Podcasts about connectionthe

Do you feel responsible for keeping everyone in your family happy? Do you find yourself trying to fix your kids' hard feelings, keep the peace, or make everything okay?What if deeper connection with your kids actually starts with learning how to connect with yourself?In today's episode of The Secrets of Supermom Show, Lori talks with Diane Sorensen, certified Transformational Coach and host of the Chaos to Connection podcast, about breaking generational patterns, understanding our emotional triggers, and creating stronger relationships with our children.Diane shares how her daughter's mental health crisis and her own divorce forced her to look at patterns of perfectionism, people-pleasing, emotional suppression, and approval-seeking that she had unknowingly carried into motherhood.Together, Lori and Diane discuss:Why connection with your children starts with connection to yourselfHow to recognize your emotional triggers—and what they can teach youWhy trying to keep everyone happy can actually hurt connectionThe difference between feeling an emotion and knowing how to be with an emotionHow perfectionism and “good girl” conditioning can show up in motherhoodWhy your child's emotions are not yours to manageHow to be okay when your kids are not okayWhy connection isn't about spending more time or money on your kidsHow to listen to your children without immediately fixing, reframing, or teachingA simple practice you can use today to start building more emotional awareness and connectionOne of Diane's most powerful reminders? The secret to being a Supermom isn't never struggling—it's learning how to navigate the struggle while staying connected to yourself.If you've ever worried that you're doing motherhood wrong, felt responsible for everyone else's emotions, or struggled with mom guilt when your kids are having a hard time, this conversation will give you a completely different way to think about connection.Connect with Diane Sorensen:Website: dianesorensen.netInstagram: @dianesorensen.bbPodcast: Chaos to ConnectionFree Resource:Drama to Empowerment — Learn how to move out of reactive patterns and into greater awareness, connection, and empowerment.Listen now and discover how doing the inner work can transform the relationships around you.Text us your feedback or questions!Stay connected!Join us in The Supermom Society! Get all the details at thesupermomsociety.com!Get all our show notes, buy the book Secrets of Supermom, and more at our website: www.secretsofsupermom.comSecrets of Supermom on FacebookSecrets of Supermom on Instagram

Music Video for The Stairs: https://youtu.be/-9FOYTwxfcU?si=mFPQVDCKASBR1oFuLive from Wembley Stadium: https://youtu.be/N8CIBNJB2FM?si=sF_SoLZtDrzyaszvThere's a kind of loneliness that has nothing to do with being alone.You can live surrounded by hundreds—or thousands—of people, pass the same faces every day, share elevators, hallways, sidewalks and city blocks…and never truly know one another.  This week on The Songs That Made Us, Gunter explores INXS' “The Stairs,” a haunting meditation on the anonymous lives unfolding around us and the strange human experience of being physically close while remaining emotionally separate.Through the song, Gunter examines the psychology of loneliness, our biological need for connection, the phenomenon of “familiar strangers,” and the surprising role architecture and urban design play in determining whether people simply pass one another—or actually meet.And more than three decades after The Stairs appeared on INXS' X, its observations may be even more relevant in a digital world that gives us unprecedented proximity while often leaving genuine human connection painfully out of reach.In This EpisodeThe story and ideas behind INXS' “The Stairs”Why loneliness can exist even when we're surrounded by peopleLoneliness as a biological signal rather than a personal failingThe evolutionary importance of human connectionThe psychology of the “familiar stranger”How urban environments can create proximity without interactionSocial infrastructure and the spaces where relationships formWhy cities designed primarily for movement can unintentionally discourage connectionPsychological overload and why we sometimes withdraw from people around usHow digital environments reproduce the same paradoxWhy The Stairs remains strikingly relevant todaySmall acts of recognition that can begin closing the distance between strangersChapter HighlightsIntroduction: The Stairs and the Loneliness of Being SurroundedINXS and the Album XThe Psychological Need to BelongSocial Overload in Urban EnvironmentsLoneliness as a Biological SignalWaiting, Recognition and the Structure of The StairsHow Urban Design Shapes Human ConnectionFrom Physical Cities to Digital LonelinessProximity Without ConnectionSmall Acts That Bridge the DistanceSharing Our Experiences of LonelinessKey TakeawaysLoneliness is a signal. Like hunger or pain, it can alert us that an important human need isn't being met.Proximity isn't the same as connection. We can encounter the same people repeatedly without ever crossing the invisible boundary between stranger and acquaintance.Our environments matter. The spaces we build can either encourage spontaneous human contact or quietly discourage it.The digital world hasn't eliminated this paradox. In some ways, it has recreated the apartment building on a global scale: millions of people occupying the same space while remaining strangers.Connection can begin remarkably small. Recognition, conversation and simple acknowledgment can interrupt anonymity.GratitudeWe want to extend a huge thank you to our listeners in Fairborn, Elyria (uh-lee-ree-uh), Columbus, Grafton, Northfield, Lorain, Ashland, and Cincinnati for keeping Ohio securely at the #2 spot on the Top 10 USA listeners list.And to our Global Listeners, we extend our gratitude to two countries reaching our top 20 list for the very first time ever! First, our listeners in Karachi (kr-aa-chee) for bringing Pakistan to #20! And also to our listeners in Jos (pronounced like loss with a J) Plateau State for bringing Nigeria to #18! CONGRATULATIONS!! you made the Top Listeners List.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspire-change-with-gunter--3633478/support.PatreonIf this episode resonates with you and you'd like to go deeper into practical exercises and guided reflection, Gunter offers extended self-development resources and exercises through our Patreon community: www.patreon.com/inspirechangeSponsorDistil UnionThis episode of Inspire Change with Gunter is brought to you by Distil Union, creators of beautifully designed, functional everyday carry accessories that help bring organization, simplicity, and intention into your daily life.Distil Union blends craftsmanship with thoughtful design to help you carry what matters most — without the clutter.

What does the future of hypnotherapy look like in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence?In this episode of The Hypnotist, Adam Cox is joined by Scott Sandland, pioneering hypnotherapist, AI innovator and founder of HypnoThoughts and HypnoThoughts LIVE — recognised as the world's largest hypnosis conference.Scott shares how a serious car accident left him in significant physical pain. Faced with relying on large amounts of opiate medication, he reluctantly tried hypnosis despite not believing it was real. One transformative session changed his view completely and led him to become a certified hypnotherapist at just 18.He describes the challenges of working with therapeutic clients while still a teenager, including being underestimated because of his age. Scott explains how preparation, specialist knowledge and quiet certainty enabled him to overcome that credibility deficit — and why being underestimated can sometimes become an advantage.The conversation then explores the accidental creation of HypnoThoughts.com. Originally described as “MySpace for hypnotists”, the dormant website became a place for Scott and others to remember a mentor who had died. It then grew organically into a thriving international community, attracting hundreds of new members each month without paid advertising.When that community was prevented from gathering at an established hypnosis conference, Scott and his colleagues decided to create their own. That decision eventually became HypnoThoughts LIVE.Adam and Scott discuss:How HypnoThoughts grew to tens of thousands of membersWhy opposition from established figures accelerated its successWhat Scott learned from attending more than 40 hypnosis conferencesWhy HypnoThoughts LIVE focused on learning and community rather than certificationThe professional isolation experienced by many hypnotherapistsWhy becoming a great practitioner requires more than collecting techniquesWhy the most valuable conference conversations often happen outside the presentationsThe move from Las Vegas to Atlanta in November 2027How the physical design of a venue can strengthen or weaken connectionThe second half examines the relationship between hypnosis and artificial intelligence.Scott describes AI as an “exoskeleton”: something that can extend a practitioner's abilities when used intelligently, but which can also produce dependency, professional atrophy and intellectual laziness.The discussion includes:Why AI may replace generic hypnosis recordings before capable practitionersHow AI could rapidly raise the minimum acceptable professional standardThe difference between using AI to support judgement and allowing it to make decisionsWhy presence, authorship, listening and creating safety remain human responsibilitiesHow AI could provide research support and elements of clinical supervisionThe danger of outsourcing the thinking that creates genuine competenceScott also introduces SAGE, a specialist AI system developed using the extensive HypnoThoughts archive and years of HypnoThoughts LIVE material.Unlike general-purpose AI trained on inconsistent information, SAGE is designed around a deep, structured body of hypnosis knowledge. Scott explains how it can connect lectures, debates, teachers and therapeutic ideas while preserving authorship, sources and intellectual property.SAGE is intended to function less like a search engine and more like an informed professional colleague — helping practitioners examine cases, connect ideas and deepen their understanding.A two-week free trial of SAGE is due to become available from 1 September 2026.This is essential listening for hypnotherapists, coaches and change-work professionals who want to understand how their profession is evolving. AI may not replace excellent practitioners, but practitioners who use it intelligently could outperform those who refuse to adapt.Discover SAGE, HypnoThoughts and future HypnoThoughts LIVE:HypnoThoughts.com

What if feeling overwhelmed isn't really about your workload but your thought load?In this episode of The Experimental Leader, Melanie Parish and Mel Rutherford sit down with leadership expert Liane Davey to explore the invisible mental and emotional demands that can leave leaders and teams feeling depleted, distracted, and overwhelmed.Liane introduces the concept of thought load, which goes beyond the traditional idea of workload. Thought load is created by the combination of rising cognitive demands, emotional burdens, and depleted energy reserves and it can quietly affect our performance, relationships, decision-making, and ability to engage in productive conflict.Liane shares her own experiment with a two-week digital and mental reset, including silent walks, coloring, and intentional periods of zero input. The goal isn't to eliminate thoughts, but to create enough space for deeper processing, new connections, emotional regulation, and renewed energy.The conversation also explores how digital overstimulation, remote work, smartphones, and even AI can impact the way we think, connect, learn, and process information. Liane challenges us to consider whether our constant access to information is helping us think better or encouraging us to surrender some of the deeper cognitive work that makes us curious, creative, and thoughtful.You'll also hear how high thought load can contribute to conflict debt, why workplaces may be missing opportunities for informal learning, and what leaders can do to make thought load more manageable and purposeful.In this episode, you'll discover:What thought load is and why it matters for leadersThe connection between cognitive demands, emotional burdens, and energyHow digital overstimulation contributes to mental overloadPractical ways to create space for deeper thinking and processingWhy unresolved conflict can increase thought loadHow remote work has changed informal learning and connectionThe potential risks of relying too heavily on AIHow leaders can redirect thought load toward meaningful work, relationships, and contributionIf you've ever felt busy without knowing exactly why you're exhausted, this conversation offers a new way to understand what may be happening beneath the surface.Listen now and keep experimenting with your leadership.Bonus: Get free access to the Leadership Blueprint course using code ODYSSEY.

What if trying to be a “good partner” is actually hurting your relationship?In this episode, we explore a powerful and often invisible dynamic:how self-sacrifice, overgiving, and emotional suppression can quietly erode connection.When one partner takes on the role of “giver,” it can create a cycle of resentment, emotional overwhelm, and disconnection, despite the best intentions.In this episode's coaching conversation, we unpack:Why overgiving creates pressure, not connectionThe hidden cost of self-sacrifice in relationshipsHow to stay present with emotions without trying to fix or manage themThe difference between needs and strategies (and why it matters)What it actually looks like to stay connected to yourself in a relationshipThis episode is for anyone who feels like they're “doing everything right" and still feels unseen or unmet.Read more on the blog.Want more direct access to me? I warmly invite you to become a member of The School of Human Connection. Join regular live calls where students in the school bring real relationship dilemmas. We slow things down and I'll help you see what's actually happening and how to respond with more integrity, strength and care.You will find a safe space for live discussions and a supportive community of like-minded, open-hearted humans. Stay updated on new episodes and resources by subscribing wherever you listen to podcasts or visiting yvetteerasmus.com.Here are more ways to connect with me:Join the School of Human ConnectionHop on my free Wednesday live callFollow me on YouTube

Menopause doesn't just happen to a body, it happens to a relationship. In this episode, Traver Boehm joins Dr. Kelly Casperson to talk about what's actually going on hormonally during perimenopause and menopause, and what that means for the partners trying to understand it from the outside.Kelly breaks down the real difference between perimenopause and menopause (hint: most people are using these words wrong), what's happening biologically during the transition, and why the emotional and relational fallout is often just as real as the hot flashes. Then the conversation turns to men — what's shifting for them hormonally during this same midlife window, and how couples can actually talk to each other about all of it instead of quietly drifting apart.This one's for the women in it and the partners trying to show up for them.In this episode:Perimenopause vs. menopause, where one ends and the other beginsWhat hormonal changes are actually doing to mood, sleep, libido, and connectionThe emotional and relational ripple effects of menopause that no one prepares you forHormonal shifts in men during midlife, and why this isn't just a "her" conversationHow to actually talk to your partner about what's changingRebuilding pleasure and intimacy when everything else is in fluxReminder: none of this is individual medical advice, discuss your own plan with your own clinician.https://www.manuncivilized.com/https://www.instagram.com/traverboehmSubscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it.

In this episode, Pipeman interviews members of German rock band Kärbholz, live from the iconic Wacken Open Air festival. The conversation covers the emotional power of music, their personal journeys, the meaning behind their songs, and how music can transcend cultural and political barriers. The episode also features heartfelt stories about fan connections, the healing role of music, and the true community spirit among metalheads.Main Topics CoveredExperiencing Wacken Open Air as performersPersonal beginnings and influences in musicMusic as emotional therapy for artists and fans alikeMosh pits: misunderstood spaces of catharsis and connectionThe transformative power and meaning of musicFan stories illustrating the impact of Kärbholz's songsThe community and inclusivity of metal cultureHandling politics and truth in songwritingPromoting Kärbholz's new album and merchandiseKey Discussions & StoriesThe Wacken ExperienceBand members recount the honor and excitement of performing at Wacken, calling it a dream come true for most rock and metal acts 00:35.Describes Wacken as the “cherry on the top” for their musical journey 01:30.Beginnings in MusicOne member shares picking up the guitar at 14 and learning Nirvana, realizing the inspiring power in playing music from his idols 01:57.Another describes starting with music education in kindergarten and eventually finding emotional connection and talent with drums 02:27.Music as Emotional TherapyBoth guests and Pipeman reflect on how music allows both artists and listeners to process and release emotions 03:11.Pipeman shares a personal story of using a Slayer mosh pit to work through grief after losing his grandson, emphasizing music's healing quality 04:27.Songs that Save LivesKärbholz members discuss their track “Mutmacher” and its profound effect on fans, including a story about a young woman who said the song saved her life during a suicidal crisis 05:51.The Real Spirit of MetalheadsContrast between the tough appearance of metal fans and the actual warmth, emotional openness, and sense of community at festivals like Wacken 08:27.Examples of playful circle pits, regardless of music style, highlighting the inclusive and fun-loving nature of the scene 09:39.Music Beyond PoliticsDiscussion about keeping politics out of music to foster unity, while acknowledging the importance of encouraging listeners to think for themselves and remain open-minded 11:31 and 12:49.On Truth and PerspectiveThe pitfalls of living in ideological bubbles and the value of open, diverse debate and personal experience in forming one's worldview 14:01.Notable Quotes“[Playing at Wacken] is like the cherry on top of the ice cream that is our amazing life playing music and having fun all the time.” 01:30“Music is the best therapy for you, the artist, and for me, the listener.” 03:12“How much more can you achieve with doing stupid music? You saved someone's life.” 06:27“We are one race, the human race. We don't have to all be the same.” 10:40“We don't want to teach people, because we don't know the truth... My truth is not your truth or his truth.” 11:43“Educate yourself. Just know what you're talking about, and then you can make your decisions.” 13:25Resources and Links MentionedKärbholz's New Album: Sturmzieh auf (releases September 18, 2026)Available on Spotify, Amazon, and all streaming platforms 15:14Merchandise:Website: shop.kerpholz.de (ships worldwide, including USA and Canada) 15:22Connect with Kärbholz:Spotify, Amazon, and their own online shop 15:14Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-adventures-of-pipeman--941822/support.Click Here to Subscribe for PERKS, BONUS Content & FREE GIVEWAYS!Follow @pipemanradio on all socials & Pipeman Radio Requests & Info at www.linktr.ee/pipemanradioStream The Adventures of Pipeman daily & live Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays at 1PM ET on W4CY Radio & Talk 4 TV. Download, Rate & Review the Podcast at The Adventures of Pipeman, Pipeman Radio, Talk 4 Media, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & All Podcast Apps.

In this episode, Pipeman interviews members of German rock band Kärbholz, live from the iconic Wacken Open Air festival. The conversation covers the emotional power of music, their personal journeys, the meaning behind their songs, and how music can transcend cultural and political barriers. The episode also features heartfelt stories about fan connections, the healing role of music, and the true community spirit among metalheads.Main Topics CoveredExperiencing Wacken Open Air as performersPersonal beginnings and influences in musicMusic as emotional therapy for artists and fans alikeMosh pits: misunderstood spaces of catharsis and connectionThe transformative power and meaning of musicFan stories illustrating the impact of Kärbholz's songsThe community and inclusivity of metal cultureHandling politics and truth in songwritingPromoting Kärbholz's new album and merchandiseKey Discussions & StoriesThe Wacken ExperienceBand members recount the honor and excitement of performing at Wacken, calling it a dream come true for most rock and metal acts 00:35.Describes Wacken as the “cherry on the top” for their musical journey 01:30.Beginnings in MusicOne member shares picking up the guitar at 14 and learning Nirvana, realizing the inspiring power in playing music from his idols 01:57.Another describes starting with music education in kindergarten and eventually finding emotional connection and talent with drums 02:27.Music as Emotional TherapyBoth guests and Pipeman reflect on how music allows both artists and listeners to process and release emotions 03:11.Pipeman shares a personal story of using a Slayer mosh pit to work through grief after losing his grandson, emphasizing music's healing quality 04:27.Songs that Save LivesKärbholz members discuss their track “Mutmacher” and its profound effect on fans, including a story about a young woman who said the song saved her life during a suicidal crisis 05:51.The Real Spirit of MetalheadsContrast between the tough appearance of metal fans and the actual warmth, emotional openness, and sense of community at festivals like Wacken 08:27.Examples of playful circle pits, regardless of music style, highlighting the inclusive and fun-loving nature of the scene 09:39.Music Beyond PoliticsDiscussion about keeping politics out of music to foster unity, while acknowledging the importance of encouraging listeners to think for themselves and remain open-minded 11:31 and 12:49.On Truth and PerspectiveThe pitfalls of living in ideological bubbles and the value of open, diverse debate and personal experience in forming one's worldview 14:01.Notable Quotes“[Playing at Wacken] is like the cherry on top of the ice cream that is our amazing life playing music and having fun all the time.” 01:30“Music is the best therapy for you, the artist, and for me, the listener.” 03:12“How much more can you achieve with doing stupid music? You saved someone's life.” 06:27“We are one race, the human race. We don't have to all be the same.” 10:40“We don't want to teach people, because we don't know the truth... My truth is not your truth or his truth.” 11:43“Educate yourself. Just know what you're talking about, and then you can make your decisions.” 13:25Resources and Links MentionedKärbholz's New Album: Sturmzieh auf (releases September 18, 2026)Available on Spotify, Amazon, and all streaming platforms 15:14Merchandise:Website: shop.kerpholz.de (ships worldwide, including USA and Canada) 15:22Connect with Kärbholz:Spotify, Amazon, and their own online shop 15:14Pipeman in the Pit is a music, festival, and interview segment of The Adventures of Pipeman Radio Show (#pipemanradio) and from The King of All Festivals while on The Pipeman Radio Tour. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/pipeman-in-the-pit--2287932/support.Click Here to Subscribe for PERKS, BONUS Content & FREE GIVEWAYS!Follow @pipemanradio on all socials &  Pipeman Radio Requests & Info at www.linktr.ee/pipemanradioStream The Adventures of Pipeman daily & live Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays at 1PM ET on W4CY Radio & Talk 4 TV. Download, Rate & Review the Podcast at The Adventures of Pipeman, Pipeman Radio, Talk 4 Media, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & All Podcast Apps.

In this episode, we unpack one of the most destructive forces in modern relationships: contempt.Drawing from Arthur Brooks' book Love Your Enemies, we explore why contempt is not just a communication problem—but an addictive pattern that is quietly eroding marriages, families, and our sense of belonging. We look at the difference between anger and contempt, the brain chemistry that makes contempt feel rewarding in the short term, and the research showing how costly it becomes over time.We also examine the loneliness epidemic, particularly among younger generations, and how a culture of contempt may be one of the hidden drivers behind our growing disconnection.This episode focuses on awareness. Next week, we'll get practical and ask a harder question: Is it possible to build a marriage and home largely free of contempt while still living in a culture that constantly invites us into it?In this episode, we discuss:Why contempt may be one of the most addictive relational patterns in our cultureThe Vietnam War heroin study and what it reveals about our need for real connectionThe difference between anger and contemptJohn Gottman's research on contempt as the strongest predictor of divorceThe physical and emotional costs of living with chronic contemptMotive attribution asymmetry and why political division feels so personalWhy so many of us hate the division… yet keep participating in itBook mentioned:Love Your Enemies by Arthur BrooksNext episode:We'll explore whether it's possible to keep contempt out of our closest relationships while still engaging with a culture that runs on it—and what that practice actually looks like.Get in TouchWebsite: MasterYourMarriage.usInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/masteryourmarriageFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MasterYourMarriage/Mentioned in this episode:Research Interview RequestBefore we get back to the episode, I want to share something quick. A lot of people who listen here are looking for more support than the podcast alone can offer. Some are interested in coaching, but many want a more structured program with clear tools and ongoing guidance. We're in the early stages of creating something like that right now, and we're looking for a few people to interview so we can make sure we get it right. If you've ever felt successful in your career but disconnected at home, I'd really love to talk with you to get your insights as we create something that can genuinely help couples. This is purely for research — no sales pitch, no pressure. If you're interested, go to masteryourmarriage.us/research to schedule a quick interview.” Alright…back to the episode

Send us Fan MailWell spacemen, this is it. The last episode. Thank you for listening. This has meant a lot to Matt, Mike, and Rob. Thank you for coming along this journey with us. Keep moving forward. Keep improving. Keep being a Spaceman. Keywordscommunity service, personal growth, church activities, shared experiences, self-confidence, therapy, mental health, relationships, leadership, personal development men's mental health, vulnerability, personal growth, authentic connection, community, mental wellness, relationships, self-improvement Key TopicsCommunity service routines and challengesPersonal growth and confidence buildingLeadership and organization in church activitiesThe impact of shared experiences on relationshipsReflections on mental health and therapy Men's mental health and vulnerabilityBuilding authentic connections among menPractical advice for self-improvementHumor as a tool for connectionThe importance of community and supportChapters23:40 Sharing feedback and positive reinforcement24:46 The confidence paradox in men's work27:29 Humor and camaraderie in meetings28:12 Recognizing and appreciating support systems30:15 The importance of consideration and kindness32:42 Men's relationships and emotional expression36:38 Balancing work, family, and personal growth44:23 Encouragement for younger men and role models45:44 The impact of community and connection48:35 Closing thoughts and gratitude Spread the word! The Manspace is Rad!!

Nice Bike: Three Small Actions That Can Change School CultureWhat if changing school culture did not require a big program, a new initiative, or another committee?In this episode of Counselor Chat, Carol shares the powerful message behind Mark Scharenbroich's “Nice Bike” story and explores three simple ways school counselors can strengthen relationships throughout their buildings: acknowledge, honor, and connect.You will hear practical examples of how small moments of recognition can help students and staff feel seen, valued, and connected—and how those moments can create ripple effects throughout an entire school community.In This Episode:Why two simple words can open the door to connectionThe difference between acknowledging and honoring someoneHow specific recognition builds trust and belongingWhy connection needs to happen before a crisisSimple ways to positively influence school culture every daySchool culture is not built through one special event. It is built through the way people are treated, one interaction at a time.Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!Connect with Carol:TpT StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership

This week I welcome back the superb Keri Jarvis, who joined me for the episode "Disrupting the Wellness Industry" back in 2024. One of the wisest and most sensible people I have in my circle (as well as suitably radical and feisty - obviously) Keri shares her reflections on the ways we do and do not relate in today's world. Observing how many of the conditions and structures of our lives have rendered us relationally de-skilled, Keri and I explore possibility for communication, honesty, vulnerability, understanding and knowing ourselves and each other in a world which is increasingly polarised, divided and in short - a time of polycrisis!This is a must-listen episode for how we might actually create the environments and relational dynamics for what Keri calls, liveable futures TOGETHER.In this episode:- how systems of capitalism, supremacy and patriarchy have informed the way we interact with one another and in many respects deskilled us.- how mainstream ‘wellness culture' or ‘Western psychology' in some ways perpetuates some of these relational challenges, despite best intentions- how spaces of activism and social change can also mirror relational complexity and cycles of relational harmeimagining possibility for how we may be together in relational intimacy About Keri:Keri Jarvis is a Leftist Coach, Thought Partner & Community Activist supporting people to navigate the relational complexity of the polycrisis.Keri is deeply interested in how we've been relationally de-skilled, and disciplined into seeing ourselves and one another as separate cogs in a machine within Last Stage Capitalism. Her work supports people to develop more agile relationships with themselves, fertilising the possibility of generative, resilient relational dynamics. She believes the portals to liveable futures can be entered through our relationships- if only we can bear to be perceived.To contact Keri: https://www.kerijarvis.com/Key Topics:Relational de-skilling under capitalismThe paradox of intimacy and estrangementImpact of wellness culture on relationshipsStrategies for relational courage and vulnerabilityReimagining community through radical engagementThe role of boundaries and grey areas in connectionThe importance of compassion and self-awarenessActivism and relational work in social changeChapters:00:00 Introduction and guest background02:10 The relational paradox: desire for intimacy vs. fear of being known05:01 Impact of capitalism and social systems on relational skills09:02 The influence of wellness culture and individualism15:02 Reimagining community through radical engagement19:53 The importance of relational complexity and uncertainty24:48 The role of boundaries and self-awareness in relationships30:10 Practicing honesty and vulnerability in social change35:05 The power of small acts of kindness and connection39:56 Developing courage and compassion in activism45:02 The potential of strangers and everyday interactions49:56 Self-compassion and growth through relational challenges01:00:07 Course announcement and closing remarksResources:Radical Intimacy by Sophie K. RosaExperiments in Imagining Otherwise by Lola OlufemiThe Second Body by Daisy HilgardGeorge Monbiot at The GuardianParable of the Sower by Octavia ButlerLove in a Fucked Up World by Dean SpadeCollaborating with the Enemy by Adam KahaneEveryday Habits for Transforming Systems: The Catalytic Power of Radical Engagement with Adam KahaneThe Portal e-learning platform: https://collective.jointheportal.com/about-the-portal-collectiveIf you enjoyed this episode please consider leaving a 5* review or take a moment to review the show - this makes a massive difference in helping more people find the conversations. Thank you for tuning in!

What does it look like when a nonprofit team thinks like a business, not a charity?In this episode, I sit down with the powerhouse team behind Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center: founder and CEO DiDi Ellis, Director of Development Erica Smith, and Donor Relations Manager Paige Thames. In 11 years, Kids Hub has grown from 1 paid employee to 21, from 1,300 square feet to nearly 7,000, and from grant-dependent to running one of the most creative individual donor programs I've heard of, including a Power of 100 Women giving circle that raised $149,000 this year alone. We dig into how they think about donor acquisition in a rural southern community, why the chicken plant became one of their sponsors, how they tell emotionally compelling stories without ever showing a child's face, and why Paige says fundraisers have the cushiest job in the building and should act like it. This conversation will change how you think about the ask. All of it.Topics:The Power of 100 Women giving circle: from $0 to $149K and how peer-to-peer became their #1 donor acquisition pipelineWhy a chicken plant, a yeast company, and a paper mill are now sponsors, and the mindset that made the ask possibleHow to tell emotionally compelling stories when you can never show a child's face or share specific detailsBuilding donor relationships that go beyond the gift: volunteer days, feedback conversations, and year-round connectionThe relay race model: splitting donor acquisition and donor retention between two people with different giftsWhy DiDi paid cash for a $680K renovation while still raising the money, and what that business mindset means for any nonprofitFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits like yours. Book your demo here. Read The 2026 Giving Signals Report here.  If you've listened to the show and found it valuable, would you leave a review?It helps more nonprofit leaders find the podcast, and I read every one.Thank you for being here for episode 200 and beyond.Resources:Easy Emails For Impact™: The $5K+ Fundraising Campaign SystemPurpose & Profit Club® Fundraising + Marketing Accelerator   The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter  [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

What if your horse is responding less to what you say and more to who you are being?In this thoughtful conversation, I sit down with Julia Carpenter, founder of The Two Step Way, to explore what becomes possible when we slow down enough to truly see the being in front of us.Julia shares how horses reflect our nervous systems, why presence matters more than performance, and how healing often begins not with fixing, but with noticing. We talk about somatic healing, trauma stored in the body, the relationship between science and spirituality, and the quiet intelligence animals offer when we create enough space to listen.This conversation moved far beyond horsemanship. It became an invitation to reconnect with ourselves, soften our need to control, and remember that wonder still belongs in our lives.We also explore: What “See the Being™” really meansHow horses read our nervous systemsTrauma, freeze states, and healing through safetyWhy slowing down can transform connectionThe overlap between science, intuition, and somatic awarenessHow technology may be disconnecting us from presenceJulia's powerful story of Magneto and the horse who changed her lifeIf you've ever felt like your horse was trying to tell you something… or like life itself keeps offering lessons you're meant to notice… this episode is for you.Connect with Julia:Website: https://twostepway.com/Website: https://www.consideringanimals.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julia.carpenter.12If this episode speaks to you, share it with a friend and tell us: Who has been your wise horse?Adventure on!Send us Fan Mail Support the show✨ Join the Spiritual Horse Seeker Summit

When was the last time you said your desires out loud…or even admitted them to yourself? In Part 2, Caitlin V and I dive DEEP into the heart of women's sexuality: Body count shame, the “good girl” myth, what to do when sex fizzles in a long-term relationship, and why honoring YOUR truth (not just your partner's) is the only path to lasting pleasure and freedom.We break down how women can restore their relationship with their own bodies, what to do if you and your partner want different things, and the rules I swear by in my own marriage to keep desire AND honesty alive. Learn the communication tools to revive intimacy after a sexual dry spell, plus the empowering strategies to clear resentment, heal shame, and finally, unapologetically ask for what YOU want, in and out of the bedroom. Homie, your sexuality is your superpower, let's set it free.SHOWNOTES“Body count,” shame, and the female experience: Whose story are you living?Why feeling “too much” or “not enough” keeps us from pleasureMoving through betrayal, bed death, and starting the sex talk againNavigating mismatched desires and honoring YOUR needsWhy radical honesty (and permission to say “no”) changes everythingBuilding erotic creativity after years: Small steps for big changeWhy tying sex to love and worthiness holds women back (and how to undo it)Communication after “bed death”: From silence to true connectionThe single phrase that transforms your relationship (and your sex life)Thank you to our sponsors:Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/lisaOneSkin: 15% off with code LISA at https://oneskin.co/lisaFollow Caitlin V:Website: https://caitlinvneal.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/caitlinvictoriousx YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CaitlinVFOLLOW LISA BILYEU:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisabilyeu/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/womenofimpactTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lisa_bilyeu?lang=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisabilyeuSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In Episode 209 of Wild & Waking, I'm joined by Jack Thomas, a self-taught regenerative farmsteader, food and homesteading educator, printmaker, writer, and founder of ACRE, the Agrarian Co-Learning & Resiliency Exchange. Together, we explore what it means to build a resilient, politically conscious agrarian life beyond the tradwife fantasy - and why growing food, raising animals, baking bread, caring for the land, and creating a softer life do not have to come packaged with right-wing politics, patriarchy, or religious fundamentalism.Our conversation digs into the tradwife pipeline, political identity in rural America, class consciousness, white privilege, vibes-based voting, and the contradictions between the policies many rural voters support and the values they practice in their own communities. Jack offers a compelling leftist alternative to tradwife culture: a life rooted in food resiliency, domestic meaning, agrarian skills, mutual aid, political freedom, and interdependence. We also talk about why farmers need healthcare and economic security, how political messaging shapes rural identity, and what it really takes to change hearts and minds without abandoning nuance, safety, or personal boundaries.We also explore the loneliness of being queer, progressive, liberal, or leftist in agricultural and rural spaces and the importance of creating politically aligned communities both online and in real life. Jack shares the vision behind ACRE (Agrarian Co-Learning & Resiliency Exchange), their upcoming UnTrad podcast, and the possibility of building rural communities centered on co-learning, preparedness, food sovereignty, creativity, and collective resilience. This episode is an invitation to stay open, resist becoming calcified in our beliefs, hold both sacred rage and whimsy, and keep building the world we actually want to live in - one garden, conversation, community, and tiny tomato at a time.In this episode, we explore:Jack's evolution from a conservative upbringing in rural Georgia to life as a queer, AuDHD leftist farmsteader in VermontCareer reinvention, identity evolution, and the “career ego deaths” that helped Jack connect art, education, regenerative agriculture, and community buildingHow COVID disrupted the cultural checklist and sparked personal, political, and professional awakeningThe rise of the tradwife movement and why its promise of softness, certainty, domesticity, and belonging can feel so seductiveReclaiming homemaking, food production, homesteading, and slower living without embracing patriarchy or right-wing politicsThe anti-tradwife alternative: food sovereignty, mutual aid, political agency, interdependence, and agrarian resilienceHow class identity, poverty, grit, white privilege, and rural culture shape political beliefsThe disconnect between rural values, voting patterns, and policies affecting farmers, healthcare, labor, and economic securityThe loneliness of being queer, progressive, liberal, or leftist in rural and agricultural spacesWhy politically aligned community can create safety, belonging, and more honest connectionThe vision behind ACRE, the Agrarian Co-Learning & Resiliency ExchangeBuilding online communities that lead to real-life relationships, regional gatherings, and mutual supportJack's experience with political de-radicalization and helping people question inherited belief systemsJack's upcoming UnTrad podcast and its vision for a more inclusive, resilient agrarian futureResisting ideological calcification and staying open to growth, change, and small ego deathsHolding sacred rage and whimsy at the same timeBe sure to hit subscribe so you never miss the latest episode!Connect with Jack:Learn more about Jack's work, writing, and agrarian community:Join ACRE, the Agrarian Co-Learning & Resiliency ExchangeUse code WILDANDWAKING20 to receive 20% off an annual ACRE membershipRead Jack's writing on SubstackFollow Jack on InstagramConnect with Jack on ThreadsConnect with Emily:Website: www.EmilyReuschel.comInstagram: @emilyreuschelFacebook: Emily ReuschelLinkedIn: Emily ReuschelJoin my Book Insiders List: Sign up here!Resources and Links:Sign up here to get the inside scoop to my book writing journey!Book me as a speaker for your next event - email inquiries to emilyreuschel@gmail.com or schedule a call hereWild & Waking – Produced by Jill Carr Podcasting | Learn More

Send us Fan MailWhat if healing isn't about trying harder...but about learning to listen?In this episode, I sit down with equine somatic practitioner Cara Gereau for a thoughtful conversation about trauma, trust, emotions, and the remarkable way horses respond to what we're actually feeling - not what we're trying to hide.Together they explore how our bodies often know the truth before our minds do, why animals can become powerful partners in healing, and what horses have to teach us about authenticity, safety, and connection.Whether you've experienced trauma yourself, love someone who has, or simply want to understand the extraordinary wisdom animals have to offer, this conversation is filled with insight, compassion, and hope.In this episode, we discuss:Why horses respond to our emotional state rather than our storyWhat "somatics" really means and why it mattersTrauma, healing, and the nervous systemHow animals create a sense of safety and connectionThe importance of authenticity—for both people and horsesLessons from a lifetime of living and working alongside animalsAlthough Cara and I come from different backgrounds, I found myself saying, "Yes...I've seen that too." Much of what she shared resonated with my own experiences working with animals. I hope you enjoy our conversation.https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

Ep #146 - In this episode of The Awakened Heart Podcast, I sit down with Thayne Martin for a powerful conversation about emotional healing, gratitude, neuroscience, unconditional love, and the journey from surviving trauma to creating a life of greater peace, connection, and purpose.Thayne's life story is extraordinary. After experiencing profound childhood trauma, living with Dissociative Identity Disorder, struggling with addiction, and surviving multiple near-death experiences, he began a deeply personal journey of healing and self-discovery. Through that process, he developed a new understanding of how our subconscious beliefs, emotional patterns, and life experiences shape the way we see ourselves and the world around us.Together, we explore how gratitude can become much more than a positive thought or daily checklist. Thayne shares the neuroscience behind gratitude, love, emotional balance, and human connection - and explains how intentional experiences may help us shift deeply rooted beliefs and create meaningful change from within.We also talk about the neurochemicals connected to love and bonding, including oxytocin, dopamine, and vasopressin; the influence of media and subconscious programming; healing generational and ancestral patterns; heart-brain coherence; shadow work; spiritual awakening; and the importance of becoming aware of the emotional energy we bring into our everyday lives.Thayne also shares practical tools, including his “gratitude cocktail,” gratitude bracelet, gratitude sandwich protocol, and simple ways we can create meaningful moments of connection, even with complete strangers.One of the messages that stayed with me most from this conversation is that love and connection are what truly matter. When we begin changing what is happening within us, those changes naturally ripple outward into our relationships, communities, and the world around us.If you've been feeling emotionally stuck, disconnected, overwhelmed, or ready to create a deeper sense of inner peace, I hope this conversation reminds you that healing is possible, and that small, intentional moments of gratitude, kindness, awareness, and genuine connection can have a much greater impact than we realize.In this episode, we explore:Thayne's journey through childhood trauma, DID, addiction, and healingHow his near-death experiences changed his understanding of life and connectionThe relationship between neuroscience, gratitude, love, and emotional healingHow subconscious beliefs influence our emotions and behaviorThe “gratitude cocktail” and the brain chemistry connected to gratitudePractical ways to create authentic moments of connection with strangersOxytocin, dopamine, vasopressin, and emotional balanceHow experiential learning may help shift deeply rooted patternsHeart-brain coherence and awarenessShadow work, epigenetics, and ancestral traumaThe influence of media and subconscious programmingSpiritual awakening, consciousness, abundance, and inner peaceWhat it truly means to live with an awakened heart Sound bites"We could add a podcast before the podcast.""Love and connection are what truly matter""Before was heavy, now I feel weightless"

My 8-session book study on The Freedom Transmissions starts this Wednesday at 9:00 am PST. This is your sign to join us! Sign up here: SAY YESWhat's up, friends?I went live again — solo — here on Substack to talk about the book that keeps pulling me back in. Take a listen to my riffing on the video

Quick SummarySarah McCready, founder of Illuminated Joy, joins host Kelsey for a rich conversation about what it truly means to operate from a place of peace rather than hustle. From charming the village grump as a five-year-old to building a thriving mentorship business after 20+ years in corporate financial services, Sarah shares the real story behind her business name, why nervous system regulation is the missing piece for most entrepreneurs, and how the simple act of genuine human curiosity can become your most powerful business superpower.In This EpisodeHow Sarah and Kelsey met in a café — and why that moment perfectly captures Sarah's gift for connectionThe origin story of Illuminated Joy, from red light therapy and Reiki to a transformational mentorship for womenWhat "the dark night of the soul" taught Sarah about healing, patterns, and creating a new lifeWhy thinking beyond the five senses is no longer "woo" — and what science now says about nervous system regulationHow hustle culture keeps us stuck in a primal state and disconnected from our intuitionSimple, accessible nature-based practices for entrepreneurs who feel stalled or burned outThe surprising reason most people don't connect others — and how to build this as a skillWhy getting outside (rain or shine!) is one of the most neuroscientifically sound things you can do for your businessKey TakeawaysYour nervous system drives 90% of your reactions. If you're not learning to regulate it, you're unknowingly operating from fear and stress rather than clarity and creativity.Entrepreneurship is the biggest personal development journey you will ever go on. Unresolved wounds, limiting beliefs, and past patterns will surface — and that's actually an invitation to heal.Nature is not optional — it's regulatory. Getting outdoors, breathing fresh air, and moving your body recalibrates your nervous system and literally brings both brain hemispheres online.Genuine connection starts with curiosity about others, not yourself. Shifting the spotlight from yourself to the person in front of you is the foundational practice of meaningful networking.Start with one small thing and do it for a month. Whether it's a daily walk, deep breathing, or attending one event — momentum builds from commitment to consistency.Memorable Quotes"Those that shine the brightest have experienced a lot of dark — and I am no exception to that rule." — Sarah McCready"When we are in that stuck or stalled place, trying to create a whole new habit that hasn't been familiar to you isn't going to fly. Your body and your mind will resist it. The biggest thing you can do is just get out in nature." — Sarah McCready"The only way you can tap into that inner knowing consciously is to give yourself space and silence and time to reflect inward." — Sarah McCreadyResources MentionedInstagram: @illuminatedjoyLinkedIn: Sarah McCreadyFacebook: Sarah McCreadyWebsite: illuminatedjoy.comKelsey's Website: KelseyReidl.comKelsey's Instagram: @KelseyReidl3 Easy Techniques to Inner Calm (Free resource from Sarah): https://www.illuminatedjoy.com/3easytechniquestointernalcalmIlluminated Joy Website: illuminatedjoy.comGUSS — Sarah's acronym for God, Universe, Source, Spirit (the language of your inner knowing, however you name it)About Sarah McCreadySarah McCready is the founder of Illuminated Joy, a transformational mentorship practice for women. After 20+ years in corporate financial services and a personal healing journey through what she calls "the dark night of the soul," Sarah combined her early work with red light therapy and Reiki into a powerful six-month, one-to-one mentorship program focused on nervous system regulation, subconscious healing, and authentic connection. She is known for her extraordinary ability to see people, build bridges between them, and help women move from survival mode to a life of purpose, peace, and joy.

A rapidly growing number of agents are turning their back on the stress and expense of running a business and leveraging their experience and skills to make big money by focusing exclusively on listings and sales.In this episode, Ray Wood catches up with respected New Zealand agent, auctioneer and former multi-office owner Wayne Maguire, who has made exactly that move.After building successful Ray White businesses, managing teams and carrying the pressure of overheads, staffing, systems and office costs, Wayne made a deliberate decision to get back to what he does best: winning listings, building relationships, negotiating hard and selling property.Wayne's message is simple: the money is often in selling real estate, not in carrying the risk and responsibility of running multiple offices.He shares how he is rebuilding his personal sales business by combining proven old-school prospecting with modern digital marketing. From consistent letterbox drops and database communication to video, appraisal campaigns and online marketing, Wayne is making sure his local market knows that when they list with him, he is personally involved from the first conversation through to the final negotiation.He also explains why AI is becoming an essential advantage for agents who want to create more leverage, improve their marketing, stay on top of communication and run a more efficient sales business.But Wayne is clear: technology does not replace the skills that matter most.The best agents still ask better questions, listen closely, build trust, understand people and negotiate confidently in the lounge room.In this episode, you will discover:Why business ownership is not always the most profitable path for ambitious agentsHow to rebuild your profile and market awareness when returning to frontline salesThe prospecting methods Wayne still relies on every weekWhy personal involvement creates a powerful point of difference with sellersHow AI can help agents create more leverage without losing the human connectionThe discipline, structure and habits behind sustained sales performanceWhy your face-to-face listing and negotiation skills remain your greatest advantageThis is a must-listen episode for agents who are tired of being buried in admin, team issues, overheads and operational stress—and want to get back to doing the work that creates income, freedom and momentum.Sometimes the smartest move is not to build a bigger business.Sometimes it is to become a better, more focused salesperson.Connect with Wayne at waynemaguire.com

In this episode,Parfait Bassalé shares insights from his book "The Way of Befriending,' exploring how building bridges through courage, curiosity, and compassion can transform relationships and organizations. We delve into stories of belonging, the power of art, and practical steps to foster genuine connection in a divided world.Key TopicsThe concept of othering and its impact on human connectionThe three pillars of befriending: courage, curiosity, compassionStories of belonging and the role of art and musicSystemic befriending in organizations and communitiesImmediate actionable steps to foster connection and inclusionChapters00:00Introduction to the Journey of Building Bridges01:01Meet Parfait Bessali and the Concept of Othering02:28The Story of the Man at the Door and Belonging07:27The Roots of Tribal Identity and Building Walls13:44The Three Pillars: Courage, Curiosity, Compassion22:59The Role of Art, Music, and Poetry in Healing42:26The Core Message: Be the Unexpected Friend44:24The Stacy Story: The Power of Unexpected Friendships47:17The Meaning of Home and Connection48:16Closing Remarks and Call to Action

In this episode, Jen breaks down exactly how she gets wedding leads off third-party platforms like Zola, WeddingWire, The Knot, Instagram DMs, and other places where couples often reach out with very little commitment.If you have ever felt frustrated by doing a lot of work for leads who are hiding behind a platform, ghosting you, or asking for too much without giving much back, this episode is for you. Jen shares the process she uses to create a stronger equal energy exchange, protect her time, and move people into her own ecosystem where she can communicate more clearly and convert better leads.Instead of spending time going back and forth inside third-party platforms, Jen explains how she quickly acknowledges the inquiry, finds a point of common ground, and invites the couple to email her directly so she can send her brochure, service offerings, and starting pricing. From there, she uses intentional questions to gauge whether the person is serious, aligned, and willing to engage in a mutual exchange of energy.This episode is a powerful reminder that you do not need to overwork for every lead. You need a process that protects your peace, builds trust, and helps the right clients move closer.In this episode, Jen talks about:Why third-party sites can feel frustrating and unproductiveHow this connects to the idea of equal energy exchangeWhy she avoids long back-and-forth conversations inside third-party platformsHow she uses common ground to start building connectionThe exact way she invites clients into her email processWhy her brochure and starting pricing help qualify leads fasterThe questions she asks to test whether a lead is seriousHow she decides when someone is ready for a consultationWhy she still believes in consultations and custom estimatesHow she uses her process to show value, creativity, and serviceWhy protecting your time and energy is part of running a better businessKey takeawayYou do not need to chase people around on third-party platforms.You need a process that moves them into your world, builds trust, creates an equal energy exchange, and helps you spend your time on the leads that are actually worth it.

Have you ever felt like you're building someone else's dream while quietly feeling called to something more?In this episode, Rachel shares how she walked away from a successful corporate career leading projects for companies like CIBC, Mastercard, KPMG, and Deloitte to build businesses centered on wellness, community, and belonging.We dive into why so many people feel disconnected today, what true success actually looks like, and how following your purpose can change everything.Inside this episode:Leaving corporate to follow your callingWhy community is more important than everRedefining success beyond money and titlesFinding purpose, belonging, and deeper connectionThe one message every woman needs to hear if she feels lostIf you've been craving more purpose, more connection, or the courage to trust what's pulling at your heart, this episode is for you.This version opens with a stronger emotional hook and encourages listeners to keep reading and hit play.Connect with Rachelhttps://www.alignmuskoka.ca/https://www.instagram.com/alignmuskoka/https://www.havenspasocialclub.ca/https://www.instagram.com/havenspasocialclub/?hl=enConnect with Elyse https://www.instagram.com/elyseberendson/Work with Elyse - https://stan.store/elyseberendson

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Queerly Beloved, Wil Fisher (aka. Sylvia Wil Gather Rainbor) sits down with the legendary John Cameron Mitchell, the actor, writer, director, singer, and cultural icon best known for creating, directing, and starring in Hedwig and the Angry Inch. John also wrote and directed Shortbus, directed Rabbit Hole, co-wrote and directed How to Talk to Girls at Parties, and created the podcast series Anthem: Homunculus and Cancellation Island.In this rich, funny, provocative, and deeply human conversation, John shares reflections on the 25th anniversary of Hedwig and the Angry Inch and the ways this beloved story continues to offer queer people a sense of complexity, liberation, and hope. He and Wil explore Hedwig not simply as a story about trauma, patriarchy, identity, survival, and the longing to become whole.John also speaks about his relationship with Catholicism, ritual, queer spirituality, and the way queer people often learn early how to live inside nuance and contradiction. Together, explore humor as a queer survival tool, the limits of labels, the Radical Faerie community, psychedelics, dancing as medicine, AI, punk, and the sacred importance of staying human in a time of fear and disconnection.They also discuss:John's first remembered role as the Virgin Mary at a boys' boarding school in ScotlandCatholicism, ritual, theater, and queer complexityThe danger of reducing people to labels or stereotypesRadical Faeries, Harry Hay, queer magic, and non-corporate expressions of queernessThe difference between substances that expand connection and substances that deepen isolationAI, creativity, heartbreak, and why human art still mattersPunk as kindness, courage, DIY action, and real-life connectionThe importance of feeling fully instead of letting fear shut us downThis conversation is a beautiful reminder that queer wisdom is often found in the in-between places, in humor, contradiction, grief, glitter, resistance, ritual, and the courage to keep becoming.John Cameron Mitchell on Instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/johncameronmitchell/?hl=enLearn more about Hedwig 25 here:https://www.hedwig25.com/Learn more about Wil Fisher and his work here:https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/Please subscribe to Queerly Beloved and leave a review if this episode moved you!

For this conversation, I'm talking with Jordan Christine Gray, multidimensional energy healer + teacher, + creator of Portal of Light Healing Center here in Coeur d'Alene. I've been coaching with Jordan every few weeks since the beginning of this year, which has been a life changing journey of diving into my own layers of …stuff, + having Jordan support me in listening to depths of me. It sounds complex + intense, + it is, but that's what our conversation dances around --- trusting your inner voice + navigating societal systems while staying true to your soul's purpose. We also discuss the transformative journey of energy healing, multidimensional awareness, + daily rituals for connecting with your energy + aligning with Source. Whether you're new to spiritual practices or well along your path, Jordan's insights can guide you toward deeper connection + self-empowerment.In this episode:Jordan shares her early experiences with spirits and astral travel Explanation of astral travel, multidimensional realities, + the science of energy bodiesThe journey from childhood hypersensitivity to professional energy healing practiceHow taking the red pill versus blue pill symbolizes awakening + soul connectionThe importance of safety + trust in connecting with your divine selfPractical tools like channel activation, meditation, + releasing limitationsThe significance of healing ancestral + collective wounds for personal + planetary evolutionEncouragement to pursue your soul's calling despite societal conditioningGuided oracle card reading for insight + growthConnect with Jordan Gray:Golden Light Source Healing, www.glshealing.comPortal of Light Healing Center, www.portaloflighthealing.comFinal Inspiration:Remember, you are so much more than your current understanding. Trust your intuition, open your channels daily, + know that the universe supports your highest path. Keep shining your light + integrating these practices into your life for true transformation.Find me, +  the episode, either audio or video, through my website www.gemmapuddy.com. I would greatly appreciate it, if you would share + like the episodes so that more people can be inspired. And remember you can always watch these conversations on my YouTube Channel. Sending all the love, light and vibrancy!Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: BJUWI8BYIDYBD0N5Be sure to watch my videos on YouTube  @vibrantlivingwithgemma, + follow me on IG @vibrantlivingwithgemma + @vibrantliving_conversations for my programs + more tips on living fully from your own power! Sending all the love, light + vibrancy!GemmaLIFE COACH.I am vibrant. I am worthy. I am free. I am me.

Welcome to the Charismatic Leader Podcast. In this episode, Brett McDermott breaks down why charisma isn't just charm or confidence—it's also warmth. Warmth is the quality that makes people trust you before they even know why, and it's half of the charisma equation.Brett shares three practical strategies leaders can use immediately to project more warmth in their communication: presence, curiosity, and appreciation. He explains why being fully present in every interaction builds trust, how asking deeper questions creates genuine connection, and why specific appreciation fuels people as much as shelter and water. With examples ranging from everyday conversations to workplace recognition, Brett shows how warmth transforms influence.This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone who wants to be respected, liked, and ultimately more influential in every room they enter.Key TakeawaysWhy charisma is built on both confidence and warmthHow presence—listening with your ears and eyes—creates trustWhy curiosity and deeper questions unlock genuine connectionThe power of specific appreciation to fuel and motivate othersHow practicing these skills daily makes you more charismatic and influential

In this powerful episode of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, host Dr. Sarah Tanner Anderson sits down with Ebony Cherry (B.S.'04, M.S.'22), a double Longwood alumna, former student-athlete, and innovative school leader, to explore a journey defined by resilience, relationships, and purpose-driven leadership.Ebony shares her full-circle path from navigating childhood trauma and arriving at Longwood as a first-generation student-athlete to becoming a people-first assistant principal committed to creating safe, supportive environments for both students and educators. Choosing Longwood not once, but twice, Ebony reflects on how her undergraduate and graduate experiences shaped her evolution from survival mode to a confident, boundary-pushing leader in educational leadership.While completing her master's in Educational Leadership, Ebony leaned into the same principles that guide her work today: authentic connection, accountability with empathy, and the belief that leadership is earned through trust. Drawing on her background in athletics and coaching, she brings a “player development” mindset into administration by using data, communication, and relationship-building to help both students and teachers grow.Throughout the episode, Ebony reflects on the Power of People that shaped her path: professors who showed up, literally and figuratively, during her hardest seasons, mentors who pushed her to see her own leadership potential, and a Longwood community that became a place of stability, belonging, and transformation.Now a noteworthy assistant principal, Ebony is redefining what leadership looks like in education by balancing high expectations with humanity, and ensuring every person in her building feels seen, valued, and supported.In this episode, listeners will explore:The realities of entering college as a first-generation student without a roadmapHow Longwood became a place of healing, stability, and lifelong connectionThe shift from athlete and coach to impactful educational leaderWhat it means to humanize leadership while maintaining accountabilityHow mentorship, relationships, and community shape lasting successWhy true leadership starts with investing in people, not power or positionEbony's story embodies the heart of Season 3 by demonstrating how resilience, mentorship, and meaningful relationships can transform not only individual lives, but entire communities.“I'm gonna hold you accountable, yes, but I'm also gonna love you through the process.” — Ebony CherrySubscribe to Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree to hear more stories of alumni whose journeys prove the lasting power of people, connection, and opportunity.

Mastering Trust-Based Selling: How to Win Conversations and Close More Deals In this episode, Wayne Weathersby breaks down the subtle but costly mistake salespeople and agents make—trying to prove value too early. Instead, he shows how shifting focus to understanding client needs and building trust can dramatically increase success rates.In this episode:Why presenting value prematurely kills deals and how to avoid itThe crucial difference between proving value and discovering what clients valueHow to ask better questions that uncover emotional driversThe dangers of pitching solutions before creating connectionThe myth that showing the most value wins the clientPractical examples of shifting from a pitch to a diagnosis approachThe importance of curiosity, listening, and labeling client emotionsThe impact of trust and understanding on closing deals, not just leads or market conditionsHow to handle difficult conversations and avoid resistanceThe role of self-awareness and growth in improving sales skillsTimestamps:00:00 – The real sales mistake: rushing to show value before understanding the client00:30 – Why deals are lost in conversation, not at the contract stage00:53 – The difference between proving your value and understanding theirs01:20 – Why agents often show off their experience too early01:46 – The importance of connecting before pitching02:12 – How to avoid solving problems the client didn't admit to02:42 – What sellers really care about: trust, safety, and transparency03:12 – The hidden cost of pitching too soon: creating resistance03:53 – Why making clients feel understood wins deals over resumes and resumes04:20 – The myth: more value equals more wins, but value is personal04:45 – Why scripts are helpful but not enough; wisdom is key05:11 – The art of diagnosing by asking better questions05:39 – The mistake of losing deals because of poor trust conversion06:08 – Growth requires discomfort, self-awareness, and reflection06:38 – Analyzing conversations to improve results07:00 – How curiosity transforms the client interaction07:28 – Labeling client emotions for better connection07:56 – Practical shift: from pitching to diagnosing08:25 – Examples of reframing value propositions08:56 – Wrap-up: Less convincing, more connecting; less presentation, more trustResources & Links:Relentless Drive by Wayne Weathersby (if available)Effective Questioning in SalesBuilding Trust in SalesConnect with Wayne Weathersby:LinkedInTwitterBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/productive-not-busy-podcast-with-wayne-weathersby--6261465/support. Subscribe today and join a community that's growing stronger every week. The Productive NOT Busy Podcast isn't just a show—it's your playbook for creating momentum, building confidence, and living life on purpose.

Send us Fan MailWhen love feels unpredictable, it can leave both partners questioning themselves, the relationship, and the future they're trying to build together.In this deeply honest episode of Evolve Your Intimacy, Dr. Stephanie Sigler—licensed professional counselor, certified sex therapist, and clinical sexologist—dives into the real impact bipolar disorder can have on intimate relationships.This conversation goes far beyond the stereotypes of “mood swings” and explores what bipolar disorder actually looks like inside a relationship: the emotional highs, depressive lows, attachment injuries, intimacy struggles, financial instability, hypervigilance, trust ruptures, and the fear of never knowing what comes next.Dr. Stephanie breaks down:The difference between mania, hypomania, depression, and mixed episodesWhy partners often experience emotional whiplashHow bipolar disorder affects attachment, safety, and emotional connectionThe hidden impact on trust, finances, and relationship stabilityHypersexuality, low libido, and the confusion around intimacy across mood statesHow couples can support each other without losing themselvesWhy structure, accountability, and consistency matter more than promisesPractical ways to reconnect emotionally and physically during difficult seasonsThis episode is not about blame.It's about understanding the pattern so couples can stop fighting each other and start responding to the challenges together.Whether you are living with bipolar disorder, loving someone who is, or simply trying to better understand the complexity of mental health in relationships, this episode offers compassionate insight, practical tools, and language for the conversations many couples struggle to have.To explore workshops, relationship tools, and intimacy resources, visit:www.evolveyourintimacy.comFollow, share, and leave a review to help more couples learn how to build safer, healthier, and more intentional intimacy.Sponsored by Shameless Care.Bliss CruiseEvolve Your Intimacy on a Bliss Cruise!SwinkatationLife, Love, and Play at the intersection of Swing and Kink... Use Code EVOLVE fDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showEVOLVEYOURINTIMACY.COMSex Therapy |Travel | Retreats| Courses| Podcasts | Articles | Blogs, & VlogsAre you looking to enhance your sexual communication skills? Do you crave a safe space to explore your sexual desires with your partner but aren't sure where to start? Look no further than the Evolve Your Intimacy Podcast, hosted by the renowned Dr. Stephanie.Join Certified Sex Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor Dr. Stephanie Sigler as she interviews top experts in the field of clinical sexology, veterans in the lifestyle, and popular influencers, bringing you the most accurate information regarding your sexual health and pleasure.NEW SHOWS EVERY WednesdayIf you enjoy the content we produce, show your love by buying me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/evolveyourintimacy

In this episode of Million Dollar Flip Flops, Rodric sits down with executive leadership coach and team architect Daria Rudnik for a fascinating conversation about what actually makes a team work.Daria shares lessons from her background in HR, organizational development, and executive leadership across tech, telecom, mergers, acquisitions, and digital transformations. Through years of helping organizations navigate disruption, she realized one truth stands above the rest: strong teams are what allow companies to survive and grow.The conversation dives into what defines a real team, why most “teams” are not actually functioning as teams, and how communication, collaboration, and shared purpose are more important than ever in today's remote and AI-driven world. Daria also explains the five pillars from her book Clicking and why leaders must stop trying to be heroes and instead create environments where teams solve problems together.This is a thoughtful, practical conversation about leadership, communication, workplace culture, and the future of teamwork in an increasingly digital world.In This Episode, You'll LearnWhy most workplace “teams” are not actually functioning as real teamsThe five pillars every strong team needsWhy shared purpose matters more than organizational chartsHow remote work changes communication and collaborationWhy leaders need to intentionally build team connectionThe difference between managing people and building a teamHow AI agents are changing workplace collaborationWhy heroic leadership often creates disengaged teamsHighlights & Timestamps[00:00] What makes a real team? Daria opens by explaining that teams need a shared purpose, not just shared reporting lines.[01:00] Meet Daria Rudnik Daria shares her background in HR, organizational development, and leadership across major corporate transformations.[02:00] Teams are a skill, not a default She explains that most people are never actually taught how to function as part of a team.[03:00] Why most teams are misaligned The conversation explores how poor communication and unclear collaboration create conflict and slow growth.[04:00] Remote work and disconnected teams Rodric asks how remote work has impacted teams, and Daria explains why intentional communication matters more than ever.[05:00] No-email Fridays and real communication Rodric shares a story about a company implementing no-email Fridays to encourage actual human interaction.[06:00] The five pillars of strong teams Daria introduces the framework from her book Clicking.[07:00] Shared purpose and linking connections She explains why teams need clear purpose and strong relationships both internally and externally.[08:00] Why leaders create isolated employees by accident Daria explains how leaders sometimes become the only communication hub, unintentionally isolating team members from each other.[09:00] Integrated work and team norms The conversation explores how rules, rhythms, and communication structures shape healthy teams.[10:00] Collaborative decisions and ownership Daria discusses the importance of clarifying who owns which decisions and when collaboration is needed.[11:00] Knowledge sharing and continuous learning She explains how feedback and shared learning help teams grow stronger over time.[12:00] Strong teams matter at every size Rodric points out that even small businesses with five or six employees still need these systems in place.[13:00] Athletes, military backgrounds, and teamwork The conversation turns to whether athletes and military leaders naturally become better team players.[14:00] Listening as a leadership skill Daria shares why leaders with military backgrounds often excel at listening and structure.[15:00] The future of AI and teams Daria introduces the idea of human + AI collaboration and how AI agents may become part of workplace teams.[16:00] What is an AI agent? Rodric and Daria explain AI agents as automated workflows that can support teams and decision-making.[17:00] Why leaders are overloaded Daria reflects on how modern leaders are carrying enormous pressure from constant disruption and uncertainty.[18:00] The danger of heroic leadership She explains why trying to shield teams from every problem can actually disengage them.[19:00] Stop solving everything alone Daria encourages leaders to facilitate conversations and solve challenges together with their teams instead of acting as heroes.Notable Quotes“To be a real team, you need to have a shared purpose.” – Daria Rudnik “Being in the same org chart box with one manager doesn't make you a team.” – Daria Rudnik “Being a teammate is a skill.” – Daria Rudnik “Good leaders intentionally design communication.” – Daria Rudnik “Leaders need to stop being heroes and start facilitating conversations.” – Daria Rudnik “Teams are not built by accident.” – Daria RudnikConnect with Daria Rudnik

Ep. 188. In this episode, Perle Noire shares her inspiring journey from burlesque star and trafficking survivor to healing and intimacy coach. She discusses her unique framework of healing through seduction, redefining intimacy, and honouring ancestral power, offering practical insights for personal empowerment and self-trust.Key TopicsPerle Noire's journey from burlesque star to healing coachThe concept of self-seduction and its healing powerRedefining intimacy beyond physical connectionThe importance of ancestral veneration in healingThe role of chakras and consent in sensualityThe significance of altars and ancestral offeringsBioPerle Noire is a healing and intimacy coach, trafficking survivor, and former internationally acclaimed burlesque star. She is the founder of Healing Through Seduction, a transformational practice that helps women reconnect with their bodies, regulate their nervous systems, and reclaim their power through self-intimacy, ritual, and embodiment. Perle has empowered over 7,000 people worldwide and has been featured by Lincoln Center, MTV, Cosmopolitan, Broadway World, and the Millionaire Summit. She is also a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award in burlesque and healing.⁠Perle's Website⁠Watch the Episode on Youtube⁠⁠Leave a Comment About the Episode⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Please Support the Podcast⁠

216 (If you've been enjoying this podcast, and haven't yet left a review, please do so now! Thank you so much.) In this episode, I share a story about a conversation with a friend that led to a big desire to share this with you: Many of us have, without even realizing it, learned to relate to our partners through control, pressure, expectations, and attempts to manage their behavior…And it is taking a big toll on our relationships. Because, while it tends to come from a very understandable place, it often creates the exact opposite of what we're hoping for in love.You'll learn:Why control is often much more subtle than we think (and even if a first you don't think this episode is for you–it likely is)The hidden signs that control may be showing up in your relationshipHow control can look like criticism, people-pleasing, monitoring, fixing, advising, or managingWhy trying to get your partner to behave differently rarely creates genuine connectionThe 2 deeper roots of controlWhy insight alone isn't enough to change these patternsAnd the 3 levels where lasting change actually happensIf you've ever felt frustrated or disappointed with your partner, or thought: "I just want him to be more loving, attentive, or emotionally available…or… do more," or even, "Why doesn't he get it?”,  this episode will help you see those struggles through an entirely new lens.Because when you become a woman who can honor her needs without trying to control another person into meeting them, love stops feeling like a job or power struggle…And starts to feel like love again. Listen in.SHOW NOTES: Learn more and begin Foundations of Emotional Well-Being for HSPs here. Learn more about the full path of Foundations of Emotional Well-Being for HSPs → Marriage Sanctuary 1:1 here. 

Stopping yelling and punishing often feels like the only option, but it rarely helps dysregulated kids learn new behavior. In this episode, parents learn what actually works instead. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge is an expert in Regulation First Parenting™ and child emotional dysregulation.When you're overwhelmed, exhausted, and nothing seems to get through to your child, it's easy to believe you're failing. But the truth is simpler—and more hopeful.Most parents aren't “bad at parenting,” they're just using strategies that don't reach a dysregulated brain. This episode breaks down why yelling and punishment don't create lasting change and what actually does.Why does my child get worse when I yell or punish?When your child is escalated, their nervous system is in survival mode, not learning mode. That means yelling or punishment adds more threat—not understanding.Their brain is focused on protection, not reasoningMore intensity = more escalation or shutdownShort-term compliance may happen, but no real change sticksReal-life example: You raise your voice to stop a behavior. Your child freezes or explodes again the next day. It feels like nothing is working—because the nervous system never actually calmed.What's really happening in my child's brain during a meltdown?A meltdown isn't defiance—it's dysregulation. The brain shifts into fight, flight, or shutdown, making it nearly impossible for your child to listen or learn.Stress response overrides logic and connectionThe child cannot “absorb” correction in this stateBehavior becomes communication of overwhelmBehavior is communication. Tune in to what the brain is saying.Instead of asking, “Why won't they listen?” try asking, “What state is their nervous system in right now?”Trying to understand your child's patterns more clearly? The Dysregulated Kid offers practical guidance to help you respond with more clarity and less overwhelm.What should I do instead of yelling and punishing in the moment?This is where real change begins. Instead of escalating, you become the calm anchor.Regulate first: lower your voice, slow your body, reduce stimulationConnect next: simple phrases like “I see this is hard”Correct later: teach only after calm returnsReal-life example: Your child refuses homework and starts yelling. Instead of reacting, you pause, soften your tone, and say less. The shift in your calm helps their nervous system settle faster.Before correction can work, the brain must move out of threat and into safety. That's where learning finally happens.Yelling less and staying calm isn't about being perfect—it's about having the right tools.Join the Dysregulation Insider VIP list and get your FREE Regulation Rescue Kit, designed to help you handle oppositional behaviors without losing it. Download it now at www.drroseann.com/newsletterHow do I break the yelling cycle without losing control?Breaking the cycle starts with you regulating first. Not perfectly—just consistently. Staying calm is the real turning point.Regulate yourself before respondingRepair after yelling instead of spiraling in guiltFocus on progress, not perfection

Send us Fan MailBlaze has been one of Trinidad and Tobago's most recognizable radio personalities for decades, but after 12 years at Slam 100.5, he made a career move that surprised listeners across the country.In this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, Blaze shares the story behind his journey from sound systems and radio clashes to becoming one of the most influential voices in local broadcasting.He reflects on growing up around music, learning from pioneers like Tony Lee, George Gonzales, Starchild and Master Mike, building his career in radio, and the sacrifices required to stay relevant in a constantly changing media landscape.Blaze also opens up about walking away from a secure career path in accountancy to pursue his passion for music and broadcasting, the lessons he learned from success and failure, and why he ultimately decided it was time for a new chapter.In a special addendum recorded after the original interview, Blaze discusses his departure from Slam 100.5, his move to Scorch Radio, the emotions surrounding his final day, and what listeners can expect next.Topics include:Leaving Slam 100.5 after 12 yearsJoining Scorch RadioThe future of radio in Trinidad & TobagoSound system culture and radio clashesTony Lee, George Gonzales and radio mentorshipBuilding a career in broadcastingChoosing passion over securitySuccess, failure and reinventionDrama Wednesday and audience connectionThe evolution of Trinidad and Tobago media#coriesheppardpodcast #Blaze #Radio #TrinidadAndTobago #ScorchRadio

Last week, we explored how intimacy can slowly become pressurized in a relationship and leave both partners feeling lonely, misunderstood, and disconnected.In Part 2, we're talking about how to take that pressure out of the system.Whether you're the partner feeling rejected and longing for connection, or the partner feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally withdrawn, this episode offers practical tools to help you rebuild intimacy without blame, pressure, or scorekeeping.We discuss why intimacy often breaks down when couples stop talking honestly about what's happening beneath the surface, and how emotional safety—not pressure—is the foundation for lasting connection.In this episode, you'll learn:Why intimacy should never feel like a performance reviewHow scorekeeping damages emotional and physical connectionThe difference between agreements and obligationsHow to talk about intimacy without blame or defensivenessWhy both partners are often suffering in different waysHow emotional safety helps rebuild desire and trustPractical conversations that create connection instead of pressureWhy expanding your definition of intimacy can transform your relationshipWe also share personal stories from our own marriage, including what we've learned through seasons of mismatched desire, perimenopause, hormone changes, and the ongoing work of maintaining connection through life's transitions.If intimacy has become a source of tension, frustration, or loneliness in your relationship, this episode will help you begin creating a healthier path forward.Because healthy relationships aren't built by avoiding difficult conversations—they're built by learning how to have them.

Send us Fan MailThis was a solo episode here I dug into deconditioning, life, and the ‘new dream'. In this episode, I talk about:Real lifeNature and learning lifeOur need for connectionThe energy of money & collaboration Deconditioning with human design Jupiter venus conjunctionThe shadow & gift of astrology/human design Get your chartCoffee ChatThird SpaceGloci Where you can find Rochelle:Mastery Monday NewsletterSubstack InstagramWebsiteYouTubeEmail: info@rochellechristiane.comUse code ROCHELLE and get 40% off Support the showWhere you can find Rochelle:Instagram, TikTok, Website, YouTubeEmail: info@rochellechristiane.com

Dr. Chris Culver returns to Leaning Into Leadership for a powerful follow-up conversation centered around his new book, Be the Light: The Science of Kindness and the Power of Belonging.If you enjoyed Chris's first appearance on Episode 214: The Science of Kindness, you're going to love where this conversation goes next. While Episode 214 explored the research behind kindness, this discussion takes a deeper look at how belonging, empathy, neuroscience, and intentional leadership can transform the cultures we create and the lives we touch.In this episode, Darrin and Chris explore:Why every person is wired for belongingHow kindness is a leadership strategy—not a weaknessThe connection between stress, burnout, and human connectionThe story behind Be the Light and its journey from darkness to hopeThe powerful "Light Manifesto" and what it means to choose kindness every dayA memorable classroom story that illustrates the importance of perspective and self-compassionThree practical strategies you can implement immediately:The six-second pauseGratitude as a daily leadership practiceSelf-affirmation and the power of positive identityThroughout the conversation, Chris reminds us that kindness isn't one more thing to add to our already overflowing to-do list—it is the thing that changes everything.New to Dr. Chris Culver?Be sure to go back and listen to Episode 214: The Science of Kindness, where we explore the research and foundations behind many of the ideas that inspired this new book. Together, these two conversations provide a powerful roadmap for leaders who want to build cultures rooted in connection, compassion, and belonging.About Dr. Chris CulverDr. Christopher Culver is an author, keynote speaker, educator, and founder of Orange Sparrow, where he helps organizations transform through The Science of Kindness. A former teacher, principal, and district leader, Chris blends neuroscience, vulnerability, and leadership to help people create cultures rooted in belonging, compassion, and connection.His newest book, Be the Light: The Science of Kindness and the Power of Belonging, provides research-backed insights and practical strategies for leaders, educators, and anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.Key Takeaway"Kindness is not one more thing. It is the thing that changes everything."Connect with Dr. Chris Culver

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when love feels overwhelming, consuming, and terrifying all at once?In this deeply compassionate episode of Evolve Your Intimacy, Dr. Stephanie explores how Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can impact intimate relationships—from fear of abandonment and emotional highs and lows to conflict cycles, reassurance-seeking, and the intense need for connection.This conversation goes beyond stereotypes and stigma to unpack what is actually happening emotionally, relationally, and neurologically when BPD traits show up in love and intimacy.You'll learn:Why emotional reactions can feel so immediate and consumingHow the brain responds during perceived rejection or abandonmentWhy reassurance often doesn't “stick” long-termHow partners can validate emotions without losing themselvesThe difference between compassion and over-functioningWhy boundaries are essential—not cruelHow BPD can affect sexual intimacy, desire, and emotional connectionThe role of therapies like DBT in creating healthier relationship patternsDr. Stephanie also provides practical communication tools, grounding strategies, intimacy insights, and a weekly relationship regulation exercise couples can begin using immediately.Whether you live with BPD traits, love someone who does, or simply want to better understand emotional intensity in relationships, this episode offers honest, research-informed guidance without shame or blame.Because healthy love is not built on panic—it's built on safety, repair, boundaries, and emotional honesty.Hosted by Dr. Stephanie Sigler, licensed professional counselor, certified sex therapist, and clinical sexologist, founder of Evolve Your Intimacy.This episode is sponsored by Shameless Care — use code EVOLVE for savings.Bliss CruiseEvolve Your Intimacy on a Bliss Cruise!SwinkatationLife, Love, and Play at the intersection of Swing and Kink... Use Code EVOLVE fDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showEVOLVEYOURINTIMACY.COMSex Therapy |Travel | Retreats| Courses| Podcasts | Articles | Blogs, & VlogsAre you looking to enhance your sexual communication skills? Do you crave a safe space to explore your sexual desires with your partner but aren't sure where to start? Look no further than the Evolve Your Intimacy Podcast, hosted by the renowned Dr. Stephanie.Join Certified Sex Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor Dr. Stephanie Sigler as she interviews top experts in the field of clinical sexology, veterans in the lifestyle, and popular influencers, bringing you the most accurate information regarding your sexual health and pleasure.NEW SHOWS EVERY WednesdayIf you enjoy the content we produce, show your love by buying me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/evolveyourintimacy

Podcast Summary: The Inside Out of the "ISM"Hosts: Mike & GlennGuest: Dr. JohnIn this episode, Dr. John rejoins Mike and Glenn at the coffee shop to continue their deep dive into alcoholism, sharing pivotal moments from his journey and breaking down the true nature of addiction, connection, and relapse.Redefining the "ISM"Dr. John challenges the traditional view of alcoholism, stating that he was "born scared" and that alcohol itself didn't cause his disease. Instead, he describes alcoholism as an "ISM"—a universal, internal yearning to fill an emotional void.The Universal Void: Humans are the only creatures on Earth who torment themselves trying to fill this emptiness.The Admission Tickets: The "ISM" manifests differently for everyone. There are hundreds of 12-step programs identical to AA; they simply have different "admission tickets" (e.g., alcohol, shopping, eating).Religion vs. Spirituality:"Religion fills the void. Spirituality teaches us to embrace the void." While religion relies on a set of rules, spirituality is about building a strong relationship with something greater. Dr. John doesn't label himself as "happy, joyous, and free"—rather, he views his ISM as God continuously poking his void, reminding him it is a never-ending process.The Power of ConnectionThe core message of the episode is that intellect alone cannot cure addiction. True transformation happens through human-to-human interaction.Wounded Healers: Healing occurs when the wounded heal the wounded. As the famous quote goes: “The opposite of addiction is connection.”The Ultimate Need: Dr. John shares a powerful story about his dog, Samantha, who taught him how to give unconditional love. He concludes that giving love is our only true need, summarizing it as: “You can't keep it if you don't give it away.”Heaven on Earth: For Dr. John, heaven is pouring yourself into someone else. “I don't know what heaven is, but the closest I've come to is when I lose myself in another.”The "We" of AA: Glenn and Dr. John agree that Alcoholics Anonymous works strictly because of the "We." We cannot see our own blind spots without others.The Reality of RelapseThe conversation shifts to a cautionary tale from John, who shared his experience with relapse, proving that "every bottom has a trap door."Dr. John emphasizes that triggers are just excuses—relapse is a calculated choice where a person thinks through the action and does it anyway. He breaks down relapse into three distinct stages: Emotional, Mental, and Physical.The 5 Steps to John's Relapse:Complacency: Becoming bored and complacent.Distraction: Losing focus on recovery.Skipping Meetings: Halting attendance.Loss of Mentorship: His sponsor moved away.Isolation: He stopped connecting with his own sponsees as they drifted.Ultimately, it was his gradual movement away from the program that caused the relapse. Despite this, the hosts emphasize a philosophy of grace: hate the sin, love the sinner.Advice for the Newcomer: The "Karate Kid" MetaphorDr. John offers a grounded, realistic perspective for anyone new to recovery. He reminds them that "AA is not a feel-good program; it is a get-well program." Life is still going to be life, and while medical schools don't teach spirituality, it is readily available in AA as the best therapy on the planet.To close, Dr. John shares a "must-listen" metaphor inspired by The Karate Kid. Just like Daniel Larusso learning martial arts from Mr. Miyagi, a newcomer in recovery must possess three essential qualities:OpennessWillingnessHonestyFinal TakeawayGlenn notes that through this program, there is no situation in life he cannot get through sober. Because alcohol remains "cunning, baffling, and powerful," the episode concludes with a call to move forward into today with confidence, balanced by cautiousness.

Thank you for listening, friends! Today we've got Wynonna Fulgham talking about her deep connection to her Diné culture, inspirational ultrarunning journey, and her role as a Native woman in the running community. You'll learn how running is a spiritual practice, means of healing, and a form of cultural expression for indigenous communities. You'll also find out what it's like to finish 100 challenging, mountain miles at the Bradshaw Brute race, sleep for 4 hours, then start the 125 mile journey of Sedona Canyons as part of Cocodona!Wynonna shares about the profound connection between indigenous culture, land, spirituality, and running. Her story is one of resilience, community, and honoring ancestral traditions through both physical endurance and emotional healing. Each run is a ritual based on connection: to yourself, your community and your ancestors. Each step is a prayer, a way to honor your journey while acknowledging the challenges that come along the way. Wynonna shares how to find strength in vulnerability, and to honor the journey together. Prepare to learn about Diné culture, and to be inspired by Wynonna's physical and mental endurance… and how running can be a ceremony that shapes identity. Wynonna is a certified coach to help indigenous women runners get to the start line of ultras. Connect with her on Instagram @blacksheep_runningKey topicsWynonna's background: Diné woman, mother, and math teacherThe significance of running in Diné culture and traditional ceremoniesHer experience with ultras like Cocodona 250 and Sedona CanyonsThe spiritual and ancestral meaning behind her racing and land connectionThe role of indigenous women in creating representation through Native Women RunHow running helps community healing, trauma recovery, and cultural preservationThe ceremonial aspects of training, race, and finish as a spiritual journeySupporting indigenous runners financially and through land acknowledgmentThe importance of curiosity, respect, and cultural sensitivity in outdoor spacesWynonna's plans for future races and goals for 2026Timestamps02:04 - Wynonna's background and cultural identity as a Diné woman03:03 - Experiences with the documentary "The Cut-Off" and race challenges05:34 - The spiritual significance of land, drumming, and ceremonies in races09:03 - Emotions in finishing and the ceremonial closure of races12:03 - Connection of running to Diné culture and ancestral practices16:50 - The evolution of her running journey since puberty23:02 - Giving offerings and respecting land during races24:42 - The symbolism of sacred mountains and ancestral strength26:37 - How running acts as a healing and cultural act36:38 - Wynonna's role as a teacher and community role model39:12 - Increasing representation of indigenous women in ultrarunning43:10 - Supporting Native Women Run and its mission47:28 - Land acknowledgment and cultural respect for outdoor enthusiasts50:45 - How to support indigenous runners through donations and awareness53:09 - Wynonna's future plans and upcoming races in 202655:26 - The Burrito League experience and community engagement62:38 - Reflections on community, support, and racing experiences67:05 - Connecting with Wynonna and supporting her journey aheadResources & LinksThe Cut-Off DocumentaryNative Women Run | Support the organizationMountain Outpost YouTube | Follow Winona's journeyCocodona 250 race | Learn more about the raceConnect with WynonnaInstagram

How are luxury hotels currently underutilizing guest data, and what opportunities are they missing? In this episode, Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Josh and Dana Ellis, co-founders of Abra, to explore how AI-powered personalization is transforming the guest experience in hospitality.From luxury hotels in New York City and Maui to building one of hospitality's most exciting AI startups, Josh and Dana share the story behind Abra and why they believe personalization is the future of guest loyalty. Dana brings firsthand experience from iconic luxury properties including Four Seasons, Peninsula Hotels, and Relais & Châteaux, while Josh combines expertise in AI, consulting, and mindfulness to help hotels unlock the power of guest data.The conversation dives deep into:How hotels can deliver true personalized service at scaleWhy guest data is still one of hospitality's biggest challengesHow team members—from housekeepers to bartenders—play a critical role in personalizationWhy AI should empower hospitality teams, not replace human connectionThe importance of creating memorable experiences that drive lifelong guest loyaltyJosh and Dana also share behind-the-scenes insights into building Abra inside a live hotel operation, preparing for the HITEC E20X startup pitch competition, and how hotels can create “hospitality magic” through better data and smarter technology.Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7UfjHnd4LwQThis episode is sponsored by Abra HospitalityLinks:Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danasjaffe/Josh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-ellis1126/Abra Hospitality: https://abrahospitality.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/281Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Why has disagreement become so difficult?In this episode, Kim Olver explores the growing tendency to confuse disagreement with disrespect and why that mindset is damaging relationships, conversations, and connection.Through the lens of Mental Freedom®, Kim discusses:Why people become defensive when challengedHow certainty and judgment shut down connectionThe difference between discomfort and dangerWhy respect does not require agreementHow curiosity creates space for genuine understandingThis conversation also explores the role of emotional safety, authenticity, and belonging in difficult conversations and how we can remain human with one another even when we see the world differently.If you've ever struggled to stay connected to someone you disagree with, or felt emotionally exhausted by today's climate of division, this episode offers a grounded and compassionate perspective.This episode also closes out Season 8 and introduces what's coming next:Mental Freedom Moments on YouTubeMental Freedom ConversationsThe launch of Season 9 beginning July 1

What if the problem isn't your desire… but the meaning you're giving it?What if nothing is actually wrong with your marriage…but the way you're interpreting what you're feeling is quietly creating distance?In today's episode, we're having a real and honest conversation about something so many midlife Christian wives are silently carrying:“I love my husband… but my sex drive just isn't there.”You want emotional connectionYou want intimacy and romanceYou want to feel close againBut instead…You feel disconnected, confused, and maybe even a little broken.And here's where most women go: “Something must be wrong with me” “Something must be off in our marriage” “Why does this feel so hard now?”But let's gently challenge that…What if your desire isn't gone?What if it's being shaped—blocked even—by the meaning you're assigning to your experience?⸻In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why your lack of sex drive doesn't automatically mean disconnection in your marriageHow your thought patterns are influencing your intimacy, desire, and emotional connectionThe powerful truth behind Romans 12:2 and renewing your mind in marriageWhy connection often comes before desire (not the other way around)A simple 4-step process to help you rebuild intimacy, shift your thinking, and feel closer to your husband again⸻The Truth Most Women Miss About Intimacy in Midlife MarriageYou're not just experiencing your marriage…you are interpreting it.And that interpretation is shaping:how you feel about your husbandhow you show up in your marriageand even your desire for intimacy and romanceWhen you start believing: “We're disconnected” “Something's wrong” “I should feel different”You unknowingly create pressure… distance… and resistance.But when you shift the meaning?Everything begins to open again.⸻A Faith-Based Shift That Changes EverythingThis isn't just mindset…this is biblical.“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2When you change the meaning you're giving your marriage…you begin to experience your marriage differently.And that's where intimacy starts to rebuild—not from pressure, but from connection, safety, and openness.⸻Your Next Step (Don't Skip This)This week, I want you to notice:What am I feeling?What am I making it mean?Is that actually true?What's another way I could see this?Then invite God into it:“Lord, show me what's true here.”⸻

In this episode of Leadership Tea, Shelby and Belinda sit down with Kahana Samms, founder of Good Spirit Cafe, to discuss reinvention, entrepreneurship, wellness, and building community after uncertainty.After years working in federal IT and cybersecurity, Kahana found herself navigating furloughs, layoffs, and major life transitions, prompting her to rethink stability, purpose, and what it truly means to build a meaningful life. Together, they discuss:Entrepreneurship and sacrificeBuilding a “third space” for healing and connectionThe emotional realities of starting overLeadership, energy, and authenticityCreativity as a pathway to purposeWhy community-centered spaces matter now more than everThis conversation is grounding, inspiring, and honest, especially for anyone navigating transition or building something from the heart.--------------------Our company, Grounded and Global Advisory, is pleased to offer a quarterly advisory retainer. For $275 per month (billed quarterly, with the option to renew each quarter), you'll receive:One 60-minute coaching session per monthPriority access to our calendarOne annual 90-minute strategic intensiveThis offer is for the person who knows what good advisory support feels like and doesn't want to lose it. Spots are limited. If you're interested, email us directly at hello@stirringsuccess.com, and we'll be in touch.Send us a comment!Support the showWe publish new episodes every other Wednesday.Subscribe to the Leadership Tea PodcastSubscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube!Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

Most people dream about “giving back someday.”John Smith actually did it.After years in corporate IT, moving from Arizona to Hawaii to Illinois, John and his wife realized something was missing: community, purpose, and real human connection.So they did something radical.They started a nonprofit farm designed to grow fresh food for people facing food insecurity—and they're learning everything from scratch.But this episode isn't really about farming.It's about loneliness.Disconnection.Modern life.The quiet emptiness so many people feel after chasing success for years.And it's about what happens when you finally decide to build something that matters.In this powerful conversation, Kellan and John unpack community, technology, purpose, failure, service, family, meaning, and why helping others may be the thing that saves us.Key Takeaways:Why John and his wife launched Dizzy Goat FarmsFood insecurity and disappearing community connectionThe emotional emptiness of modern corporate lifeWhy technology can increase isolationThe importance of service and contributionLearning farming from scratchBuilding something meaningful later in lifeParenting, identity shifts, and becoming empty nestersWhy failure is necessary for growthThe future vision for Dizzy Goat FarmsCreating movements instead of chasing attentionCommunity resilience and local impactWhy people feel disconnected in the digital ageTravel, culture, and human similarity

What actually makes a friendship last for decades?In this deeply personal episode, Robin sits down with her lifelong best friend, Lori, Hutsell, to celebrate 40 years of friendship. From small-town beginnings and shared church pews to completely different adult lives, this is a relationship that has stood the test of time.Together, they explore the surprising research behind enduring friendships and reflect on what helped theirs survive life transitions that often pull people apart. While Robin built a life centered around marriage, motherhood, and family, Lori embraced independence and singleness. And yet, through every season, they remained deeply connected.In this conversation, they discuss:Why most friendships fade over timeWhat psychologists say predicts lifelong connectionThe importance of feeling seen, known, and supportedHow faith and a shared belief in God anchored their friendshipWhy lasting friendships are built through consistency, grace, and choosing each other again and againThis episode is honest, nostalgic, heartfelt, and full of hope for anyone longing for a deeper connection in a world where relationships can feel temporary.Special Guest: Lori Hutsell

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, author Sarah Damoff joins host Michelle to discuss her latest novel, The Burning Side. Together, they explore powerful themes of family dynamics, generational trauma, love, grief, and the lasting impact of personal history. Sarah shares the inspiration behind the novel, how her own life experiences shaped the story, and her approach to writing emotionally resonant multi-generational fiction. Listeners will also get an inside look at her creative process, character development, and the art of crafting deeply human stories that connect with readers long after the final page.What We're Talking About...Themes of family, love, grief, and generational trauma in The Burning SideSarah Damoff on the inspiration behind her emotionally layered literary fictionThe writing process behind crafting compelling multi-generational family storiesHow personal experiences and real-life relationships shape authentic storytellingWhy storytelling is a powerful tool for exploring human emotion and connectionThe role of fiction in uncovering deeper human truths and shared experiencesCharacter development and creating emotionally resonant contemporary fictionInsights into writing literary fiction that connects deeply with readersChapters00:00 Celebrating a New Release04:06 Exploring The Burning Side07:28 The Evolution of Love11:30 Personal Inspirations Behind the Story16:00 Transitioning from Social Work to Writing19:45 The Art of Writing and Storytelling22:04 The Writing Process and Drafting24:26 Creating Authentic Characters29:27 Addressing Foster Care in LiteratureLinks MentionedOrder your copy of The Burning Side: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Burning-Side/Sarah-Damoff/9781668085011Sara Damoff's website: https://www.sarahdamoff.com/

Love Drops Podcast – Episode: Love is Love with Catherine DuncanIn this heartfelt and expansive episode of Love Drops Podcast, we welcome spiritual teacher, author, and resilience guide Catherine Duncan for a powerful conversation about the many dimensions of love. Together, we explore what it truly means to embody the idea that love is love—beyond labels, expectations, and limitations.Catherine shares her personal journey through loss, healing, and transformation, offering deep insights into how love can be both a grounding force and a catalyst for growth. We talk about self-love, unconditional love, and the courage it takes to live authentically in a world that often asks us to fit into boxes.This episode is an invitation to soften, open your heart, and reconnect with love in its purest form—whether in your relationships, your purpose, or your inner world.In this episode, we explore:What “love is love” really means in everyday lifeHealing through grief and rediscovering connectionThe role of self-love in living authenticallyLetting go of fear, judgment, and limitationPractices to cultivate compassion and presenceListen in and reconnect with the truth that love—at its core—is limitless.Connect with Catherine Duncan: https://www.catherineduncan.org

In this deeply personal episode, Mel shares an honest update on a new chapter he's building: one that sits at the intersection of psychology, nervous system regulation, golf, performance under pressure, and the future of clinical work in the age of AI.This is not a polished “success story.” It's a real-time reflection on what AI is changing in mental health, why traditional private practice models no longer fit for some clinicians, and how to build work that feels deeply aligned with your life instead of consuming it.In this episode, Mel shares:The childhood basketball story that shaped his understanding of pressure and performanceWhy the same person can succeed under pressure one year and crumble the nextHow AI is transforming therapy, healthcare, and human workWhy the future belongs to the irreplaceable parts of human connectionThe difference between burnout from the work vs. burnout from the modelWhy he chose not to return to traditional private practiceThe vision behind a new golf-focused performance psychology retreatHow golf became a “laboratory” for understanding nervous system regulation under stressWhy experiences and human presence may become the most valuable forms of care in the AI eraThe concept of building the one model only you could buildQuestions to reflect on:What population have you spent the most time with, and what do they truly need that nobody is delivering?What life experiences or non-clinical skills could become part of the intervention itself?What would you build if you weren't trying to make it look like what a therapist is “supposed” to offer?--RESOURCES Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That's why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice.With Alma, you'll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients.You support your clients. Alma supports you.Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE–an exclusive offer for STC listeners.--Ready to launch (or grow) your online course?Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work.You'll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way.Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven