Podcasts about normalize

You don't need to change your whole life.You need to come home to it.In a world obsessed with constant achievement and hustle, author and coach Taylor Scott brings a radically human approach to performance, growth, and purpose. This episode is about remembering who you are beneath the noise and giving yourself full permission to lead from that place.George sits down with Taylor Scott, author of Lead with Hospitality and former Disney leader, to explore the intersection of leadership, purpose, and emotional intelligence. But this isn't a talk about business tactics or mindset hacks. It's a soulful conversation about alignment, presence, and learning how to live from integrity, not for image.Whether you're leading a team, running a business, or simply trying to show up better in your own life, this episode will bring you back to what truly matters: your values, your presence, and your heart.What You'll Learn in This Episode:The difference between external success and internal fulfillmentHow to shift from performance mode into personal alignmentThe power of reconnecting to your own story and purposeWhy clarity doesn't come from forcing but from rememberingHow Taylor's Disney background taught him everything about emotional safetySimple practices to lead with hospitality, in business and life Key Takeaways:✔️Emotional safety creates excellence: Environments where people feel seen, heard, and safe allow them to thrive.✔️Integrity isn't a trait, it's a practice: Living in alignment with who you are creates real confidence and connection.✔️Presence is the unlock: Being here, now, is more powerful than any plan or tactic.✔️Story is strategy: When you own your story, your strategy becomes magnetic.✔️Connection isn't a marketing tactic: It's your greatest leadership tool. Timestamps & Highlights:[00:00] – The illusion of performance vs. the gift of alignment[08:45] – Taylor's journey from Disney to emotional safety advocate[14:12] – What “Lead with Hospitality” really means[21:34] – The 4 essentials for creating emotional safety[27:49] – Redefining performance: from hustle to integrity[35:03] – Leading yourself before you lead others[41:12] – Hospitality in business, relationships, and communication[48:20] – Remembering your story: a key to confidence[55:44] – Taylor on grief, healing, and honoring your pace[1:03:09] – Practical tools to come back to your center[1:09:28] – Final truth bombs and a reminder: “You're already enough.” Connect with Taylor Scott:Website: https://leadwithhospitality.com/Book: Lead with Hospitality – available on AmazonInstagram: @tscott1502Books & ResourcesYour Challenge This Week:What part of this conversation sparked something in you?Tag  @itsgeorgebryant and  @tscott1502 on Instagram to share your reflection or a moment where you chose alignment over performance.Want to lead with more presence? Start by answering this:Where am I performing… and what would alignment look like instead?Join The Alliance: The Relationship Beats Algorithms™ community for entrepreneurs building meaningful businesses through connection.Apply for 1:1 Coaching with George: Build a business aligned with your heart, not just your head.Check out upcoming live events and workshops at: https://mindofgeorge.com/retreat/

This week on Sexual Assault Survivor Stories, I sit down with Jason Patrick Berry, author of the brave and unflinchingly honest memoir Secrets Beneath. Jason's story is one that quietly breaks your heart and then slowly helps rebuild it. On the outside, his childhood looked perfectly normal, even picturesque. But behind closed doors lived a painful reality of abuse, secrecy, and survival that no child should ever have to experience. In Secrets Beneath, Jason pulls back that veil and walks us through the lasting impact of trauma, including post trauma stress, anxiety, and emotional isolation, while also showing what it looks like to keep choosing healing day by day. This conversation is personal, raw, and deeply human. Born and raised in Connecticut and now living in Florida with his husband Shaun and their two beloved dogs, Jason brings not only his survivor voice into this space, but his heart for wellness, recovery, and holistic self-care. He speaks openly about how reconnecting with nature, creating mindful routines around health, and learning to nurture his body and nervous system have become essential parts of his healing journey. There is no polished recovery narrative here, only an honest reflection of what healing truly looks like. Layered, imperfect, courageous, and ongoing. The kind of truth that lets listeners exhale and quietly think, "I am not alone in this." What struck me most in this conversation is Jason's willingness to be completely seen. Not as some inspirational figure wrapped up in a neat storyline, but as a real person still walking the road of healing, still learning, and still refusing to allow his abuse experiences to define the rest of his life. His openness about living with anxiety and frequent memory activators brings powerful validation to experiences so many survivors silently hold inside. Jason does not minimize the pain, but he also refuses to ever give up hope. His voice is gentle, steady, and deeply relatable in all the best ways, and the motivation is to always help others who've experienced similar abuse. This episode reflects the very heart of Sexual Assault Survivor Stories. Amplifying survivor voices, dismantling silence, and reminding every listener that healing is not only possible, it's allowed. Jason shares the truth many are afraid to speak aloud, and in doing so creates space for others to discover their own courage. I am genuinely grateful for his vulnerability and for the trust he placed in this platform to tell his story. Secrets Beneath is not just a memoir, and this episode is not just an interview. It is a conversation that invites others to speak, to heal, and to believe that life can hold more than what trauma ever tried to dictate. An important side note: if you're finding value in this show and these amazing episodes, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. AND, follow SexualAssaultSurvivorStories on Instagram, then, please send me a note of support. I can't tell you how much your emails mean to me—they fuel my passion to keep this podcast going. And if you're a victim or survivor and are ready to tell your story in order to help yourself or someone else heal, let me know, and we can start a conversation about the possibility of you being on the show. Here's my email address: dave@sasstories.com Thank you to all of you who have reached out to me already. Just provide me with a phone number where I can reach back out to you…because I like to talk to people who are interested in guesting. And please keep those emails and texts coming…I truly look forward to hearing from you! Here are some critically important links that I hope you'll take the time to explore, and where a contribution is requested, please consider doing so! — Thank you!! https://www.jasonpatrickberry.com https://a.co/d/bQkH0IA (Order Jason's book on Amazon!) https://womensmediacenter.com/profile/rita-smith https://1in6.org/ https://time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/repeat_rape.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://soulwisesolutions.com https://safeinharmsway.org https://sironahealing.com/ https://www.whattheydontsay.com www.arcigrey.com https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/invisible-no-more-lady-veterans-stories-of-military/id1754061590 https://startbybelieving.org https://evawintl.org/ As mentioned, and emphasized, it's time to Normalize the Conversation.™ And please remember to Start by Believing…because we all know someone whose life has been impacted by rape or sexual assault. Thank you for tuning in.

In times of change and disruption, burnout has become a major epidemic. In fact, according to statistics, over half of the workforce is burnt out, with the nonprofit sector being hit the hardest.Because we must address this issue, I have Dr. Reggie Thomas with me today. He is the founder of PeakePotential, Inc., and a professional speaker  who gives keynote talks and teaches workshops on burnout prevention and recovery, and workplace wellness.You will understand burnout and its symptoms, discover how it impacts both the individual and the organization, and learn practical tools to prevent burnout, support recovery, and strengthen your and your people's well-being.▶️ From Burnout to Breakthrough: Tools to Restore Yourself in Times of Change and Disruption with Dr. Reggie Thomas▶️ Key Points:0:00:00 From his own burnout to helping others recover0:07:33 The increase in burnout across the workplace 0:09:52 How burnout impacts individuals and organizations0:12:57 Strategies to prevent burnout and support recovery0:20:25 Normalize burnout and pay attention to the symptomsResources from this episode:Check out Dr. Thomas' best-selling books, People Pains and Burnout Pains.Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

This week on Sexual Assault Survivor Stories, I'm joined once again by a guest whose voice made a deep impact the first time she appeared on the show. For this episode, she's choosing to remain anonymous and will be known as "Ann"—a decision that becomes increasingly meaningful as you hear why she reached out to return. Ann came back to talk about a part of the survivor experience that rarely gets acknowledged: what happens inside a person after they share their story publicly, and how the emotional ripple effects can show up long after the recording ends. In this conversation, Ann walks us through the internal shifts, realizations, and unexpected reactions she went through after her initial episode aired. She wanted to help future guests understand that the process of speaking about trauma—especially sexual assault—is powerful, and with that power comes impact. Her goal wasn't to warn anyone away from being a guest, but rather to shed light on the importance of preparing emotionally, mentally, and spiritually for what it feels like to bring such a personal story into the world. Her honesty lays out a roadmap that many survivors will find both grounding and validating. If you've ever considered sharing your story on this show, Ann's insight might be one of the most supportive gifts you could receive. This episode doesn't discourage—it equips. It empowers. It gives language to the quiet places survivors often navigate alone. And as always, the Sexual Assault Survivor Stories family welcomes every story with compassion, respect, and the unwavering belief that survivors deserve to be heard, believed, and supported every step of the way. An important side note: if you're finding value in this show and these amazing episodes, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. AND, follow SexualAssaultSurvivorStories on Instagram, then, please send me a note of support. I can't tell you how much your emails mean to me—they fuel my passion to keep this podcast going. And if you're a victim or survivor and are ready to tell your story in order to help yourself or someone else heal, let me know, and we can start a conversation about the possibility of you being on the show. Here's my email address: dave@sasstories.com Thank you to all of you who have reached out to me already. Just provide me with a phone number where I can reach back out to you…because I like to talk to people who are interested in guesting. And please keep those emails and texts coming…I truly look forward to hearing from you! Here are some critically important links that I hope you'll take the time to explore, and where a contribution is requested, please consider doing so! — Thank you!! https://womensmediacenter.com/profile/rita-smith https://1in6.org/ https://time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/repeat_rape.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://soulwisesolutions.com https://safeinharmsway.org https://sironahealing.com/ https://www.whattheydontsay.com https://www.survivor-school.com/?ref=DAVEMARKEL www.arcigrey.com https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/invisible-no-more-lady-veterans-stories-of-military/id1754061590 https://startbybelieving.org https://evawintl.org/ As mentioned, and emphasized, it's time to Normalize the Conversation.™ And please remember to Start by Believing…because we all know someone whose life has been impacted by rape or sexual assault. Thank you for tuning in.

Today, Lara sits down with Dr. Brent Davis, a professor of mathematics education whose career bridges real classrooms and groundbreaking research. Brent began as a middle school math teacher before completing his PhD at the University of Alberta. Since then, he has served as Canada Research Chair in Mathematics Education at the University of Alberta, the David Robitaille Chair at UBC, and is now Distinguished Research Chair & Werklund Research Professor at the University of Calgary. University of Alberta Journals+2Faculty of Education+2In this episode, Brent reflects on what those early classroom years taught him, why math education keeps evolving, and how approaches like inquiry-based learning aim to move students from memorizing steps to developing genuine understanding. We talk about why parents can feel “left behind” when methods shift, how to support a child who says they're “not a math person,” and what to try at home when homework stalls. Brent also shares insights from projects at the University of Calgary—like Math Minds—that study how students learn mathematics and how teachers can better support that learning. Werklund School of Education+1If you've ever looked at your child's homework and thought, “This is nothing like what I learned!”—or if your kid breezes through some topics but hits a wall with others—this conversation will help you see today's math classroom (and your child's potential) in a new light. You'll leave with practical language, parent-friendly strategies, and a calmer way to coach confidence, curiosity, and persistence.In today's episode, we cover:Why math “changes”: from procedures first to sense-making and flexible thinking—what that looks like at home.Inquiry without chaos: how questions, patterns, and multiple strategies help kids understand why methods work.“Math person” myths: what research says about confidence, identity, and productive struggle.Homework roadblocks: simple prompts and routines that restart thinking (no reteaching the whole unit).Talking with teachers: respectful ways to ask about goals, assessment, and how to help—without stepping on toes.Looking ahead: habits that matter most for secondary math and beyond (reasoning, modeling, and reflection).Meet our guest:Dr. Brent Davis is Distinguished Research Chair & Werklund Research Professor in the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary. His work focuses on the educational relevance of cognitive and complexity sciences, mathematics teacher knowledge, and structures that support deep mathematical learning. He previously held the Canada Research Chair in Mathematics Education (University of Alberta) and the David Robitaille Chair in Mathematics Education (UBC). UCalgary Profiles+2University of Alberta Journals+2Parent takeaways you can use tonight:Swap “What's the answer?” for “What changed from line to line?” to make thinking visible.Ask “Show me two ways”—it builds flexibility without undermining the method taught in class.Use micro-models (draw a quick bar, number line, or array) before reaching for a calculator.End homework with a 30-second reflection: What was hard? What helped? What's your question for the teacher?Normalize struggle: errors = information you and the teacher can use.Resources & links:Dr. Brent Davis – UCalgary profile: https://profiles.ucalgary.ca/brent-davis UCalgary ProfilesWerklund School – “Beyond Math Wars” (research focus): https://werklund.ucalgary.ca/beyond-math-wars Werklund School of EducationMath Minds (UCalgary news feature): https://ucalgary.ca/news/math-minds-it-all-adds University of Calgary in AlbertaPast roles & bios (overview): https://notes.math.ca/en/article/2024-cms-mathed-online-meeting/ CMS NotesFollow Parenting Ed-Ventures on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentingedventurespod/Learn more about Tutor Teach: https://tutorteach.ca/

11/21/2025 PODCAST Episode #3108 GUESTS: Jane Timken, Dan "The OX" + YOUR CALLS! at 1-888-480-JOHN (5646) and GETTR Live! @jfradioshow #GodzillaOfTruth #TruckingTheTruth  

I have lots of thoughts to share today of things I think we should normalize.    Things that aren't considered normal in general in the world we live in and I'm going to argue my point of why I think they should be.   For us and for our families and for the people around us.   Because our goal is to always strive for fulfillment and joy and health and longevity and peace of mind and all of these ideas I'm going to present to you today support all of that.   I'm going to get heat for some of these and I love it because its against the grain and thinking for ourselves and being exceptional.      Things To Normalize Normalize saying no to cheap dopamine and yes to deep dopamine. Joy comes from doing what you're built to do. Action over distraction. Delay instant gratification for meaningful payoff. Bring your own food places when you don't like the options. Take ownership of your choices instead of settling for what's easy. Assume people will make mistakes and ask questions, double check things, and take notes. It's not negative. It's responsible. Normalize working hard, including on weekends, when you're pursuing something you believe in. Showing up when it counts matters. Especially at unconventional hours. Normalize not drinking until you throw up. Choose self mastery and presence instead of blackout culture. Clarity over blur. Presence over party. Normalize not having sex until you find someone you deeply respect or want to build a life with. Choose what matches your values instead of what culture expects. Normalize starting something brand new and taking big risks, even when people think it's strange. Launch even when you're scared. Normalize celebrating your wins as big as birthdays. If it mattered to you, it's worth celebrating. Normalize working out seven days a week with rest and stretch built in. Movement is medicine. Make it a daily non negotiable. Normalize questioning teachers, institutions, and systems when something doesn't make sense. Stand up for your kids and yourself with confidence and curiosity. Normalize using your calendar as your measure of wealth. Time matters more than money. Protect it. Normalize defining success for yourself. Choose your own values and live by them with confidence. Normalize being loud, opinionated, and real when something matters. Speak up. Be fiery. Be aligned. Normalize rest and recovery as essential parts of working hard. Rest is productive. Rest gives you your edge. Normalize letting your kids see you hustle, fail, pivot, and rise. Show the process, not perfection. Normalize doing things you're not good at yet. The climb has no peak. Let yourself be a beginner. Normalize saying "I don't know." Honesty and humility create real strength. Normalize choosing your inner circle intentionally. Your environment shapes your growth. Curate it well. Normalize early mornings, disciplined schedules, and foundational habits. Keep life simple and focused. Normalize embracing pain and discomfort as signs you're growing. Lean into growth rather than backing away from it. Normalize enjoying the process instead of obsessing over the outcome. Appreciate the now. Joy lives in the doing. Normalize aligning your body, mind, and spirit with your purpose. Success includes health, relationships, and inner peace. Normalize valuing your health as highly as you value your work. Health is foundational to everything else. Normalize being different, weird, or exceptional. Normal actions get normal results. Stand out proudly. Normalize prioritizing sleep, recovery, and emotional wellbeing. Rest deeply and intentionally. Normalize teaching your kids to build their own path. Encourage their independence and confidence. Normalize celebrating vulnerability, asking for help, and being transparent about your journey. Choose authenticity over perfection.   CHEERS to creating your own normal that makes your life more awesome!     

In this week's episode of Sexual Assault Survivor Stories, I'm honored to welcome someone whose name has become synonymous with advocacy, leadership, and meaningful systemic change. Rita Smith has spent more than four decades reshaping how this country understands, responds to, and prevents violence against women. From her grassroots beginnings to her national-level impact, Rita has consistently shown up for survivors with a rare blend of humility, strength, and deep psychological insight. Rita's work reaches across some of the largest platforms in the nation. She has served as Senior Advisor to the National Football League for more than 11 years, guiding the NFL's policies, training, and cultural shifts around domestic violence and sexual assault. As Vice President of External Relations for DomesticShelters.org, she strengthens community programs around the country, builds partnerships, supports frontline advocates, and provides a steady, trusted voice to the national media. She's also spent years consulting for organizations nationwide and serves on the board of Restoration Project International, supporting victims of sex trafficking with compassion and expertise. But what stands out most in our conversation today isn't just Rita's résumé—it's the heart behind the work. She brings decades of crisis intervention experience, conflict-resolution skill, and trauma-informed understanding into this discussion. You'll hear the wisdom of someone who has sat with survivors, challenged institutions, trained leaders, and refused to accept the status quo when it harms those who need protection most. Rita's clarity, steadiness, and lived commitment to justice remind us that change doesn't come from policy alone—it comes from people willing to keep showing up, year after year. This episode is a powerful reminder of what it looks like when advocacy meets integrity. Whether you're a survivor, a professional in this field, or someone trying to understand how we build safer communities, Rita Smith's voice will leave you thinking differently about the systems around us—and inspired to push them toward something better. An important side note: if you're finding value in this show and these amazing episodes, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. AND, follow SexualAssaultSurvivorStories on Instagram, then, please send me a note of support. I can't tell you how much your emails mean to me—they fuel my passion to keep this podcast going. And if you're a victim or survivor and are ready to tell your story in order to help yourself or someone else heal, let me know, and we can start a conversation about the possibility of you being on the show. Here's my email address: dave@sasstories.com Thank you to all of you who have reached out to me already. Just provide me with a phone number where I can reach back out to you…because I like to talk to people who are interested in guesting. And please keep those emails and texts coming…I truly look forward to hearing from you! Here are some critically important links that I hope you'll take the time to explore, and where a contribution is requested, please consider doing so! — Thank you!! https://womensmediacenter.com/profile/rita-smith https://1in6.org/ https://time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/repeat_rape.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://soulwisesolutions.com https://safeinharmsway.org https://sironahealing.com/ https://www.whattheydontsay.com https://www.survivor-school.com/?ref=DAVEMARKEL www.arcigrey.com https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/invisible-no-more-lady-veterans-stories-of-military/id1754061590 https://startbybelieving.org https://evawintl.org/ As mentioned, and emphasized, it's time to Normalize the Conversation.™ And please remember to Start by Believing…because we all know someone whose life has been impacted by rape or sexual assault. Thank you for tuning in.

From aircraft maintenance officer to professional fitness champion to executive coach, Tanji Johnson Bridgeman '97 has exhibited leadership on many stages. SUMMARY In the premiere episode of Focus on Leadership, she joins host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99 to share how resilience, self-care and feedback transform challenges into growth — and why caring for yourself is key to leading with presence and impact.   SHARE THIS PODCAST LINKEDIN  |  FACEBOOK    TANJI'S TOP 10 LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS Lead with a Whole-Person Approach: Effective leadership requires nurturing mind, body, and spirit, not just focusing on one aspect. Reframe Failure as Feedback: View setbacks as events and learning opportunities, rather than personal flaws or endpoints. Consistency Over Perfection: Strive for regular, sustainable effort and give yourself grace rather than aiming for flawless execution. Self-Reflection Builds Authenticity: Regular reflection (e.g., journaling, meditation) helps clarify values and stay true to yourself as a leader. Executive Presence Matters: Project confidence through body language, eye contact, and purposeful communication to influence and inspire others. Take Inventory and Set Self-Care Rituals: Assess mental, physical, and emotional health, then develop small, habitual self-care practices to maintain energy and focus. Recognize and Address Burnout: Leaders must be attentive to signs of burnout in themselves and others, emphasizing rest, breaks, and boundaries. Normalize and Model Wellness in Leadership: Leaders should model healthy habits and make personal wellness a visible priority to support team well-being. Focus on Connection and Service: Shift focus away from self-doubt by being intentional about serving, connecting, and empowering others. Adapt and Accept Change: Growth requires adapting to new realities, accepting changes (including those related to age or circumstances), and updating strategies accordingly.   CHAPTERS 0:00:06 - Introduction to the podcast and guest Tanji Johnson Bridgeman. 0:01:07 - Tanji shares her journey from the Air Force Academy to wellness and leadership. 0:04:13 - Discussing wellness strategies and advice for cadets and young leaders. 0:12:10 - Recognizing burnout, setting boundaries, and maintaining consistency in habits. 0:17:39 - Reframing failure as feedback with examples from Tanji's career. 0:27:58 - Exploring the concept of executive presence and practical ways to develop it. 0:38:07 - The value of authenticity and self-reflection in leadership. 0:44:21 - Creating sustainable self-care rituals and adopting healthy habits. 1:00:54 - Emphasizing wellness in leadership and the importance of leading by example. 1:02:18 - Final reflections and a summary of key takeaways from the episode.   ABOUT TANJI BIO Tanji Johnson Bridgeman graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1997, where she distinguished herself by navigating the rigors of cadet life with both determination and initiative. As one of the first women to serve as Group Superintendent during Basic Cadet Training for the Class of 1999, she honed her leadership and public-speaking skills by addressing hundreds of incoming cadets nightly. Following her commissioning, she served on active duty in the U.S. Air Force — initially in the Academy's admissions office as a minority enrollment officer, then as an aircraft maintenance officer at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, where she led over 200 personnel across six specialties supporting KC-135 air-refueling operations. After four years of service, Tanji pivoted to a second career in fitness and wellness, becoming an 11-time professional champion in the International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness (IFBB) and competing for 18 years in 54 pro contests. She later leveraged her competitive success and military-honed leadership into executive-presence and lifestyle-coaching, founding the “Empower Your Inner Champion” brand and offering keynote speaking, coaching, and wellness solutions.    CONNECT WITH TANJI LinkedIn Instagram: @OriginalTanjiJohnson   CONNECT WITH THE LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP PODCAST NETWORK TEAM Ted Robertson | Producer and Editor:  Ted.Robertson@USAFA.org Send your feedback or nominate a guest: socialmedia@usafa.org   Ryan Hall | Director:  Ryan.Hall@USAFA.org  Bryan Grossman | Copy Editor:  Bryan.Grossman@USAFA.org Wyatt Hornsby | Executive Producer:  Wyatt.Hornsby@USAFA.org      ALL PAST LBL EPISODES  |  ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS     FULL TRANSCRIPT Guest, Tanji Johnson Bridgeman '97 | Host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99   Naviere Walkewicz 0:00 If you love the Long Blue Leadership podcast, you'll want to discover Focus on Leadership, a Long Blue Leadership production of the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation. Here on Focus on Leadership, we move beyond the “why” and dive into the “how,” exploring the habits, mindsets and lessons that turn good leaders into great ones. In each episode, host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz, Class of '99, sits down with accomplished Air Force Academy graduates and other influential leaders to uncover their stories, their insights and real-world actions that drive excellence. Focus on Leadership: Offering impactful and actionable lessons for today's exceptional leaders. Without further ado, sit back and enjoy this premiere episode of Focus on Leadership. Naviere Walkewicz 0:58 Welcome to Focus on Leadership, where we take a close look at the practices that make strong leaders even stronger. I'm your host, Naviere Walkewicz, Class of '99. Today we're joined by Tanji Johnson Bridgeman, Class of '97, an Air Force Academy graduate whose journey has taken her from aircraft maintenance officer to professional fitness champion, American Gladiator known as “Stealth,” entrepreneur and executive coach. Tanji is here to teach us about leadership through the lens of health and wellness, how caring for yourself physically and mentally fuels your ability to establish presence and lead others with confidence. Tanji, welcome to Focus on Leadership. Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 1:36 Thank you, Naviere. It is so good to be here. Naviere Walkewicz 1:40 Such an honor to see you. I mean, as a ‘99 graduate to have a ‘97 trainer here in the presence, I'm already feeling wonderful. And you know, it's been about 10 years since you've been at your academy. How are you feeling? You came back last evening. What are your thoughts? Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 1:54 Wow, I was here nine years ago for my 20th reunion. I just feel so much gratitude. I mean, it's so surreal. Even last night, we went to work out. And you know, you're driving up the hill towards Vandenberg, and all these memories are coming back to me from the good times. But the biggest thing I'm feeling is pride, you know, pride and gratitude. Because, you know, we don't always reflect, but just being here, it forces you to reflect, like, this is where it all started. I mean, it really started with my upbringing, but the Air Force Academy, my experience here, laid the foundation for who I became, and I'm so grateful for that. Naviere Walkewicz 2:29 Well, let's go back to the fact that right off the bat, you got off the plane, you met me and we went to work out. So wellness, no joke, is right at the top of your foundation. So how did you get into this space? Let's kind of introduce that to our listeners, because I think it's important for them to really understand the depth of what wellness means. Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 2:46 Well, the funny thing about it is I never would have imagined that I would be doing what I'm doing today, because I was a die-hard — I thought I'm going in the military, and I'm staying in for 20 years. So when I was here, you know, I was on the cadet Honor Guard and I cheered, and that's when I fell in love with lifting weights. So I got into competing, even as a lieutenant, and I just I fell in love, and I turned professional. And so there was these transitions where I had an opportunity to be a professional athlete, and I took it, right? And so I became a professional bodybuilder, fitness champion. And then next thing you know, I'm on NBC's American Gladiators. That was wild. And so I did that for a while, and then I became a trainer and a coach and a promoter and a judge, and did all the things bodybuilding. And then I retired in 2016, and that's around the time I met my husband, and so really that's when my real wellness journey began. Because prior to that, it was heavily around physical fitness, but wellness for me began when I transitioned and retired from competing. And really, I had to figure out what is my fitness life going to look like, because it's not going to be working out three times a day on a calorie-deficient diet. Naviere Walkewicz 3:57 Three times a day… Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 3:58 Right, none of that. I was like, I'm done. I'm done. But I really had to design the rest of my life and really figure out what that was going to look like. So I got into functional medicine, health coaching. I married a chiropractor, so we believe in holistic medicine, and that's where it started. Naviere Walkewicz 4:13 Excellent. And so this is not a traditional career path. So let's kind of go back to the cadet mindset. For example: How would you — knowing what you know now — maybe talk to yourself as a cadet, or actually, cadets that might be listening, of what they should be thinking about in this priority space of wellness, in leadership? Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 4:30 Absolutely, I think that's a great question. The disadvantage for young leaders, whether they're cadets or lieutenants, is that they don't have the luxury of having a lot of life experience. And so building a foundation is important, and it takes mindfulness and just, “What should we be aware of?” So what I would want to impart on them is to adopt the philosophy of looking at wellness from a whole-person approach, because high performance is going to demand it. And so when I say whole person, wellness is multi-dimensional. So we want to look at the mindset, we want to look at the body and we want to look at the spirit, and being able to start from a place where you're going to go into all of those. Naviere Walkewicz 5:13 Well, as a cadet, there are so many hats they have to wear. No pun intended. They have to be on top of their game in the academic space. They have to be on top of the game in the military, and then also athletically. Can you talk about, or maybe share an example as a cadet, how you navigated that journey of wellness and what that looked like? Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 5:32 Well, let's go back to — so I didn't get a chance to break down. So mind, body, spirit. Why is that important? Because in anything, any philosophies that we adopt, we have to really see where it's important. So when you think of what is an officer, what is a leader going to have to do with their mind, this is where they have to have clarity. It's going to help with focus, creativity to innovate new solutions. And so we need to be able to prioritize our mindset and our mental health. And then there's the body, right? So a lot of us are going to be going on deployments. We're going to work long hours. Our body is what's going to give us the fuel and energy and the stamina to get through a day. It's literally bringing our energy. And then you think about the spirit, and this one is really special, and it's probably the most neglected. So when you think about the spirit, this is where you're going to anchor in with your emotional health. What is your purpose? What is your “why?” You know, earlier today, I was having a great discussion with Gen. Marks, and he shared with me that one of his goals for the cadets is that when they graduate, you know, they're going to be committed to being leaders, but are they committed — like really committed — and bought in to knowing what their purpose is going to be? And I think that a big part of that is being able to explore their spirit in advance, so they can discover their identity and their strengths in advance and to be able to go off into the leadership and fully own it. And so an example that I would like to present: When I was coaching bodybuilders and female athletes, I remember I started a team. And now this is going to be a team of women that they have the common goal of competing. So they're trying to pursue physical excellence with how they transform their physiques. But what I did was I brought this team together, this sisterhood of women. So a couple of things that I wanted to see, I wanted sisterhood and support. I wanted them to have the commonality of the same goal, and I wanted them to be able to support each other, and I wanted to be able to support them by elevating their mindset. And so one of the things that I did that was really unique at the time, that a lot of other coaches and leaders weren't doing, — when somebody wanted to work with them, they just sign them up. But I would have a consultation. It was kind of more of an interview, because one of the questions I would ask is, “Naviere, why do you want to compete?” And then I'd give them examples, like, you know, “Is this a bucket list? Are you trying to improve your health? Is this for validation and attention? Is this because you're competitive? Because, if you're competitive, and you're telling me that you just started working out last year, maybe we need to wait a couple of years.” You see what I mean. So when you go back to the “why,” it keeps you in alignment to move forward, in alignment with your why, but a lot of people don't know what that is, and sometimes all it takes is asking the question. Naviere Walkewicz 8:17 So the question I'd love to ask you then, is going back to the cadet side, because I think talking to Gen. Marks and the purpose piece, you know, you actually, I think as a cadet, remember, you were on Honor Guard. You were also a cadet… I think you were the cheer captain of our cheerleading team. I feel that that is such a great testament to the fact that you have to figure out, you know, the purpose of, how do I do more and give more and still stay connected to my purpose of where you said in the beginning, “I was going to serve 20 years in the Air Force.” How do our cadets get that same level of interviewer coaching with someone without having that life experience yet? Like, what would you share with them now, from your learning experience? Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 8:55 So when I think back to… OK, so when you look at wellness, and you think of mental wellness, physical wellness, emotional wellness, you know, I think what happens here at the Academy — and I remember starting this way — we prioritize physical fitness, right? I remember being in that fight-or-flight mode like, OK, if I can just show that I am, you know, prioritizing physical fitness, that strength is going to get me respect, and I could definitely feel the difference in how I was treated. The problem sometimes with prioritizing physical fitness… It's great because, you know, it can strengthen your mind. So if your body's feeling strong, your mindset is strong, but it becomes problematic when your body fails. So what happens when you fail? And I have plenty of stories and memories, my goodness, of being on Honor Guard, one that I remember distinctly is, you know, if you had me doing push-ups or pull-ups, oh, I was in a zone. I was impressing everybody. I was passing all the tests, but you put me in a formation where the short people are in the back, you throw a helmet, M1 Garand, and we have to go run 3 miles now, now I'm falling out and I'm getting exhausted. And you know, the body goes — the stress goes up, the blood sugar goes down. It's just physiology, right? And so what happens is, now mentally, my mind is becoming weak. So when the body fails, my mind is getting weak,   Naviere Walkewicz 10:13 And you've been training your body right? Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 10:14 Right, right. And so I look back, and I just, I remember those days in Honor Guard where I would feel doubt, like, “Am I going to make it do? I deserve to be here? Am I good enough?” I would feel discouraged, right? And I would go back to my room and then something happened. So after about two weeks of suffering through this pain and this big challenge, I remember thinking, “Gosh, every time they beat me down physically, I feel so weak mentally. But I was in my room and I remember having anxiety for the next day, like, “Oh, I'm going out there again.” And for some reason that meme, you know, with the Asian guy that says, “But did you die?” Right? That's always in my head, and I remember saying that to myself, like, “It was hard. Today was hard, but did I die?” No. And actually, after two weeks, I'm like, “It's actually getting easier,” like, because I'm getting more fit, right? I'm able to do the push-ups. I'm running further. And I remember that was the mindset shift where I realized, “OK, now, tomorrow, when I go out to practice, I'm not going to be as afraid, because I've already decided that I can do hard things.” And so now, when I was enduring the practice, right, and the leadership of my Honor Guard cadre, I was prepared with that mental strength, right? And so that's what we need. We need to be able to train so that when our body fails, our mind prevails, right? Naviere Walkewicz 11:39 Love that — those three facets of wellness, and that's a really strong way to explain it. And so you gave a couple examples about when the body fails, so when we think about how we're wired, and I think many of us are this way, as cadets, as graduates, as those who really want to succeed in life, right? Thinking about resilience, how do we balance? Or maybe balance isn't the right word, but how do we make sure we're very mindful of that line between healthy discipline and then harmful overdrive. How do you navigate that? Maybe, what would you share with some of our listeners? Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 12:11 Well, you were asking like, how do we recognize when it's happened? You know, the good news is, your body will leave clues. You will have emotional clues, you will have physical clues, you're going to have behavioral clues. Your body will leave clues. So the first thing is, I think that if we can be willing to evolve — you know, look at what culture are we in now, like you and I, we come from a culture where the philosophy was grit at any cost. Push, push, push, push, and drive, drive, drive. You know, I think about, as an athlete, you know, especially if you're motivated. You're thinking, when I was training my body, I remember thinking, “I want to get these results, and so I'm going to do what it takes. So every day I'm doing the lifting, I'm eating the food, and I'm going to train every day.” And I remember on that seventh day, you know, I had done all the things, I took the supplements, I got all the sleep, and I went in to train, and my body was exhausted. And it's because I was physically burning out, and my body needed the rest. And then it really transferred into how I would choreograph my training and so with routine. So I was a fitness competitor. I did these fitness, crazy fitness routines where I'm doing push-ups and squats and gymnastics and flying around, right? And it's two minutes long. So think of doing like a crazy CrossFit routine for two minutes straight without stopping, and smiling. And so I remember being strategic, right? And how I would lay out those practices athletically, where I would do a portion, 30 seconds — I would train 30 seconds at a time, and then the next day I would do the next 30 seconds, a week later I would go for about a minute. But the part I want you to know is, right before the competition, I would decrease that training load. I would actually do less, because the year that I trained full out, all the way up into the competition, I didn't do well on stage because my body was exhausted. So again, our body is going to leave us clues, and we have to be willing to evolve, to say that self-care — it's not selfish, but it's strategic. And so we need to pay attention to those signs, because we're going to have a choice to either pivot and be intentional and strategic with taking care of ourselves, or we're going to stay stuck in this old-school thinking that's not going to serve us. Naviere Walkewicz 14:38 So if it's not the body telling you — because we talk about how wellness is more than just physical — how do you recognize signs on the spiritual side, on your emotional side, that you might be in this harmful space of it's too much give, give, give, and not enough fill, fill, fill. Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 14:55 I think that's a great question. So here's some telltale… So going back to physical, you know, like the examples I gave, you're going to feel exhausted, you're going to have muscle tension, you might even start to have stomach issues. Those are all great physical signs that you're reaching burnout. Now, when you think of mentally, if you notice emotionally and mentally, that you start getting irritable and you've become more impatient and you're having a harder time making decisions, those are also great clues that mentally, you're starting to get burnt out. And then when you think of behaviorally, you know, let's say you had a great morning routine, and now all of a sudden, you find yourself in this season where you've abandoned that, or you have deadlines that you're usually very protective, and you can get things done, but now you're starting to procrastinate, and you're thinking like, “Who am I right now? I'm procrastinating. I've abandoned my wellness routine. I'm not even… I don't even have a morning routine.” That's when you should really step back. And I think one of the practical tools that everyone can do is check in with themselves on a regular basis. So I'm being very transparent. I check in with myself daily. So let's say I do three back-to-back hours of Zoom calls: Maybe ones with an executive coaching clients. Maybe another one is a team Zoom, where I'm training a group of folks, and then another team meeting. After that three hours, I will stop, and I'll check in with myself, and I'll take a deep breath and say, “How am I feeling? Do I feel like getting right back on a call? No, my brain is fried right now.” And then I'll pivot and I'll go take a 10-minute walk around break. And that's just one of my strategies. Naviere Walkewicz 16:30 So it does… A check in doesn't have to be this grand “I take time off and I spend a week.” It literally could just be a few minutes of [breathes deeply] and check in with yourself, because I think sometimes time is a challenge as well, right? We talk about, how do we prioritize all these things and we're within this 24-hour period. How do we make sure that the time piece is something that we can also utilize to take care of ourselves, and so when you said it doesn't have to take a lot of time to check in. Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 16:58 And think about it. So we just talked about how to check in with yourself daily. What about like in your career? You know, I was helping physique athletes with poise mastery, basically teaching posing to athletes for over 15 years, and towards the end of that career, what I started to notice when I would mentally check in with myself, is I would notice that as I was driving to the office to go work with another client, I just did not feel as energized. I didn't feel as passionate. My motivation was going down, and this was a sign for me that I was getting burnt out from this specific way of serving, and it was my first clue that it was time to pivot and to look at something else. Naviere Walkewicz 17:38 That's really interesting, because when you think about when you're making big decisions, whether in career, whether in leadership or just, you know… The fact that you have these signs help you make those decisions, but I also wonder if it helps you at times think about part of the growth is maybe not totally pivoting, but it's recognizing that I'm supposed to go through this period of hardship. So what I'm kind of alluding to right now, is failure, right? So failure, as we go through some of our experiences are inevitable, right? How do we make sure we're using failure in a way to grow, as opposed to the easy button of, well, I failed, so I'm pivoting. Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 18:18 OK, so that would be like a reaction. You're reacting to what happened, and you think what you need to do is flee from it. So you have to be able to discern, “Am I pivoting because I'm afraid, or because I feel like I'm not good enough, or because my purpose and my spirit is telling me that my work is done here, and I'm looking for innovation.” I'm looking for something new. I'm looking to impact new people. So going back to failure — like public speaking, it's one of the top two fears, right?   Naviere Walkewicz 18:52 What's the other? Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 18:53 Oh, public speaking, flying, swimming [laughs]. No, I'm just kidding. Only if you grow up like me. But going back to failure, I think that people fear failure a lot because they make the mistake of connecting it to their identity instead of realizing failure is an event. It's not your identity. And so how many times do we do something, and maybe it's a competition, or it's an event or an application, and you fail. You don't get the desired result. It's an event. So what we need to do is reframe failure as feedback. That's it. So I have a great example. When I think about a great example of someone who was able to show in person, in reality, that when they failed, it did not disrupt their identity at all. So I don't know if there's any boxing fans out there, Naviere Walkewicz 19:46 Oh, we have some, I'm sure. Yeah. Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 19:47 The Canelo and Crawford fight, it was a couple weeks ago. Did you see that? Naviere Walkewicz 19:50 I didn't, but I did hear about this. Actually, honestly, I fell asleep. I planned to watch it. My husband watched it, but I fell asleep. Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 19:57 Oh, they went all the rounds, right? It was a great fight. Really, really great. You saw two physical specimens, you know, at the top of their game. They were both undefeated. I believe Canelo was favored to win, but he didn't. He lost the belt, right? And so Crawford wins. And so I'm always very intrigued with how people respond to failure when it's public, right? And so Crawford got to make his speech, and then when Canelo made his speech, you know, one of the first things they ask is, “OK, so you didn't get the result you were hoping for. You didn't win this bout. How are you feeling?” And he gave an answer that I totally didn't expect. He said, “I feel great.”   Naviere Walkewicz 20:39 Just like that?   Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 20:40 Yes. He was like, “I feel great.” He was like, “It was a great fight,” you know. He affirmed Crawford, you know, edified him. Talked about how great he was, you know, but he maintained his identity, and you could feel that in his spirit. He said, “I feel great. I came out here. I did a great job. I did what I was supposed to do. Obviously, there's room for feedback, to learn. You know, I didn't get the result I wanted. So whether it was endurance or I wasn't strategic enough, or I didn't prioritize my offense, there's feedback there.” He's going to learn from that. But he basically had such a great attitude. And he ended it by saying, you know, “I feel great and it was great time.” And I remember thinking like, “Wow, now there's an example of someone who did not own the failure and make it a part of his identity. It was just an event.” And his legacy will still be restored, right? And to be honest with you, it made me think about my own career. Naviere Walkewicz 21:31 Yes, so did you, have you experienced anything like that in your career? Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 21:34 Have I experienced failure? Over and over again. Naviere Walkewicz 21:39 And how did you respond in your, you know, the wellness side of it, when you think about, you know, what you're trying to do, your purpose. How did you use that? Did you use it as feedback? Or what did that look like for you. Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 21:50 So let's say in sports, if you don't win, then that event is deemed as a failure, right? And so if you think about it, I did 54, I've done 54 professional bodybuilding, fitness competitions.   Naviere Walkewicz 22:04 Wow. OK, what year did you start, just so we can get some perspective?   Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 22:06 I started in 2001 and retired in 2016, so about 17 years. And I won 11 of them. So that means out of, and that's a lot, actually. So out of that many, that means I lost all the others. And there's one particular competition that will always be dear to my heart, and it was the Arnold Classic. Yes, the Arnold Schwarzenegger. You know, he has this gigantic competition every year. And midway through my career, I started I got in the top five. So I would get fourth, and then the next year I'd get third, and then I'd go down to fourth, and then I'd get second, right? I think I got second maybe four years in a row. So basically, in my 10th year of competing, I finally won the darn thing. So Arnold comes from across the stage, and I'm already crying, and, you know, with his accent, “Why are you so emotional?” And there's a picture of me taking the microphone from him because I had something to say, and in that moment, because it was a special moment, I realized, yes, all of these years of failure, every time I competed, I missed the mark. I missed the mark. I missed the mark. But what did I do? I took that feedback and I went back and said, “What do I need to do differently? What does this mean? How can I improve my physique? How did I need better stamina in my routine?” And every year, I was coming back better and better and better. But guess what? So were the other athletes, right? And so when I won in that 10th year, I actually would not have had it any other way, because I don't think it would have meant as much to me. Because what was happening, I may have won the Arnold Classic on that day, but I was becoming a champion throughout that whole 10-year process. You see what I did there. So it's not your identity, it's an event. So if you look at it and reframe it as feedback, then you can leverage that and use it as an opportunity to win. Naviere Walkewicz 24:00 So failure, and we're going to say synonym: feedback. Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 24:03 Exactly. Naviere Walkewicz 24:04 I like that. Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 24:05 I mean, and I'll give you another example. So you know, I did my first TEDx Talk last year, and I was a part of this coaching group. And here's the thing: As leaders, we get to create and build culture. And I think it's very important for leaders to create a culture where they normalize failure and they teach their teams that it's meant to be for feedback. So encourage courage, and then help them leverage the failure or the mistake as lessons learned so that they can grow and move forward. So I'm in this coaching group, and they told us, “We're going to have you send out probably an average of 80 applications. Now we're going to guide you and tell you what to do, but every application is different, because the event promoters are different. So we can't tell you exactly what they all want, but you're going to find out when you apply.” So I remember applying, I think, to UCLA Berkeley or something, and I applied to do a TEDx Talk, and midway through my application, they asked me, what was my scientific evidence and proof of my theory and my great idea? And I didn't have one at the time. And I remember thinking, “I'm going to go ahead and finish this application, but yay, I just got some feedback that I need to include scientific data in my pitch and in presenting my idea.” And it was shortly after, I think I did five more applications and I got selected. And so now I have been so trained to see failure as an opportunity to grow and excel, that when I am afraid of something, I reframe it immediately, and then I actually look forward to it, like, “Oh my gosh, I can't wait to get out there and do this thing, because I'm going to get this feedback, and that's going to make me better.” Naviere Walkewicz 25:39 Well, I think that's really wonderful in the way that you frame that. Because, you know, in the military, and I was actually just at a conference recently, and they were talking about how failure should be a part of training. Failure is actually the most important part of the training, because when it comes time to actual execution, operationally, that's when we can't fail, right? So, like, you want that feedback through all the training iterations, and so, you know, the way you just, you know, laid that out for us, it was in a sense that, you know, you had this framework, “I'm getting feedback, I'm training, I'm training, I'm training.” And then, you know, of course, when you took the champion spot… Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 26:10 And I love… I think back to when I physically learned to appreciate failure was through weight training. And I know you've done it too, because can you go back and remember the first time you know, as a bodybuilder, when you lift weights, you're trying to grow your muscle, and to grow the muscle, the muscle fibers have to tear, and so there has to be a certain level of intensity and hardship in doing that. So if you're one of those people that you go to the gym and you're doing, you know, 15 easy reps, four sets, you never break a sweat, you're toning and you're getting some movement in, but you're not tearing your muscle fibers, and that's probably why they're not growing. So when I worked with the trainer and we were doing overhead military presses, and I physically felt like I was done at about 12 reps, but he was spotting me, so he just kept force repping me through six to eight more. I mean, until my arms were done, and I put my arms down, and they started to float up in the air. And he looks at me, because I'm looking at him, like, “Dude, what are you doing?” I'm like, “Wow, are you trying to hurt me?” And he just said, “No, but I do need you to learn that you're going to have to fail in order to grow and win.” And I was like… So then after that, we're going in the gym, like, “All right, Naviere, we're going to hit failure today. Oh yeah, we're going to learn how to fail.” “Did you fail at the gym last night?” “Yes, I did.” So in the bodybuilding community, it's celebrated. You know, it's a concept where that's we're trying to work through failure because we know it's on the other side. Naviere Walkewicz 27:34 Yes. Oh, I love that. That's fantastic. Well, and then you said you retired in 2016, so that was probably quite a transition in the fact where you had to… You probably have been doing all the wellness check-ins. “Where am I at? What am I thinking?” How did you make that transition into the executive presence space? Because it doesn't seem like it's a direct correlation from someone's body building to executive presence. Or maybe it is. Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 27:58 So, in in body building, I developed a niche. So I started off as a trainer, and then very quickly, probably because of some of my Honor Guard background, I mean, we did precision drill, and I just realized that I can… I learned things really easily, and then I can teach it. I can see something and break it down in detail and teach it. And so I got really good at doing that for the athletes proposing to where I was able to build a whole career and get paid really well through poise mastery. Now what I think? You know when I think back to all the things we had to do as a cadet, from standing at attention, keeping your chest up, you know, your chin in projecting we were all we were already starting to work on our executive presence, but we just didn't know realize it, right? And so in the real world outside of the military, where people are not building habits of standing up straight on a regular basis, they don't. I go into board rooms. I go to events where I see people get on stage. They're looking down, they're fidgeting, they're not making eye contact, they're speaking too softly. And so executive presence is the ability to project confidence in how you show up and the way that you communicate and how you get people to experience you, because, unfortunately, we live in a society where perception shapes opportunity. So as a leader, if you're not commanding that authority right off the bat, you may you may be missing the mark on being able to influence, and that's what leadership is. And so I was basically elevating all of these athletes to just present the best version of themselves, and in leadership, that's what we want, too. We all have strengths, we all have learned skills. We all have something to offer. But if we're not projecting and presenting our inner power externally, a lot of times we miss that mark, and I want to connect the dots. And that's kind of what hit me when I thought about moving into the executive space, is, you know, I can… sure I can teach you how to stand in front of a red carpet and some power poses, but it goes beyond that. It's how we communicate. It's our body language. And so there's, there's a lot of skills that can be learned. Naviere Walkewicz 30:09 Well, let's start with maybe just sharing a couple. How can our leaders, our listeners start to display a stronger executive presence every day? What's the first couple things you might have them start thinking about? Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 30:22 OK, so physically, I would start like, let's say with body language is eye contact. So my concern with this, the generation that we have now is they're dealing with a disadvantage that we didn't have to deal with. You know, when we were in school together 20 years ago, we were connecting all the time. It wasn't even a challenge. We were always together in person, building relationships, connecting, communicating. And now we're in a digital world where our attention is, is we're fighting for it, right? And so a lot of times I will watch people, and I realize whether they're going out to dinner and they are not maintaining eye contact because they're distracted, and they really haven't been, they haven't been trained to really be present. So for example, when you're speaking with someone and you're making eye contact with them. They feel seen,, you know? And so that's, that's one of the strongest ones. OK, Naviere Walkewicz 31:16 OK. I like that a lot. That's perfect. So as they're starting to think about the first thing is being present and making eye contact, from a — that's a physical standpoint. Maybe what, from a mental or emotional standpoint should be they be doing from a starting point for executive presence? Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 31:33 OK, so being intentional. So when you think about your leader, and let's say you're going to speak in front of the Cadet Wing, or you're going to start managing a team, or you're going to a networking event as an executive, and you're trying to pick up a few sponsors. Before you even go to the event, you can be intentional about who am I meeting with, what is my goal and how do I want them to feel. So when you think about networking, a lot of times, there's people, I have a client. You know, she hired me because she has a little bit of social anxiety. She's younger, and so she's on a board where everybody's older than her. So there's a little bit of that mental insecurity of, you know, “Am I good enough? Do I have what it takes? Are these people going to respect me,” right? And so she's coming into the situation already insecure, and she's thinking about herself. “How am I going to be perceived?” instead of going there, focused on connection, right? So if she was to go there and say, “This is who's going to be there. This is how I want to make them feel. So I'm actually going to be very intentional about asking questions that's going to connect with them, that's going to make them feel a certain way. If I want this audience to feel respected, what do I what do I ask them, and what do I say? What do I highlight? If I want them to feel accepted and warm. What can I say?” And so it just gives you more power to show up, be present and be intentional, and you'll feel more confident, because now you've taken the focus away from yourself to how you're going to serve others. Naviere Walkewicz 33:02 That is excellent, and that leads us into a bit of the mental piece of it, right, the mindset. So earlier, you talked about how you had a mindset shift when you were getting beat down in Honor Guard, you know, you're in the back, you know, because of the vertical challenge, and you're running, you know, and you're hanging in there, and you got better. Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 33:19 Well, it makes me think about when I was auditioning for American Gladiators. And again, I'm going to go back to this executive presence and where I use my mental training to serve me, so when I was auditioning, so if you guys don't remember, the old show was, there was no water, right? It was just everything was over big, you know, pillows and just a flat area, OK? So when I went in there to audition, I remember there was for the sake of diversity, there was like, two of everything. There was two Black women there, there was two redheads, two blondes. And I remember looking around thinking, “OK, both of us are not getting this job.” And so the very last part of the audition, after many rounds, is you had to go in front of the executive committee, and you had a one-minute pitch. You could say whatever you want, but they're all sitting there with their arms crossed, and you just get to go in there. And I remember thinking, “OK, I am shorter than her, but I'm more muscular. And, you know, she's been on tons of fitness magazines. She's, you know, super beautiful, more popular. I want to go in there, and I want to be intentional about showing them that what I'm going to present is the right fit for the show.” And so I walked in there and I called the room to attention. I used my Honor Guard diaphragm, and I called the room to attention. And then I went in and I started telling them about how during basic training, I was like one of the pugil stick champions. And they thought that was great, because we had an event for that, right? And so, you know, going back to that mental training, you know, part of it is just that intention of being prepared, you know, what is it that you want to achieve? What are you going to do? And then you strategize and have a game plan for how you're going to go in there. Now, another example: So once I got… I got the job, yay, right? And then we go to Sony studios, and I look at the set, and I realized that half of the set is over water. So half of the events, the joust, Hang Tough, the rock climbing, it's all over water. And you guys remember when I talked about a little bit not, not being a big swimmer. And so this was fascinating to me, but I didn't want anyone to know, because I didn't want to lose my job, right? And so here's where I tapped into my mental and mindset training. So as an athlete, I did this a lot: To preserve my physical body, because of all the gymnastics and routines, I didn't overtrain, because there's damage when you over train. But I would visualize myself going through my movements, and I would picture myself being successful, so I didn't visualize myself messing up or anything like that. And there was, there would be repetition after repetition after repetition. And so what I did to face that fear of having to do events that were going to land me in the water is I had to use logic, you know, so I literally would say, “OK, if I end up being in the joust and I get hit, I'm going to fall in the water. And this is how far away the edge of the pool is. I'm going to take a deep breath. I'm going to I know how to do the stroke, so I'm going to get over there.” But I had to visualize myself falling and then I use logic to just keep myself calm. So I visualize myself hitting the water and being calm, because I would prepare myself to be calm. If I wasn't, I probably would have panicked and drowned. And so I think back to that, and I never told anybody, but I was ready, and I was not afraid, because I had already went through the mental training to prepare myself to do something that I was uncomfortable doing. Naviere Walkewicz 36:50 And so did you fall into the water, and did it play out the way that you had mentally prepared it for? Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 36:56 So here's what's crazy. I'm probably not even supposed to talk about this, but the way they film some of these shows, they're not in sequence. So imagine that I'm filming a water event from Episode 1, 3 and 8. OK, well, for me, like, my third day there, I actually tore my ACL falling off the pyramid. And so, you know, those viewers at home didn't know that. So actually the answer is no, I actually didn't even get put into a water event because I got injured beforehand. But I was ready mentally. Regardless, I was actually disappointed, because I was ready to see that courage come to the surface. Naviere Walkewicz 37:32 Oh my goodness! These are all such wonderful examples of how you have really almost embodied wellness throughout your decisions as a leader throughout your career. I'm really curious, as you think about how you've been true to yourself in this journey, because there's an authenticity to you that only Tanji could bring. And so I'm wondering, how do you know who is your authentic self as a leader, and how have you continued to really show up for yourself in that way? Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 38:07 I think this is very important. And you know, my heart goes out to the young leaders, because, again, like I was saying earlier, they haven't had the experience yet. And I even remember when my sister, my younger sister, she was struggling to figure out what she wanted to do for a living, and she was a college graduate, and she still didn't know. And a lot of it is because when you don't have that personal life experience, you know — experience is a teacher. It tells you, it leaves clues. So when you don't have that, you kind of feel like you're just shooting from the hip trying to figure it out. And so what I think is important is to start the art of self-reflection early. I will never forget I was on a TDY during the Kosovo crisis. I was at RF Mildenhall, and I was a maintainer, and I remember having, you know, a lot, I think, over 200 troops over there, but it was kind of a lonely season for me, because all my peers were pilots, and they were all flying, and, you know, I didn't have anyone to hang out with, and I wasn't home, you know, I was, I was TDY. So I remember just spending my time. I would go to the gym, and then I would go for walks, and I did a lot of journaling. And I don't know why I had the foresight been but I would, you know, ask myself questions like, “Who am I? What matters to me? What values are important to me?” And the process of doing that really helped me solidify my identity. And so, for example, I knew that I thought self-love was really important to me. It was a value that I care about. So when I see people that are self-deprecating, they're talking poorly about themselves. They don't believe in themselves. This hurts my soul. It's a part of who I am, right? And so I've always believed in self-acceptance, you know. For me, as a Christian, you know, I want to celebrate how God made me and have that level of self-love. So when I was a cheerleader at the Air Force Academy, I remember I didn't have self-esteem issues with my body image. Nothing about it, right? And then I go off an become a professional fitness competitor — now I'm competing. And in that industry, breast implants were very prevalent and they were starting to get really popular. And it made me really insecure. So if you think about it, I did not change, but my environment changed. So as leaders, how often are we going to be in situations where your environment is constantly changing and maybe you feel that pressure to conform? And so in my environment, most of the women around me, as a means to an end, were getting breast implants to change how their body looked, to look more feminine, to be more accepted. And there's nothing wrong if that's what you want to do, but I remember feeling like, “Now I'm insecure about my body. Now I don't feel as pretty. Now I don't feel as feminine.” And I remember that being problematic because it wasn't in alignment with my identity. And so, again, knowing what my values are, I thought, “Well, I could go get the operation like a lot of people do. But this is problematic because I don't want to lead a life — and how am I going to go back and coach other women and lead a team if now what I'm saying is whatever is true to who you are and your identity, it's OK to abandon that.” And so, for me, that's why I chose not to have that surgery. And I started this journey — it took about two years — of being able to redefine beauty, redefine femininity. And this is kind of where all the different tools came in. So I started looking in the mirror and I would do positive — because it's self-taught. Instead of looking at my chest and saying, “You're flat and it looks masculine and you're not feminine enough,” I would say, “Girl, do you know what this chest cand do? We can do crazy push-ups.”  And I would say, “Wow, you're strong.” And over time, I changed how I felt about myself. And it was a very proud moment for me, because I look back, and that's why identity is so important. You need to take the time to reflect on who you are, what do you stand for, so that when those moments of pressure come, you're going to be able to make a decision to stay in alignment with who you are. Naviere Walkewicz 42:15 So you said — and maybe it's by grace — that you hadn't really planned. You just started journaling in those moments of quiet when you're feeling a little bit alone as TDY. Is that the best way, you think, to spend some time figuring out who you are? What's important to you? Or are there other tools you might suggest? Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 42:33 There's going to be multiple tools. You know, for me, I like to write. You know, for some people, they will pray and they will just ask a higher being to guide me and to make me more aware, make things known to me. For other people, they're going to meditate. You know, I liked journaling. I also have the strength of curiosity. And so, because of that, I was always not only asking myself a lot of questions, but I was asking other people too. And so, for example, if people don't have that strength of curiosity and they're thinking, “I really don't reflect very much and I'm never asking myself those questions,” you know, you don't necessarily have to journal it, but you can just take time to spend in reflection. But some of the work that I do, I take people through identity activation drills where I will list several, several different lists of values, different lists of strengths, and they'll think about each one and they'll really start to think about, “Let me think of a time where I experienced one of these strengths.” Or, “What's the last thing somebody celebrated?” Or, “What do people tend to tell me or complement?” And then all of a sudden they realize,” I didn't realize this was a strength, but, wow, this is a strength!” And now they can own it because they're aware of it.  Naviere Walkewicz 43:48 That is outstanding. So, you've really taken wellness into practice with everything you've done. You started to elevate others around you to have this ability to discover themselves and then have this executive presence. You know, if all the things you are doing, it takes energy. How are you… Because I know you talked about not overtraining and making sure you preserve that and doing mental reps. Is that really the special sauce? The mental training so that you don't find yourself in a period where you just lack energy and burnout?    Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 44:22 So basically, how do you sustain energy when it comes to wellness? So again, you go back to mind, body and spirit. So what I would do is I would — and this is for each person… You just break it down. You ask yourself, “OK, mind. How am I going to keep energy in my mind? What can I do?”  One of the easiest things to do is to just take a short break. So when I gave you the example of how my mind was working at full capacity for three hours straight. So when I was done, it needed a bit of a reset. And so what I do every day when I'm at home is I go outside and I visit with my chickens. So I have chickens and I have four cats. And so I will take a mental break and it's a habit for me now. I get up from the table and I will walk, because it decreases your stress hormones when you have movement, and I will give my mind a break and I will allow myself to observe. That's my favorite thing: I call it mindful walks where I just go outside and I will just take a moment. You know when they say, “Just stop and smell the roses.” No, seriously.   Naviere Walkewicz 45:28 Or the chickens…   Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 45:29 So the chickens make me smile because when I come out there I typically have treats. But they just come… They bumrush me.  So I go out there and they make me smile and then something wonderous will happen, like I might see my cat just sprinting up a tree and I'm just thinking, “Wow, what a hunter,” right? They're so fast. Then, you know, I see my dahlias that have been sprouting and I just can't believe how fast they grow overnight with sunshine. And that's just 10 minutes. And then I come back in and I instantly feel recharged and I sit down and I'm restored and ready to focus again on the next task. So, mentally, I like taking breaks. When it comes to physically, just getting into movement. And, you know, a lot of times people will think, “Well, I don't have time to go to the gym for an hour.”      Naviere Walkewicz 46:16 Or, “I'm tired already. How am I supposed to go workout?”   Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 46:17 Exactly. So when I think about the body, you know, there's four pillars that you can focus on. And if you feel like you're not mastering any of them, just start with one. So food is one. Food is fuel. And then we have hydration. You know, my husband's mom actually went to the hospital because she works all the time and she had been out in the sun and we discovered that she was dehydrated and it put her in the hospital. So sometimes when we're going after the mission and we're doing one task after — you know, when people forget to drink water and eight hours later you're dealing with brain fog, you're irritable, you don't understand what's happening. But you didn't fuel the body. So hydration, movement, food and sleep. So those are like the four pillars. And I would just ask yourself — so if I'm working with a health coaching client, I would say, “Out of those four areas, where do you want to start?” They'll say, “Sleep. My sleep health is terrible.” And then I can take it step further and say, “Have you heard of a thing called sleep hygiene?” They're like, “What's that?” “Sleep hygiene is literally, what is your sleep ritual? What are your habits to prepare for bedtime? Do you have a consistent bedtime? Do you decrease blue-light therapy? Do you put the phone away? Do you take a bubble bath to relax?” When you think about your environment and what your habits are, when some people tell you, “I do not feel rested,” we look at your sleep hygiene. What's going on? There's things that we can fix, and that's just with sleep. And so I ask people, “Where would you like to start? And you just pick one habit that you can commit to over time and once you've mastered that, you start to habit-stack.” Naviere Walkewicz 47:57 Amazing. So that was — you talked about, from the energy, when it comes to your physical and then your mental. What about from the spiritual side?    Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 48:07 OK, so, this is — and I think this is important because, again, I talk about the spirit is the anchor for your emotional health, right? And so you want to think about activities that's going to feed your soul and your spirit. Now I'll give an example. If you're going through, let's say, a season where you're irritable and you're feeling ungrateful and you're pessimistic and everything just seems bad. We're actually kind of in a season like that right now sometimes. One of the things I do — so this is just an exercise, but it's a gratitude process. Write down 100 things you are grateful for. I did this for three months straight. It took me about 20 minutes, but I got really good at it. And when you have to list out 100 things, you know, at first you might do 20 and you're like, “All right. Where do I go from here?” But you're forced to dig deeper. And when I came up with my 100 list, first of all, I would think about my husband. And 10 things, I would get specific. Grateful for his provision. Grateful for support, for his sense of humor, for his hot, fit body. You know, I'd just go down all the things, right? And then every day I'm grateful for my home, for my physical abilities, for my flexibility, my mobility. You're just in a different frame of mind. And anyone can get there if they choose to do an exercise or a prompt that shifts them from their current circumstance. And that's why I'm most passionate about empowering people that they truly can design their life utilizing these tools. Naviere Walkewicz 49:47 Can you share an example when you've seen someone that was maybe in that season…   Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 49:53 What kind of season? Negative season?   Naviere Walkewicz 49:54 In the negative season. And how going through some of these, kind of, wellness check-ins or activities — what did it allow them to do? What did it open on the other side that changed for them with your help?   Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 50:06 OK, so, one example would be we have social media; we have digital devices. And we can easily… Everything is about habit management and that's one thing I would tell people to do, you know? If you were to take inventory, look at how you live your life every day, and if you were to put every single action you did down as a habit — brush your teeth is a habit. Stop by and grab the Diet Coke is a habit. Sit down on the couch to watch TV is a habit. If you put it in a category of what serves you; what doesn't serve you. You know, one of the most…      Naviere Walkewicz 50:41 So first list out all your habits and categorize them?   Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 50:43 Right, right. So then you would recognize, “Oh my goodness. I have a habit of scrolling Instagram. Or social media.” And then you ask yourself how much time do you spend doing that. “Oh, I get caught up in a loophole of 30 to 45 minutes. And then what are you consuming? You know, so let's say the things that have happened in the last couple of weeks, you know, say something negative happens in society that's getting a lot of public attention and you're just ina rabbit hole reading about that incident over and over and over again. And when you're done scrolling, the question is, “How do you feel after that activity?” And most people would say, “I feel tense. I feel angry. I feel disappointed.” They list off all of these negative feelings. And so what I do is I help them realize, “OK, so does that serve you? Because you were in this negative health space, when you went to dinner with your family or when you went into this next assignment, how did you show up? How did you perform?” And then they realize, “Oh, wow. Not very well. I treated my wife like crap because I was irritable.” And so then you go back again. Your experience… We leave clues with how we're living our lives. So then you go back and you realize, “That is a habit I need to change.  And I just need to make a decision, and I have to have a compelling reason. So let's say you want to work on your marriage and you want to show up better for your spouse, but you're always showing up with negative energy because of this habit that you do right when you get home, then you can — so we just come up with a plan, and it's different for each person. You know, “What could you do that would be more positive?” “I could come home play a game with my kid, because, you know, my kid is amazing, and it makes me smile and laugh,” and you're in a good mood, you know? And this is why, if I am stressed during the day, I already know if I get exposed to my chickens, my cat, or just go outside, I'm so mesmerized by the beauty of nature. All of those things I know fill me in a positive way. And so I am very intentional and aware of when I need to shift, and I know what my go-to are. So when I work with clients, I help them discover what their database of go-tos are going to be. The first part is just helping them become more aware of when it's happening so they can decide to shift. Naviere Walkewicz 52:57 Right. So that awareness is really critical, but then the next step is probably the discipline and actually doing something about it?   Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 53:07 Right. Naviere Walkewicz 53:08 How can you take the lessons that you've had in bodybuilding, and then, you know, in all of your journey to help those now move from the awareness bucket to actually…   Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 53:17 To making it happen? So I think that the first goal should be consistency, not perfection, right? And I learned this the hard way as a bodybuilder, because in the beginning of my career, I hated dieting. I've always hated dieting. I love food.   Naviere Walkewicz 53:31 You and I are kindred spirits in that way.   Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 53:32 I don't mind being, yes, I don't mind being on a structured, you know, meal plan. But, you know, being on a strict diet can be hard, so anytime you set a goal to do something that is difficult, you know, the first thing that I tried to do was be perfect. So I would hire a coach, and my nutritionist would tell me, “This is what you're supposed to eat for meal one, two, three, four, exactly down to the macros. And maybe I would do great for three days. And then, you know, I would fail. I would cheat or have something I'm not supposed to have, and I would feel so bad again. Going back to a lot of these principles are coming back up. I was letting the failure identified me as a bad person, so now I'm feeling shame, and that's making me feel discouraged. And I kept doing this thing, like, “Well, I blew it, so I'm just gonna take the whole day off.” Like, how dumb is that, right? Like, there's four more meals you can eat and you're just gonna sabotage the rest of the four. So think about if I did that every day. So if you messed up every day and you sabotage three out of the six meals every single day, where would you be at the end of the week?   Naviere Walkewicz 54:31 Worse off. Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 54:32 Fat. [Laughs] No, I'm just kidding,   Naviere Walkewicz 54:33 Worse off than you were when you started.   Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 54:35 You would be, with no results.   Naviere Walkewicz 54:37 No more Oreos in the house so you wouldn't have to worry about eating them anymore. Tanji Johnson Bridgeman 54:40 So that's when I realized, “Oh, I'm getting caught up with perfection, and that's causing me to sabotage.” So then I changed. I said 80/20, 90/10, I just want to be consistent. And so when you fail, you know you give yourself that grace, right? And so I always like to say courage, grit and grace. You have to have the courage to do something uncomfortable, the grit to endure and then the grace to embrace when you've messed up and then move forward. And so the first thing I would do with wellness habits is, you know, you build one habit at a time, and you do what you can to be consistent, and when you fail, again, here's that theme, you take that failure as feedback. “Why did you fail? Did you get hungry? Did you have temptation in the house? Did you not set your alarm?” Right? You know? “What could you do differently?” And then you just recommit to being consistent. Naviere Walkewicz 55:31 That is excellent. So talking about everything, this has been a wonderful conversation. When I think about lasting impact, right? So you know, you've had this incredible journey. You've helped people understand how to be more aware of their wellness, how to take action, be consistent and really drive change. What is one challenge you might have our listeners take in the w

Host: Michael Fanning, SVP at Windermere Real Estate & Co-Owner of Windermere CoachingGuest: Stacy Brown Randall, Referral Expert & AuthorStacy Brown Randall returns to discuss her new book, The Referable Client Experience, and shares powerful strategies for generating referrals through exceptional client service. This conversation goes beyond the basics of "do great work" to reveal the systematic approach agents need to build a truly referable business.Work Touchpoints + Relationship Building Touchpoints = Referable Client ExperienceIt's not just about doing great work—it's about how your clients feel working with you.Getting more referrals from people already referring you (covered in first book)Generating referrals from your client experience (covered in new book)Getting new people to refer you (future book)1. New Client StageAddress the "quiet voice"—what clients are thinking but not sayingCombat potential buyer's remorseTools: Journey cards, expectation mapsShow clients visually what to expect (60% of adults are visual learners)2. Active Client StageBeware of the "lull of complacency"Navigate the waiting game without losing connectionBalance work touchpoints with relationship buildingDon't just email updates—create meaningful touchpoints3. Alumni Client StageAvoid the disappearing actMaintain relationship building after the transactionRemember: clients have 8-9 year cycles and can refer you every yearScale your approach based on transaction volume✓ Visual communication is crucial - Create buyer/seller books that map the journey from A to Z✓ Address the quiet voice early - Normalize concerns and remove stigma from what clients are worried about✓ Consistency beats intensity - Your biggest challenge isn't getting started—it's staying consistent when you get busy✓ Identify your referral hot zones - Certain moments in your client experience are more likely to generate referrals✓ New agents can compete - You don't need years of experience when you have a professional, systematic client experienceHost of Roadmap to Referrals podcast (approaching 400 episodes in early 2026)Author of Generating Business Referrals Without Asking (2018)Author of The Referable Client Experience (new release)Teaches the science of referrals—how to generate referrals without asking, manipulating, or excessive networkingGet Stacy's New Book: The Referable Client ExperienceConnect with Stacy:Website: stacybrownrandall.comPodcast: Roadmap to Referrals (new episodes every Tuesday)Instagram: @stacybrownrandallLinkedIn: Stacy Brown Randall"Do great work and you'll get referrals. But you're probably not doing anything wrong—you just don't know what you don't know about bridging the gap between being referable and actually receiving referrals." - Stacy Brown RandallSubscribe to Windermere Ask a Coach for more conversations with industry experts and practical strategies for building a thriving real estate business.Be awesome, help somebody, and make it a great day!Episode OverviewKey Topics CoveredThe Referable Client Experience FormulaThe Three Foundational Referral StrategiesThe Three Client StagesKey TakeawaysAbout Stacy Brown RandallResourcesQuote to Remember

Normalize

Delilah Maly is a Grief Educator, Grief Coach, Somatic Coach, Truama Healer Coach and Addiction Physchology Certified.She is also the founder of Operations E.N.D - Educate.Normalize.Destigmatize Suicide Survivors GriefIn Loving Memory of Ethan Nathanial Dow She is creating a movement of hope healing and human connection - Where grief meets advocacy ending the stigma and empowering survivors.

This episode of "Fit, Fun, and Frazzled" is dedicated to midlife women's health, focusing on the importance of essential health screenings such as mammograms, colonoscopies, blood work, and bone density scans. Host Nikki Lanigan shares her personal experiences and practical advice, encouraging women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond to prioritize preventative care, advocate for themselves, and normalize conversations around these vital health topics. The episode also covers the emotional side of health screenings, the challenges of self-care, and offers motivation to schedule overdue appointments, emphasizing empowerment and proactive wellness.00:00 – Introduction and Substack reminder00:20 – Subscriber perks: fitness programs, challenges, Zooms01:16 – Wellness, work, motherhood, and stress overview01:38 – Host introduction: Nikki Lannigan02:00 – Episode focus: midlife health screenings02:24 – The importance of preventative care for women02:48 – October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month03:16 – Mammograms, blood work, bone density, colonoscopies03:36 – Colonoscopy at 45, preventative care matters03:54 – Taking care of ourselves, not just others03:57 – Mammogram guidelines: annual/biannual at 4004:01 – Dense breast tissue: yearly mammogram + ultrasound/MRI04:26 – Self-advocacy: bring up dense breast tissue with your doctor04:47 – Self-exams, colonoscopy at 45 unless family history05:14 – Pap smears, blood work, thyroid, hormonal panels05:36 – Hormonal panels, bone density scans, advocating for yourself06:18 – HRTs, migraines with aura, stroke risk06:52 – Fear factor and discomfort with screenings07:23 – Empowerment: making appointments, stop procrastinating07:45 – Changing bodies in midlife: perimenopause, stress, health07:58 – Hormone testing, thyroid, energy, mood, weight, lifestyle tools08:40 – Self-love, body changes08:52 – Mammogram and colonoscopy experiences09:19 – Colonoscopy prep, Gatorade story09:48 – Normalizing conversations about screenings11:18 – Women and health conversations, HRT, self-exams11:38 – Normalize asking questions, sharing experiences11:59 – Homework: make your appointments this month12:03 – Self-care is proactive health, not just pampering12:44 – Closing: motivation, accountability, and empowerment

Sexual Assault Survivor Stories Podcast with Dave Markel Guest: Anne Marie Hauben I'm honored to share this week's episode of The SASS Podcast with someone whose courage doesn't just echo across a microphone—it reverberates across decades of silence, retaliation, and survival: Anne Marie Hauben. Anne Marie isn't just a guest. She is a truth-teller, an advocate, and a woman who refused to let a lifetime of dismissal define her story. After more than 30 years of carrying the weight of an assault she endured at 18 years old, she decided she would not stay silent any longer. And in doing so, she carved out a path of empowerment for survivors everywhere who feel trapped between trauma and the societal forces that try to suffocate their truth. This conversation is raw, urgent, and profoundly human. Who Is Anne Marie Hauben? • She is a survivor of a 1990 sexual assault, perpetrated during a senior trip to Bermuda when she was 18 and extremely intoxicated. The reported perpetrator was Ward, a former city councilor in Melrose, Massachusetts. (AnneHauben.com) • Anne Marie endured decades of silence shaped by shame, traumatic memory, lack of parental safety, and the fear that telling the truth would bring more harm than healing. (Written testimony) • In 2016 and again in 2018, she privately confronted her perpetrator through personal messages seeking accountability, remorse, or even acknowledgment. Both attempts were ignored; the second resulted in her being blocked. (Testimony) • In 2023, when her perpetrator ran for city council, her trauma was violently retraumatized and shoved back into the light. The anxiety, fear, flashbacks, and PTSD symptoms became overwhelming, forcing her to grapple with her past in a public way to protect herself, her community, and other survivors. (Testimony) • She ultimately sought legal guidance and published a public statement so voters would know who they were electing. Instead of support, she faced a wave of defamation threats, intimidation, and a coordinated effort by community members to discredit her. (Testimony) • Today, she is a vocal survivor-advocate pushing for reform in defamation law, accountability in local government, protections for survivors, and cultural change around how we respond to sexual violence. (AnneHauben.com) • She uses her platform, Amplified Voice Healing, to speak openly about her story, help other survivors reclaim their voice, and educate the public about the patterns of retaliation, shame, and silence that protect perpetrators. (AnneHauben.com) Why I Asked Anne Marie to Be on the Show • Because I'm committed to giving survivors a place where they're believed, respected, and heard—and Anne Marie has spent her entire adulthood being silenced and attacked for speaking the truth. • Because her experience is a masterclass in how systems, communities, and defamation laws are weaponized against survivors who dare to speak out. • Because she embodies the intersection of trauma neuroscience, public accountability, and the lived experience of surviving both assault and decades of retaliation. • Because her voice is needed. For college students. For mothers. For anyone grappling with whether they're "allowed" to speak. For every survivor who worries they'll be called a liar, crazy, or unstable simply for telling the truth. • Because her story is not just her own. It is woven from the same cloth as Chanel Miller, E. Jean Carroll, Christine Blasey Ford, and every survivor whose truth confronted a powerful man shielded by convenience and denial. What We'll Explore in This Episode • The assault itself: what Anne remembers from that night in Bermuda, what trauma did to her memory, and what the aftermath looked like for an 18-year-old trying to survive without support. • The neuroscience of delayed disclosure: why trauma keeps victims silent for years or decades—and how shame, fear, and protective forgetting shape a survivor's timeline. • Retaliation, defamation threats, and silencing: how community members, friends of the perpetrator, and public officials weaponized intimidation against her to shut down her voice. • Rape culture in action: what happens when a small-town political ecosystem decides that a man's reputation is worth more than a woman's truth. • Healing, advocacy, and finding purpose: how Anne turned her pain into public testimony, activism, and a platform for educating others about accountability and survivor protection. My Personal Reflection I want to acknowledge Anne Marie's courage. What she carried for three decades would have broken many people. Yet she continues to speak out with clarity, strength, and conviction, not just for herself but for every survivor who has been told to stay quiet. Listening to Anne Marie share her story so openly, and hearing the resilience and emotional labor it took to put her truth into the public square, is proof that SASS is a platform is for victims and survivors to be able to further their pursuit of justice and the commitment to normalize the conversation. Anne Marie's experience is not just recounting a traumatic event—she's exposing the machinery that keeps perpetrators safe and survivors silent. I'm grateful Anne chose to trust me with her story. I'm grateful my listeners get to learn from her, feel with her, and rethink what accountability truly looks like. And I'm truly proud to have had her on this show. Audience Takeaway • No survivor owes anyone immediate disclosure. Trauma rewrites the rules of time. • Anne's experience is both a warning and a call to action. Rape culture is not theoretical—it's lived every day in the systems that dismissed and attacked her. • If you are a survivor: you're not alone. Your timeline is valid. Your truth is yours to tell when you are ready. • If you are part of a community, a school, a department, or a justice system: please pay attention. These patterns repeat everywhere. Silence is the abuser's best friend. • And if you've ever wondered why survivors take years to speak: this episode will change the way you think about trauma forever. Anne Marie, thank you for standing up, speaking out, and refusing to keep your pain quiet. And to our SASS listeners: brace yourselves. This episode is powerful, necessary, and is one of those important conversations I regularly bring to the podcast to help normalize the conversation about rape and sexual assault. An important side note: if you're finding value in this show and these amazing episodes, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. AND, follow SexualAssaultSurvivorStories on Instagram, then, please send me a note of support. I can't tell you how much your emails mean to me—they fuel my passion to keep this podcast going. And if you're a victim or survivor and are ready to tell your story in order to help yourself or someone else heal, let me know, and we can start a conversation about the possibility of you being on the show. Here's my email address: dave@sasstories.com Thank you to all of you who have reached out to me already. Just provide me with a phone number where I can reach back out to you…because I like to talk to people who are interested in guesting. And please keep those emails and texts coming…I truly look forward to hearing from you! Here are some critically important links that I hope you'll take the time to explore, and where a contribution is requested, please consider doing so! — Thank you!! https://www.amplifiedvoicehealing.com/my-advocacy-work https://www.instagram.com/amplifiedvoicehealing?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== https://1in6.org/ https://www.kirtland.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/817825/psychologist-addresses-sexual-violence/ https://static.csbsju.edu/Documents/Counseling%20and%20Health%20Promotions/CERTS/David%20Lisak%20article.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/repeat_rape.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://docs.house.gov/meetings/AS/AS00/20130123/100231/HHRG-113-AS00-Bio-LisakD-20130123.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://soulwisesolutions.com https://safeinharmsway.org https://sironahealing.com/ https://www.whattheydontsay.com https://www.survivor-school.com/?ref=DAVEMARKEL www.arcigrey.com https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/invisible-no-more-lady-veterans-stories-of-military/id1754061590 https://startbybelieving.org https://evawintl.org/ As mentioned, and emphasized, it's time to Normalize the Conversation.™ And please remember to Start by Believing…because we all know someone whose life has been impacted by rape or sexual assault. Thank you for tuning in.

Send us a textThe nonprofit sector is facing a “polycrisis”. In this candid conversation, we unpack how simultaneous shocks (policy shifts, funder chill, shrinking donor pools) are reshaping civil society and what small nonprofits can do to adapt. We talk about building durable strategies instead of episodic crisis responses, and how to make decisions that protect mission over ego. Just as importantly, we get real about leadership wellbeing: navigating fear, staying in productive tension, and knowing when to step back. You'll hear concrete ways to hold both urgency and care without burning yourself out or your team. On this week's episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, host Maria Rio sits down with consultant and movement leader Rachel D'Souza, founder and principal of Gladiator Consulting and a member of the Community-Centric Fundraising Global Council. Together, they explore how nonprofit leaders can stay grounded, collaborative, and courageous in uncertain times, and what this moment asks of all of us. The Highlights: Polycrisis = this is a structural reset, not a blip. Multiple shocks are hitting at once, from government pullbacks to donor-consolidation trends; this reset requires long-term strategy, not perpetual crisis appeals. Leadership in ambiguity: Discomfort isn't the same as harm; staying in relationship through tension is a core leadership skill right now. Mission over ego: When resources shift, leaders may need to right-size, share services, merge, or even sunset, to preserve gains made. Wellbeing as capacity: The sector isn't well; leaders need practices that keep them resourced enough to make hard, long-horizon decisions. Values alignment matters: If we claim justice externally, our internal policies and culture must reflect it. Actionable Tips for Nonprofits: Create a “durability plan,” not just a crisis plan: Define 12–24 month funding scenarios, decision triggers (e.g., reserves level), and pre-agreed pivots (program pause, shared HR/finance). Normalize productive tension: Add a “discomfort check” to meetings: name what feels hard, distinguish discomfort from harm, and agree on the next experiment. Protect leadership capacity: Set non-negotiables (quiet hours, coverage plans, reflective time). Model boundaries so the team believes you mean it. Align inside practices: Audit internal policies (pay equity, leave, flexibility) to match your external equity commitments. Then share that story with donors. Resources and Links: Guest: Rachel D'Souza— Founder & Principal, Gladiator Consulting Website: gladiatorrds.com  Instagram: @ConsultingGladiator LinkedIn: Gladiator Consulting / Rachel D'Souza Book a Discovery Call HereSupport the show Connect with the show: Watch the episode on YouTube; follow Maria Rio on LinkedIn for more conversations and resources. Or support our show. We are fully self-funded! Book a Discovery Call with Further Together: Need help with your fundraising? See if our values-aligned fundraisers are a fit for your organization.

Dehumanizing a group of people is step 4 on the 10-step path to genocide. We should pay attention when politically powerful people start saying it.

Midlife pushes us to question everything—especially what we've been taught to whisper about. Dr. Jessica Zucker, Los Angeles-based psychologist and award-winning author of Normalize It, explores how silence around menstruation, menopause, body image, and grief, trauma and loss shapes women's lives. After her own traumatic 16-week pregnancy loss, she champions storytelling as a tool for connection and liberation. We dive into big questions: How does revisiting hidden stories from midlife's vantage point heal you?  How can vulnerability boost mental health and intimacy? Why to do so many women believe they must suffer in silence? Time to get loud and claim every experience that shapes you, beauties. FOLLOW A CERTAIN AGE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ GET INBOX INSPO: Sign up for our newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AGE BOLDLY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We share new episodes, giveaways, links we love, and midlife resources Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging conversation, Lori Adams-Brown interviews Mita Mallick about her book "The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses." Mita shares personal stories and insights on leadership, workplace culture, and the impact of bad bosses on mental health. The discussion covers the importance of self-awareness, setting boundaries, and the role of personal relationships in professional settings. The genesis of Mita's book started with a personal experience of her mother's home being flooded. Mita found an old notebook with stories about bad bosses, which inspired her book. Fear-driven workplaces may achieve short-term results but harm long-term culture. Mita shares a 'water test' to identify toxic workplaces during interviews. Setting boundaries is crucial for respect and inclusion in the workplace. Personal relationships can complicate professional decisions, especially in leadership roles. Mita emphasizes the importance of self-care for effective leadership. The conversation highlights the normalization of toxic behavior in workplaces. Mita advises doing reference checks on potential employers. The book encourages readers to learn from bad bosses to become better leaders. My special guest is Mita Mallick Mallick is a highly sought-after speaker who has advised Fortune 500 companies and start-ups alike. She is a LinkedIn Top Voice and was named to the Thinkers 50 Radar List. She's a contributor to Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Adweek, and Entrepreneur. Mallick has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Time Magazine, Forbes, Axios, Essence, Cosmopolitan Magazine and Business Insider. Mallick holds a B.A. from Barnard College, Columbia University and an M.B.A. from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business. Learning from Bad Bosses The Devil Emails at Midnight Leadership Lessons from Mita Mallick Navigating Toxic Workplaces Setting Boundaries for Success The Impact of Bad Bosses Self-Care in Leadership Identifying Toxic Workplaces The Role of Personal Relationships in Leadership Transforming Workplace Culture Key topics: leadership, workplace culture, bad bosses, mental health, self-awareness "The Devil Emails at Midnight" "Fear kills culture in the longterm" "Set boundaries for respect" "Personal relationships complicate decisions" "Self-care is key to leadership" "Normalize toxic behavior in workplaces" "Do reference checks on employers" "Learn from bad bosses" "Water test for toxic workplaces" "Respect is a basic need" 00:00:01 Introduction and Book Overview 00:00:29 Inspiration Behind the Book 00:01:27 Fear-Driven Workplaces 00:02:27 Impact of Bad Bosses 00:04:10 Setting Boundaries 00:07:30 Personal Relationships in Leadership 00:11:39 Self-Care and Leadership 00:18:54 Cultural and Personal Background 00:25:20 Advice for Navigating Workplace Dynamics 00:30:51 Conclusion and How to Connect with Mita Connect with us: https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com Linkedin YouTube Substack FaceBook Instagram Threads Patreon (for exclusive episodes just for Difference Makers) Bluesky TikTok Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might need to hear it. Your support helps the community grow and keeps these important conversations going. If you need professional help, such as therapy: https://www.betterhelp.com/difference If you are looking for your next opportunity, sign up for Lori's Masterclass on Master the Career Pivot: https://www.loriadamsbrown.com/careerpivot Difference Makers who are podcast listeners get 10% offf with the code: DIFFERENT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trump brings Gaza war crimes home to US autistics.Using starvation to subjugate people is a war crime, whether at the point of a gun or denying SNAP benefits.November 1st, SNAP halted. Healthcare funding threatened. Social Security could vanish, Trump warns. 42 million Americans face losing food assistance. Not someday—right now.A nation that uses starvation on its own civilians? I'm no lawyer, but I'd argue that's tantamount to war on its own people. Any day of the week. And I consider it a crime in its own right, even if courts reserve “war crime” for armed conflict.I can hear it already: “You're being dramatic. That's hyperbolic. You can't compare domestic policy to Gaza.”Watch me.Medieval siege techniques. Surround them and starve them out. Whether it's Gaza or Indiana.What's Actually Happening?The Trump administration threatens benefits we count on to exist as political leverage during government shutdown negotiations. Support promised to the American public for decades, transformed into weapons to get what Trump wants.Here's what international law says about that. The Rome Statute explicitly classifies starvation of civilians as a war crime, a crime against humanity. Around the world, deliberately depriving people of food for political gain—that's defined as genocide.These aren't my words, they're international law.Gaza starvation: internationally recognized war crime.SNAP weaponization: They can call it an unfortunate policy choice, but it's the same tactic, just a different population. Location doesn't change that. Denying food to gain power simply is withholding food, withholding life for power. They're not negotiating. They're holding a gun to our heads.Why Autistics First?Numbers tell you everything you need to know. Autistics face an 85% unemployment rate. So we depend a lot on SNAP—I do. Most of us depend on Medicaid to see our doctors, and many of us are disabled, unable to work. So SSI dependency just to live, it's a high priority.The government knows exactly who gets hit when they pull these levers: autistics, neurodivergents. We're the most vulnerable first. We have the least political power of any minority group, I think.And look at the language they use. “Efficiency.” “Streamlining.” “Reducing dependency.” It's the old Nazi “useless eaters” logic dressed up in techno-bro management appeal. Killing off the weak, dusted off and wrapped in budget terminology. We're the testing ground, that's how it always works. Start with disabled people. Normalize the tactic. See who complains, see if you can get away with it. Then expand to the next group.We're the canaries in the coal mine. We die first. And we're already choking.The Roll Call of History: Every Empire Does ThisWant to know how I know this is a war crime? Because every failing empire does exactly this. Brings colonial violence home. Every. Single. One.France took torture techniques from Algeria, brought them home for Paris riot control. The U.S. militarized policing in the Philippines, deployed in Ferguson. Britain did the exact same thing: tactics used in the Irish colonies, in India, that came home to British workers as labor disputes escalated.This isn't speculation. This is documented history. The Ottoman Empire in its death throes: Armenian genocide, Greek genocide, Assyrian genocide. Ancient Rome. Ancient Egypt. Every single one.The pattern is always the same. It starts with unpopular groups: Jews, immigrants, disabled people, people they call “defective,” “foreign,” “unproductive.” Test on them first, see if anyone notices, see if anyone stops you, then expand.Scholars have a term for this: the “boomerang effect.” Or “internal colonialism”—when you apply colonial logic to your own people. Black radical thinkers saw this first, by the way. They recognized the pattern decades ago.The Gaslighting Ends HereSo when someone says “You're being dramatic”? No. I'm being historically accurate.“That's hyperbolic.” The Rome Statute disagrees. I can read you the details.“You can't compare domestic policy to war.” Every empire in history already done that. They already made that comparison for me.We're not comparing tragedies. “Who's suffering more than who?” We're recognizing tragedy.When policy debates require trigger warnings like this article, like this livestream, maybe it's not policy.When negotiations threaten survival, maybe they're not negotiations.When efficiency means starvation, maybe it's not efficient. It's fucking violence.That need for trigger warnings says it's violence. Not discourse. We're not being fragile. We're being informed. We're watching it happen in real time. Hell, it's obvious in every bowl of beans I eat instead of a hell of heavily tariffed hamburger.What We DoLiving through empire in decline: deadly for many. But here's what we do.We call it as we see it. We refuse sanitized language.When they say “policy,” we call it violence. Because starvation kills as sure as a bullet. Just slower.When they say “negotiate,” we name it hostage taking for the purpose of political power.When they say “efficiency,” we shout starvation tactics.It's medieval siege by budget. No catapults. No cannons. Just clean spreadsheets.We document the pattern. We recognize what's really happening while it's happening. We tell the truth about what we're witnessing. And we survive together.How? Let's talk again soon on meaningful resistance, survival, and mutual aid. I'm nearly ready to share my thoughts next week in my next livestream.The Picture I Want to Leave You WithTrump brings Gaza war crimes home. Not as a metaphor—as a moral diagnosis.Same tactics, similar intent, different location, same fucking outcome.Starvation is starvation. Siege is siege. Death is death. Even if the law reserves “war crimes” for battlefields and guys in uniform.Starting with autistics, starting with disabled people, starting with poor people, starting with anyone who needs to eat and expanding from there. Because that's how it always works.That's not drama, not autistic overreaction. If I ever hear that again—fuck the gaslighting we've lived through all our damn fucking lives.That's international law in definitions. That's documented history in its examples. That's pattern recognition across eras. We're just the ones recognizing it first.ClosingListen, that's all I got really. This episode, it's why I do these livestreams. Why I need this community, you guys.Because when they gaslight us, we need witnesses. We need truth.When they isolate us, we need each other.When they threaten our survival, we need to document what's happening in real time.See you next week around the same time. We'll talk resistance, mutual aid. What actually works when the empire comes home.Till then?Stay weird.Stay fierce.Stay alive.Key Timestamps for Chapter Markers:* 0:00 - Opening Thesis* 1:08 - What's Actually Happening* 2:23 - Why Autistics First* 3:19 - The Roll Call of History* 6:35 - The Gaslighting Ends Here* 7:50 - What We Do#AutisticAF Out Loud Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. Click to receive new posts free. To support my work, consider choosing a paid subscription.* 8:56 - The Picture I Want to Leave You With* 10:03 - Closing This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnnyprofaneknapp.substack.com/subscribe

High performers don't crave praise — they crave safety. In this episode, Julie Holly unpacks why performance became your path to belonging and how to finally stop earning love that was always meant to be received.The Roots of Approval: Why You Keep Proving YourselfYou've achieved so much — but deep down, something still drives you to keep proving. No matter how much success you build, that quiet hum remains: Do enough. Be enough. Don't let anyone down.In this intimate reflection, Julie Holly reveals why performance became your path to belonging. Through the lens of attachment theory, polyvagal insight, and real-life experience, you'll discover how your nervous system learned to equate doing well with being safe — and how to rewrite that pattern from the inside out.You'll learn:Why approval isn't about ego — it's about safety and connection.How your nervous system links performance to survival.The difference between unconditional and conditional attachment — and how it shaped your adult identity.How approval takes many forms: applause, silence, avoidance, or even belonging in unsafe spaces.Why high performance can become a survival response instead of an authentic expression.How recalibration at the identity level begins freeing your body and mind from old attachment loops.This episode offers both compassionate understanding and practical application — blending science, story, and soul to help you stop striving for what you already carry.

I'm so honored to share this week's episode of The SASS Podcast with someone who is far more than a guest—he's a mentor, a guiding light, and a dear friend: Dr. David Lisak, PhD. I've personally known David since 1992, when I met him at a training conference where we were both teaching on rape and sexual assault investigations. From those early days of my journey into trauma-informed investigations, inspired by David, he set the bar for what rigorous, compassionate, science-based work looks like. I'm grateful every day that our paths crossed. Who is David Lisak? David is a clinical and forensic psychologist whose career has been defined by an extraordinary depth of research into interpersonal violence, sexual assault, and the long-term impact of childhood abuse—especially in men. (House Docs) He earned his PhD from Duke University and later served as Associate Professor of Psychology at University of Massachusetts Boston. (Wikipedia) His research includes seminal work on so-called "undetected rapists" — men who committed sexual assault but were never prosecuted — helping shift how the criminal justice system and institutions think about serial offending and victim vulnerability. (TIME) He is a founding board member of 1in6 — a nonprofit dedicated to supporting male survivors of childhood sexual abuse and trauma. (House Docs) David's work has had real-world reach: trainings across every U.S. state, consultation with the military, and involvement in major judicial and prosecutorial education efforts on sexual assault. (kirtland.af.mil) On a personal level, David is himself a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. He turned that lived wound into a mission: to break silence, deepen understanding, and empower both survivors and the professionals who serve them. (1in6.org) Why I Asked David to Be on the Show Because when I think about trauma-informed interviewing, especially in the sexual assault realm, nobody blends the neuroscience, the forensic rigor, the interviewing technique, and the survivor-centered ethos quite like David. Because I've seen firsthand how he mentors (me and others) with humility, curiosity, and a deep commitment to doing no additional harm. Because our book and masterclass work (on trauma-informed investigations) simply wouldn't be as strong without grounding from his research and example. Because the connection is personal. As someone in this field, you hope for a few mentors who walk the talk. David is one of those. I'm deeply honoured to have him here, and I want our audience to know just how lucky we are to learn alongside him. What We'll Explore in This Episode The neuroscience of trauma in sexual assault: what happens in the brain and how knowing that changes how we interview survivors. The dynamics of perpetration: David's research on serial offenders, undetected rapists, and how institutions often miss the patterns. Interviewing victims without retraumatizing: practical tactics, grounded in empathy, science, and the deep lessons David has gleaned over decades. What it means to bring a trauma-informed lens into the criminal justice system: both the opportunities and the hard realities. David's personal journey: how his own survival informed his work, and how hope and resilience can coexist with the gravity of this subject. Some Notable Highlights & Quotes In one of his foundational works, David describes the paradox-that despite sexual assault being treated as one of the most serious crimes, the vast majority of rapes are never prosecuted—and the myths around victim behavior and perpetrator profile still linger. (static.csbsju.edu) His 2002 study, "Repeat Rape and Multiple Offending Among Undetected Rapists", revealed very sobering statistics: among a sample of men who had self-reported acts meeting the legal definition of rape, the average number of rapes per offender was roughly six. (TIME) David is quoted in a military base article saying: "Sexual violence is a global problem. It affects every institution and community. The only question: Is it confronted with honesty and commitment?" (kirtland.af.mil) From his story on 1in6: "He turned from farming to psychology… He transformed his early traumatic experiences into a career of research and clinical work, focused on trauma." (1in6.org) My Personal Reflection David, I want to say directly: your friendship, your mentorship, your unwavering standard have meant more to me than I can adequately express in these notes. You have modeled for me what it means to combine rigorous science with deep compassion; to enter the "hard space" of sexual assault investigation without turning away; to always center the survivor's lived experience while equipping professionals with clear, actionable insight. Having you on the SASS Podcast feels like coming full circle. I'm proud, humbled, and ready to dive deep with you. Audience Takeaway (for them to remember) Think of this not just as a "talk episode" but as an opportunity: with David here, you'll be challenged to think differently about trauma, interviewing, and systems of response. If you work in criminal justice, victim advocacy, forensic interviewing—or even just care deeply about supporting survivors—tune in with a notebook handy. David brings insights you'll want to capture. And if you're a survivor or know one: you'll hear someone who both understands the science and honors the person behind the trauma. That combination is rare—and precious. Thank you, David, for accepting my invitation, for journeying with me into this space, and for being the kind of mentor I've aspired to be like. And to our listeners: brace yourselves for one of the richest conversations we've had on The SASS Podcast. An important side note: if you're finding value in this show and these amazing episodes, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. AND, follow SexualAssaultSurvivorStories on Instagram, then, please send me a note of support. I can't tell you how much your emails mean to me—they fuel my passion to keep this podcast going. And if you're a victim or survivor and are ready to tell your story in order to help yourself or someone else heal, let me know, and we can start a conversation about the possibility of you being on the show. Here's my email address: dave@sasstories.com Thank you to all of you who have reached out to me already. Just provide me with a phone number where I can reach back out to you…because I like to talk to people who are interested in guesting. And please keep those emails and texts coming…I truly look forward to hearing from you! Here are some critically important links that I hope you'll take the time to explore, and where a contribution is requested, please consider doing so!—Thank you!! https://1in6.org/ https://www.kirtland.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/817825/psychologist-addresses-sexual-violence/ https://static.csbsju.edu/Documents/Counseling%20and%20Health%20Promotions/CERTS/David%20Lisak%20article.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/repeat_rape.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://docs.house.gov/meetings/AS/AS00/20130123/100231/HHRG-113-AS00-Bio-LisakD-20130123.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://soulwisesolutions.com https://safeinharmsway.org https://sironahealing.com/ https://www.whattheydontsay.com https://www.survivor-school.com/?ref=DAVEMARKEL www.arcigrey.com https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/invisible-no-more-lady-veterans-stories-of-military/id1754061590 https://startbybelieving.org https://evawintl.org/ As mentioned, and emphasized, it's time to Normalize the Conversation.™ And please remember to Start by Believing…because we all know someone whose life has been impacted by rape or sexual assault. Thank you for tuning in.

You've been there. The recruit is engaged, the vision is aligned, and then silence. Or worse, hesitation that comes from a spouse, a current manager, or a friend. In this episode of Recruiting Conversations, I unpack one of the most common and misunderstood challenges in recruiting: how to lead when someone else is influencing your recruit behind the scenes. This is the framework I teach leaders to help them stay calm, coach through fear, and win trust without becoming defensive or pushy. Episode Breakdown [00:00] Introduction – The silent deal-breaker: recruits influenced by voices you can't see [01:00] Recognize the Pattern – Recruits often consult with a spouse, friend, mentor, or current manager during decision-making. This is normal, not a red flag [02:00] Outside Voices Are Often Uninformed – They offer opinions without context. They bring emotion, not strategy. You must equip your recruit to lead those conversations [03:00] Step 1: Bring It Up Before It Happens – Set the expectation early that these voices may show up, and offer your support when they do [04:00] Step 2: Normalize the Moment – Tell them it's okay to feel pulled. Then offer to talk through anything they're hearing, without judgment or pressure [05:00] Step 3: Ask Better Questions – What exactly did they say? What concern do you think is behind that? What part of it resonates with you? [06:00] Step 4: Validate the Emotion – Instead of debating, say, "That makes sense." Recruits need safety before they can process clearly [06:30] Step 5: Offer to Include the Outside Voice – "Would it help if we brought your spouse or mentor into a call—not to pitch, just to answer questions?" That move alone often builds trust [07:00] Step 6: Equip Them With Language – Give the recruit specific, value-based reasons for the move so they're not fumbling through the conversation at home [08:00] Personal Story – Richard shares how a recruit nearly walked away after a buddy's advice, until one key moment helped him realize he was borrowing someone else's fear [09:00] Final Challenge – Think about one stalled recruit. Reach out this week, invite the conversation, and be the calm voice in the noise Key Takeaways Outside Influence Is Inevitable – But when you're proactive, it doesn't have to be a deal-breaker Don't Argue. Equip – Help your recruit navigate those conversations with clarity, not confusion Invite the Inner Circle In – Offering to speak with spouses or mentors shows transparency and builds credibility Fear Grows in the Dark – The best recruiters name concerns early, normalize hesitation, and help people process wisely You're Recruiting More Than the Candidate – You're recruiting their household, their belief system, and their circle of trust In a world full of loud opinions, the leaders who slow down, listen well, and guide with clarity are the ones people choose to follow. Want help building a recruiting system that equips you to lead high-trust, high-emotion conversations like this? Subscribe to my weekly email at 4crecruiting.com or book a coaching session at bookrichardnow.com.

Normalize us getting playWe are mean to the spirit worldAnd use acme tricks on our Ops

Crystal Rivers | Word for Now | Nov 3, 2025 Let your mind be renewed until you can test and prove God's good, acceptable, and perfect will in real time. Read Scripture like a map of “holy hyperlinks”: when you see patterns (120 in the upper room; the cloud that filled the tabernacle and temple; the smoke that fills the temple in Revelation 15), grasp the message—when God's glory (His light) fills His house, reality is revealed. That revealing is what Scripture calls “wrath”: not God lashing out, but light exposing and undoing whatever partners with death. Treat sin like cancer—small mutations that look harmless until they consume; do not negotiate with it. Refuse the world's narratives that keep the “old man” animated; walk by the light of what God says of you in Christ. Go deeper: how to live this now • Rule your inputs. Curate what you watch, read, and repeat. Your “inner light” is shaped by your daily feed. Replace doom-scroll with Word-scroll. • Daily exchange. Morning and night: (1) confess what's false, (2) declare what's true “in Christ,” (3) take one concrete action within 24 hours that agrees with truth. • Short accounts. Repent fast, forgive fast, reconcile fast. Don't sleep with accusation in your mouth or offense in your heart. • Welcome exposure. Ask trusted believers to lovingly confront blind spots. Treat reproof as mercy, not shame. • Train imagination. Meditate until you see yourself acting like Jesus in specific pressures—then go do it. • Fast strategically. Use food, media, and comfort fasts to break agreement with “old-man” reflexes. Pair every fast with extra Word and prayer. • Pray for light, not ease. Ask for illumination that makes sin impossible to hide and obedience easy to choose. • Practice generosity. Give time, honor, and money where it costs you. It starves pride and feeds love. Reading numbers as hyperlinks (so symbols serve obedience) • 12 → Governmental maturity (tribes/apostles). • 10 → Testing/completeness of order. • 100 → Fullness/fruitfulness. • 120 → Priestly fullness unto glory (echoing the trumpeting priests). • 144,000 → A picture of completeness multiplied (mature, sealed people across tribes), pointing to a people formed into Christ, not mere headcount. Use symbols to aim your life: pursue maturity, tested obedience, fruit that remains, priestly worship, and sealed allegiance. Discernment drills (5 minutes each) 1. Light Check: “What am I believing right now? Does it agree with the Word or with fear/pride?” Replace the lie with a verse and an action. 2. Speech Guard: Before replying, ask: “Will these words sow light or feed death?” If neutral or dark, wait. 3. Peace Barometer: If peace drops, trace the last agreement you made (thought, word, click). Break it; agree with truth again. 4. Mercy Reflex: When someone fails, act in the opposite spirit within one hour: bless, cover, help. 5. Hidden Yes: Do one obedient act daily that only God sees. It trains you for a glory-filled temple where flesh cannot posture. Community rhythms that make holiness feel like love • Confession before communion. Normalize brief, specific confession and prayer before worship. • Testimony of exposure → restoration. Celebrate stories where light revealed sin and produced healing. • Prophetic with process. Words that expose should come with a path to restore (scripture, steps, accountability, time frame). • Hospitality as warfare. Open tables dismantle isolation, bitterness, and secret agreements with darkness. Pitfalls to refuse • Spectator faith. Consuming teachings without practicing them calcifies the heart. • Cynicism disguised as discernment. Testing everything is biblical; scorning everything is unbelief. • End-times fear. Revelation's aim is loyalty and hope, not panic. Read for the glory outcome. • Selective obedience. Partial yes is a slow no; it keeps the “old man” on life support. A simple daily liturgy (10 minutes) 1. Present: “Lord, I present my body a living sacrifice.” 2. Renew: Read a short passage; speak one sentence of obedience you'll do today. 3. Renounce: Name any lie/accusation; replace it with truth out loud. 4. Request: “Flood my heart with light. Make exposure my friend and love my reflex.” 5. Release: Bless an enemy, a rival, or a critic by name. Lean into that future now—detox from worldliness, fast and pray, saturate your imagination with the Word, stay tender and quick to repent, forgive before you feel it, welcome loving correction, and build communities where prophetic clarity, humility, and mercy make compromise impossible. Search out what God has hidden for you (not from you): the unsearchable riches of Christ will meet you as you seek. Live like a king who searches matters out; love like a bride who reads the romance in every parable; and let your daily choices agree with the light you intend to live by. Zoom every weekday : http://www.caveadullam.org/zoom

71% of Americans admit they're losing sleep over money—but Jesus already gave us the cure in the most famous sermon ever preached. In this episode, Bob and Linda unpack the surprising connection between mammon, anxiety, and misplaced treasure—and share the one simple prayer that can break financial fear and open the door to God's peace and provision. They walk through Matthew 6:19–34, revealing how birds and lilies understand something most believers forget: your value isn't in what you own—it's in who owns you. What You'll Learn: The hidden link between serving mammon and constant money stress Why Jesus' words in Matthew 6 are a direct cure for financial anxiety The "treasure principle" that keeps peace and provision flowing How comparison steals your provision (and how to stop) A practical, Biblical step you can take today to renounce financial fear Scripture References (NLT): Matthew 6:19–34 — "You cannot serve both God and money." Philippians 4:6–7 — "Don't worry about anything; pray about everything." Genesis 8:22 — "Seedtime and harvest will never cease."   Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel! (https://youtu.be/BkqokuEOHM8)   BONUS: Ever dreamt of hanging out with us for 6 weeks in your small group or church? Head to https://seedtime.com/true for details or shoot us a DM on Instagram (http://instagram.com/seedtime). If you haven't checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books."  You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.   

This episode explores a research informed lens for educator wellbeing, separating the brain's wanting and needing systems and showing how chronic stress can push teachers to ignore needs until the tank runs dry. Dr. Eve Miller and Kim Yaris connect the science to lived experience, translating the model into clear metaphors and practical, repeatable moves that help educators respond instead of react. You will leave with a compact framework and quick resets that fit real life, from a one minute want,need check to habits that keep fuel in the tank before burnout hits. The goal is sustainable energy, steadier classrooms, and a culture that normalizes care as part of excellent practice. If this resonates, like, subscribe, and share with a colleague who could use a refuel.Hosts: Kim Yaris, M.Ed (Associate Director of Research with FranklinCovey Education); Dr. Eve Miller (Director of Research with FranklinCovey Education)Download the handout:https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/fy26_rc-podcast-hand?x=a9GxTNTimestamps: (00:00 - 00:22) Welcome(00:22 - 01:28) Why now(01:28 - 04:24) The 46 percent reality(04:24 - 06:23) Wanting vs needing, the model(06:23 - 07:38) Accelerator and gas gauge(07:38 - 09:36) Tuning out needs under stress(09:36 - 11:17) The parent call example(11:17 - 13:31) Survival mode and culture cues(13:31 - 15:17) Normalize needs at work(15:17 - 18:20) Quick practices you can start(18:20 - 20:04) Close and CTA

This episode explores a research informed lens for educator wellbeing, separating the brain's wanting and needing systems and showing how chronic stress can push teachers to ignore needs until the tank runs dry. Dr. Eve Miller and Kim Yaris connect the science to lived experience, translating the model into clear metaphors and practical, repeatable moves that help educators respond instead of react. You will leave with a compact framework and quick resets that fit real life, from a one minute want,need check to habits that keep fuel in the tank before burnout hits. The goal is sustainable energy, steadier classrooms, and a culture that normalizes care as part of excellent practice. If this resonates, like, subscribe, and share with a colleague who could use a refuel.Download the handout:https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/fy26_rc-podcast-hand?x=a9GxTNHosts: Kim Yaris, M.Ed (Associate Director of Research with FranklinCovey Education); Dr. Eve Miller (Director of Research with FranklinCovey Education)Timestamps: (00:00 - 00:22) Welcome(00:22 - 01:28) Why now(01:28 - 04:24) The 46 percent reality(04:24 - 06:23) Wanting vs needing, the model(06:23 - 07:38) Accelerator and gas gauge(07:38 - 09:36) Tuning out needs under stress(09:36 - 11:17) The parent call example(11:17 - 13:31) Survival mode and culture cues(13:31 - 15:17) Normalize needs at work(15:17 - 18:20) Quick practices you can start(18:20 - 20:04) Close and CTA

This week I sat down with someone I've admired for a long time - my friend Touré Roberts. Pastor of The Potter's House & founder of One Church , Touré and his wife Sarah Jakes Roberts have been influential and impactful voices in this generation. Along with being a leader of faith he is a brilliant author and entrepreneur. We talk suffering, seasons of life, and what's worth your fight. “You don't need a fresh word- you need to go back to the last word he gave you.” This podcast is a reminder of tuning into the still small voice of God in every seasonDon't miss it. Premieres at 7:30PM

I had a SASS listener reach out to me a few months ago via email. It was a short email, but it sure got my attention. The writer, Diane, told me that she had been listening to SASS for a while, and that she was very appreciative of the show, as she is a survivor of military sexual assault (MSA) from almost 50 years ago. She also told me she had sent me a large envelope of important information about her case…certified, return receipt. That'll peak you're curiosity! I did get a large envelope a few days later. It was a pretty full, 9x12 , mailing envelope, full of documents—letters, law enforcement reports, a narrative of Diane's story—enough to keep me reading for about an hour. And what I read was both horrific and miserable information, but frustrating and compelling at the same time. It was a compilation of most of the work that Diane had been compiling for the past almost 50 years in order to try to get the Army to bring a retired physician back into active duty for the purpose of having him court-martialed. Can you imagine how frustrating it must feel to have your case investigated by one of this country's foremost criminal investigation agencies, have the investigation result in being substantiated, sue the perpetrator civilly, and win, and then to have the Army's prosecutors refuse to prosecute your case…for no particular reason other than to save face for the Army because to court-martial a retired colonel, doctor, from the Army would be embarrassing. Yeah…that's what happened. It's asinine; you're gonna want to hear the story from Diane herself. So listen to this episode. Then, share it with everyone you know. Because it's that important! An important side note: if you're finding value in this show and these amazing episodes, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. AND, follow SexualAssaultSurvivorStories on Instagram, then, please send me a note of support. I can't tell you how much your emails mean to me—they fuel my passion to keep this podcast going. And if you're a victim or survivor and are ready to tell your story in order to help yourself or someone else heal, let me know, and we can start a conversation about the possibility of you being on the show.  Here's my email address: dave@sasstories.com  Thank you to all of you who have reached out to me already. Just provide me with a phone number where I can reach back out to you…because I like to talk to people who are interested in guesting. And please keep those emails and texts coming…I truly look forward to hearing from you! Here are some critically important links that I hope you'll take the time to explore, and where a contribution is requested, please consider doing so!—Thank you!! https://soulwisesolutions.com https://safeinharmsway.org https://sironahealing.com/ https://www.whattheydontsay.com https://www.survivor-school.com/?ref=DAVEMARKEL www.arcigrey.com  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/invisible-no-more-lady-veterans-stories-of-military/id1754061590 https://startbybelieving.org https://evawintl.org/ As mentioned, and emphasized, it's time to Normalize the Conversation.™ And please remember to Start by Believing…because we all know someone whose life has been impacted by rape or sexual assault. Thank you for tuning in.

What if bold faith looks less like a podium and more like a quiet, honest confession: I need Jesus right now. We sit down with Pastor Titus Buelow to unpack why so many of us feel hesitant to speak about the gospel in a polarized culture, and how humility, practiced empathy, and real community can transform anxious silence into steady courage. Instead of the tidy “before and after,” Titus offers a present-tense testimony that keeps Jesus at the center and keeps our tone human when conversations turn to abortion, politics, family fracture, and the everyday mess we all carry.We get practical about moving from small talk to soul talk without sounding superior. Titus shares how naming Jesus as our authority shifts debates away from ego battles and toward foundations people can examine. We also talk about validating emotion as part of spiritual care, pairing conviction with tangible compassion, and offering real resources so our ethics show up in action. The early church held truth and mercy together; we can, too, when we approach others as sinners loved by a greater Savior.Courage grows in community. Titus describes why he launched Be Underground, a safe space where believers practice hard conversations, refine tone, and build confidence before stepping into tougher rooms. Family life matters here as well: risking short-term tension at home creates long-term strength and deeper bonds. Titus also opens up about his journey with depression, showing how God shapes ministers through weakness to serve others in the valley. If you've wondered how to start, begin simply: share why you need Jesus with one person in pain, listen well, and stay present.Subscribe for more thoughtful, faith-first conversations, share this episode with a friend who needs courage today, and leave a review to help others find the show. Your voice matters—who will you speak to this week?Support the showThe ministry of Christian Life Resources promotes the sanctity of life and reaches hearts with the Gospel. We invite you to learn more about the work we're doing: https://christianliferesources.com/

Managing the Slump A slump is a period where individuals or the team suddenly can't perform at their usual level. Confidence disappears, shots that always fall rim out, and frustration mounts. Acknowledge, Don't Panic: First, openly acknowledge the slump without blame or panic. Normalize it as a part of the game. Showing frustration as a coach will only make your players tighter. Shift Focus to Process: Stop focusing on the outcome (missed shots, losses). Instead, obsess over the process. Are you getting good shots? Is the ball movement crisp? Are you executing defensive assignments? Praise the process goals, even if the ball isn't going in. Simplify Everything: Don't install a complex new offense. Go back to basics. Run simple, high-percentage drills and plays that get players easy looks and build back their confidence. Sometimes, the best slump-buster is a simple layup or an uncontested jump shot in practice. Analyze, Don't Obsess: Use film to look for correctable patterns. Are players rushing shots? Is a specific defensive rotation being missed? Find one or two small, actionable things to fix, not ten. Break the Routine: Sometimes a slump is mental monotony. A radically different practice—like a "fun" day (dodgeball, contests) or even an unexpected day off—can be the mental reset the team needs. Losing streaks are different; they test the entire team's culture and your leadership. Your primary job is to keep the team together and focused on improvement. Maintain Your Poise: Your team takes its cues directly from you. If you are defeated, angry, or blame officials, your team will adopt that same negative energy. Project calm, objective confidence. Redefine "Winning": During a losing streak, the final score can't be your only measure of success. Set small, achievable "wins" for the next game: "We will win the rebound battle," "We will have fewer than 10 turnovers," or "We will hold their best player under 15 points." Celebrate achieving these small goals, regardless of the final score. Hold Everyone Accountable (Positively): This isn't the time to stop coaching. Maintain your standards for effort and execution in practice. However, frame your corrections around improvement ("Let's get this right") rather than past failures ("You keep messing this up"). Find the Positives: Scour the game film for something good. It might be one player's great hustle, a perfect box-out, or a well-executed play, even if it ended in a miss. Highlight these moments in practice to show that good things are still happening. Stay United: Losing breeds finger-pointing. Over-communicate the importance of "staying together." Encourage players to pick each other up. Your message must be: "We will get out of this, and the only way we do it is as a team." Leading Through Losing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Financial coaching isn't about giving better advice. Most of your clients already know they should spend less than they earn. They know they need an emergency fund. They've heard the standard recommendations before.So why aren't they making progress?The gap isn't information. It's follow-through. And follow-through doesn't come from another spreadsheet or a clearer explanation of compound interest. It comes from something entirely different: helping clients shift how they see themselves, how they relate to money, and whether they believe they're actually capable of change.Early in my coaching career, I made this mistake constantly. I thought if I just explained things clearly enough, clients would take action. I learned pretty quickly that knowledge wasn't the sticking point. What they needed was support, trust, and a process that worked even when life got messy.In this episode, I'm walking you through what it actually takes to help clients move from understanding to doing. We're talking about the deeper work of coaching: listening for what's underneath the words, creating safety so clients can be honest without fear of judgment, and meeting people exactly where they are instead of where you think they should be.This is about helping clients build confidence through small, meaningful wins. It's about rewriting the story they tell themselves about money. And it's about recognizing that your job isn't to be an advice-giver, but a transformational guide.If you've ever had clients who say they understand everything but keep showing up having made little progress, this episode will help you see what's actually happening and how to shift your approach.Links & Resources:Ultimate Growth GuideJoin the Facebook groupFree Workshop: How To Create Commitment With Your ClientsMoney Made Human™ CertificationKey Takeaways:When clients say they want a budget, they often mean "I feel out of control." Listen for the emotion underneath the request, not just the surface-level ask.Information isn't the gap… follow-through is. Most people already know what they should do with money; they need support in actually doing it.Trust is built through safety, not perfection. Normalize struggle instead of rushing to solutions. Say things like, "Of course you've tried this before and it didn't stick. Let's look at why together."Test every recommendation against your client's real capacity right now. If it's not doable for their life in this moment, scale it down until it is.Small wins create identity shifts. Once clients see themselves following through on something, they start to trust themselves. And that's when transformation begins.Meet clients where they are, not where you think they should be. The client drowning in debt doesn't need retirement strategies yet. Match your recommendations to their actual readiness.Start every session with a win, even if progress is small. Help clients name it and celebrate it. Self-trust is what enables the next step forward.

Summary Kristen, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Association of Golf Course Superintendents (PAGCS), joins Tyler Bloom to unpack why many women never consider golf careers, and how to change that. They dig into real barriers (limited exposure, unclear career paths, confidence gaps) and the practical fixes clubs can deploy now: First Green and school partnerships, transparent roles/pay, parental-leave and flexibility that signal belonging, and putting more women in board and management seats. Kristen shares a standout story of a new female assistant superintendent stepping into leadership and winning over the crew, plus how associations amplify progress through advocacy like Pennsylvania National Golf Day. A candid, actionable playbook for boards, GMs, and supers who want women's leadership to be the norm, not the exception. What You'll Learn Access precedes interest: If women never see the workplace, they won't picture themselves in it. Information builds confidence: Spell out roles, pay, pathways, and training. Policies signal belonging: Parental leave, flexibility, and clear job security invite women to stay and lead. Representation matters: Women on boards/management widens the hiring aperture. Tell the stories: Normalize women's leadership by celebrating real examples. Associations = force multipliers: Advocacy days, school inroads, and visible coalitions expand the tent. Culture beats heroics: Team mentality and ego-checks outperform "lone-wolf" leadership. Links Philadelphia Association of Golf Course Superintendents (PAGCS): https://pagcs.org/ First Green Program: http://www.thefirstgreen.org/ Bloom Golf Partners: Workforce & Leadership Resources

HOUR 2: Should we normalize wigs/hair pieces for men? 10/22/2025 full 2051 Wed, 22 Oct 2025 21:04:00 +0000 5ck1Ynzziif32GGs2esqtmUy5DGpSafQ kansas city,kmbz,dana and parks,news & politics,news The Dana & Parks Podcast kansas city,kmbz,dana and parks,news & politics,news HOUR 2: Should we normalize wigs/hair pieces for men? 10/22/2025 You wanted it... Now here it is! Listen to each hour of the Dana & Parks Show whenever and wherever you want! © 2025 Audacy, Inc. News & Politics News False https://player.amperwavepodc

The way through is simple, but not easy.In Part 2 of this firefighter suicide series, Sammy Freyta digs into the mask of dark humor, the silent war signs we miss, and how tiny 1% choices bring us back from “dead inside." It's real talk about triaging life, changing what you can, and asking for help without shame.What You'll LearnRead the tells. Withdrawal, numbing (booze, overwork), short fuse, sleep going to hell, nonstop jokes to dodge real talk—what to watch for in yourself and your crew.Normalize the thoughts. Many firefighters think about suicide; that doesn't make you broken. What matters is your next step.1% moves that matter. Delay the worst choice. Change one thing today. Stack tiny wins until the fog lifts.Resilience → growth. How small reps create clarity, new priorities, stronger bonds—and purpose.Triage the drains. TJ's real example: finding space to heal.When to escalate. Peer support, EAP, and first-responder inpatient programs aren't weakness—they're a parachute.If you didn't do it but feel dead inside. Sammy's steps: name it out loud, find why you hesitated, rebuild basics, loop in a person, and write the next chapter. If you're a firefighter in a bad spot who needs a clear, simple plan to keep going, this one's for you.Support the show

Ever feel like you know all the “right” things to do in a relationship, but when the moment comes, your body is flooded with stress, your voice tightens, or you just shut down? Many of us long for deep connection and trust, but when life gets real, our nervous system can hijack our best intentions. The invisible forces of old wounds, protective patterns, and the lightning-fast reactions of our bodies can make true safety in love feel just out of reach. In this episode, you'll discover practical ways to bridge the gap between knowing and feeling safe and connected with your partner. Drawing on insights from attachment and polyvagal theory, somatic psychology, and real-world relationship experiences, the conversation sheds light on what “embodied safety” truly means—and why it's the foundation for intimacy, trust, and even passion. Listeners will come away with tools to notice their body's cues, co-regulate with a partner, and develop relational intelligence that supports lasting, resilient love—even when challenges arise. Aubrey Aust is a writer and master's candidate at NYU studying relational psychology and philosophy. Her work explores how emotional safety, embodiment, and relational intelligence shape intimacy and trust. Drawing from attachment theory, polyvagal theory, and somatic psychology, Aubrey helps individuals and couples understand how to build safety in relationships through both the mind and the body. She is passionate about making complex psychological insights practical, soulful, and deeply human.   Episode Highlights 08:38 How our bodies subconsciously sense safety or danger in relationships. 10:32 The importance of nonverbal cues and body sensations in emotional communication. 16:50 Identifying and changing self-protective behaviors that block intimacy. 19:10 Accessing vulnerability for co-regulation. 21:54 How consistency shapes true relational growth. 26:32 Navigating the tension between meeting others' needs and self-care in daily life. 28:08 How curiosity about intense emotions can help heal shame and estrangement. 32:04 How understanding core needs brings freedom and new options in relationships. 35:17 Rewiring your reactions: How noticing your nervous system transforms relationships. 38:39 How small shifts in attention can instantly calm your nervous system. 41:30 Unlocking the power to heal and evolve through relationship challenges.   Your Check List of Actions to Take Take conscious pauses to slow down and deepen your breath, helping you regulate stress and become more present in relationships. Practice tuning into your bodily sensations during interactions—notice tension, breath patterns, or relaxation—to better understand your felt sense of safety. Build somatic awareness by gently observing your physical reactions when you feel unsafe or activated, such as tightness, speeding up, or shutting down. Create check-in rituals with your partner to attune to each other's nervous system cues, like noticing changes in body language, tone, or energy. Normalize and expect moments of rupture or conflict, and view them as opportunities to build relational trust through repair and open communication. Get curious about your protective patterns (such as people-pleasing, avoidance, or hyper-independence) and consider when they may no longer serve intimacy. Use subtle self-regulation techniques in social situations, like grounding your feet, gently pressing your fingers together, or scanning the room to calm your nervous system. When you feel dysregulated in a conversation, ask clarifying questions or take a brief pause to gather yourself instead of reacting from a place of activation.   Mentioned It Didn't Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Social Baseline Theory (National Library of Medicine article) Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) (Psychology Today) Polyvegal Theory (Polyvagal Institute) ERP 261: How To Strengthen Your Relationship From A Polyvagal Perspective – An Interview with Dr. Stephen Porges ERP 276: Understanding The Need For Both Self-Regulation And Co-Regulation In Relationship – An interview With Deb Dana Evolve in Love (program) Evolve In Love Discovery Session with Dr. Jessica Higgins (Acuity booking link)   Connect with Aubrey Aust Websites: aubreyaust.com YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCozW2k08GkMQbjs1vyN_Fkw Instagram: www.instagram.com/aubrey__aust LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aubrey-aust-8b7744174  Newsletter: aubreyaust.com/newsletter  

This week's episode of Sexual Assault Survivor Stories is a powerful replay of Episode 223 from The Jan Broberg Show — an episode that I was honored to join alongside Beth Magnetic, host of the Mormon True Crime Podcast. In this deeply important conversation, Jan, Beth, and I confront one of the most disturbing and misunderstood realities of our time: how a trafficking operation like Jeffrey Epstein's could remain functional, protected, and operational for more than four decades — despite countless victims, despite obvious warning signs, despite so many people "knowing" something was wrong. What unfolds in this conversation is not just about Epstein. It's about the dangerous intersections of wealth, privilege, and political radicalization. It's about the systems that hold more allegiance to influence than to justice. It's about a culture that is quicker to protect a powerful perpetrator than to believe a terrified teenage girl. And at its center — it's about the neuroscience of trauma. We talk honestly about why victims don't "just come forward," how the brain reacts to betrayal by high-trust offenders, how dissociation and freeze responses still get interpreted as "consent," and how our culture repeatedly re-traumatizes survivors the moment they dare to speak. Jan, Beth, and I push directly into the root of this: society still does not want to look at the truth of sexual violence. Not in churches. Not in elite institutions. Not when the perpetrator has a famous last name. And that refusal to confront the truth is exactly what keeps the next Epstein alive. If we are ever going to break the cycle, we have to normalize these conversations — not in whisper rooms, not in back channels — but openly, nationally, relentlessly. That is the core mission of this podcast — to elevate the survivor's voice, to educate the public with the neuroscience of trauma, and to help ignite a cultural change where victims are believed the first time they speak. If this episode moves you, please share it. That is how change begins — one shared truth at a time. An important side note: if you're finding value in these episodes, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. AND, please send me a note of support. I can't tell you how much your emails mean to me—they fuel my passion to keep this podcast going. Here's my email address: dave@sasstories.com Thank you to all of you who have reached out to me already; and, if you're interested in guesting on the show, please mention that in your email or text, and provide me with a phone number where I can reach you. Please keep those emails and texts coming…I truly look forward to hearing from you! Here are some critically important links that I hope you'll take the time to explore, and where a contribution is requested, please consider doing so!—Thank you!! https://soulwisesolutions.com https://safeinharmsway.org https://sironahealing.com/ https://www.whattheydontsay.com https://www.survivor-school.com/?ref=DAVEMARKEL www.arcigrey.com https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/invisible-no-more-lady-veterans-stories-of-military/id1754061590 https://startbybelieving.org https://evawintl.org/ My email address: dave@sasstories.com As mentioned and emphasized, it's time to Normalize the Conversation.™ And please remember to Start by Believing…because we all know someone whose life has been impacted by rape or sexual assault. Thank you for tuning in.

aWhat happens when your best employees become your worst managers? Across corporate America, we're facing what experts call the "Accidental Manager Crisis." A staggering 60-80% of new managers receive ZERO formal leadership training before being thrown into people management roles.The result? Burned-out managers, disengaged teams, and cultures quietly crumbling from the inside. Your top performer just got promoted—but technical excellence doesn't equal leadership ability. Without the right training, support, and mindset shift, you're setting them up to fail.This isn't just an HR problem. It's a business crisis that costs organizations millions in turnover, lost productivity, and damaged culture.

Hi friend, welcome back to Small Business School! This week, Staci gets real about why women—especially mothers—often face more challenges finding financial success in business. From societal expectations to mindset blocks, she unpacks the deep-rooted beliefs that hold women back from prioritizing profit and challenges us to reframe how we think about money, success, and impact.Key topics covered:Why “help at home” and access to funding aren't the only factors in women's business successThe hidden shame around women saying they want to make moneyThe mindset shift from running a “passion project” to building a profitable businessHow women can balance being heart-led and money-focusedWhy normalizing conversations about money between women is key to lasting changeTake a few minutes to reflect on your own beliefs about money. Ask yourself: Do I truly believe it's okay to want to make money in my business?Then, start a conversation with another woman entrepreneur—normalize talking about profit, growth, and financial goals.Mentioned in this episode: Faire, the largest wholesale marketplace connecting over 120,000 brands and retailers. Staci shares how Faire helps shop owners source unique products, offers flexible 60-day payment terms, and gives brands global visibility without cold pitching—creating a true win-win for small business growth.Retailers who are new to Faire can visit www.faire.com and use code SMBSCHOOL10 at checkout for 10% off their first order.Staci's Links:Instagram. Website.The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media. To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

For many years, researchers categorized sex as a biological drive like thirst, hunger, sleep or temperature control. But the question lingered, “what if you don't have sex? What will happen to you?” Unlike thirst or hunger, individuals will survive without sex, says Dr. Adrienne Rowland, an AASECT-certified sex therapist specializing in sexual health and LGBTQIA+ affirming care. During this Smart Sex, Smart Love podcast, she discusses the difference between spontaneous desire and responsive desire and why both are normal, how to manage desire discrepancies, and what to do about male patriarchy systems that remain present today. “When I talk with couples, many still follow the traditional male patriarchy system: a man's sexual desire is a woman's responsibility,” Dr. Rowland finds. “In our patriarchal society, women often grow up learning that sex is not for them; it is their role to pleasure their male partner. It is important to empower primarily women to feel confident with their body autonomy, and to not feel guilty for saying ‘no' to a sexual encounter they don't want,” she asserts. “We are responsible for our own pleasure. Normalize it. Negotiate your desires, and the result will be very freeing,” Dr. Rowland announces. “No one should give permission to explore their own pleasure.”

This is the concluding episode of David Wood's horrific story and search for answers to his life-long confusion and turmoil. David is an Australian journalist and copywriter now based in Darwin, Northern Territory. He reached out to me by email after listening to several SASS episodes and recognizing his own story in the voices of others. I was immediately captivated by David's email…which turned into several emails through our ongoing efforts to make this episode happen. The bumps in the road as we struggled to put this together were well worth it for me. And I think you'll also find it well worth it to listen to David's episodes.  I won't spend a lot of time here describing this episode…it's something so powerful and so impactful, you'll just have to listen to it to absorb its phenomenal importance.  There is a previous SASS episode that I mentioned this week regarding Katie Stewart…if you're interested in learning more about Katie and the interesting connections between her story and David's, it is Episode 35.  I also mentioned two books during this episode; one by Dr. Bruce Perry, and the other by concert pianist, James Rhodes. You'll find the links to where you can purchase these books listed below.  If you're a survivor, a loved one, or a professional in the field of investigating or prosecuting sexual assault cases, this conversation is a reminder to keep looking until the story you're told matches the truth you feel. I love how David's through-line is simple and powerful: if the explanations you've been given don't make sense, don't stop. Keep asking better questions. Keep seeking better care. And keep choosing the kind of community that believes you, and  stands with you. An important side note: if you're finding value in these episodes, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. AND, please send me a note of support. I can't tell you how much your emails mean to me—they fuel my passion to keep this podcast going. Here's my email address:   Thank you to all of you who have reached out to me already; and, if you're interested in guesting on the show, please mention that in your email or text, and provide me with a phone number where I can reach you. Please keep those emails and texts coming…I truly look forward to hearing from you! Here are some critically important links that I hope you'll take the time to explore, and where a contribution is requested, please consider doing so!—Thank you!! (Instrumental: A Memoir of Madness, Medication, and Music by James Rhodes, Amazon.com) (The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog, by Dr. Bruce Perry, Amazon.com)   (Kennedy Alley: A 100 Mile Journey; GoFundMe link)     (Amazon link to I, Sean/a) (SASS Episode 35, on Spotify)   My email address: As mentioned and emphasized, it's time to Normalize the Conversation.™ And please remember to Start by Believing…because we all know someone whose life has been impacted by rape or sexual assault. Thank you for tuning in.

Normalize farting?!

In this episode, Dr. Cindra dive into one of the biggest barriers to confidence and high performance: the inner critic. You know that harsh voice that nitpicks, second-guesses, and drains your energy? Learn how to recognize it, challenge it, and replace it with empowering self-talk that fuels your purpose and potential.   Dr. Cindra shares a real coaching story of an NFL kicker who learned to notice, name, and swap his inner critic — transforming his mindset and performance. You'll walk away with practical strategies to calm your body, reframe your thoughts, and strengthen your belief system.   Key Takeaways: Everyone has an inner critic — it's human, not a flaw. The three steps to manage it: Notice it, Name it, Normalize it. Use The Truth Meter to test your thoughts: “Is this true? Is it serving me? What's a more empowering thought?” Small, consistent mental reps create lasting confidence. Remember: your inner critic is loud, not accurate.   Power Phrase of the Week: “My self-talk builds me, not breaks me.”   Quote to Reflect On: “You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.” — James Allen   To  Request a Free Breakthrough Call with a Mentally Strong Coach, visit: http://www.freementalbreakthroughcall.com/ To learn more about the Mentally Strong Institute, visit: https://mentallystronginstitute.com/ To learn about Dr. Cindra Kamphoff's speaking and coaching, visit: https://cindrakamphoff.com/ To follow Dr. Cindra on Instagram, visit: Cindra Kamphoff, PhD (@cindrakamphoff) • Instagram photos and videos

In a world overwhelmed by fear, chaos, and constant noise, Dr. Leelo Bush offers a Spirit-led guide to cultivating unshakable inner peace. She unpacks daily practices—rooted in Scripture, neuroscience, and practical coaching tools—that help you remain calm, grounded, and God-focused even in the middle of life's storms. This episode empowers Christian coaches and believers to anchor themselves in Christ's peace and model it for others.

David Wood—an Australian journalist and copywriter now based in Darwin—reached out to me after listening to SASS and recognizing his own story in the voices of others. I was immediately captivated by David's email…which turned into several emails through our ongoing efforts to make this episode happen. The bumps in the road as we struggled to put this together were well worth it for me. And, I think you'll also find it well worth it to listen to David's episodes.  As you'll hear, David, with his ample talent articulating his experiences (which I attribute this to his expert abilities as an experienced professional writer), paints a vivid picture of life in the Northern Territory—crocodiles, cyclones, cattle stations (what we in America call ranches), and monsoonal rains—then opens the door to the harder terrain he's had to cross: decades of depression, shame, and a long search for what was really happening beneath the surface. David's life was shaped by early childhood and adolescent pressure to fit a role, the silence of an emotionally constricted household, and the slow, eventual, collapse that followed: failing out of school, drinking to cope, and repeatedly trying to rebuild. He shares how journalism became both a refuge and a battleground—holding power to account in a frontier city while privately fighting to get out of bed, to think clearly, to simply function. Along the way David describes the independent newspaper company he worked for that took on government blacklisting, the stories that toppled leaders, and the cost of doing that work when your nervous system is already on fire. David's story is not a neat “treatment plan,” but a messy, honest, human journey: forty mental-health professionals, trials that didn't help, medications with harmful tradeoffs, and the painful realization that many answers he'd been given didn't fit his lived reality. David lived through the humiliation of being labeled “treatment-resistant,” the limits of purely cognitive fixes, and the experiences of meditation, a different kind of therapeutic relationship, and a commitment to stop turning away from pain began to move the needle. From my lens, David makes a compelling case for seeing depression and anxiety not as character flaws, but as signals—rooted in love withheld, in stories untold, and in bodies that learned to survive more than they could name. I am particularly appreciative of how David describes how memory works when trauma muddies the timeline, and why shame can masquerade as consent to a life you never chose. But even more amazing is his realization of how a witness—someone who sees you—can become the hinge on which healing turns. David doesn't glamorize suffering; he demystifies it for us. And while doing so, he gives amazing language to what so many male survivors carry in silence: the pressure to perform, the terror of feeling, and the hope that returns—slowly—when you refuse to abandon yourself. If you're a survivor, a loved one, or a professional, this conversation is a reminder to keep looking until the story you're told matches the truth you feel. I love how David's through-line is simple and powerful: if the explanations you've been given don't make sense, don't stop. Keep asking better questions. Keep seeking better care. And keep choosing the kind of community that believes you, and  stands with you. Make sure you tune in next week for Part 2! It's a power culmination of the grit of human pain and healing. You don't want to miss it!! An important side note: if you're finding value in these episodes, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. AND, please send me a note of support. I can't tell you how much your emails mean to me—they fuel my passion to keep this podcast going. Here's my email address:   Thank you to all of you who have reached out to me already; and, if you're interested in guesting on the show, please mention that in your email or text, and provide me with a phone number where I can reach you. Please keep those emails and texts coming…I truly look forward to hearing from you! Here are some critically important links that I hope you'll take the time to explore, and where a contribution is requested, please consider doing so!—Thank you!!   (Kennedy Alley: A 100 Mile Journey; GoFundMe link)     (Amazon link to I, Sean/a)   My email address: As mentioned and emphasized, it's time to Normalize the Conversation.™ And please remember to Start by Believing…because we all know someone whose life has been impacted by rape or sexual assault. Thank you for tuning in.

From Virginia to Chicago, the Democrats are normalizing the idea that violence against people they oppose is free speech. Plus Democrats expand the 2-tier justice system to include no police response if their street thugs want to beat you ... or worse. Where will it end? (Please subscribe and share.) Sources: https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/10/01/trumps-ice-arrests-over-800-illegal-aliens-sanctuary-state-illinois/ https://nypost.com/2025/10/05/us-news/chicago-police-ordered-to-ignore-border-patrol-agents-plea-for-help-while-surrounded-by-angry-mob-of-protesters/# https://www.foxnews.com/us/national-police-union-calls-chicagos-refusal-help-ice-agents-shocking-violation-duty https://x.com/Sec_Noem/status/1974823626189766826 https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/10/kristi-noem-shares-that-cartel-members-terrorist-organizations/

In this episode, Christine coaches Jessica, a multi-passionate entrepreneur who struggles to follow through on her vision. Jessica shares how she often throws herself into new ideas with enthusiasm, only to lose momentum when life shifts or self-doubt creeps in. Although she feels deeply called to help mothers raising children in challenging family systems, she wrestles with limiting beliefs about whether people actually want what she offers. Christine helps Jessica reframe her so-called “career ADHD” as a strength—multi-passionate creativity—and uncovers the deeper fears that keep her from committing fully to her dream. They discuss the power of belief, why consistency matters more than perfection, and how to align her entrepreneurial mindset with truth, love, and service. If you've ever second-guessed your calling, started projects you didn't finish, or doubted whether your work really matters, this coaching session will inspire you to release self-sabotage and step forward with clarity and confidence.   Consider/Ask Yourself Do you start projects with excitement but struggle to finish them? Have you labeled yourself as “scattered” or “inconsistent” instead of seeing your creativity as a gift? Are you holding back from your dream because you fear people won't want what you have to offer? How might changing your beliefs about yourself and your audience shift the results you see?   Key Insights and A-HAs Being multi-passionate isn't a problem—it's part of the entrepreneurial spirit. Our beliefs shape our outcomes: if we believe there's no audience, our energy reflects that. Consistency in creating and sharing builds trust, especially with sensitive topics like parenting and family. Fear of failure often shows up as “not finishing,” but true growth comes from committing fully. Relief, not resistance, signals alignment with truth.   How to Deepen the Work Identify one limiting belief that's draining your momentum. Write down evidence that challenges it. Clarify who your “ideal client” is and create content as if you're speaking directly to them. Reframe social media or marketing as opportunities to build trust rather than chores. Normalize the ups and downs of entrepreneurship—it's part of the journey, not proof you're failing.   Upcoming Event Christine's Women's Retreat A transformational retreat designed to help you release old patterns, reclaim your truth, and radiate love into your life and the world. Date: October 17, 2025 Location: San Diego, CA Register: christinehassler.com/retreat Scholarships available—email jill@christinehassler.com for details. Social Media + Resources: Christine Hassler — Take a Coaching Assessment Christine Hassler Podcasts Including Coaches Corner Christine on Facebook Expectation Hangover by Christine Hassler @ChristineHassler on Twitter @ChristineHassler on Instagram @SacredUnionCouples on Instagram Email: jill@christinehassler.com — For information on any of my services! Get on the waitlist to be coached on the show! Get on the list to be notified about the upcoming certification program for coaches.

Ever have someone do your dirty...but somehow you're the villain and everyone is cheering for them? This week I'm talking about why people defend toxic behavior, how misery loves company, and why being alone doesn't mean you're the problem. Trying Not to Care is sponsored by Nutrafol - Find out why Nutrafol is the best-selling hair growth supplement brand at Nutrafol.com, promo code TNTC to get $10 off your first month's subscription and free shipping JOIN THE TRYING NOT TO CARE GROUPCHAT HERE ✨https://links.geneva.com/invite/3b386511-50ef-42fb-8363-16807ef87c21 KEEP UP WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: Ashley's Instagram | Trying Not to Care Instagram TikTok: Ashley's TikTok | Trying Not to Care TikTok Youtube: Subscribe here Amazon Storefront and more: LTX WANT TO ASK ME QUESTIONS? NEED ADVICE? Follow me on IG and look out for submissions on my story or ask me here: 2025 google form Podcast Business Inquiries - ashleychristinecorbo@gmail.com Social Media Inquiries - ashley@abouttalentagency.com