. She spoke about feeling this energy around the difference between ease and easy and we discussed how both have appeared in our lives. In today's conversation, Michelle and I dig deeper into that feeling of being comfortable in the chaos, the struggle of keeping things simple, the desire to belong, the importance of self-compassion and forgiveness, and dealing with our inner critic. In This Episode (03:37) - The tendency to go to what's familiar (07:28) - Michelle's decision to walk away from her dream job (11:07) - Being comfortable in the chaos (12:41) - Paying attention to how things felt (14:21) - My struggle of keeping things simple (16:43) - Walking on the edge between ease and easy (20:54) - The toxic impact of social media (22:30) - The desire to belong (27:56) - Self-compassion and forgiveness (32:02) - Michelle's acknowledgment of her childhood trauma and the impact it had on her (38:03) - Dealing with our inner critic (45:01) - How Michelle's ‘visual vitamins' help her attitude and mindset (50:43) - The practice of attunement and being intentional and present (57:53) - Trusting the process Notable Quotes “I was admitted to a Master's Program for the fall. This will be my second Master's and I'm 58 years old. So there's immediately conflict in my head when I even think about going back for a second Master's. I can't even count how many people have gone, ‘You're what? Why would you wanna do that?'. So the edge for me has been, what do I really want my legacy to be? I have nothing left to prove about myself. And this ties to something you were saying about the difference between head and body. I feel like I've spent my whole life trying to prove something that was going on in my head, stories that I was generating about myself, about what other people had to say about me. And this has nothing to do with that at all. This is a hundred percent heart decision and direction.” - Michelle (15:47) “I know what it's like to have to pick myself up off the bathroom floor and to go through different issues in life. And I've recognized that actually, not only did I get through them, they got me closer and closer to being true to who I am and living from this central place of who I actually am. And we spend so much time protecting that essential self, that true nature. But it's the protecting that actually keeps us from getting back to it. And once you go through that, those are the times you've been broken up, broken open. But those are the very things that showed me the path to ease and peace. And then I got the confidence through going through that repeated process of building into it to recognize, yeah, I can do life this way. I can do it from the center of who I am and share out from that place. And it's not always gonna be accepted, it's not always gonna be affirmed. And I'm okay with that too.” - Luke (01:00:55) Our Guest Michelle Bannister - I am a human mom, dog mom, stepmom, mother figure, spouse, sister, and friend. I am a meditator, writer, coach, teacher and student (formally and informally), retreat facilitator, reluctant entrepreneur, former corporate leader, retired opera singer, trauma survivor, gardener, musician, artist, cook, bird watcher and feeder, runner-turned-walker, traveler, and wanderer. I have realized that contrary to conventional wisdom—which says the longer we're with people, the better we know them—my loved ones are increasingly mysterious to me as time goes by. This becomes apparent as I slow down long enough to witness their inner worlds as they are revealed. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow
At times when it seems like I'm getting off track or I'm feeling disconnected to myself, I then realize that this sort of imbalance is caused by the various debris that I've been carrying around for a long time. With everything that's happening around us, how do we get to that point where we can hold space in such a way that it begins to ground us and the others around us? That's what brings us to today's conversation on holding the peace. Many of you may know that I do love spending time in Sedona, and it is in that place where I got to connect with my walking partner for this conversation, Samantha Jackson. In this episode, we talk about what it means to take a great pause and what that can mean for us, the beauty and healing of being in nature, and finding the balance between busyness and the still. In This Episode (03:31) - Connecting with Samantha after our journey in Sedona (6:34) - What the great pause has been for Samantha (9:13) - Losing the divine connection (14:29) - Carrying debris around for a very long time (15:37) - Looking back at the pause I went through and feeling the pain of separation (18:30) - Samantha's experience of being one with nature in Sri Lanka (25:49) - Finding a balance between the busyness and the still (31:37) - What Holding the Peace means to Samantha and how she began writing it (34:02) - How the media, news, and social media can provoke us (38:43) - Moving and the clearing energy through circling (50:24) - Can fear and stress serve as ways of returning us to peace? (53:04) - Recognizing that the value that I had around freedom had shifted (55:08) - The relationship between peace and balance Notable Quotes “In that moment when I was in Sri Lanka, I felt like nature had my back, and that nature was reminding me that like, ‘Look kid, life gets rough, but I still got you, and you can always come back to me to kind of clear out'. And I was like, oh yeah, it just sort of felt like some arms were being put around me and taking care of me, and telling me to like sort of wake up and don't forget the beauty and the healing of just being in nature.” - Samantha (22:28) “Several years ago, quite a few years ago, I had recognized that the value that I had around freedom had shifted, used to be, to do what I want, when I want, with whom I want. And then it was, no, this is actually about inner freedom. It's not about the circumstances. It's not about any of those things. I wanna feel that freedom within to just simply, purely be who I am. And so I chose freedom. Well the universe is a jokester and the universe realizes that, oh, if you want freedom, then I'm gonna bring you everything in the world that shows you how you are not free. And so like all of my beliefs, like everything I was doing to block my own freedom was just like right there, front and center, smack in front of my face. And so I share that because having been through that, I am aware of it, at least, maybe it still takes some time in different experiences, but peace is the same way, so I know that if the center of everything for me is returning, restoring that peace that's within me, and so I now recognize that fear and that stress are like invitations to clear, cos there's something here that is preventing or blocking your peace.” - Luke (53:04) Our Guest Samantha Jackson is a lifelong intuitive, empath and channel of the Divine Collective and her higher self. She is the host of the Soul Journey podcast where she reads her channeled messages and interviews people from around the world who have a unique “soulprint”. She occasionally puts out beautiful channeled writings and messages which include “Holding The Peace”. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow
Slow living has never been more relevant in our post-pandemic world. A lot of us have come to a point where we just want our lives to be centered on what matters the most to us. It may sound very simple, until you realize just how many entanglements and attachments you've committed yourself to. This is a conversation that has come up in a lot of my dialogues with clients, family, friends and colleagues. I've certainly experienced this as well, but what I have come to realize is that these entanglements (and releasing them) are just part of the process of reconnecting, to get back on track and learning to allow life to flow. Today, I'm joined by someone who leads from his head and his heart, someone who gets excited with constant challenges in life – Eric Godoy, along with a very familiar walking partner – Billy Ward. In This Episode (02:33) - The longing to have that feeling of being soul-centered (10:18) - Recognizing what's getting in the way of centering our lives around what matters most (19:45) - Surrender – I've meant it in so many ways (20:49) - Paying attention to your inner dialogue (27:38) - Acknowledging the need to slow down and taking a step back (30:17) - Holding more space for self-compassion (37:46) - Creating space from stories and how it allows Eric to sit in a soul-centered place (47:23) - A day that Billy will never forget (54:25) - How rituals and practices help us feel into this soul-centered way of being (1:00:03) - Being at peace with what's rising Notable Quotes “What gets in the way, it really is ultimately just me. I'm at the stage now where I'm sitting in there and sitting in that, being present in my life. And I'm at the stage where I can see the contrast. I'm starting to note the contrast of when I get in the way, and then what's happening as a result of it, versus just sitting in that seat and saying, ‘You know what, I'm sitting here permanently'. I realize how much I just get in the way and that's where my work is unfolding daily to get out of my own way so I can just surrender. – Eric (10:58) If I hadn't made this commitment to myself years ago and I hadn't amped it up a year ago, I wouldn't have been able to show up in the way that I did, first for myself, but then for my two boys. I spoke about social media holding circles. I came home after my boys and I held a circle with Julie and her girls, and my boys with Grover in the middle. And I allowed space and held space for everyone to express where they were in that moment. For me, all this inner work plays out in all of life, and sometimes it requires us to stand in our truth and to stand in love in the midst of things that are really hard to move through. But we, as human beings, have the capacity to move through those things with grace and love and truth, especially when we're committed to this soulful, soul-centered life. – Billy (53:08) Our Guests Eric Godoy – “I start each day making a choice to lead from my heart and my head. I am incredibly passionate, energetic and strive to be a peacemaker. I am a people pleaser, friendly, trusting, easygoing, empathetic and compassionate. I am blessed to be able to live these values when being a father, husband, son, sibling and true friend. I am a constant learner, reader, sharer, teacher, athlete, real estate investor, coach, listener, joker, striving chef and adapter. The constant challenges in life get me excited. Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass but rather be the eye of the storm for myself and those around me.” Billy Ward is a motivational speaker, mental health advocate, life coach and former professional football player. His podcast, The Billy Ward Podcast, aims to help people live with greater awareness so that they can experience more peace, freedom, joy and love. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow
You can't connect the dots moving forward – you can only connect them looking backwards. During my corporate career, that used to be something I excelled at. Identifying patterns, monitoring their development and tracking where things might lead has always been a strength of mine. Yet lately, this has been a struggle. It takes a lot of mental energy and a firm desire for control to try to connect the dots we haven't reached yet – and leaves little room for wonder, surprise or those little synchronicities of life. In our last few episodes, we've spoken a lot about the active process of surrendering inner resistance and going where the flow of life takes us. It's this fiercely personal endeavor that I'll be exploring today with the help of recent guest and master facilitator, Aaron Kahlow. In This Episode (02:51) How do we pay attention to our journey without expecting certain outcomes? (09:57) Does time matter in spiritual development? (14:09) The gift of self-expression and the danger of numbing out (21:57) Finding balance between living in our truth while acknowledging daily obstacles (25:52) How compartmentalization causes friction (30:21) Why we fear honesty (34:24) Expectations, blueprints and leaving room for mystery in life – responsibly (42:04) Where are you on the certainty spectrum? (47:20) Why men fear our own anger (51:21) “Thank God for our emotions” (56:16) Transcending and balancing the horizontal plane of the mind (1:04:53) Can we really change? Notable Quotes “I'm walking this edge that has excitement, as well as fear. It has a tremendous amount of uncertainty, and there's also a certain amount of anticipation that's coming along with it. There's this part of me that knows, like something magical could be unfolding. And then there's the other part of me that's like, ‘You're going to screw this all up, you have no idea where you're going. You don't have a plan for it. It's not all thought out.' That's like the edge I wanna walk and I wanna be able to express from there. I wanna be able to own that place of vulnerability and just be honest with it.” – Luke (24:15) “Our traumas inform so many things, right? That's the problem. We can't unlock those little micro or macro traumas and be clear and true and honest about it. The best thing that's happened to me [is being] honest about my deficiencies, microtraumas and things that are holding me back with my wife. That's where real unfolding happens. We can create and connect together where there's an understanding, there's a level of compassion, the battles end, the guards are down. The more I can keep expressing those things in a way that's tapped into my truth and my emotions, the better it [is]. … And man, there ain't no sex as good as that.” – Aaron (01:02:21) Our Guest Aaron Kahlow is an emotional wellbeing advocate, facilitator and leader committed to helping people create more meaningful human connection in our lives through authentic community building, shared learning, healing and personal growth experiences. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow
What does your inner voice really sound like? How do we learn to trust it? What happens when we don't…and more importantly, what happens when we do? The search for and process of leaning into our inner guidance is a theme we've explored before with guests Drea Bendewald and Alexis Pokorny Kahlow (Ep. #006), whose unique journeys have led them to lead circles and hold space for other women doing their own inner work. Today, we turn to the guys. What are the specific challenges that men encounter on the road to listening and trusting your inner guide? How can we as men learn to distinguish our “true” inner voice from all the others? How can we reconnect with this innate guide, and what kind of transformations await us on the other side? For this walk, I'm joined by Matt Hogan, and I'm pleased to welcome back Billy Ward. In This Episode (01:53) Learning to trust your inner teacher (03:31) What do we do when our inner voice starts to speak up? (08:33) How Billy learned to differentiate between mind chatter and his inner guide (11:56) What happens when we surrender to the flow of life? (15:19) Matt's journey to embracing his inner voice (21:56) Why Matt once walked away from his inner guide, and what brought him back (26:40) The evolution of Billy's relationship with his inner voice (33:20) How Billy's Kairos work helps young men find themselves and embrace their journeys (39:54) Billy's path relearning to trust his inner voice (41:23) Matt's revelations with mirroring (46:10) How do we build a culture where men feel free to share their stories? (49:56) The ongoing process of developing self-trust (54:00) When you find yourself seeking trust, ask yourself what you fear (57:40) How Matt creates and holds space for himself via circling Notable Quotes “For me, it really comes down to one question in terms of the thoughts that are coming through: does this thought come from love and truth, or does this thought come from fear? And for me, it's really easy for me to identify those thoughts that come from love and truth. And if I don't want to identify or acknowledge them, the universe is beautifully working, always, and will keep bringing that message up until I say, ‘Hey, you're trying to talk to me. You just keep bringing up this, this truth. I need to be able to look at it if I'm gonna honor that relationship with myself.' … The quality of our life is often dependent upon the quality of questions that we're willing to ask.” – Billy (09:33) “So often our lives feel linear, like we're just kind of stepping through on this horizontal chessboard, moving through life from point A to B, to C to D, and those can take the shape of job, marriage, house, retirement, death. But what we're talking about here is not linear by any stretch of the imagination. And it is a very cyclical experience in that you start to have these moments. I remember being seven years old and staring in the mirror going, ‘What am I? I'm in here? I'm in here. What am I doing in here? What is this?' It was really, really fascinating. Distinguishing between the mental chatter and this still small voice, the essence of who I believe that I truly am, has both saved my life on numerous occasions.” – Matt (15:19) Our Guests Matt Hogan is a life coach, consciousness explorer and breath-work facilitator who helps entrepreneurs and other leaders accelerate their own internal change for greater impact in their work and lives. Billy Ward is a motivational speaker, mental health advocate, life coach and former professional football player. His podcast, The Billy Ward Podcast, aims to help people live with greater awareness so that they can experience more peace, freedom, joy and love. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow
At the beginning of my career, I started and put together what was at the time called a mastermind. This was not like the coaching programs that are out there today – this was a men's group where you could show up to talk about the things you were focused on, the things you were working on, and the challenges you were encountering. There was a great deal of intimacy that developed among the men in this group. The kind of long lasting support we experienced was a lifeline not only for us, but for many men in similar groups who were struggling to find a place in today's culture. I saw that when men find a way of coming together, in a way that's open and vulnerable and even perhaps contrary to the stereotypes of masculinity perpetuated in our world, we are able to connect with ourselves, our loved ones and our communities in ways we never before thought possible. My guests today, Brendon Pardington and Alex Neustein, are two men who have been part of this experience themselves, and who join me today to talk about what this kind of men's work looks like, what it can do for us, and why it's so important today more than ever. In This Episode (01:15) Why I started my first men's mastermind group (06:11) The importance of vulnerability and honesty among men (13:33) Alex's experience in a men's group, despite a lifetime of feeling unsafe around other men (17:20) Brendon's personal work, and what drew him to the support of a men's group (19:53) Alex's perspective on why so many men feel unsafe around other men (27:33) How relating to other men in a safe space has affected the way Brendon shows up for himself (33:51) Contemplation, discipline, and the art of being present (39:45) What are you anchored to? (45:30) The power of acknowledging what's outside of your control (50:55) What being part of a men's group has taught Alex and Brendon about other men (54:18) Toxic masculinity, and the courage it takes to be vulnerable (1:00:53) The catharsis of feeling emotion among men who are holding space for you (1:07:06) The importance of somatic work Notable Quotes “This story that we have told ourselves – that to be there for you means I can't be there for me – can be summed up as ‘I don't feel safe expressing authentically because I'm afraid that my authentic expression will harm you.' Or ‘I don't feel safe expressing myself authentically because authentically expressing myself will harm me – it will incite your wrath or will incite your anger or will push you away. And I will be abandoned.' And I think this sense of feeling unsafe is at the heart of the work that I began to do.” – Alex (22:40) “Suffering is necessary, at first you resist it or you react to it, you avoid it, just the classic patterns. But once you're able to accept it, that's the secret to almost everything as far as I can tell, with emotional regulation, with getting along with other people and having powerful, meaningful relationships, having good boundaries, all of that comes from accepting, that's what you want or that's how this is. So that's been something that I've been really focused on, is the acceptance.” – Brendon (30:17) Our Guests Brendon Pardington is a father, husband, spiritual seeker, and men's relationship coach. A midlife crisis, job loss and near divorce forced him to start doing the work necessary to create a more meaningful life – and now he helps other men do the same. Alex Neustein is an attorney, software developer and graphic designer who has been involved in men's work for over four years. He is beginning to train as a psychotherapist in order to help others conquer self-defeating patterns, negative self-talk, and social anxiety. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow
We spend so much of our lives on the periphery. What matters most is at the center—and yet we get pulled away, time and time again. This was a perpetual state for me for too long. I would get lost in life's demands and obligations. I thought I was chasing the most important thing – success, achievement, image – but that was just my conditioning. So how do we come back? How do we not only wake up to the pursuits that pull us away, but also go deeper into what needs these pursuits pretend to fulfill? For that to occur, we need both space and an understanding of the many patterns at work. I was fortunate to quite literally find myself journeying next to a fellow explorer, Andrea Bendewald. She exudes both an aliveness and also a deeper centeredness you can sense in her gaze. And it's no wonder, based on the past couple decades of her journey and the practice at the core of her work. And as I pictured stepping into this conversation with Drea, I could see our other sister, Alexis Pokorny Kahlow, who one could say has spent time traveling in similar circles! In This Episode (01:25) How my ‘hero's journey' started six years ago (04:54) How do we return back to the center? (09:16) How Andrea realized she was off center, listening to “the voice” (13:07) How chasing corporate success led Alexis from her path (16:07) Finding answers in the circle (23:24) Alexis' pivot to her spiritual journey (27:31) Andrea's processes, and working with women from all walks of life (34:00) Spiritual evolution through circling (47:36) How Alexis uses the seasons to help clients visualize life (53:11) The most prevalent seasons in Alexis' and Andrea's lives (1:00:15) What does it mean to care for ourselves, and how can that help us find center? Notable Quotes “I get something out of every circle I lead or sit in and very often something comes through me that I had no idea needed or wanted to be spoken. So that can be the gift that comes from [it] – the deep listening, if we're holding space and really listening and letting each person's story enter us and change us. And because we're kind of practicing a more conscious way of being together, I can feel it where I can feel it go, ‘Oh, that was designed for me. That's what I came here to receive is that one nugget of truth. That is somebody else's truth. But now is also my truth.'” – Andrea (16:07) “I'm a big believer in meeting people where they are. And, you know, the women that I'm working with, we start with some grounding and attending and attuning practices, like just landing in our bodies. What do you feel? Where do you feel in your body? What's the sensation presenting it as? And then we'll share just simply on that, because the muscle that I'm hoping to help them develop is that pause, becoming more sensitive to actually what they're feeling, and then being able to verbally communicate that, to be able to hear themselves.” – Alexis (25:57) Our Guests Known originally as an actress, Andrea Bendewald is also a mindfulness coach, circle facilitator and founder of The Art of Circling, a spiritual practice based on ancient ritual that uses group mindfulness to empower individuals, strengthen communities and enhance productivity. Through sharing stories, deep listening and interconnected meditation, The Art of Circling heals and transforms lives. Alexis Pokorny Kahlow is a performance-based mindfulness expert, author and CEO of Open Deltas. Before launching her own company, Alexis spent over a decade as a top-performing corporate sales leader at Cisco, where she first introduced mindfulness to her own team. She is the author of a book called “Out of the Grind and Into the Flow” and currently works with Fortune 500 companies to provide corporate mindfulness training. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow
I've arrived at a place where central to my purpose in life is peace — when I connect to and from peace, I settle deeply into life, regardless of its perceived ups and downs. However, in discussions with others, I often get the same response: “Okay, that sounds nice. But how do you get things done? Isn't that a bit passive? Do you just bliss out and let stuff go by?” If I read between the lines, those questions are really asking: Do you bypass life? Do you avoid problems? Do you get anything done? Actually, peace can be quite active and is anything but a spiritually lazy way of being. And I think my two guests know this quite well. I'm very fortunate to be joined today by my dear friend and former colleague, Jenny Wiley, who's been creatively and socially engaged for even longer than I've known her! I'm also joined by Reggie Hubbard, whom I found through one of our recent guests, Aaron Kahlow (Episode #003). Reggie created Active Peace Yoga, and I think that phrase sums up the duality and intention of today's walk. In This Episode (0:58) My journey to finding active peace in my own life (09:44) Reggie's lifelong mission to understand the idea of active peace (14:02) Yoga, Buddhism, the anger of advocacy and marching on Congress (19:32) How the death of her father set Jenny on the path to leading from the heart (25:28) Does anger create peace? (30:26) How shadow elements affect our own minds – and hinder our nation (35:31) How Jenny deals with the discomfort that comes with searching for active peace (40:06) Why Reggie believes in shining a light on our pain in order to heal from it (47:56) Why Jenny holds a place for active compassion among active dialogue and active practice (52:09) The role of faith in Jenny's experience creating community (56:39) Reggie's favorite space-creating practices (1:02:15) What do we do when we still don't have perfect peace? Notable Quotes “The short answer is that we have deluded ourselves into thinking that we're in this alone and we're not, we're in this together. So racism doesn't just hurt black people. Like racism hurts white people, sexism doesn't hurt just women. It hurts men too. Transphobia, all the things that we demonize about other people, it hurts us also. And so when we have the ability as teachers, leaders, but also as humans to see what we have in common, that gives us not only the energy, but the container to hold space with the difficult conversations.” – Reggie (40:06) “[In my mid-twenties] there was like the real part of myself that I really wasn't listening to, or even noticing that there was that part of me that I wasn't listening to. I was experiencing the detriment of not being integrated. I was so, so deeply depressed, really, really volatile. I decided, okay, so I'm gonna give myself a tagline and I'm just gonna go with it and try it on and see how it goes. And, and the tagline that I gave for myself was leading from the heart, because to me that meant that I wasn't operating out of that performative, like headspace, like I need to be something for someone else. It was leading from my heart centered place. And I started to see things kind of unfold from there.” – Jenny (23:11) Our Guests Reggie Hubbard is an RYT-500 certified yoga teacher and the founder of Active Peace Yoga. He has taught yoga to elected officials, activists and people from all walks of life. His practice is built on the idea that miracles happen when we commit to our personal peace and wellbeing. Jenny Wiley specializes in creating group experiences for those who want to leverage the power of community. She currently serves as Community Manager for Zencity, which works exclusively with local governments to provide consulting services for data-driven community engagement. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow
Over our first three episodes, I've noticed that there's an inescapable common theme: courage. It takes courage to walk away from old patterns, old ways of being, old aspects of identity by which others know you, and by which you've known yourself your entire life. It takes courage to step into the unknown, the in between, to find steady footing on the shaky ground of transition. (In fact, if a transition feels too easy, it might be because we moved too quickly, trying to fill up the emptiness inherent to the unknown, to new beginnings.) This show is going to place The Courage It Takes front and center. We'll talk about the various stages we encounter as we instigate and cycle through change within our lives. I believe there's value in paying close attention to the “in between” — that wonderful stage I have come to know so well, of being “no longer” in one place and “not yet” in the next. To navigate this walk, I've invited a new guest to our show, and invited back a familiar face from Episode 1. In This Episode (03:40) Finding the courage to move in new directions and rediscover ourselves (10:45) How Marni's year of radical faith strengthened her “courage muscle” (13:06) Michael on the rewards of allowing our higher selves to make courageous decisions (22:48) Marni's fight for her life as her source of courage (25:24) Michael's concept of courage as an energy inherent in each of us (31:49) Self-acceptance, authenticity and intuition as key elements of courage (40:10) How are you being asked to be courageous right now, at this moment in life? (44:02) How to embrace uncertainty while having faith in the idea of “divine timing” (49:56) “Trust the ceremony”: returning to our places of inner courage (56:40) Why courage requires bold and radical action Notable Quotes “I remember this moment where I was like, if I can't dig deep for myself – because at that time I didn't even feel worthy of it – I thought about the fact that the universe gave me three daughters and I was like, I have to be courageous for them because the one thing I wanna be is an awesome mom. And I might be a complete disaster in all these other ten things. And that was the first time where I was like, I don't wanna do this. I wanna hide. I wanna shut down. I wanna quit. And I remember just thinking, like I have to have something to fight for. And at that time it was that energy of fighting for my life. That was the beginning of that courage. And I think over time, that energy shifts, but sometimes when you're really in that broken place, like you gotta find something to fight for.” – Marni (22:48) “I really think that courage is an energy that is inherent in every single human being. … I believe it's inherent to who we are as souls, to who we are as spirits in our divinity. When we remember to connect to our divinity, it is easier to be courageous because that is an energy that is instilled in us from birth. I mean, just look at toddlers, look at infants. They're just like all over the place. They have no fear of the unknown. It's the ego that has the fear.” – Michael (25:24) Our Guests Transformational leader and coach Marni Battista is the founder of The Institute for Living Courageously and Dating with Dignity. She is also the host of the podcast Life Check Yourself and author of memoir/self-help book “How to Find a Quality Guy Without Going on 200 Dates.” Marni's work has been featured in Glamour, Cosmopolitan, The Oprah Magazine and on Dr. Phil. Doctoral-trained therapist and healing practitioner Michael Smith is the founder of Empath Connection. As a leader in mind-body holistic healing for nearly two decades, Michael has personally coached thousands of individuals to make stronger connections between mind, body, and spirit. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow
How often does the mask we wear–at work, with our friends, even our loved ones–match what's going on underneath? The face we show to the world isn't necessarily the face we show ourselves. There's often a disconnect between the way we see ourselves and the way we present ourselves to the world. The more we aim to please, rise or shrink to fit given situations and expectations, the more we lose sight of who we are. But who is that, really? It's time to pull down the masks, challenge what's real and what's illusion, and stop hiding. It's vulnerability time. On today's episode, I'm honored to welcome guests Ashanti Branch and Aaron Kahlow. The origins of Ashanti's work were featured in the documentary, “The Mask You Live In,” which looks at how traditional notions of masculinity are affecting our young men. Aaron is a social health and emotional wellbeing advocate and facilitator whose experience creating space for people to safely take down their masks makes him an incredible source of wisdom for today's topic. In This Episode (01:38) Learning to wear–and take down–masks from childhood (07:44) How Ashanti defines “mask” (13:12) Aaron's exhaustion from wearing masks (17:13) The concept of holding space (20:03) How Ashanti uses the idea of masks to help kids open up (25:50) Revealing what's behind Aaron's mask (30:45) Using our masks as a way to bottle up emotions (34:32) The importance of co-regulation and social connections (41:02) How we can create safe space (46:15) Helping young men learn trust (55:49) What it takes to trust (58:03) Skillful relationships—with others and yourself Notable Quotes “I was raised by a single mother in Oakland, California. I was supposed to know what it meant to be a man. Even though there was no man really helping me figure it out. And I think the story that I wanna connect to what you shared was I was told by my uncle, I was a man of the house. And I'm like, ‘Hey, I'm just seven. I just wanna play.' And that childhood got taken away really quickly. And so I began to have to learn quickly through a lot of pain, a lot of battles and fights that, who I am nurture-wise is not what my community accepted is what really means to be a man. And so I had to put on all these different masks… And I think that because of those early lessons of helping and nurturing and taking care of everybody made it really hard because I was in charge. I didn't get to go ask people for help. And so asking people for help is still hard for me to this day.” – Ashanti (08:15) “It's exhausting to be a leader. It's exhausting to be strong for the family. It's exhausting to play all these roles because at least for me, I'm not in harmony with the natural world… So every day is exhausting because there's a mask to protect myself so I can make it through the day. When I say that I can feel that in my eyes. And I know that's still true for me. As much as I work on that, like I'm still taking these masks off and wrestling 'em down every day. Like, no, you stay down there. I'm just gonna show up.” – Aaron (13:12) Our Guests Ashanti Branch is the founder and executive director of The Ever Forward Club, which he started in 2004 to provide underserved middle and high school boys with a safe community to build character and transform lives. Since then, The Ever Forward Club has become a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that serves both young men and women. It has helped 100% of its members graduate high school, and 93% of them have gone on to attend college. Aaron Kahlow is an emotional wellbeing advocate, facilitator and leader committed to helping people create more meaningful human connection in our lives through authentic community building, shared learning, healing and personal growth experiences. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/dlukeiorio/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow
When something major happens – death of a loved one, loss of a career, identity crisis, or other significant worldview shift – how do we figure out how to just “be” again? On my journey, I'm realizing that to find that purpose, we have to peel back a lot of layers – the societal norms, cultural expectations, family pressures; the fears, doubts, confidence-shaking beliefs. We have to learn to turn down the outside voices and listen for that small, still voice within each of us that's been saying, "I've got you. Just listen." For this episode, I wanted to tag in two marvelous colleagues, coaches and friends, inspirations, Billy Ward and Tambre Leighn. Both of these beautiful souls have devoted themselves to the hard work of Being True to Your Self/Your Soul. As we talked about purpose (which I have a strong feeling we'll be returning to often on this show), we also talked about humility, faith, peace, frustration, ego, and much more. I hope you'll walk with us for this one. In This Episode (01:52) Overcoming my conditioned purpose (07:29) Tambre's great loss and how she was thrust into a different journey (09:52) Billy recounts the process of claiming his own strength (13:41) Navigating life without “true north” (20:44) The sacred emotion of pain (23:45) Tambre finds a thread of light within the darkness (27:12) What will make your life feel worthwhile, even if just for today? (32:18) Ritualizing what you value (38:35) The importance of staying in touch with your physical body (49:30) How do we connect with our true purpose? (58:47) The journey of reinvention Notable Quotes “After Gary passed, I realized for the first time he wasn't walking back through the door and I was sitting in broad daylight in the house, on our couch and everything literally went black. I could not see a thing. And I panicked and was like, what is this? What is this blackness? What is this nothingness? Is this all there is? And there was some little spark in me that said, There has to be some pinprick of light here somewhere. If you find it, it will be the thread that leads you back. And I did finally, you know, see a little bit of light, you know, came through that, but where that thread led was into six years of absolute utter darkness. I suffered from grief related depression. This journey was not easy. I only continued on it because I got up every morning and I was breathing for a while. You know, it took a lot to come out of it. And I did.” – Tambre (13:41) “All my life, I had tried to pretend that I had all my sh*t together and what I found in the void and the darkness was that in my brokenness and in sharing my brokenness and admitting that I was broken, I felt more whole and more free. And I was like, this is actually kind of a funny dance. I'm telling people that I'm a f*cking mess…and I feel better about where I'm at. And people seem to be sharing from the bottom and the depths of their heart too. And so it was kind of like a funny thing was happening even though I was feeling so low, I was starting to connect in a really meaningful way.” – Billy (16:16) Our Guests Certified professional coach Tambre Leighn is the founder of Well Beyond Ordinary, a consulting company that helps healthcare clients use coaching skills to improve communication, patient engagement, and build trust. Tambre's work integrating coaching into patient support was inspired by her experience as a caregiver for her late husband. Billy Ward is a motivational speaker, mental health advocate, life coach and former professional football player. His podcast, The Billy Ward Podcast, aims to help people live with greater awareness so that they can experience more peace, freedom, joy and love. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/luke.iorio/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://twitter.com/lukeiorio https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow
What takes us away from that feeling of being at home within oneself? In our very first show, I share the moment six years ago that kicked off this journey. It was a year of loss, burnout, struggle, trying to hold it together. It was a year that led me to question a great deal about myself, my life, and my purpose. It was painful. It was stressful. And it was magic... For our inaugural episode, I'm joined by two marvelous human beings, Michael Smith of the Empath Connection and Alexis Pokorny Kahlow of Open Deltas, who've faced intense spiritual and emotional journeys of their own. They share their inflection points as well as help us explore those moments that take us away from that feeling of being home in ourselves – and the moments that bring us back again. I'm excited for you to join me On This Walk. In This Episode (01:56) The genesis of On This Walk (11:00) What Michael needed to say no to and walk away from to find his path (11:58) Alexis' career was going places while she had to find authenticity on the weekends (13:37) Alexis' journey to inner peace (19:29) Our emotions advocate for us to choose the light (22:56) The importance of taking space (25:12) Seeking belonging by conforming, and the dissatisfaction that followed (28:39) Michael's mindfulness technique to connect with himself and his soul (36:34) “You can't push the river.” (42:54) The value of feeling and embracing our emotions (47:05) Being ready to start the journey (49:24) “Remember to call on your soul for help.” (50:29) Alexis' guidance to “tweak, don't freak” Notable Quotes “For me, realizing that I spent all those years, especially in a sales role, that's all about accomplishment, right? And the numbers and metrics show if I am good or not good. But I think that just that simple question that was asked, ‘are you happy?' – it made me realize that home is inside me. It's not outside. It's not the thing that I build. It's the thing that actually fills that structure. And that's the part that we need to care and feed for. And if we keep listening to that, we stay home, you know, it never feels like work.” – Alexis (17:33) “I felt dead inside. I felt miserable. I was depressed, suicidal. Like this wasn't happening for me. I actually got my rage, came in the form of screaming at my department chair and basically getting myself fired because of it. And, and I was like, thank you, soul, for doing that. Thank you, soul, for allowing me to express my unhappiness in that way, because it directly led me to the work that I'm doing now.” – Michael (20:28) Our Guests Doctoral-trained therapist and healing practitioner Michael Smith is the founder of Empath Connection. As a leader in mind-body holistic healing for nearly two decades, Michael has personally coached thousands of individuals to make stronger connections between mind, body, and spirit. Alexis Pokorny Kahlow is a performance-based mindfulness expert, author and CEO of Open Deltas. Before launching her own company, Alexis spent over a decade as a top-performing corporate sales leader at Cisco, where she first introduced mindfulness to her own team. She is the author of a book called “Out of the Grind and Into the Flow” and currently works with Fortune 500 companies to provide corporate mindfulness training. Resources & Links On This Walk https://www.facebook.com/luke.iorio/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeiorio/ https://twitter.com/lukeiorio https://instagram.com/dlukeiorio https://instagram.com/onthiswalkshow