Plucking Up with Liz Bohannon

Here we are! The Season Finale is here! Wow what a journey of amazing, thought-provoking and truly emotional conversations from a diverse bunch of influential guests. For our finale, I have with me Tom Turcich, the tenth person to walk around the world. That's right! Tom walked to six continents, 38 countries for seven years. He chronicled the journey in his book, The World Walk. We talked about the funny and pluck-ups on this life-changing journey and what inspired him. But more importantly, we spoke up about his challenges after he returned to a life of normalcy - when we get a reality check! Check out this very inspiring story. And stay tuned for more from the Plucking Up podcast as we prepare a new season soon!

Hey Pluckies! I couldn't have asked for a more insightful and introspective guest, as we near the end of this season. Adrienne Maree Brown is a New York Times-bestselling author and activist. Adrienne talked to me about the mindsets we need to embrace to truly connect and navigate our relationships with our loved ones and society. This is one of my favorite topics and we really get into the nitty-gritty of it all. Check out Adrienne's latest book, Loving Corrections. And tune in to this episode!

My amazing guest is Samantha Rudolph, the CEO od Babyation, a highly-rated and extremely efficient breast pump brand. Samantha opens up about her upbringing and how it shaped her. But we dive in to the mental health of entrepreneurs, the importance of leading in an authentic way and understanding that you won't be perfect in the process. This episode isn't just for entrepreneurs! These life lessons are for all of us as we lead any part of our life. Take a listen!

My special guest today is a trailblazing founder and entrepreneur. When I talk to fellow entrepreneurs, we get deep and insightful real quick. Especially because we can relate with each other! My guest today is Ariel Kaye, the founder and CEO of the fast-growing home essentials brand, Parachute. She talks about making a passion into a business and how to stay motivated. Ariel also expresses the importance of listening to experienced team members, while staying true and honest to one's gut feeling. We get frank and transparent in this conversation. Listen in!

Today's episode is quite unique. Usually I talk with celebrities, entrepreneurs and popular thought leaders. But not today. My special guest today is Michael George. Michael is one a key journey of redemption and beginning a new chapter of his life - rediscovering his true self after embracing his pluck-ups. Michael came across my book, 'Beginner's Pluck,' at a book club. Having been a former inmate in prison, Michael talks to me about his regrets, how he learned to uplift himself and trust those who loved him. This is an inspiring tale - and there is no better place to share the beauty of pluck-ups than here!

We've all heard of fasting as religious observances or even for bodily cleansing through food? But my guest today teaches us how a digital detox is fasting for our mental wellbeing. Darren Whitehead, Head of the Church of the City and pastor, talks to me about how there's actually a Joy in Missing Out versus FOMO - when we detach from the technology around us. We all chat about his multicultural life, how he raises his kids and how he stumbled upon becoming a pastor. Check out his new book, 'The Digital Fast.' And listen to our fun and enriching conversation!

My friendship with my guest today started when we first collaborated on each other's podcasts. And now she's back on the show - our first guest to make a return! Molly Stillman is a leader in the blogging and content worlds for sustainable fashion. She's the host of the Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder podcast. Pre order her new book, 'If I Don't Laugh, I'll Cry,' now! Molly and I talk about what we've missed in each other's lives, what it means to keep plucking up and how to redefine success in this era of our lives!

Have you tried the extremely popular, P90X Workout? If you haven't, I'm sure you've heard of it and how pathbreaking it was in the wellness world. My guest today is the founder of P90X, Tony Horton. Tony talks to me about his hurdles growing up, trying out acting and the entertainment business and ultimately finding wild success in the P90X plan. But as ya'll know, this show is about the pluck ups! Tony talks about the dark realities of success in the entertainment and wellness industries. And how he keeps himself going - finding more joy in this era of his life. Listen in on this fun conversation!

My guest today, Amy Orr Ewing, is an author, speaker and theologian. Through her books and talks, she strives to help Christians understand their spiritual purposes and meaning in life. Amy speaks to me about leading with courage and wisdom for women especially in their midlives. We get open about our faith and how it has helped us despite the struggles of life! Her new book, Lead Like Real You will be available next week. Check out this link to buy it and pre-order it! Check out the conversation.

Many times our passion and purpose is found through our pluck-ups. No one represents that better than my guest today, Joey Odom. Joey is the co-founder of Aro, a company striving to reduce screen-time for family members to spend more time together. We talk about faith and the need to not let technology control us in today's times. It's a very important conversation! Check it out.

Today is a special episode! For those who may not know, my husband, Ben, and I had started a company together called, Sseko Designs. In today's episode, we both chat with the founders of Bivo, a water bottle company, Carina Hamel and Robby Ringer, a married couple as well. We chat about the struggles of working together as a couple to start and maintain a business. We laugh about our entrepreneurial journeys and how to manage the love with the work. In fact, this was also our first LIVE episode. We had our audience members join us in the live recording. Ya'll joined us and also got the chance to ask us questions and interact with us at the end. Wait till the end to hear those moments! Enjoy this couples special episode!

Hey Pluckies! This might be the first time we've had someone from my first season return to the show! Sarah Bessey is back! If you haven't heard our first episode with her, please do check it out. She's a prolific, a New York Times bestselling author of several books including, 'Jesus Feminist' and 'Field Notes for the Wilderness: Practices for an Evolving Faith.' She's also the co-creator of Evolving Faith organization. Sarah talks about the quarter-turn pivots we have to make in our faith, parenting and our careers - and how important they are for our progress! Listen now!

Most of us don't have extremely unique or off-the-beat vocational paths. We are usually taking the traditional route. But how do we find our own unique voices and creativity while taking a traditional path in our careers? My guest today, John Inazu, is a lawyer whose taken his career to new heights using his voice and experience. John teaches us how to harness our inner beginner even while taking a more traditional career path. He is the founder of the Carver Project and Professor of Law and Religion at Washington University. His most recent book, 'Learning to Disagree,' is also a topic of interesting conversation! This episode will challenge and inspire you!

Can our side hustles become our means to success? Why do we let society define what success is? My guest today, Allison Fallon is a bestselling author and founder of Find Your Voice, a community helping anyone who wants to write a book through workshops and coaching. Ally was passionate about writing and helping others write. Ally talks about managing life with your passion and how to make it all work through your voice. She's vulnerable and candid about her own struggles and pluck-ups. I'm so glad we connected and had this amazing conversation to share with all of you!

My guest today has the largest and most popular cooking substack, 'What to Cook When You Don't Feel Like Cooking,' Caroline Chambers! Even if you're not into cooking and baking, this episode is still for you. Especially because Caroline talks about being careful and cautious when diving into your dream careers. This episode felt like I was talking to a buddy - it was chill, funny but also very insightful! Preorder her new cookbook releasing this August 13th, 'What to Cook When You Don't Feel Like Cooking.' Here's the link!

This is an extremely deep, a rollercoaster-of-an episode! And I truly encourage you to buckle up for it. Lara Love Hardin is a 4-time New York Times-bestselling author and Founder of her True Literacy, a literary agency. She's partnered with Oprah Winfrey and the Dalai Lama for her work. Lara speaks about her addiction, secrecy and heartbreak - and how all of that was necessary. I cried multiple times in this episode. But I came out with so many lessons. I am sure you will too!

Have you ever made or thought about making a big change in your life? It felt like a leap of faith - a big risk? Or maybe you are trying to follow your heart, but aren't sure about the decision made? Well then - this episode is definitely for you! My guest and dear friend, James Pearson, is a poet and author. But the fact of the matter is - he didn't always want to be one. We talk about trying to be our true selves and learning to get out of the noise of what other people and circumstances expect of us. Check out James' latest poetry book, 'The Wilderness That Bears Your Name.' I love it so much! Can't wait for y'all to hear the episode!

Hello Pluckies! I'm sure you're used to stories of people struggling and facing failures to eventually succeed. I mean we certainly have a bunch of them on Plucking Up as well - failing or 'plucking up' is important for our growth. But my guest today, Conor Lewis, tells us why it's important even though you may not find the success you hoped. Conor was the founder of one of the biggest kickstarters ever with a children's toy company. But through the hurdles and deep setbacks he faced, Conor remained relentless and hopeful. Conor tells us what he learned through that journey - this one is a tear-jerker and truly inspirational one! Fun fact - Conor is also the husband of one of my dear friends. Listen and learn with me!

Hey Pluckies! Season 8 has begun! We kick off this new season with my wonderful guest and friend, Ruth Simons. Ruth is a such a powerful reminder to all of us freedom we experience when we share our stories with each other. She speaks to me openly about embracing motherhood while also continuing to chase her dreams. And most importantly, she shares how to be relentless while remaining optimistic in her faith. Ruth's latest book, 'Now and Not Yet,' is available now! Check out the book here.

Hey Pluckies! We're back! There's so much to catch you all of up on. We have a new season with more inspiring stories, amazing guests and of course pluck-ups we can learn from. The season launches next Tuesday, May 28th! In this season, we will chat with authors, celebrities, thought leaders and entrepreneurs from all walks of life. This season we are doing something special. I will also open up the conversations to all of you - you will have the opportunity to join us live in these interviews as audience members! Follow me at lizboho.com or on Instagram to show your interest in joining us in these conversations. I am so excited for this next season. See you all next Tuesday!

As we continue our replay journey, I wanted to take us to a really important season 2 episode. I chatted with Megan Tamte, CEO of Evereve, a contemporary women's fashion brand with retail stores across the country.  She talks about the importance holding on to your dreams until they are fulfilled and never giving up. She also talks about how we can find meaning in average moments. Let's relisten together!

Hey Pluckies! I'm back with one of my favorite episodes from the past. Let's revisit the time I sat down with the superstar, Matthew McConaughey! Yes, I still can't believe it! In this amazing conversation, the Academy Award-winner talks about parenting, from how he was raised to how he's raising his own children and his learning journey as an actor, how we went from complacency and shame to getting roles of a lifetime. There's a lot of uniquely introspective wisdom about failure, guilt, and embarrassment that we talk about, as well as visceral experiences Matthew shared in our conversation! Let's relisten together!.

Check out this episode very close to my heart, as we go down memory lane! Janice Bryant Howroyd is the founder and CEO of The ActOne Group, an award-winning company in the human resources industry. The ActOne Group is a multi-billion dollar business she started with just about $1500 in savings. But Janice is more than an incredible businesswoman with tons of accolades and accomplishments under her belt. Janice has lived a phenomenal life that, while filled with challenges, can inspire anyone in pursuit of changing the course of their own history. In this episode, she talks to me about living in a Bible-based community in the Deep South and the supportive environment Janice's parents created for her, as well as 10 other siblings. We also dive deep into her experience of being the ONLY student of color to integrate at an white school in 11th grade — and why she calls it the worst year of her life. Let's relisten and replay together!

Hey Pluckies! If I had to pick one of my favorite episodes ever on this show, I'd have to go with this one! That's right, amognst the 100+ episodes on Plucking Up, my conversation with the amazing Arianna Huffington tops the list. If you're not familiar with Arianna Huffington's highlight reel, here's a rundown: She is the founder and CEO of Thrive Global and the founder of The Huffington Post. Arianna is the author of 15 books and has been named to Time Magazine's list of the World's 100 Most Influential People and Forbes Most Powerful Women List. Thrive Global, her company, is a leading behavior change tech company that aims to change the way we work and live — by ending how we see burnout as this price we pay for success. But, we do things differently here at Plucking Up. Instead of going through her insane achievements, Arianna so honestly shares how she sucked in life for a while, and why that's okay! In this episode, we talk about Arianna's accent, a motto she lives by, and why everything in life shouldn't be a ‘make or break.' I'm telling you I made all kinds of assumptions before meeting Arianna and she just surprised me in the most amazing way. Do not miss my favorite conversation on this podcast, EVER.

Here's another Season 1 episode I revisited recently. And let me tell you something Pluckies - it was even more amazing to relisten to! Sadie and I have gotten closer since then and you can see her success skyrocket today. Her words have even more perspective. Sadie is a Portland success story who co-founded barre3, a fitness company focused on teaching people to be balanced in body and empowered from within. In the months since we recorded this episode, Sadie has become a dear friend and trusted advisor.In this episode, Sadie and I talked about a myriad of topics, from Sadie's incredibly fascinating upbringing to mommy guilt and how people see and treat you differently once you've become a celebrated entrepreneur. We also talk about what steps Sadie took alongside her husband, who's also her business partner, to become better leaders of their company. Let's replay...together!

Hey Pluckies! In our series of re-listening in on some beautiful Plucking Up episodes from the past, today we're replaying my conversation with Soman Chainani. Soman Chainani is an insanely successful fantasy novel series that would become, first, a New York Times bestseller and second, a soon-to-be major motion picture on Netflix! He is behind “The School For Good and Evil,” a book series that has sold more than 2.5 million copies and has been translated into 30 languages across 6 continents.In this episode, we talked about Soman's two biggest influences, Walt Disney and Madonna! But of course, we go beyond Soman's highlight reel. Let's re-listen together!

Bob Goff is the New York Times bestselling author of “Love Does” and just one of the wonderful humans I've come to know. He is a recovering lawyer who founded a nonprofit also named Love Does, a human rights organization operating in countries including Uganda, Nepal, Somalia, and Iraq. Bob is also a speaker and the host of the popular podcast, “Dream Big”. In this episode, Bob, with much humor and positivity drops a ton of knowledge and truth. We talk about the importance of being teachable, getting real with ambiguity, not beating yourself up when you feel like you're not the smartest person in the room, and why we shouldn't link our purpose with people's validation and approval.

As we continue to play some old Plucking Up gems, I had to replay and re-listen to my interview with Jo Saxton. Oh, this one is so good and fun! In this episode, Jo shares how she went from aspiring journalist to pastor -- and how her evolving faith led her to what she is doing now. Jo is warm and honest — and if you're feeling a little stuck, I hope Jo's wisdom and energy transcends and gives you the nudge you need.

Hey Pluckies! We just ended a wonderful season 7 together. But before we move on to a new season of wonderful conversations, I thought it would be great for us to go down memory lane together. And what's a better place to start than the beginning? That's right! Here's our first episode ever on Plucking Up with the wonderful Liz Gilbert. On our first episode, I talked with a personal hero and truly an icon in the literary world, Elizabeth Gilbert! "Eat, Pray, Love", the # 1 New York Times bestseller that catapulted Elizabeth to success, sold over 12 million copies and was adapted into a film starring Julia Roberts in 2010. In our conversation, Elizabeth and I talk beyond the accolades she's received and the dizzying fame she found herself in. We discuss her unique childhood, the heartbreaking rejection and crippling self-doubt she experienced and the power of trusting your own navigation system.

Hey Pluckies! Believe it or not, we have finally reached the finale of our season. I know...wow! That went by fast, but it was a beautiful journey of wonderful and insightful conversations. I learned so much along the way about the pitfalls, the getting-back-ups and how yet again, when we learn from pluck-ups, we succeed. In our season finale, I'm joined by Eliza VanCort. She's a motivational speaker, author and mentor. She talks to me about how she was able to learn from her traumatic childhood experience. She speaks about the value of hard work and taking chances. We both discuss why we need to promote the importance of making mistakes and how unplannable life is. We cried quite a few times in this one! It was an emotional, vulnerable but also hopeful and joyful conversation. Join me on this season finale and stay tuned for more Plucking Up soon!

What happens what we plan to do doesn't come to fruition? What happens what we expect to happen doesn't happen? How do we still remain motivated? My guest today, Heather MacFadyen is an author, podcast host and motivational speaker. She speaks about how her faith has guided her as a mother and kept her grounded. We also chat about the highs and lows of being a mother. And how things do end up working out when we live a life of purpose. Heather is vulnerable about her own mental health hurdles and how she learned to overcome them. We talk about longing and encouragement - this is one that will lift your spirits! Come and listen!

If you're feeling a little lost, stuck or overwhelmed with grief as we watch the violence unfolding in the Middle East, this episode is for you. A fair warning: There are no hot takes. No confident opinions. Just shared grief for every precious human being impacted by the acute conflict happening, and also those impacted by the systematic violence and dehumanization that has been happening for decades in the region and across the globe. Today's episode is a re-aired conversation with Muslim-American journalist and activist Noor Tagouri who teaches us about one of the most powerful questions we can ask ourselves in times such as these. A call towards curiosity and courage. I hope you feel challenged, encouraged and a little less alone.

Hey Pluckies! Welcome back to our new series called Third Way Thinking. In this series, I'll dive into interesting topics and my own insights on a different outlook towards them. In this week's episode, I am actually doing a solo podcast! It's like a personal journal, but open for all of you to hear as well. I look into how the podcast and hosting it over these years has actually helped me and guided me as a parent. How can we be okay making mistakes as parents? What does it teach our kids? How do we help them learn from mistakes too? Hope you guys enjoy this short episode!

“When I sat with my anger long enough, she told me her real name is grief.” That was just one of the many gems I got to hear from my guest today, Jake Kauffman.  Jake is a business coach and motivational speaker, and author of ‘Let Love In,' a truly inspiring book. We dive in almost immediately into an open conversation about accepting our trauma and learning to be vulnerable about the pain. Jake explains how our suffering, pains and shame manifest externally as anger sometimes in our lives.  He also opens up about the emotional struggles men face and the patriarchal society we live in today. I'm sure we can all learn something more about ourselves and become more empathetic after listening to this one. There's so much to unpack and reflect on in this episode!  I want to warn y'all  that in this episode we talk about trauma and sexual abuse. 

You ever feel like there's an expectation of what you SHOULD be like overshadowing who you truly are? And that these expectations may come from the outside but are also present in our egos and thoughts? I can totally relate to that struggle! My guest today, Mike Foster is an executive coach, speaker and best-selling author. He speaks to me about the hurdles of being a founder of a company and learning to break the barriers of expectations. He speaks on not being stressed by the paths we are told to follow. Instead, we can learn to be our authentic, true selves as leaders. Mike is fully transparent about his own pluck-ups. He believes he's able to help people because of these very pluck-ups! Check out his latest book, The Seven Primal Questions!

“We are manifestations of who we were as children.”  Such a bold but true statement that our guest today said, during my conversation with her. Ritu Bhasin, a leadership coach, author and motivational speaker, talks to me about how her childhood trauma and hurdles shaped her. Ritu is unabashedly honest about the racism she faced as a South Asian child of immigrants and the mental health hurdles she overcame. She speaks to me about how she learned to embrace her true self and cultural identity. She tells me how she hopes others can do the same I hope you can also learn and enjoy this wonderful episode!

What if I told you this was the most meta episode of Plucking Up yet? Okay, I'll explain what I mean! I couldn't believe how many pluck-ups occurred while preparing and recording this podcast itself. Planning this episode was filled with pluck-ups. And lots of laughter as a result! But it did become a catalyst for conversation with my wonderful friend and guest today, Ryan Leak. Ryan is an executive coach and leadership speaker.  We spoke about embracing our mistakes and blunders - because that makes us authentic in the workplace and beyond.  He explained how being a great employee means being a good helper and genuine with your team. This conversation was filled with laughter. We couldn't stop laughing. I hope you guys enjoy this conversation as much as I did. I can't wait for you all to listen, learn and laugh too!

Many times in my conversations with successful people, I see that they never planned to do what they ended up doing. Somehow and in some way, we stumble upon the mission and goals we seek to achieve. But our guest today is someone who knew exactly at a young age what he wanted to succeed in. But that doesn't mean his journey didn't come with hurdles and pluck-ups! My guest today is Danny Pellegrino, comedian and host of the popular entertainment podcast, 'Everything Iconic with Danny Pellegrino.' Danny knew he had a passion for the comedy and entertainment world as a child. But when it came to trying to succeed in the field, he did experience a reality check. Danny talks to me candidly about facing his own mental health struggles trying to “make it,” and feeling like “it wasn't meant to happen.” He talks to me about being happy in your own skin, learning to hustle and his favorite pop culture topics! This is certainly a vulnerable conversation but also a very fun-filled one - Danny is so fun to talk too! Can't wait for y'all to take a listen as well! Enjoy!

To combat the racial injustices plaguing America, as organizations and individuals we tend to take action in different ways. Whether that means providing more equitable resources, access to opportunities, economic mobility or even just educating ourselves to be more aware of the racism around us. But our guest today teaches us about something as important - emotional justice. Esther Armah is the founder of the Armah Institute of Emotional Justice. Esther is an award-winning journalist and playwright.  But much of her work focuses on educating white and Black people about the emotional work needed to end systemic inequity. In our conversation, she spoke about her journey as a journalist and her current mission to help provide racial healing and end the systemic racism in our society. Join me in this wonderful, insightful conversation!

Hey Pluckies! I wanted to give you all an opportunity to listen in on a different type of conversation here on Plucking Up. In this monthly series of 'Third Way Thinking,' I'll be joined by my good friend, Ken, to talk about some relevant topics in the news and entertainment worlds. We open up the conversation to a more nuanced, middle-ground approach to these topics that may sometimes seem missing in our public discourse. At the core, I think this gives us a good chance to have an open-minded, fun-filled conversation alongside ya'll! In our first episode of this series, we talk about the Barbie movie - what we learned from it, our issues with it but also understanding feminism in today's world. Join us in the fun, thought-provoking conversation!

Can the trauma we've faced heal or even shape the stories we tell? My guest today, Dan O'Brien certainly has insight and wisdom on this question. He's a renowned playwright for plays like The Body of an American. His plays have won him prestigious awards like PEN American Award for Drama and The Guggenheim Fellowship. With his bestselling poem collections and books, Dan is a storyteller at heart. In this extremely transparent and vulnerable conversation, Dan speaks about his childhood trauma, his battle with cancer and how storytelling is therapeutic for him. He opens up and takes me down memory lane in his struggles succeeding as a playwright. Check out Dan's new book, 'A Story That Happens.' There was so much to learn from this episode. I can't wait for y'all to take a listen!

‘The universe has something greater planned for you.' Have you heard that quote being thrown around? It's so commonly said - but I believe it's also so true. And our guest today would totally agree! Anabel Oelmann is the co-founder and director of The Healing Company, building and running path-breaking wellness brands including Deepak Chopra's Chopra Global. But before becoming a health & wellness expert and nutritionist, Annabel was an aspiring model. The physical and mental toll on her health modeling led Anabel to a journey of wellness and alternative medicines. In our conversation, Anabel speaks about her struggles in the modeling industry and her discovery of Ayurveda and becoming a nutritionist. This was such an eye-opening conversation with so much wisdom!  Check out The Healing Company here: https://www.healingcompany.com/ Take a listen!