Podcasts about Belonging

Many high-achieving people look successful on the outside while part of them remains frozen in childhood survival patterns. Through the Biology of Trauma® lens, I share how trauma disrupts the natural flow and movement of life—and the healing roadmap that takes us from stuck to truly alive. If we've ever wondered why we can reach every external goal and still feel disconnected from our own life, this episode explains why. I share Elena's story, a 45-year-old Chief Operating Officer whose autoimmune diagnosis revealed what her body had been holding for decades. When her thirteen-year-old daughter had thoughts of suicide—and felt she couldn't talk to her mom—Elena finally understood: a part of her had been frozen since before she could walk. We'll explore how nervous system dysregulation shows up as professional success masking emotional unavailability. We'll see how trauma stops our natural movement through life—and discover the six-step roadmap from survival to authenticity, belonging, and flow. In this episode you'll learn: [00:00] Why successful people can still be frozen in survival patterns from childhood [02:15] How Elena's birth trauma created a freeze response before she could walk [06:40] The moment her daughter's crisis revealed decades of emotional unavailability [09:10] Trauma defined: the biggest disruptor of movement in our life [12:45] Why everything inside us is movement—and what happens when trauma stops it [16:05] The healing destination: authenticity, belonging, and flow as what it means to be alive [19:50] Why state shifts matter more than neuroplasticity on your healing journey [24:05] How neuroplasticity wires in whatever state you're in—including overwhelm [26:30] The six-step roadmap: from "I am alive" to connection with others [28:15] How Elena broke the generational cycle with her daughters Main Takeaways: Trauma Is the Biggest Disruptor of Movement: Trauma isn't just an event—it's the shock that stops us. It disrupts movement at every level: physical, emotional, relational, and through our life stages. Successful and Frozen Can Coexist: High achievement doesn't mean our nervous system is regulated. Elena built an impressive career while part of her remained that terrified little girl, hiding and staying still to survive. State Shifts Come Before Neuroplasticity: Whatever state we're in is what neuroplasticity wires in. If we're frequently in stress and overwhelm, our brain builds pathways that make that pattern automatic. We must shift our state first. The Destination Is Authenticity, Belonging, and Flow: These three elements define what it means to be truly alive—free to be ourselves, grounded in connection, and moving with ease through life. You Can't Skip the Sequence: The roadmap follows a specific order: recognizing we're alive, choosing to live, shifting our state, being here, wanting to be here, deserving to be here, and finally connecting with others. Each step prepares us for the next. Healing Breaks Generational Patterns: When Elena addressed her frozen patterns, her daughters noticed changes they never expected. The "resting bitch face" disappeared. Presence replaced absence. Notable Quotes: "Trauma becomes the biggest disruptor of movement in our life." "I can still see myself as a little girl, hiding with my dolls, quiet, still and absolutely terrified." "Whatever state we are in is what neuroplasticity wires in." "Being in calm alive can actually become a habit. Imagine that." "Your body's decision to freeze wasn't a failure—it was survival. But you don't have to stay frozen." "My 12-year-old girl didn't realize that I had grown up and that I am alive—which means that she did it. She made it. We're alive." Episode Takeaway: Frozen doesn't mean broken. Elena's story reveals what happens when trauma stops our natural movement through life—not just physical movement, but emotional presence, relational connection, and our ability to truly arrive in the life we've built. Her freeze response began at birth, reinforced through childhood, and showed up decades later as professional success masking emotional unavailability. Her daughters felt it. Her body felt it. Her autoimmune diagnosis confirmed it. The healing roadmap offers a way forward. First, we help that frozen part recognize we're alive—that survival happened. Then we consciously choose to live, rather than simply existing because we had no choice. We learn to shift our state into calm and aliveness, practicing until it becomes our new default. And finally, we move through the deeper work: being here, wanting to be here, deserving to be here, and opening to genuine connection with others. Neuroplasticity works for or against us depending on our state. If overwhelm has become our habit, our brain has built pathways that take us there automatically. But when we build the habit of calm aliveness first, neuroplasticity starts working in our favor. The destination isn't perfection—it's authenticity, belonging, and flow. Movement is possible. Coming home to ourselves is possible. Resources/Guides: The Biology of Trauma book - Available now everywhere books are sold. Get your copy Foundational Journey - If you are ready to create your inner safety and shift your nervous system, join me and my team for this 6 week journey of practical somatic and mind-body inner child practices. Lay your foundation to do the deeper work safely and is the pre-requisite for becoming a Biology of Trauma® professional. Related Episodes: Episode 9: What is One Thing the Freeze Response Needs for Healing? (Part 2) with Dr. Arielle Schwartz Episode 87: Stress & Freeze Response: How to Achieve & Sustain High Performance with Olympian Louise Tjernqvist Episode 142: Why Stress Isn't Trauma: How to Spot Overwhelm and Start Healing Your Nervous System with Dr. Aimie Apigian   Your host: Dr. Aimie Apigian, double board-certified physician (Preventive/Addiction Medicine) with master's degrees in biochemistry and public health, and author of the national bestselling book "The Biology of Trauma" (foreword by Gabor Maté) that transforms our understanding of how the body experiences and holds trauma. After foster-adopting a child during medical school sparked her journey, she desperately sought for answers that would only continue as she developed chronic health issues. Through her practitioner training, podcast, YouTube channel, and international speaking, she bridges functional medicine, attachment and trauma therapy, facilitating accelerated repair of trauma's impact on the mind, body and biology. Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical, psychological, or mental health advice to treat any medical or psychological condition in yourself or others. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your own physician, therapist, psychiatrist, or other qualified health provider regarding any physical or mental health issues you may be experiencing.

In this episode podcaster and spiritual director, Josh Banner with Keith Reynolds, and Robert Caldwell explores how the church can embody creative, justice-oriented responses to today's social realities by centering marginalized communities and reimagining spiritual formation as social transformation. Guests: • Keith Reynolds (Western Theological Seminary) • Robert Caldwell (Answer Poverty) Key Topics: • Church and social justice • Community development • Faith in action • Racial equity • Creative ministry models 00:00 – Introduction • Opening thoughts on not being anxious about current events and the call for the church to focus on supporting marginalized people. 00:32 – Organizing for Impact • Discussion on how resources are used to meet material needs in the community. 00:47 – New Wine, Old Wineskins • Reflection on the need for new approaches in faith and community work. 01:03 – Suffering and Imagination • The idea that suffering requires imagination and leads to collective genius, especially in the Black community. 01:25 – Robert Caldwell's Influence • Robert's non-reactionary approach and the wisdom gained from elders. 01:51 – Episode Overview • Host Josh introduces guests Keith Reynolds and Robert Caldwell, and outlines the themes of the episode: church planting, justice, and hope. 02:36 – Orientation and Vision • Robert shares his story; Keith discusses his vision for a new kind of church. 04:20 – Turning to Hope • Encouragement to focus on good news and practice hope despite a difficult news cycle. 05:40 – Love and Justice • Exploring the connection between loving God, neighbor, and self; justice as love in action. 09:00 – Personal Journeys • Keith and Robert share their backgrounds, vocational journeys, and the importance of mentorship and legacy. 16:36 – Church Planting and Community • Keith describes the influence of Robert on his approach to church and community development. 36:14 – Closing Reflections • The episode closes with thoughts on witness, legacy, and the ongoing journey of faith and justice. For more information visit: www.theinvitationcenter.org For information about the pending DMin cohort at Western Theological Seminary, visit: https://www.westernsem.edu/admissions/

What are the core habits of highly collaborative teams?Since Google's Project Aristotle, we've understood that high-performing teams are defined by how they interact, not by who is on them. For today's diverse, multigenerational, and decentralized workforce, supporting healthy interactions requires a strong commitment to specific strategies: the selection of accessible tools and technologies, clear methods to depersonalize conflict, and strong awareness of cognitive biases like “groupthink” and “risky shift.” By integrating these practical and relational strategies, teams can ensure diverse ideas are truly heard and valued.On this episode of Just One Q, Dominique chats with guest Jennifer Porritt, the founder and principal consultant of JP Consulting. Jenn is a human resources and training professional with more than 25 years experience helping leaders evolve and grow to support successful organizations. They discuss the core habits and strategies of highly collaborative teams, exploring the importance of psychological safety, managing constructive conflict, avoiding “groupthink,” and more.Keep Up with Jennifer:https://jp-consulting.ca/Try Learning Snippets:https://dialectic.solutions/signupContact Us to Be a Guest on Just One Q:https://dialectic.solutions/podcast-guest

The Christian Sorority Movement has offered many women looking for spiritual fellowship and association with other women a forum for sisterhood and developing Christian bonds...but what happens when this doesn't happen? Where is one left when dealing with exclusionary behavior, a divided organization, backbiting, gossip, false accusations, leadership theft, and more? In this latest rewind from Season 1, Episode 29, Apostle Dr. Lee Ann Marino shares her experience within the Christian sorority movement, with two organizations and then a third that outgrew from an earlier one. Honest, candid, reflective, and deeply sincere, learn the ins and outs of the experience, the experience of belonging, and what, in the end, ultimately happened when she left. (Intro and Conclusion Track "Fire ball" by Yvgeniy Sorokin, https://pixabay.com/users/eugenemyers-40510887/. ACTS Seminary ad back track "Worship" by Ivan Luzin, https://pixabay.com/music/main-title-worship-151061/.)

If you're a mom who feels like you've lost yourself in motherhood, this episode of the Second Act Success Podcast is for you.Host Shannon Russell, business coach for women and author of Start Your Second Act, sits down with former teacher turned stay-at-home mom and community builder Michelle DeKeyser, founder of Mama Genius and the Mama Genius Hub.Michelle shares her honest journey from teaching to being a stay-at-home mom to searching for community with other women, and creating her own Mama Genius community. If you've ever thought, “I checked all the boxes—marriage, kids, house—so why do I still feel empty?”, Michelle's story will help you feel seen, less alone, and inspired to create your own second act.We talk about motherhood, identity, mom burnout, community, and starting a business as a mom, and how to find the courage to listen to that quiet now-what voice inside.Key Takeaways:Losing Yourself in Motherhood: Why so many moms feel stuck, burned out, and out of alignment after years of putting everyone else first.From Stay-at-Home Mom to Mom Entrepreneur: The moment she realized she needed “something more” and how she slowly transitioned into launching a second-act business for moms.Why Moms Need Community & Belonging: How Michelle created Mama Genius, a safe community for moms to be vulnerable, share ideas, and rebuild their identity beyond “just mom.”This episode is perfect for:Stay-at-home moms wondering what's nextWorking moms who feel misaligned in their careersWomen craving community, purpose, and a second-act businessAnyone interested in personal growth, mom entrepreneurship, and identity after kidsSHOW NOTES:https://secondactsuccess.co/225Connect with Michelle DeKeyser:https://connectingmamas.com/https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/mama-genius-hub/episodes/https://mamageniushub.com/------Tell us what you think and what you want to hear on the podcast! You are listening to the Top 2% globally ranked podcast Second Act Success!CONTACT Shannon and share your feedback about what you'd like to hear on the podcast! https://secondactsuccess.co/contact Book a FREE Strategy Call with host and business coach Shannon Russell - https://www.calendly.com/second-act-success/coaching-strategyWork with Shannonhttps://secondactsuccess.co/coaching FREE Resourceshttps://secondactsuccess.co/resources READ Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life https://startyoursecondact.com. LISTEN to the How To Quit Your Job and Start A Business Podcast! https://secondactsuccess.co/listenLET'S CONNECT!Instagram - https://instagram.com/secondactsuccessLinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonrussellcoach *Want to be a guest on Second Act Success Podcast? Send Shannon Russell a message on PodMatch,...

Jay Acunzo and Mark Schaefer discuss their success in sustaining their personal content production for years, even decades. They discuss their mindset and strategies of incorporating a content lifestyle and beating the odds.   Mark Schaefer is a strategy consultant, college educator, keynote speaker, and the author of 10 books including "KNOWN," "Belonging to the Brand," and "Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World." His annual marketing retreat is The Uprising.   For more of Mark's insights every week, subcribe to his award-winning blog. Mark also offers classes in personal branding and professional speaking.     Jay Acunzo consults experts and entrepreneurs to differentiate their messages and content. He hosts the podcast How Stories Happen, where guests dissect signature stories piece by piece. Learn more at jayacunzo.com

Sometimes our doubts feel like a monster hiding in the dark - awkward, intimidating, and bigger than it really is. We try to ignore it or hide it, afraid that admitting our questions might make us seem faithless. But the real danger isn't doubt itself; it's keeping it in the dark. In The Shadow of Doubt, we'll bring that “monster” into the light and discover that it's not so scary after all. We will see, biblically, that God isn't threatened by our questions - He meets us in them. Through this series, we'll give practical tools for wrestling with doubt and strengthening faith. -At Discover Church, we exist to see our city changed by Jesus, one life at a time by helping people discover LIFE in Christ, BELONGING in Community & PURPOSE in God's Calling on their life so that they can MAKE A DIFFERENCE.-You can join us live on Sunday mornings at 9:00 or 10:45am, either in person or online! Visit www.discoverchurchkc.com for more information!

What happens when your workplace values aren't just posted on the wall, but actually shape how people lead, teach, and show up every day?In this inspiring conversation, Cheryl Broom talks with Andy Vaughn, President & CEO of Alliant University, about what it takes to build a campus culture of authenticity, inclusion, and mental wellness from the inside out.Andy shares his personal journey as a leader in higher ed, how Alliant's impact values were created by faculty and staff, and why that grassroots approach matters. The discussion also explores the mental health challenges facing today's students, staff, and leaders, and how Alliant's community clinics and telehealth services are making care more accessible across California.What you'll learn:The surprising 100-year history behind Alliant's inclusivity rootsWhy codifying values with your team builds trust and accountabilityHow to support faculty and staff mental health without burning them outWhy vulnerability is one of the most underrated leadership traitsHow Alliant's low-cost clinics provide real-world experience and real supportIf you're in San Diego or LA County, visit alliantclinics.org for information on low-cost mental health services. Learn more about Alliant University at alliant.edu.Thanks for listening!Connect with GradComm:Instagram: @gradcommunicationsFacebook: @GradCommunicationsLinkedIn: @gradcommSend us a message: GradComm.com

In this episode of LIFTS, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with Will Brereton: longtime group fitness leader, Les Mills presenter, and founder of SH1FT Fitness. They dive deep into how group fitness has evolved over the decades, why hybrid community is the new frontier, and how instructors, technology, and member expectations have transformed. Will shares powerful insights from the front lines of group exercise across NZ, the UK, Europe, and the U.S. This episode is essential listening for club operators, instructors, boutique owners, and anyone passionate about the future of fitness. Key Topics Covered: • The five historical eras of group fitness and the new hybrid community era. • Why Gen Z treats the gym like a social hub, even replacing nightlife. • How meaningful interaction drives 2-3x higher retention. • Why instructors are harder to find and how tech is filling the gap. • The changing role of certifications and what members actually want. • Where Pilates, strength, and boutique programming are heading next. • Why big 'rock-star' classes faded and which events replaced them. • How digital fits into real‑world class experiences today.  

Christmas Series: Pastor Rob CowlesSupport the show

While statelessness affects millions of people around the world, Australia also has stateless people.The United Nations refugee agency says there are around 8,000 stateless people in Australia, but experts say there could be more. The UNHCR is calling on the Australian government to create a stateless determination procedure (SDP), which would contribute to efforts to assess the size and the situation of stateless population amongst migrant populations.The fourth episode of Belonging Nowhere looks at Australia and how it deals with statelessness. - اقوامِ متحدہ کے پناہ گزین ادارے کے مطابق آسٹریلیا میں تقریباً 8,000 بےوطن افراد ہیں، تاہم ماہرین کے مطابق یہ تعداد اس سے زیادہ بھی ہو سکتی ہے۔ [[UNHCR]] آسٹریلوی حکومت سے بےوطنی کی تعریف کے تعین کے لیے باضابطہ طریقہ کار، یعنی [[Stateless Determination Procedure (SDP)]] متعارف کرانے کا مطالبہ کر رہا ہے تاکہ مہاجر اور نقل مکانی سے منسلک آبادی میں بےوطن افراد کی تعداد اور حالات کا درست اندازہ لگایا جا سکے۔ اس پوڈ کاسٹ میں آسٹریلیا کے بےوطنی سے نمٹنے کے طریقوں، چیلنجز اور ممکنہ حل پر نظر ڈالی گئی ہے۔

Show NotesWelcome back to Nomadic Diaries for part two of our conversation with Ruth Van Reken, the influential voice behind "Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds." Joined by Megan Norton-Newbanks and your host Doreen Cumberford, Ruth dives deep into cross-cultural identity, belonging, and generational perspectives.Key Topics DiscussedNavigating the "Where Are You From?" QuestionRuth shares practical ways globally mobile people can gracefully answer this challenging question.The Social Dynamics of IdentityExamining why traditional questions about origin can feel alienating, and how curiosity and cultural sensitivity can create bridges instead.The importance of focusing on connection and stories rather than details.Generational Differences in Storytelling and BelongingThe panel reflects on how different age groups approach storytelling, sharing, and forming connections.Unique Strengths of Third Culture Kids (TCKs)Ruth outlines new research highlighting cultural competency and linguistic skills as hidden superpowers of TCKs.Adaptability, bridge-building, curiosity, and global enthusiasm as signature traits in careers and communities.Creating a Sense of Home and BelongingRuth reflects on cultivating belonging wherever she's lived, emphasizing human connection and the joys of multicultural friendships.Advice for Parents Raising TCKsRuth offers actionable guidance: nurture family traditions, recognize each child's unique gifts, and always foster a sense of agency and choice.The importance of honoring both shared humanity and individual uniqueness.Final Thoughts on BelongingThe episode closes with a focus on collective belonging, inspired by a quote from Mother Teresa.Notable Quotes“You can make it a fun question.”  Ruth Van Reken“I am more interested in the connection than the details.” “Our biggest challenge is not only belonging—but belonging to ourselves.” –Ruth Van RekenSupport the showHome is Where Your Story Crosses Borders!We aim to inspire expat solutions, by helping you navigate global living with ease and grace.

 If the coaching space feels different right now — heavier, slower, more discerning — you're not imagining it.   The market is shifting. And it's not shifting in the way most coaches think. It's not that people don't want coaching. It's not that the economy is bad. It's not that Instagram is "over-saturated."   It's that people are no longer buying information.   They're buying identity. And because of that — the strategies that worked in 2021, 2022, even early 2024… they simply don't hold the same weight today.   If you want to be relevant in 2026, you need to understand the deeper shift that's happening underneath the tactics — the cultural shift shaping how people choose mentors, how they commit to transformation, and who they trust with their future.   Today, I'm going to walk you through the 10 coaching industry trends that we think will define the next year — and exactly what to do about them now.   Time Stamps:   (0:20) The Future of Online Fitness Coaching (3:26) DM Us For More Information (4:02) #1: Rise of The Hybrid Coach (5:20) #2: Niche Depth > Niche Category (6:54) #3: Coaches Are Becoming Media Personalities (8:36) #4: AI Becomes Invisible (10:03) #5: Identity and Behavior Coaching Goes Mainstream (11:00) #6: Lifestyle Optimization (11:50) #7: Death To $200 A Month Coach (13:28) #8: Community and Belonging (13:49) #9: Immersive Experiences (15:13) #10: Coaches Who Can Speak Win ----------

In this episode, Claudia Radiven and Chella Ward talked with Kamran Khan about linguistics, citizenship and belonging. The conversation travelled from the 2001 Northern riots in the UK, to the Prevent policy, all the way to more recent adjustments to the Nationalities and Borders Bill. Khan is currently the director of the MOSAIC research group on multilingualism and an associate professor of language, social justice and education. He also wrote the book “Becoming a Citizen: Linguistic Trials and Negotiations in the UK”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In this episode, Claudia Radiven and Chella Ward talked with Kamran Khan about linguistics, citizenship and belonging. The conversation travelled from the 2001 Northern riots in the UK, to the Prevent policy, all the way to more recent adjustments to the Nationalities and Borders Bill. Khan is currently the director of the MOSAIC research group on multilingualism and an associate professor of language, social justice and education. He also wrote the book “Becoming a Citizen: Linguistic Trials and Negotiations in the UK”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/islamic-studies

Episode OverviewIn this enlightening episode of Nomadic Diaries, Doreen Cumberford and  Megan Norton-Newbanks welcome renowned author and expert Ruth Van Reken, whose work on third culture kids (TCKs) has impacted countless lives globally. The conversation centers on belonging, identity, and the often-complex emotional terrain of those who grow up between cultures.What You'll Hear1. Ruth's Origin Story and JourneyRuth's personal experience of being a third culture kid raised in Nigeria, drawing parallels with her father's similar upbringing in Iran and her own children's formative years in Liberia.The internal challenges faced despite a privileged, adventurous life—silent grief and lack of belonging—and how journaling led Ruth to uncover deeper truths about cross-cultural identity.2. The Birth of the “Third Culture Kid” ConceptRuth's first encounter with the term TCK and her collaboration with Dave Pollock, which resulted in the foundational book Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds.Insights into the writing process, the evolution of the TCK concept, and the ongoing development of the term "cross cultural kid" for inclusivity.3. Normalizing the Experience of Displacement and GriefWhy naming the experience is powerful, how sharing stories cultivates belonging and healing, and Ruth's hope to normalize feelings of isolation and loneliness.The importance of making these concepts accessible to educators, counselors, and community leaders.4. Belonging – Local and GlobalDiscussion about belonging in various circles—family, local communities, and global networks.The difference between experiential and geographical belonging, and how third culture kids can feel at home in many places (and sometimes nowhere in particular).5. Sowing Narratives TogetherThe power and therapeutic effect of sharing our hidden stories—the secret shames and quiet pains that many TCKs carry.Transformative moments from Ruth's own life, including her 80th birthday celebration, where her two worlds—local and global—beautifully converged.6. Navigating Difficult QuestionsTips and reflections on answering the classic expat question, "Where are you from?" with grace, and using it as a gateway to deeper connection instead of retreating behind simple answers.Key Quotes"When we share the things that are secret in those places that we think nobody feels like this, that's when people put their hand up or come on the side and say, 'But I do.' I had no idea anybody else felt like this." Ruth Van Reken"Belonging is more than just the place. But you can find that contentment in where you are if you live it fully." Ruth Van RekenSupport the showHome is Where Your Story Crosses Borders!We aim to inspire expat solutions, by helping you navigate global living with ease and grace.

In this episode, Claudia Radiven and Chella Ward talked with Kamran Khan about linguistics, citizenship and belonging. The conversation travelled from the 2001 Northern riots in the UK, to the Prevent policy, all the way to more recent adjustments to the Nationalities and Borders Bill. Khan is currently the director of the MOSAIC research group on multilingualism and an associate professor of language, social justice and education. He also wrote the book “Becoming a Citizen: Linguistic Trials and Negotiations in the UK”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/language

In this episode, Claudia Radiven and Chella Ward talked with Kamran Khan about linguistics, citizenship and belonging. The conversation travelled from the 2001 Northern riots in the UK, to the Prevent policy, all the way to more recent adjustments to the Nationalities and Borders Bill. Khan is currently the director of the MOSAIC research group on multilingualism and an associate professor of language, social justice and education. He also wrote the book “Becoming a Citizen: Linguistic Trials and Negotiations in the UK”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/european-studies

In this episode, Claudia Radiven and Chella Ward talked with Kamran Khan about linguistics, citizenship and belonging. The conversation travelled from the 2001 Northern riots in the UK, to the Prevent policy, all the way to more recent adjustments to the Nationalities and Borders Bill. Khan is currently the director of the MOSAIC research group on multilingualism and an associate professor of language, social justice and education. He also wrote the book “Becoming a Citizen: Linguistic Trials and Negotiations in the UK”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/british-studies

In today's fast-paced world, the simple act of gathering around a table for a family meal can be a powerful touchpoint for connection and belonging. We explore this theme in our latest podcast episode, highlighting how these shared moments can foster emotional well-being and resilience.

Anita's been reckoning with what it means to stay connected to cultural identity as a mixed-race adult. And in pursuit of what things to prioritize, she's turning her focus to food. She talks to mixed-race foodie and writer Raj Tawney, whose hours in the kitchen with his mom and grandma have grounded his search for belonging. Then, she picks up the phone and calls the primary chef in the Rao family: her mom, Sheila.Meet the guests:- Raj Tawney is a writer, foodie and the author of “Colorful Palate: A Flavorful Journey Through a Mixed American Experience”- Sheila Rao is Anita's mom Read the transcript | Review the podcast on your preferred platformFollow Embodied on Instagram Leave a message for EmbodiedPlease note: This episode originally aired December 5, 2024.

In 2022, IDEAS explored how the brutal strategy called "urbicide" — the intentional killing of a city — is used in war to destroy residents' sense of home and belonging. This podcast revisits the original story and includes a brief update from architect Ammar Azzouz. Since the collapse of the Assad regime last year, he has returned to Homs, Syria, twice. He tells IDEAS he has mixed emotions being home again.*This episode is part of our series, The Idea of Home.It originally aired on June 16, 2022.Guests in this podcast:Ammar Azzouz is an architectural critic and analyst at Arup, as well as a research associate at the University of Oxford. His most recent book is Domicide: Architecture, War and the Destruction of Home in Syria. Nasser Rabbat is a professor and the director of the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at MIT. He has published numerous articles and several books on topics ranging from Mamluk architecture to Antique Syria, 19th century Cairo, Orientalism, and urbicide.Marwa Al-Sabouni is a Syrian architect based in Homs and the author of The Battle for Home: The Vision of a Young Architect in Syria and Building for Hope: Towards an Architecture of Belonging.Hiba Bou Akar is an assistant professor in the Urban Planning program at Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. She is the author of For the War Yet to Come: Planning Beirut's Frontiers.Nada Moumtaz is an assistant professor in the Department of Study of Religion and Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations at the University of Toronto. She trained and worked as an architect in Beirut, Lebanon, and is the author of God's Property: Islam, Charity, and the Modern State.

 In the 1960s and 1970s-when many communities resisted school integration and schools held low expectations for working-class kids and constricted teachers' autonomy-educators and students at a multiracial public high school in California collaborated to achieve something remarkable: they created a cohesive community that gave students a powerful sense of belonging.Over its 25-year life, the student leaders of Sunnyvale High School collaborated with visionary staff to reduce violence, broaden, and enrich the curriculum to include US Black history and Mexican American literature, and increase girls' access to sports. Working together, they fostered a collective sense of pride, persistence, and possibility that fed the success of students and graduates in careers and in communities.How did adults and youth forge such a powerful ethos of engagement and mutual responsibility, enabling so many to thrive? At a time when issues of racial and gender inequality are as heated as they were half a century ago, what lessons does the school offer? In this book, the story of Sunnyvale High School is told by the students and educators who shaped it and made it meaningful. They attest to the lifelong impact of their shared experience.She is the author of Working-Class Kids and Visionary Educators in a Multiracial School: A Story of Belonging. https://www.amazon.com/Working-Class-Visionary-Educators-Multiracial-School/dp/1666959685http://www.yourlotandparcel.org

Episode OverviewIn this enlightening episode of Nomadic Diaries, Doreen Cumberford and  Megan Norton-Newbanks welcome renowned author and expert Ruth Van Reken, whose work on third culture kids (TCKs) has impacted countless lives globally. The conversation centers on belonging, identity, and the often-complex emotional terrain of those who grow up between cultures.What You'll Hear1. Ruth's Origin Story and JourneyRuth's personal experience of being a third culture kid raised in Nigeria, drawing parallels with her father's similar upbringing in Iran and her own children's formative years in Liberia.The internal challenges faced despite a privileged, adventurous life—silent grief and lack of belonging—and how journaling led Ruth to uncover deeper truths about cross-cultural identity.2. The Birth of the “Third Culture Kid” ConceptRuth's first encounter with the term TCK and her collaboration with Dave Pollock, which resulted in the foundational book Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds.Insights into the writing process, the evolution of the TCK concept, and the ongoing development of the term "cross cultural kid" for inclusivity.3. Normalizing the Experience of Displacement and GriefWhy naming the experience is powerful, how sharing stories cultivates belonging and healing, and Ruth's hope to normalize feelings of isolation and loneliness.The importance of making these concepts accessible to educators, counselors, and community leaders.4. Belonging – Local and GlobalDiscussion about belonging in various circles—family, local communities, and global networks.The difference between experiential and geographical belonging, and how third culture kids can feel at home in many places (and sometimes nowhere in particular).5. Sowing Narratives TogetherThe power and therapeutic effect of sharing our hidden stories—the secret shames and quiet pains that many TCKs carry.Transformative moments from Ruth's own life, including her 80th birthday celebration, where her two worlds—local and global—beautifully converged.6. Navigating Difficult QuestionsTips and reflections on answering the classic expat question, "Where are you from?" with grace, and using it as a gateway to deeper connection instead of retreating behind simple answers.Key Quotes"When we share the things that are secret in those places that we think nobody feels like this, that's when people put their hand up or come on the side and say, 'But I do.' I had no idea anybody else felt like this." Ruth Van Reken"Belonging is more than just the place. But you can find that contentment in where you are if you live it fully." Ruth Van RekenSupport the showHome is Where Your Story Crosses Borders!We aim to inspire expat solutions, by helping you navigate global living with ease and grace.

Send us a textTalent, culture, and the future of work take centre stage in this episode of Talking Success, recorded with Absa Group at the heart of Africa's fintech ecosystem. Host Darren Franks sits down with KG Bako, Managing Executive for Talent Management & Transitions in Absa's Human Capital leadership team, to explore how a leading Pan-African bank is innovating in talent management, AI readiness, and culture transformation to thrive in a rapidly evolving market.They unpack the ‘skills of the future' – from AI fluency, data, cyber and digital capabilities to critical thinking, empathy, and collaboration and why skills have become the new currency for financial services across Africa.The conversation highlights Absa's DEI+B (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging) agenda, flexible work models, and how ‘come as you are' and a sense of belonging are embedded in Absa's employee value proposition.You'll also hear how banks and fintech's are collaborating to build Africa's talent pipeline, and why partnerships across industries and governments are essential to future-proof the continent's workforce. If you're a fintech founder, HR leader, banker or parent thinking about where the next generation should focus, this episode offers practical insights into where work, skills and opportunity are heading in African financial services.

In this episode of LawPod, Professor Lydia Bleasdale from the University of Leeds joins Dr Norah Burns to share her journey and insights in the field of legal education. Professor Bleasdale talks about her unexpected path to studying law, the impact of inspiring mentors, and her work as the Director of Community and Belonging at the Law School. She outlines her research on student resilience, the importance of understanding diverse student needs, and how to better support introverted students. The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities posed by AI in legal education and the Connecting Legal Education network's role in fostering innovative teaching practices.Highlighting personal experiences and professional advice, this episode offers valuable perspectives for current and future legal educators.

540. On her final episode, Dr. Monica Johnson shares a brain dump of quick and dirty tips to help listeners build a life worth living. She looks at the benefits of being DUMB—an acronym covering Decode/Disrupt patterns, Uncomfortable Engagement, Meaning-Making/Mastery, and Belonging.Find a transcript here. Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at 929-256-2191. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologisthttps://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologisthttps://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsychhttps://www.kindmindpsych.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This podcast is brought to you by Outcomes Rocket, your exclusive healthcare marketing agency. Learn how to accelerate your growth by going to⁠ outcomesrocket.com Retention is the new recruitment in healthcare, and it starts before day one. In this episode, Kyle M.K., Senior Talent Strategy Advisor at Indeed, explores how recruitment, burnout, and belonging are evolving in healthcare workplaces. Drawing on data from 4.5 million monthly healthcare job seekers and Indeed's Pulse of Healthcare study, he reveals that the leading causes of burnout stem from feeling overworked and underappreciated, particularly by managers. Kyle underscores that empathy, appreciation, and transparent leadership behaviors are essential for retention and for creating healthier organizational cultures. Ultimately, he reframes healthcare organizations as communities of people connected by shared purpose rather than mere productivity metrics. Tune in and discover how empathy, transparency, and belonging can transform the healthcare culture and enhance employee retention! Resources Connect with and follow Kyle M.K. on LinkedIn. Follow Indeed on LinkedIn. Visit Indeed's website. Get a copy of Kyle's book, The Economics of Emotion, here. Read Indeed's Pulse of Healthcare 2024 here. Read Indeed's Pulse of Healthcare 2025 here.

In Part 2 of Unmapped Conversations, Lizbeth gathers five contributors from Unmapped: Solo Women Travelers on Bold Journeys of Healing, Resilience, and Self-Discovery to explore how travel shapes identity, courage, and connection. Guests include Kathy Kirkpatrick, Tammy Horvath, Phyllis Skoy, Kate Colbert, and Anne Buckley, each offering a unique perspective rooted in life experience, personal healing, and a determination to live with intention.Each contributor shares wisdom for women who want to travel but feel hesitant. From trusting that most people are kind, to saying yes more often, to carrying creature comforts, to recognizing that emotional safety begins long before a suitcase is packed, their insights offer reassurance and empowerment.This conversation also revisits why half of Unmapped's royalties support the YWCA of Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley. While the world offers beautiful possibilities, intimate partner violence remains a universal threat. Travel, self-trust, community, and awareness all play roles in building safer lives.Unmapped remains a reminder that healing, confidence, and connection often begin the moment a woman chooses to step toward something new.THREE KEY TAKEAWAYSYou will learn: • How women rebuild confidence through unexpected and intentional travel • Why saying yes to new experiences often leads to healing and expanded identity • How resilience grows when women trust themselves, seek community, and embrace possibility.Lizbeth's links Want to comment on the show? Connect at Lizbeth's author/podcast Facebook page Wanting great guests for your podcast, or to be a great guest on someone else's show? Join PodMatch here! Unmapped: Solo Women Travelers – Bold Journeys of Healing, Resilience, and Self-Discovery. Half of author royalties support the YWCA's work with survivors of domestic abuse and their families, and to combat racism. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FTSNM997 Paperback Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FS9DX6HF Draft2Digital ebook https://books2read.com/u/312rlw Lizbeth's memoir Pieces of Me: Rescuing My Kidnapped Daughters can be ordered where books are sold, and is now a TV movie, #Stolen By Their Father on Lifetime.Lizbeth's second book, Grounded in Grit: Turn Your Challenges Into Superpowers is available to order wherever books are sold! Tilka Faces the Odds, One Man at a Time, new release novel https://books2read.com/u/4j760X Sign up to stay in the know on L...

Today we hear about how residents are preparing to pass a tougher version of the naturalization civics test. Then, a grandmother writes a children's book with her grandson, and he has an idea for the main characters. Plus, preserving memories when family comes together.

What if the secret to building a vibrant culture isn't a big initiative—but one meaningful human connection at a time? In this episode, Nicole welcomes leadership speaker, author, and inclusion strategist Justin Jones-Fosu for a rich conversation on The Inclusive Mindset and the everyday practices that make diversity and belonging come alive in our organizations.Together, Nicole and Justin explore the difference between inclusive and exclusion mindsets, why embracing difference creates stronger cultures, and how curiosity, humility, and intentional connection can reshape how we lead.Justin shares powerful stories—from hugging styles to growth mindsets to dancing in Peru—that beautifully illustrate what inclusion can look like in the real world. You'll learn practical strategies like the Power of Three, 1 Meaningful Connection Per Week, and the Circles of Grace Challenge.Get ready for a vibrant, actionable, heart-expanding conversation that will inspire you to look at diversity, belonging, and everyday leadership through a fresh and hopeful lens.Vibrant Highlights:[00:03:26] – The Hug Metaphor for Approaching DiversityJustin explains why our “hug style” reveals how we engage with diversity—and why leaning in with openness creates more meaningful interactions.[00:17:41] – Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset in Inclusion WorkFrom skiing in Vail to falling off bikes, Justin and Nicole unpack how embracing failure and “not yet” thinking transforms our ability to connect across difference.[00:46:13] – The Peru Dance Circle: A Masterclass in BelongingJustin shares his story about Pantera, the dancer who welcomed him into a circle in Lima—illustrating what genuine invitation and inclusion look like in action.Connect with Justin:Justin's books, including The Inclusive MindsetJustin's website: https://workmeaningful.com/Also mentioned in this episode:Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck Listen at vibrantculture.com/podcast or wherever you get your podcasts!Book Nicole to help your organization ignite clarity, accountability, and energy through her SHINE™ Coaching Methodology.Visit vibrantculture.comEmail: nicole@vibrantculture.comWatch Nicole's TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/SMbxA90bfXE

As we enter the winter holiday season — a time filled with classroom parties, family gatherings, cultural traditions, and moments of both joy and complexity — this new series, The Culture of Celebration, invites educators to pause and ask a powerful question:What are we really celebrating?In this first episode, Jocelynn unpacks the deeper meaning behind celebration, explores the connection between culture and recognition, and models how cultural competence helps us design celebrations that are equitable, authentic, and inclusive for every student.Whether you love the holidays, find this season heavy, or fall somewhere in between, this episode offers grounding, compassion, and practical insight for educators navigating November and December with intention.In this episode we explore:Why this episode matters during Thanksgiving week and the National Day of MourningHow the holidays can bring both joy and tension for students and familiesThe difference between celebration as performance and celebration as meaningHow celebrations tell a story about what a community valuesA clear, accessible definitionWhy cultural competence is a mindset shift, not a checklistHow our own cultural lens shapes classroom celebrationsHow her approach to holiday travel and traditions transformedMoving from “this is how we've always done it” to “what do we actually need right now?”The role that grief, motherhood, and healing played in redefining celebrationHow to use the AnchorED principles (Agency, Norms, Community, Hope, Opportunity, Reflection, Empowerment, Data-Informed Practice) to evaluate classroom and school celebrations:Opportunity: Who gets seen?Agency: Who gets to choose how they are celebrated?Norms: What values guide recognition?Community: Whose stories are centered?Hope + Empowerment: Are we uplifting what is possible?Reflection: What messages are we sending?Themes inspired by Oriah Mountain Dreamer's “The Invitation”Why authentic celebration centers truth, humanity, and belongingHow to move beyond calendar-based celebrations to culture-based celebrationsReflection Questions:Use these alone, with a colleague, or in a team meeting:What do our current classroom or school celebrations communicate about what we value?Whose traditions, identities, or stories are highlighted? Whose are overlooked?How might we invite more student agency into celebration?What would celebration look like if it honored each student's story, comfort, and cultural lens?Where can we shift from performance to authenticity?Related Resources:If this episode inspires you to rethink celebration in your classroom, check out Jocelynn's Focus Word Reflection Kit — a set of worksheets and slides designed to help you and your students enter the new year with intention, authenticity, and joy.Available in the Virtual Learning Library and Teachers Pay Teachers store.Connect:Instagram: @customteachingsolutionsLinkedIn: Jocelynn HubbardWebsite: customteachingsolutions.com

In this engaging episode of Nomadic Diaries, Doreen Cumberford and Megan Norton-Newbanks welcome Caz Stuart, an accomplished documentary filmmaker, to discuss the art of storytelling, belonging, and community - both on and off camera. Caz explores her nomadic journey from Europe to San Miguel, Mexico, weaving in her extensive career experiences, particularly in making hard-hitting documentaries on social issues for UK television.The conversation spans topics from the dynamics of competitive pickleball in San Miguel to the emotional landscape of filmmaking - how empathy, resilience, and a sense of belonging take center stage in both telling and living remarkable stories. The trio also tackles how expat communities form, the challenges of integration, and the healing power of storytelling for both audiences and contributors.Key TakeawaysFilmmaking as a Path to Belonging:Caz shares that her love for languages and travel opened up an understanding that people everywhere share similar hopes and dreams, inspiring her to make documentaries that foster empathy and connection.Belonging in Challenging Contexts:Through stories from shows like Survivor, Caz describes how extreme circumstances and teamwork cultivate intense, sometimes fleeting, bonds—a microcosm for belonging.Resilience and Isolation:The conversation delves into how belonging is deeply tied to resilience, and how isolation and lack of community can deepen hardship, especially for nomads and expats.Duty of Care in Storytelling:Caz emphasizes the responsibility filmmakers hold toward their subjects, ensuring stories are told ethically and contributors are supported during and after filming.Expat Integration & Community in San Miguel:The group reflect on San Miguel's unique blend of cultural vibrancy and welcoming atmosphere, while also discussing the importance of language, integration, and the mutual duty to foster genuine connection with local communities.Behind-the-Scenes Insights:From stressful production schedules to navigating heavy topics, Caz shares candid examples from her work, highlighting the importance of curiosity, compassion, and finding compelling characters.Advice to Listeners:Curiosity is key—embrace new cultures, ask questions, seek out stories, and don't shut yourself off from learning opportunities. Belonging is built through exploration.Memorable Quotes“Filmmaking for me was not something I thought about growing up…I just knew that I loved languages and I'm good at them, and so that took me traveling.”“People in general are good people…and so that made me think, I want to make films that help people understand that.”“If you have no belonging, you have to have a lot of resilience. Because belonging is the thing we crave.”“As filmmakers, we have a duty of care to make sure the experience is a good one, and follow up with the care afterwards as well.”“To be curious, not to shut down and go within your own little world, but to always look outwards and see what you can learn from other people.”Further Discussion PointsThe evolution of San Miguel as a cultural hub and refuge for expats.The challenges for older expats and those who struggle with integration, especially due to language barriers.Ethical considerations in documentary filmmaking—balancing powerful storytelling and contributor well-being.How compressed, stressful environments can accelerate a sense of community or reveal character.The importance of storytelling as a healing Support the showHome is Where Your Story Crosses Borders!We aim to inspire expat solutions, by helping you navigate global living with ease and grace.

Andrea Keller is a licensed architect with 25 years of experience in multifamily, residential and boutique hotel design. Her work seeks to bring people into greater alignment with their core values, their communities and the earth.A key component of Andrea's work lies in the life-long study of sacred geometry, symbols and pattern language. Andrea uses unique geometry and proportion systems for each project, bringing power and resonance to the design. As we know from epigenetics, our environment can literally change our genes – her mission is to use architecture for healing, activation, and amplification of personal power. She is currently designing healing centers worldwide.She was a professor of Architecture at both USC School of Architecture and Otis College of Art + Design. She holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania (B.A., Design of the Environment) and UCLA (M.Arch), and studied Sustainability through Gaia Education. She lectures regularly for the Institute of Classical Art + Architecture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In my conversation, with Pace Randolph he shares his journey as a musician, discussing how he embraced creativity during the pandemic by writing a song every day. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the process rather than the outcome, and how embracing imperfection can lead to deeper connections through music. Our discussion also touches on the challenges of modern distractions, the joy of road trips, and the significance of community and belonging in our lives. Pace introduces his project, the Choir Imperfect, which aims to bring together 100k voices from around the world to create a collaborative album, highlighting the power of music to foster connection and self-discovery. Takeaways Creativity can flourish during challenging times. Embracing imperfection is key to artistic growth. Music serves as a powerful form of emotional communication. Finding balance in life is essential for well-being. Road trips can provide a sense of freedom and joy. Being present enhances our experiences and connections. Modern distractions can hinder our ability to connect with ourselves and others. Structure and discipline are crucial for creative success. Community and belonging are vital for mental health. Self-discovery is a journey that leads to deeper connections. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:08 Creativity During the Pandemic 05:51 Embracing Imperfection in Art 08:54 The Power of Music and Connection 11:20 Finding Gratitude and Balance 14:20 The Importance of Disconnecting 17:01 Navigating Modern Distractions 20:11 The Pursuit of Effectiveness Over Efficiency 28:29 The Importance of Presence 37:08 Belonging and Connection 45:14 The Choir Imperfect Project 53:35 The Art of Showing Up                  

Prof. Aleah Ranjitingh will present her research on Chinese-Caribbean immigrants in the United States, and the ways in which they understand self in terms of race and ethnicity. Centering on identity formation as persons of Chinese descent, but also with a distinct ethnic identity as voluntary immigrants from the Caribbean (Rogers 2001), Prof. Ranjitsingh is interested in interrogating: identity and identification choices in the U.S.; how and if Chinese-Caribbean immigrants understood and experienced anti-Asian hate and discrimination at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if mixed race Chinese immigrants also maneuver mixedness and racial defaults (Barratt and Ranjitsingh 2001).

If you've been moved by a story this year, text 'GIVE25' to 78679 to make a donation to The Moth today. In this hour, stories of finding community and comfort—among neighbors, in church, and at the movies. This episode is hosted by Moth Senior Curatorial Producer, Suzanne Rust. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. Storytellers: Julie Baker finds comfort in Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. The Rocky Horror Picture Show takes conservative Christian teen, Steven Michael Carr, out of his bubble. Julie Vieira wants to belong to something bigger than herself. Sue Moreno moves to Kansas City in search of community. Podcast # 950 To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

High performers often feel potential turn into pressure, leading to burnout, decision fatigue, and emotional exhaustion. In this episode, Julie Holly unpacks why it feels so heavy—and how identity-level recalibration restores clarity, compassion, and peace.For many high-capacity humans, potential doesn't feel like possibility—it feels like pressure. What once felt exciting now feels heavy, and the constant expectation to “rise” leads to burnout recovery questions, decision fatigue, emotional overload, and a deep sense of identity drift.In this episode, Julie Holly explores why being “full of potential” often becomes a quiet burden. She traces how the nervous system learns to equate capability with belonging, how early experiences of responsibility shape adult identity, and why success without fulfillment leaves high performers feeling unseen and unsupported.Drawing from the early career of Taylor Swift, Julie shares how Taylor intentionally signed with a brand-new label to protect her potential—only to discover that the world still tried to define it for her. Her story mirrors what many leaders, entrepreneurs, and high performers experience internally: the tension between gratitude for their gifts and the emotional cost of carrying everyone's expectations.Julie normalizes the loyalty behind over-functioning and reframes the psychological adaptations that form under chronic pressure. She offers an identity-level explanation for patterns like over-responsibility, emotional caretaking, and staying in roles long after you've outgrown them.This episode is not another mindset tactic or productivity strategy. It's Identity-Level Recalibration—the root-level realignment that makes every other tool finally work again. Because the real exhaustion doesn't come from doing too much; it comes from becoming who everyone else needed you to be.You'll walk away with language, compassion, and a renewed sense of agency around your own potential.Micro Recalibration: Where have you been carrying expectations you never agreed to? Name one place where you've been living out someone else's narrative instead of your own.Micro Recalibration for Teams: Ask together: What expectations are we carrying simply because “we always have”—and what would alignment look like instead?If this episode gave you language you've been missing, please rate and review the show so more high-capacity humans can find it. Explore Identity-Level Recalibration→ Join the next Friday Recalibration Live experience → Follow Julie Holly on LinkedIn for more recalibration insights → Schedule a conversation with Julie to see if The Recalibration is a fit for you → Download the Misalignment Audit → Subscribe to the weekly newsletter → Books to read (Tidy categories on Amazon- I've read/listened to each recommended title.) → One link to all things This isn't therapy. This isn't coaching. This is identity recalibration — and it changes everything.

Emily Kircher-Morris is joined by Tim Villegas, the Director of Communications at the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE) and the founder and host of the Think Inclusive Podcast, to discuss the concept of inclusion in education. The idea is to create inclusive environments for all students, and Tim shares his personal journey toward that goal, and insights on how to create such an environment. They talk about the importance of community, equity, and meaningful contributions in schools, as well as the challenges faced in inclusive classrooms. TAKEAWAYS Inclusion is a powerful word that means different things to different people. School should be a place where everyone belongs, regardless of their needs. Being fair means providing everyone with what they need, not just the same thing. Community plays a crucial role in fostering inclusion in schools. Inclusion is not just about placing students in general education settings; it's about creating supportive environments. Schools should aim to be more like real life, accommodating all learners. For information about the variety of courses for teachers, parents, and mental health professionals through the Neurodiversity University, check the info page on our website. Tim Villegas is the Director of Communications at the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE) and the founder and host of the Think Inclusive Podcast, a long-running show dedicated to building bridges between families, educators, and advocates in the disability and inclusion space. With a background as a special education teacher and instructional coach, Tim brings over a decade of classroom experience to his work in advancing equity and inclusive practices in schools. Through his leadership at MCIE and his widely respected podcast, Tim has become a national voice for inclusive education—amplifying the stories, research, and strategies that help create learning environments where all students belong. His work focuses on shifting mindsets, promoting systemic change, and centering the lived experiences of students with disabilities and their families. BACKGROUND READING Tim's links and info If you'd like members of your organization, school district, or company to know more about the subjects discussed on our podcast, Emily Kircher-Morris provides keynote addresses, workshops, and training sessions worldwide, in-person or virtually. You can choose from a list of established presentations, or work with Emily to develop a custom talk to fit your unique situation. To learn more, visit our website. The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you're invited to join our Facebook Group.

Beth Weinstein's Links & Resources▶  Pay What You Wish Masterclass: https://bethaweinstein.com/aligned-abundance▶Free Spiritual Business & Psychedelic Business Trainings: https://bethaweinstein.com/gifts▶ Beth's other Business Coaching Programs: https://bethaweinstein.com/services▶ Beth's Instagram: http://instagram.com/bethaweinstein▶ Beth's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethw.nyc & https://www.facebook.com/BethWeinsteinbiz▶ Join Beth's free Psychedelics Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PsychedelicsandSacredMedicines▶ Various Psychedelic Training Programs and Resources: https://bethaweinstein.com/resources Download Beth's free trainings here: Clarity to Clients: Start & Grow a Transformational Coaching, Healing, Spiritual, or Psychedelic Business: https://bethaweinstein.com/grow-your-spiritual-businessIntegrating Psychedelics & Sacred Medicines Into Business: https://bethaweinstein.com/psychedelics-in-business▶ Beth's Coaching & Guidance: https://bethaweinstein.com/coaching ▶ Beth's Offerings & Courses: https://bethaweinstein.com/services▶ Instagram: @bethaweinstein ▶ FB: / bethw.nyc + bethweinsteinbiz ▶ Join the free Psychedelics & Purpose Community: / psychedelicsandsacredmedicines

Sometimes our doubts feel like a monster hiding in the dark - awkward, intimidating, and bigger than it really is. We try to ignore it or hide it, afraid that admitting our questions might make us seem faithless. But the real danger isn't doubt itself; it's keeping it in the dark. In The Shadow of Doubt, we'll bring that “monster” into the light and discover that it's not so scary after all. We will see, biblically, that God isn't threatened by our questions - He meets us in them. Through this series, we'll give practical tools for wrestling with doubt and strengthening faith. -At Discover Church, we exist to see our city changed by Jesus, one life at a time by helping people discover LIFE in Christ, BELONGING in Community & PURPOSE in God's Calling on their life so that they can MAKE A DIFFERENCE.-You can join us live on Sunday mornings at 9:00 or 10:45am, either in person or online! Visit www.discoverchurchkc.com for more information!

This episode is brought to you in partnership with flaconi, Germany's leading online destination for beauty and fragrance. But flaconi is more than a retailer, it's a platform that celebrates individuality and empowerment. Values that deeply align with today's guest and everything she stands for.Linda Hallberg is a name many in the beauty world already know. A visionary makeup artist, founder of LH cosmetics and one of Sweden's most creative forces. From pioneering multi-use products to building a radically inclusive beauty brand, she's been shaping the conversation long before it was mainstream.But behind the iconic looks and bold colors is a story of resilience. In this episode, Linda opens up about growing up queer in a small town, the early days of makeup school while living in a caravan and the journey of building her own brand, LH cosmetics.This conversation is a reminder that it's okay to take up space  and that sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is return to artistry and play.Read more about the Women Authors of Achievement (WAA) Podcast via waa.berlin/aboutFollow us on Instagram & find us on LinkedInSubscribe to our newsletter via waa.berlin/newsletter ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this unforgettable conversation, NewsNation anchor and instant New York Times bestselling author Leland “Lucky” Vittert pulls back the curtain on a childhood that included late speech, crushing loneliness, and a school world that often met neurodivergence with cruelty instead of care. But Born Lucky isn't an autism “how-to.” It's a father-son love story about what changes when one adult refuses to give up. Lucky shares how his dad chose a radical path: not removing adversity, but walking him through it—teaching character, work ethic, and the kind of social “tools” that slowly turn isolation into connection. The result is deep hope and a reminder that kids aren't doomed by their hardest circumstances. Ginny and Lucky also dig into the practical magic of a hands-on childhood: flying lessons at eight, rowing, scuba diving, Michigan summers by Lake Michigan that all provided real risks, real effort, real confidence earned. Those experiences didn't just fill time; they built transferable skills and a resilience that later carried Lucky through war-zone reporting and prime-time journalism. Along the way, you'll hear about the quiet heroes like Mr. Mick whose belief became a lifeline. If you've ever worried your child won't find their place or wondered if you're doing enough this episode will steady you, strengthen you, and send you back outside with fresh courage. Now through December 1st get your copy of Born Lucky for 25% off HERE Watch Lucky's show On Balance with Leland Vittert on NewsNation (weeknights at 9 p.m. ET) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Loneliness is a big deal, and it's become an actual epidemic. And, while it may seem simple to combat (the opposite of loneliness is belonging and community, right?), creating belonging and community can actually be much harder.  This is what Emma McIntyre is all about. She builds events that create belonging — from farmers markets to winter festivals to senior socials — and this episode is all about how small towns can replicate these ideas at any scale by focusing on comfort, connection, and purpose. It's a roadmap for how to build community in ways that actually stick.  About Emma: Emma McIntyre, originally from North Dakota, is the Manager of Development and Partnerships at Folkways, an organization dedicated to building community through experiences, placemaking, and creative programming. After graduating college, she intentionally chose to return to North Dakota to help strengthen her home state through meaningful community-building projects. In this episode, we cover: How Emma and Folkways use placemaking to combat loneliness with intentional design, not just "fun events" The real metrics that matter: dwell time, collisions, intergenerational experiences Why belonging is a public health issue — and what communities can do about it How small towns can adapt big-city ideas like farmers markets and themed gatherings The power of personal traditions to build connection at the micro level   Links + Resources Mentioned: https://www.folkways.org/ https://creativemornings.com/cities/FAR Sponsor Spotlight: The Yellow Bird The Yellow Bird is a longtime favorite and friend of Growing Small Towns and our Executive Director, Rebecca. The Yellow Bird is a family-owned, all-natural skincare company committed to keeping things pure, simple, and safe. Their products are made with real ingredients you can pronounce (and actually read on the label), free from synthetic chemicals, and gentle enough for the whole family—especially anyone with allergies or sensitivities. Founded by Nicole, who grew up in a home that prioritized holistic living, The Yellow Bird was born from a simple truth: what we put on our skin matters. Their mission is to make effective, affordable skincare using minimal yet powerful ingredients like coconut oil and essential oils. You can shop their full line online, including on Amazon. Use https://www.theyellowbird.co/?ref=REBECCAUNDEM when you shop!  Want to get your business in front of our audience? We are looking for podcast sponsors! Each season, we feature a select group of Small Business Partners—brands that share our mission to celebrate small-town life and big ideas. With a 4–6% average Facebook engagement rate (well above the industry average), 2,600+ loyal followers, and 45,000 monthly content views, we have an amazing, highly engaged audience of people who can't wait to learn more about you. When we feature you, your story, and your product/service, it's like a friend's recommendation, because it is. Want to know more? Reach out to us at hello@growingsmalltowns.org We have a membership! Join the GST Club — a virtual support community built for those leading change in small-town America. For $30/month, you'll get twice-monthly live calls with Rebecca, access to a private network of fellow small-town changemakers, replay recordings, frameworks, and early access to GST events. It's for anyone from volunteers and entrepreneurs to city officials who believe small towns deserve big ideas and better leadership. Part think-tank. Part pep-talk. Part creative jam session. All support.  We Want to Hear From You! We really, really do, and if you'll let us, we'd love to feature your actual message just like we did with Terri's (with your permission, of course!) Some of the best parts about radio shows and podcasts are listener call-ins, so we've decided to make those a part of the Growing Small Towns Podcast. We really, really want to hear from you! We're have two "participation dance" elements of the show: "Small town humblebrags": Call in and tell us about something amazing you did in your small town so we can celebrate with you. No win is too small—we want to hear it all, and we will be excessively enthusiastic about whatever it is! You can call in for your friends, too, because giving shout-outs is one of our favorite things.  "Solving Your Small-Town People Challenges": Have a tough issue in your community? We want to help. Call in and tell us about your problem, and we'll solve it on an episode of the podcast. Want to remain anonymous? Totally cool, we can be all secretive and stuff. We're suave like that.  If you've got a humblebrag or a tricky people problem, call 701-203-3337 and leave a message with the deets. We really can't wait to hear from you!  Get In Touch Have an idea for a future episode/guest, have feedback or a question, or just want to chat? Email us at hello@growingsmalltowns.org Subscribe + Review Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of The Growing Small Towns Show! If the information in our conversations and interviews has helped you in your small town, head out to Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Spotify, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review. Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver relevant, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more small-town trailblazers just like you!

Jesus introduced Himself as love. God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Love has to be expressed, you gotta give it away, and display it.

High performance can create the belief that you must earn your worth. In this Sunday recalibration, we return to the truth: you were loved before you performed. Featuring Mary of Bethany, we remember belonging that cannot be lost or earned.For many high-capacity humans, strength became the way to be loved. You learned to earn belonging through performance, excellence, reliability, and emotional endurance. But no matter how much you give, lead, or carry, it rarely feels like enough to finally exhale.This episode is a return to the origin of identity — the truth that existed before achievement, before responsibility, before the survival self formed.We look to Mary of Bethany (Luke 10:38–42) as a living image of belonging without earning. While others performed to be seen, she rested in love that was already hers. Not passivity — presence. Not withdrawal — trust.This is where Identity-Level Recalibration meets faith.This is not another mindset strategy. Not productivity advice. Not positive self-talk.This is the root-level recalibration that restores your identity to its Source — because identity precedes behavior, and misalignment is the real exhaustion.Key themes woven through this episode:• burnout recovery and soul fatigue• decision fatigue from over-carrying• performance pressure and internal striving• role confusion when self-worth becomes tied to output• identity drift and spiritual exhaustion• returning to belonging, rest, and beloved identityToday's Micro Recalibration Practice:When you feel the urge to perform, prove, or carry:Place your hand on your chest.Soften your breath.Say, “I am held.” Not as affirmation — as reality.The One who formed you never asked you to earn what was always yours.If this episode gave you language you've been missing, please rate and review the show so more high-capacity humans can find it. Explore Identity-Level Recalibration→ Join the next Friday Recalibration Live experience → Follow Julie Holly on LinkedIn for more recalibration insights → Schedule a conversation with Julie to see if The Recalibration is a fit for you → Download the Misalignment Audit → Subscribe to the weekly newsletter → Join the waitlist for the next Recalibration cohort → One link to all things This isn't therapy. This isn't coaching. This is identity recalibration — and it changes everything.

High performers often feel misaligned when their outer life no longer reflects their inner truth. This episode explores how environment shapes identity — and how to create space where your nervous system can breathe again.There comes a point in every high-capacity life when the external world begins to feel too small for the person you are becoming. You can feel the internal shift — but your calendar, your relationships, your home, and the spaces you inhabit still reflect who you had to be, not who you are now.This episode explores the critical link between identity and environment — and why your nervous system will continue returning to old patterns when the atmosphere around you is still built for your survival self.Your environment is not neutral.It holds memory.It reinforces identity.It tells your body who you're expected to be.Some spaces call the performance pattern to the surface.Some spaces allow the soul to breathe.We look at this through the lived example of Georgia O'Keeffe, who didn't escape her life — she simply went where her identity could expand. Her move to the desert wasn't reinvention. It was remembrance. She returned to the atmosphere where her voice, her spirit, and her truth could settle again.In this conversation, we explore:• Why burnout isn't just emotional — it's environmental• How the nervous system responds to atmosphere, not intention• How identity stabilizes through presence, pace, space, and rhythm • Why you don't need to overhaul your life — you just need a life that can hold you now • How to choose spaces where your soul can breathe againThis is not mindset work.This is Identity-Level Recalibration — the root-level shift that makes every other tool finally work.Today's Micro RecalibrationChoose one small environmental adjustment that supports who you are becoming — a cleared surface, silence in the morning, a slower pace, a breath before responding. Not to improve anything — but to signal:We live differently now.If this episode gave you language you've been missing, please rate and review the show so more high-capacity humans can find it. Explore Identity-Level Recalibration→ Join the next Friday Recalibration Live experience → Follow Julie Holly on LinkedIn for more recalibration insights → Schedule a conversation with Julie to see if The Recalibration is a fit for you → Download the Misalignment Audit → Subscribe to the weekly newsletter → Join the waitlist for the next Recalibration cohort → One link to all things This isn't therapy. This isn't coaching. This is identity recalibration — and it changes everything.

When high performance starts feeling heavy, it's often a sign of hidden pressure shaping your identity. In this episode, Julie Holly shows high-capacity humans how to reclaim authorship, release expectation fatigue, and return to aligned, soul-level clarity.When success starts feeling heavy, it's rarely about workload — it's about identity load. High-capacity humans often carry the invisible pressure of other people's expectations: the roles they've outgrown, the decisions they feel obligated to make, the stories others silently project onto them.In this powerful reflection episode, Julie Holly guides you through the deeper layers of expectation fatigue, identity drift, and the emotional exhaustion that hides beneath high performance.Drawing from cultural examples like Taylor Swift's eras, we explore what it looks like to reclaim your narrative when everyone assumes they know who you should be next. Taylor's journey shows us the emotional cost of projected potential — and the freedom that comes when you take back your authorship and steward your story with intention.You'll also walk through two identity-level strategies that help you surface the pressure you've absorbed without realizing it:The Pressure Audit — noticing where you override yourself.The Alignment Test — asking whether you'd choose something if no one expected it.These practices reveal the exact places where burnout, decision fatigue, role confusion, spiritual exhaustion, and success without fulfillment take root.Julie then guides you through a gentle but transformational reframing rooted in the Identity-Level Recalibration Pathway (ILR) — the psychology- and science-backed, spiritually rooted pathway that recalibrates who you are, not just what you do. ILR is not another mindset tactic. It is the root-level shift that makes every other tool finally work again.If you've been feeling stretched thin, subtly resentful, strangely disconnected from your own life, or quietly overwhelmed by what others see in you… this episode will feel like exhaling after holding your breath for years.MICRO RECALIBRATION (Personal)“Where did I override myself this week — and why?”Name one moment where expectation shaped your decision instead of identity.Honor what you notice without judgment.MICRO RECALIBRATION (Teams/Leadership)Ask your team:“What are we carrying because we can… not because we're called to?”Let this uncover misalignment, redistribute roles, and If this episode gave you language you've been missing, please rate and review the show so more high-capacity humans can find it. Explore Identity-Level Recalibration→ Join the next Friday Recalibration Live experience → Follow Julie Holly on LinkedIn for more recalibration insights → Schedule a conversation with Julie to see if The Recalibration is a fit for you → Download the Misalignment Audit → Subscribe to the weekly newsletter → Join the waitlist for the next Recalibration cohort → One link to all things This isn't therapy. This isn't coaching. This is identity recalibration — and it changes everything.

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High performance without alignment leads to burnout and emotional exhaustion. This episode shows you how identity shifts happen in the body, not the mind — and how to live from truth instead of performance. A gentle, embodied recalibration.If you've ever wondered why you continue showing up as the strong one — even when you're tired, even when you know better, even when your spirit is asking for something gentler — this episode is for you.This week, we've been uncovering the identity story beneath high performance: the role you learned to play in order to be safe, chosen, or loved. Today, we move from awareness to embodiment.Because identity does not shift through insight alone. Insight is the invitation. Embodiment is the acceptance.Your nervous system has been loyal to the identity that once protected you. It isn't resisting growth — it's guarding belonging. This is why performance patterns feel so automatic, even when they no longer fit.In this episode, we explore:• Why your body keeps choosing the familiar (even when it's draining) • How safety — not self-discipline — is what allows identity to shift • The real marker of transformation: staying with yourself in the moment you would have abandoned yourself • How to live from your truest identity now, without collapsing your life or losing your excellenceThis is not mindset work or behavior management. This is Identity-Level Recalibration — the root-level shift that makes every other tool effective again.Today's Micro RecalibrationWhen you feel yourself slipping into performance mode, pause for one breath. Hand to ribs or abdomen. Ask gently: “Am I choosing from fear or from truth?” Don't fix. Don't correct. Just notice. Noticing is becoming.If this episode gave you language you've been missing, please rate and review the show so more high-capacity humans can find it. Explore Identity-Level Recalibration→ Join the next Friday Recalibration Live experience → Follow Julie Holly on LinkedIn for more recalibration insights → Schedule a conversation with Julie to see if The Recalibration is a fit for you → Download the Misalignment Audit → Subscribe to the weekly newsletter → Join the waitlist for the next Recalibration cohort → One link to all things This isn't therapy. This isn't coaching. This is identity recalibration — and it changes everything.