Podcasts about self fulfillment

384 Caring For Our Communities   In todays episode Sarah Elkins and Amy Daughters discuss a variety of topics, from finding their calm, to how they try to reach out to those in need of a friend, and the various ways they make others in their lives feel seen.   Highlights Where do you find your calm? Polarization and how it destroys our community. How do you make people feel seen?   Quotes “I didn't set out to do anything. I set out to be some crazy person who wants to write people letters.” “I will save your letter in a special place in my home for the rest of my life.”   About Amy Amy Weinland Daughters, Award-Winning Author and Keynote Speaker, believes in a world where what makes us different is the very thing that connects us, instead of separates us. She brings that world to life by helping people reconnect to each other through the power of hand-written letters. She brings her wit, humor, and having written 580 handwritten letters to every single one of her Facebook friends, to show you how you can find deep connections in some of the most unexpected places. Be sure to check out Amy's LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

In this enlightening episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt dives into the intriguing world of autosexuality—a term that describes individuals who experience sexual attraction primarily towards themselves. With her characteristic honesty and humor, Brianne unpacks this often-misunderstood concept, shedding light on what it means to be autosexual and how it differs from other sexual orientations.Brianne explores the nuances of autosexuality, discussing how it can manifest in various ways, from self-pleasure to fantasizing about one's own body. She shares insights on how this self-focused attraction can coexist with romantic feelings for others, emphasizing that autosexuality is not a mental disorder but rather a unique sexual preference that celebrates self-love and acceptance.Throughout the episode, Brianne highlights key characteristics of autosexual individuals, including their tendency to find pleasure in their own bodies, the importance of self-connection, and the potential intimacy challenges that can arise. She encourages listeners to reflect on their own experiences and consider how self-acceptance can enhance their relationships with themselves and others.As the conversation unfolds, Brianne reminds us that embracing our identities—no matter how unconventional—can lead to greater fulfillment and connection. Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of autosexuality and the importance of understanding our own desires.

382 Images of Ourselves    It's a sad fact of life that we internalize narratives that are made for us at an early age, we are told we are too emotional, that we're too bossy, that we're too big, and if we do not actively try to reframe or unlearn these narratives made for us, we are forced to live out a story someone else made up for us. It is our duty to reach out and take the power back for ourselves, to wield the pen as a mighty sword, and write our own narrative for the sake of our growth and inner peace.  In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Lindsey A. Lee, discuss the importance of becoming the person you want to be, showing up for yourself and those you love, and how vital it is for our growth as human beings to sit with the narratives we have about ourselves and decide for ourselves if these narratives are our own genuine thoughts and beliefs or if they were a planted idea.   Highlights Is the person you became, the person you wanted to be or the person you needed to be to survive? How do you show up for the people who need you? What stories and perceptions from others are you still holding onto?   Quotes “My greatest performance was pretending to be okay.” “There was emotion in my home, it just didn't look like mine. It looked like yelling, fighting, and shutdowns.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, The thing that I want to ask you, you remember every time at the end of these conversations I'm asking you to consider something for yourselves. My dear friend Netty Owens asked me one time: What is the object in your image of yourself that you would like to hold on to? And I talked about the Hanukkiah, the Jewish candelabra that we use for Hanukkah. And there's one candle that's separated from the rest, so there are 9 holders, 8 for the 8 nights of Hanukkah, and the one is the leader candle or the Shamash. That candle is the one we light first, we say the first prayer and then we light all the other candles with that candle. And I like to think of myself as a Shamash, someone who knows that by lighting other candles I am in no way diminishing my own light and that when we light other candles we bring more light. And for that brief moment when we connect like Lindsey and I did, for two and a half minutes our flames were together which made that an entwined hyper bright flame, even for that one moment, and it changes the energy and dynamic in a room. Guaranteed. So I am asking you listeners, what is your image of yourself? Just like Lindsey wants to be radiant and exudes that radiance when she owns that language, what will be yours? And, as always, thank you for listening.    Mentioned in This Episode The Four Agreements   About Lindsay Lindsay is a wellness mentor, educator, and founder of Honeydew U—a lifestyle platform helping women embrace authenticity, align with purpose, and heal through spiritual growth. She's also the host of Honey, Do You!, a soulful podcast exploring wellness, spirituality, and womanhood. With a background in education, business, and holistic wellness, Lindsay empowers women to break free from expectations and live with intention. Through mentorship and transformative storytelling, she creates spaces where women feel seen and supported. Be sure to check out Lindsay's Facebook and Instagram! As well as her podcast Honey, Do You!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!  

381 Rock N Roll Authenticity and living your life in a way that reflects who you are and how you hope to be perceived is something we all strive for, however it can be easy to forget that change and growth is a constant changing cycle, even from moment we are allowed and expected to invent who we are. In this episode Sarah Elkins ruminates on when she joined the rock band she is apart of and how it has helped shape her authentic self as well as how important fun and joy is to the true sense self.    Highlights What is authenticity to you? How do you portray your authentic self? Untangling core values from the actions we believe are authentic. How do you want to be known and remembered for?  There is no permanent state of the self.    Quotes “I was still not rock and roll. I was wearing a persona on stage because it was fun not because it felt like me.” “All that would have been missed if I had decided that my authentic self was not rock and roll.” “What opportunities have you dismissed because they didn't feel authentic?”   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores why young adults are increasingly unhappy, despite living in a culture that promotes self-fulfillment as the key to happiness. Drawing from a global study and biblical wisdom, he argues that the pursuit of self-actualization often leads to isolation and emptiness, while true joy is found in surrendering to Jesus and living for something greater than oneself. He encourages young people to reject the lie of self-centered living and embrace the abundant life offered through Christ and community.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

280 Breaking Cycles   We are hardwired to remember the stories that are far more painful and life altering, than the happier stories we lived. Perhaps it is our survival instincts or it is just easier to remember the bad, regardless it is important to sit back and truly think about how we frame our narratives using these experiences and decide for ourselves that this story is one we want to change. In todays episode, Sarah Elkins and Erin Weninger discuss the cycles both of them have lived as women, business owners, and parents, and the difficulty that came with acknowledging and changing the destructive patterns in our lives     Highlights You can do what is best for you, you only need to find the courage to reach out.  Everyone's narrative is different, but you need to know personally when that narrative is false and harmful to you.  What lengths will you go to in order to defend your narrative? Is it really a narrative worth defending? Be adult enough to acknowledge when you fail, apologize, work towards being better, and take accountability. It's not the end of the world to admit when you are in the wrong.   Quotes “I really needed that second falling out with my mom to have that feeling of; “Wow she really will go to extreme extents for self preservation at the expense of anybody else she might care about and love.”.” “It doesn't have to be an atom bomb to me just because I accept fault.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, You've already been asked a few questions. Think about how you're modeling the behavior you want to see in the people around you. If you're a parent, what are your relationship issues with your parents that may be contributing to relationship challenges with your children? Are you taking time to look at those patterns and maybe be honest with your kids about what you're experiencing as a parent. And last but not least, I would love to hear your thoughts on Erin's story, and how and why she should share it. If you believe that her words can be inspiring to others, I would love to hear from you. And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Erin (I will be sharing) My life story, as I am a 41 year old woman who spent roughly 37 years of my life thinking my dad had sexually abused me and it wasn't until 1 year ago I had confirmation he hadn't. Be sure to check out Erin's LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram!    About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

379 Leaving The Legacy You Choose Inevitably, we will be faced with the endless march of time, we will have a moment when we have the thought of how we want people to speak about us when we are gone. Are you making stories that reflect how you want to be remembered? Are you living in a way that solidifies the legacy you want to leave? Do you surround yourself with people who inspire, drive, and temper your ambition? In todays episode, Sarah Elkins and Bryan Abdul Collins discuss the importance of living a life without regrets, of surrounding ourselves with people that help us be the best versions of ourselves, and living in the moment with those we love.    Highlights Facing the inevitable and considering what it all means. How much time are you wasting by paying attention to the things that don't matter? What is your legacy? What do you want people to think of when they remember you? What is the evidence of who you were and the stories you carried that you will leave behind?    Quotes “I just want to teach myself something.” “I faced the edge of this life and really considered what it all means, and I try to move from that place.” “Raising your children is your job and your relationship with them afterwards is your performance review.” “We are living in our own stories.” “I had to fall in love with the story of who I was becoming.”   Mentioned in this episode Stephen Moegling's Elephant Journal Article Stephen Moegling's LinkedIn   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, You've heard our conversation switch back and forth between what we're doing now to live our legacy, what we want people to know about us, and how we want people to talk about us when we're gone. We've talked about what we bring to the table as coaches and what you need to be looking for in your next coach.  And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Bryan I am a career and life coach specializing in helping ambitious creatives break through career plateaus and reconnect with their creative expression. I primarily work with mid-to-senior-level professionals in creative services—art directors, designers, creative directors—who are at inflection points in their careers, seeking transitions, feeling stuck, or wanting to deepen their impact while maintaining a sustainable work-life balance. Through one-on-one strategic conversations, I provide career clarity, direction setting, and personal narrative refinement. With deep empathetic listening, industry expertise, and practical tools, I help clients overcome internal barriers, align their work with their aspirations, and navigate their careers with confidence and purpose. Be sure to check out Bryan's LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook! As well as his website Poetic State!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

377 The Art of Storytelling: A Controlled Burn in The Forest Of Life   Throughout life we have a tendency to collect things, whether they be stories, memories, or physical objects, and more often than not we cling to these things despite them no longer serving us in any meaningful capacity. Which is why it is important to sit back, look at your hoard and realize you are not a dragon who must keep every single piece of scrap. You can thank the item, story, or memory and leave it behind so that you can open up to new possibilities and new meaningful things to put in your life. In todays episode Sarah Elkins educates us on the importance of controlled burns in the national parks of the west, as well as the importance of our own “controlled burns” to clear away the clutter and make way for new, healthy growth in our lives.    Highlights Protecting our future and our communities, means protecting our environment too. Sometimes you need to shed the dead parts of the past in order to grow.  What strategies can you use to do your own “controlled burn”, to remove the things in your life that no longer serve you in a meaningful way?   Quotes “Even in my life activities I'm finding I need to shed things like relationships that no longer serve me, relationships that don't feel reciprocal at all, commitments that feel too obligatory and not meaningful. And work activities that aren't moving the needle for me in income or intrinsic reward.” “A controlled burn requires research, planning, and a whole lot of patience.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, If you're feeling overwhelmed with to much mental and physical clutter it might be time for you to take inventory too. Ask yourself the tough questions on what you truly need and want in your life and your home. And I hope you'll take the next steps to research and plan and patiently reduce that clutter.  And, as always, thank you for listening.    As I mentioned I am celebrating my five year book-versary, starting today Your Stories Don't Define You was published May 31, 2020. Starting this podcast was a wakeup call for me, I realized I was coaching my guests in sharing their pivotal moment stories, and they were finding great value in our time together, way beyond any promotional opportunity the podcast was offering. The book is designed to guide readers in collecting and sharing their stories with exercises and worksheets throughout. To celebrate my book-versary, I'm offering to sign and ship copies from Montana to you, and every purchase will include an offer for a 20 minute bullseye story mining session. In 20 minutes we will uncover at least one meaningful story for you to fine tune for you to use in your next interview, team meeting, speaking engagement, networking event, or maybe it's a date.  I really appreciate your support over the years and this is my way of giving that back.   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

Description: What does it really cost to follow Jesus in a culture of self-fulfillment? This Sunday, let's unpack the cost of discipleship so we can step into the abundant life that Jesus promises.

375 Practicing What You Preach It's important in life, whether you are running your own business or in your daily life, to practice what you preach. Not only do you avoid being seen as hypocritical but often the best person to give you advice is you. Consult with other coaches and counselors, ask the opinions of those you love and value, do whatever you need to in order to put yourself on the path to fulfillment and success. In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Mike Trugman discuss practicing their own advice, as well as the importance of doing what you will say you will in order to put yourself in a better environment that will help you grow and thrive.    Highlights How do you approach your own self learning and self development? What do you need to do more of to bring yourself more fulfillment? Are you in a place that lets you grow and thrive? Or do you need to find somewhere new to grow?   Quotes “We think we're really sneaky, or really good at hiding these aspects of ourselves but there is no separate ‘I'm playful over here' ‘I'm not playful over here.' you are who you are.” “In some capacity we have helped people with public speaking, each of us.” “We've been conditioned for the most part in our society that to be successful you need to be relentlessly hard on yourself, and give up a lot of aspects of your life. And I love to work with people who are doing the courageous work of: What if I were really kind to myself? What could life look like if I was kinder and gentler to myself? And almost in a way, allowed my success to unfold, rather than something I need to grasp and control and attain. And if I lived that way, how would that make my personal relationships and the rest of my life better?” “You can have everything you want in your life and also feel good about yourself at the same time, and it doesn't have to be one or the other. Which is what I think a lot of us are taught and believe.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, I would love for you to think about a time when something went sideways for you. I know we all have episodes that went a little sideways. But when was a time where things really went sideways for you and someone showed up to be your guide? It might've been in a negative way, it might've been somebody who did something so bad that you chose a different path in spite or to spite this person. But more than likely, you hit a point where things went so sideways that only somebody who loves you could help guide you out of that. Think about that moment, write it down, collect that story because as Mike said; it's not all about I did this and now I'm here, it's what obstacles did you overcome to get here? Because that's the story that inspires.  And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Mike Mike Trugman is a Professional Life and Career Coach who helps his clients move from fear to thriving with purpose, passion and fulfillment. He hosts a top 3% podcast, Mike's Search for Meaning, dedicated to mastering what it means to be human. As someone who used to sweat and shake at the prospect of speaking up in a small meeting, he knows that we can all achieve beyond our wildest dreams with consistency and hard work. Before coaching and podcast hosting, Mike's background was in public accounting. He has over 10 years of public accounting experience, with a focus on financial services (hedge fund and private equity) clients. Mike currently lives in the greater New York City area with his wife and son. He loves reading, learning, cooking, spending lots of time outdoors, watching his beloved but usually struggling Knicks and Jets, and connecting with his friends and family. Be sure to check out Mike's LinkedIn and Instagram! As well as his website Mike Trugman Coaching, and Calendly to schedule an appointment! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

7 billion views and counting: the growth secrets of Sidemen's creative mastermind, Jordan Schwarzenberger. Managing one of the world's biggest creator collectives is no small feat. We dive deep with the man behind Arcade Media and the Sidemen's explosive rise, blending sharp self-awareness, cultural intuition, and a bold approach to building in public. The creator economy is dead. Jordan reveals why relying on brand deals is outdated and how the Sidemen have built entire business models through strategic partnerships and leveraging their audience. This is a masterclass in staying relevant, building with intention, and growing without losing who you are.Key takeaways

Early Experiences with Love: Jeffery recalls his childhood memories of being in love from a young age. He describes the intense feelings associated with young love, including the physical and emotional changes that accompany it. Pursuit of Love and Its Impact: He reflects on how the pursuit of love was often more exciting than the … Continue reading

372 The Art of Storytelling: Connection Over Persuasion, One Relationship At A Time   Time makes a folktale of the storyteller, and yet even hundreds if not thousands of years later, the stories that mattered -that we connect with- endure. To tell a story effectively means you need to connect with the person who is listening to you.  In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Jeff Ikler discuss the importance of genuine connection over persuasion in the art of storytelling, and how it is far more meaningful to build a bridge between one another, rather than forcing them to choose one side of the river.   Highlights What is something you can do to further your goals that relies on your strengths and your toolsets?  Who inspired you recently to continue your work?  What stories are you carrying with you? And what do you have that reminds you of that story?    Quotes “Everybody was being vulnerable, they were telling deeply personal stories and it was like they were letting us in before we had really been introduced.” “If you persuade, fine, but it's more important to connect.”   “And I am privileged to have sat at that dining room table.” “I loved feeding you at that dining room table.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What stories can you tell to make a meaningful connection? What objects or unknown facts about yourself are you willing to share to strengthen the bonds of fellowship between you and another? Try to tell your next stories, not with the intent to persuade, but with the intent to make a meaningful connection with the person in front of you.” And, as always, thank you for listening.  Mentioned in this podcast The Breaking Bread Village Getting Unstuck Cultivating Curiosity Podcast Object Diaries Podcast Around The Kitchen Table Poem/Perhaps The World Ends Here Erin Patrice Episode Lisa Weiss Episode   About Jeff Jeff Ikler is Director of Quetico Career and Leadership Coaching, a firm dedicated to helping individuals overcome career issues and develop sustained changes in their leadership practices and organizations. He received his certificate in coaching from the Coach Training Institute. He is a certified innovation facilitator using the SIT (Systematic Inventive Thinking) process. Jeff holds a Master's in the Teaching of History along with a Bachelor's in History from the University of Illinois. He taught high school history in Maywood and Batavia, Illinois, for seven years. He is a former Executive Vice President at Pearson Learning where he directed the development of text- and technology-based products for all disciplines. Jeff is a co-author of Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. He is the host the “Getting Unstuck – Cultivating Curiosity” podcast. Supporting the agency of others is the river that has run through his entire career. Be sure to check out JEff's LinkedIn as well as Quetico Coaching and Consulting!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

371 The Frequency Of Fear   It's easy to be afraid. To stick our heads in the sand and watch another episode of a show that we like to ignore what's going on. But if we do that than we can never grow. We're all afraid, but we must act through our fear, refuse to be compliant, refuse to be quiet, and enforce the change we want to see in ourselves and the world around us.   In today's episode, Sarah Elkins and Nir Megnazi discuss the use of fear in driving us forward and how important it is to work with our fear and through it. Highlights How are you anchoring someone in time? What frightening experiences still warp and control your perceptions to this day? Are you lacking compassion for yourself? Are you kind to others but unkind to yourself, especially your past self? There's no way to hold space for someone and the emotions they feel if they are not communicated. Learn to work with fear. Fear is normal.    Quotes “Courage does not exist without fear.”  “The way I approach these memories is with a lot of compassion to ourselves, which is what we're lacking first, is compassion to ourselves.” “Working with our fear is effective. And within our fear.” “We serve people, not businesses.” “What do we want for our kids? We want to help them grow to be responsible human beings, healthy, with values, and to be a good person in this world. A contributing person in this world. But we are a work in progress.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, I'm curious. I would love to hear in the comments, what are you working on? What is something in your past that you've uncovered that has continued to create ripples, uncomfortable ripples, in your life? What is the pattern you can uncover based on an experience you had, like Nir's where you were bullied as a kid, like mine where you were not able to afford both milk and eggs. What is your fear, or what is generating something that has consistently created a pattern of disconnect and discomfort in your life? And how are you going to approach it? How are you going to identify the emotions that you feel as a result of it, the triggers you experience as a result of that? And how will you embrace them so you can move forward? And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Nir Nir Megnazi is an executive coach and leadership development expert who combines over two decades of experience as an engineering leader and military officer with emotional intelligence coaching. He co-created Intel's award-winning leadership coaching program, which earned Intel the International Coaching Federation's prestigious Prism Award and has contributed over $1 billion in operating margin improvements. Nir helps leaders develop the critical human skills needed for today's complex business environment, specializing in building high-trust, high-performing teams and enhancing communication effectiveness. His integrated approach fuses technical leadership with emotional intelligence, helping executives expand their influence, lead with empathy, and drive remarkable results.  Be sure to check out Nir's LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram! As well as his Newsletter and Website!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

370 Whatever Will Be, Will Be We can often have expectations of how the world is supposed to work, like we are running out of time or that we have to hold on desperately to ideas and beliefs that no longer serve us. However, it is imperative to our growth as individuals, and in turn, our business ventures, to let go of the beliefs that no longer serve you and to learn to accept that whatever will come to you when you are ready, and in its own good time.  In this episode Sarah Elkins and Rashina Gajjar discuss the lessons they've learned on their own private journeys, as well as how their own knowledge has helped to serve clients and friends alike.    Highlights Acknowledging the reality of a situation regardless of if you are proud of that thing or not. Sometimes we sabotage ourselves with change for the sake of change without it being intentional or meaningful change.  Things will happen when they are meant to.    Quotes “I guess learning to let go and surrender that and to move into this path that I think is more aligned with my broader purpose that really required me to yield and to let go of something that I thought that I had really wanted, and at the time I did want, but was no longer in the forefront of my vision.”  “Everything has it's own timing. The moments of preparation are important, the moments when you're stumbling are important, because they also get you there. But don't be frustrated if it doesn't happen in those moments, because it will happen in the right way. I think that's something I've been constantly learning in my life, and this was an example of it. And I think also my friend it was an example for her as well, the divine timing of things.”      Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What will you do to choose tomorrow? What is one thing you can do to decide that you have earned and that you deserve the life that you want? Everyday you have choices to make to remind yourself that you deserve the life that you want. That means choosing the labels that fit you rather than holding onto the ones that people gave you.  And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Rashina Rashina Gajjar is a British entrepreneur, Brand Amplifier and Belief Coach. Passionate about increasing diversity and accessibility within the creative industry through entrepreneurship, Rashina founded Amplify Studio in 2020, an creative storytelling and brand Amplification studio that has advised companies such as Wise, UCL, and Divinc on inclusive, multi-cultural marketing and brand storytelling. A former United Nations consultant, she worked closely with the International Trade Centre in Geneva, supporting a community of 4,000 global entrepreneurs on business storytelling, creative marketing, and networking. Rashina is also a belief coach, helping international entrepreneurs overcome their subconscious limitations and beliefs, clearing the path to increased fulfilment, business success and emotional awareness. Be sure to check out Rashina's Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! As well as her website House of Rashina!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

368 Choose To Step Up And Step In   It's a strange and frightening world we are living in right now. With divisiveness and anger seeming rampant, it falls to us to maintain our community, to show up with a heart of love and understanding for each other and ourselves, to save our village from burning and refusing to let a lack of empathy and communication drive us to destruction.  In this episode Sarah Elkins and Erin Miller discuss the vital importance of community and taking care of one another, of building bridges and allowing our differences to strengthen us instead of divide us, as well as accepting when a bridge cannot be built and an olive branch is refused and trying to find peace with the results.    Highlights What is your moment of satisfaction or awe in what you do? Are you giving or just taking? Sitting down and talking to someone who's different in some way. Building bridges as opposed to burning them. Celebrate our differences, do not let them drive us apart. But acknowledging when you cannot build a bridge, and seeking to find peace. The Cause and Effect of what changes individuals.  It's okay to sit down and let your community help you.   Quotes “Yes we are individuals, but we are also a collective. If you don't feed the collective, if you don't nurture the collective, the collective won't nurture you.” “Give what you want to receive. If you want community, you have to give community. If you want patience you have to give patience, and if you want respect and so on and so on.” “The problem is we're not talking to each other, we're not communicating, and we're not willing to hear.” “We need to be able to sit down. We're adults, we can do this, I believe that we can, and we have the capability to sit down and have discussions.”  “Once I extend an olive branch, if the person burns it, I let the ashes fall where they may. I just let them fall.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What are you going to take from this conversation? Who will you reach out to, to go and have a cup of coffee without having the intention of changing their mind but with the intention of listening to their story? Find out what matters to them and have a conversation. I would love to hear what happens for you when you choose to step up and step in.  And, as always, thank you for listening.   About Erin (from her website) Erin Patrice is the heart and creator behind The Breaking Bread Village, a space intentionally created for people to come together and have transparent conversations with no judgment so ideas and perspectives may be heard respectfully. Erin is a conversationalist and a Midland, MI, resident and native to Cincinnati, Ohio. She is a mother and wife and has been a community advocate for twenty years.  Erin has an incredible gift of storytelling and connecting with others of all ages. She shares her story in a way that draws people closer rather than apart. She has a unique teaching style that resonates with all who experience it. Erin has years of life experience, training, and facilitating conversations through empathy, strategy, and storytelling.  Erin is dedicated to being a voice for those with no voice and helping the unseen to be seen.  She believes that everything we do within our small communities changes the world because every good deed causes a ripple effect that will eventually impact the world. Erin shares her teachings as a community engagement ambassador by facilitating workshops, keynote speaking, panels, and conversations nationwide. Be sure to check out Erin's LinkedIn, and her website Breaking Bread Village! As well as the article about her from the Midland Daily News!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

367 Manifesting Humanity   It can be easy to forget that we're human. When work is stressful and all consuming, when dealing with people stuck in the past and the past versions of you, it's easy to forget we are a person with needs to lead a fulfilling life.  In this episode Sarah Elkins and Alison Miller discuss how the stories we carry with us alter the people we are, often making us revert to the person we used to be and not the person we are now or the person we want to be.    Highlights How do you manifest your humanity? Practicing new ways of being in a community. Are you being there for yourself? It's okay to fall sometimes.    Quotes “This is a human being living in our society, how do we decide that we make life work for people.” “We're observing it, we're not judging it.” “We always have choices but rarely are they apparent to us.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, I would love to hear from you, what part of this conversation resonated with you? To be in community, to grow, to learn, to connect in an authentic way with people who have diverse backgrounds and have led different lives than you. And When are you going to decide who you're going to bring to that next conversation to someone you want to have a relationship with.   And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Alison Alison Miller, PhD, is a Los Angeles-based entrepreneur who is passionate about making personal and spiritual growth accessible and easy to incorporate into daily life. Educated in Clinical Psychology at Cornell University and The University of Illinois at Chicago, Alison has helped lead thousands of graduate students to earn their degrees over the last two decades. As a founder of Lead True, she helped foster and develop the professional leadership skills of countless women around the world. Having recently sold The Dissertation Coach, her expert dissertation coaching & consulting business, she's now at the helm of her latest business endeavor, The Academic Writers' Space (TAWS). TAWS is an online coworking community Alison designed for graduate students and academic writers to get real work done in a supportive and nurturing environment. Since its inception in 2020, TAWS has hosted thousands of coworking sessions with academic writers from across the globe. Alison's living a full life as a public speaker at universities and private businesses, working on the 2nd edition of her book, Finish Your Dissertation Once and for All! How to Overcome Psychological Barriers, Get Results, and Move on With Your Life, and being a wife and mother to her two adult children and dogs Nacho and Koko. Be sure to check out Alison's social medias at LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok! And be sure to check out The Academic Writers Space, The TAWS Instagram, and the TAWS Youtube!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

God says in verse one, "Israel is an empty vine." The word picture is that of a flowing vine with every appearance of life and fruitfulness. After divine examination, the fruit God intended for that vine is not found on it. Nothing is as empty as the life that is given entirely for self-fulfillment. We are created by God for His purpose and His glory. Hosea chapter ten brings us to what should have and could have been in the lives of God's people.

366 Fortunes For The Future Throughout our lives we will have to wear many hats and perform many tasks on our paths toward success and personal fulfillment, sometimes these wayward paths lead us to doors that we would never expect to come across. We only need to have the courage to reach out and open the door.  In this episode Sarah Elkins and Russel Rowland discuss the many different paths life leads us down and the lessons we learn on our way to fulfillment and success.    Highlights The work we find between our desired career can open many doors you could never expect. We need to have something or someone show us that what we're doing matters. We all have an edge of discomfort in putting ourselves out there, but we have to confront it in order to live a fulfilling life.    Quotes “I'm not a big believer of hiding the skeletons. I think you have to look at your history honestly in order to keep growing and learning about how we become the people we are.” “It's really the main piece of advice that I think all writers need is to keep doing it. Because we all have an imposter syndrome, every single one of us.”    Dear Listeners it is now your turn, I already gave you a really fun exercise, if you find that you're blocked in the writing you need to do, whether that be business writing, or a blog, or journal, maybe you're writing a book, if you're feeling blocked in your creativity try writing a handful of fortunes that you would want to find or that you would want somebody you care about to find in their next fortune cookie.    And, as always, thank you for listening.    Mentioned In This Episode In Open Spaces Desmond Tutu Virtual Diplomacy 1997 Russel Rowland Books   About Russel Russell Rowland is the acclaimed author of seven books, as well as the host of a radio show, Fifty-Six Counties, on Yellowstone Public Radio. He has also hosted two podcasts, Breakfast in Montana and The State of Montana, and will soon launch a new podcast, THE SONG OF ROWLAND: American Culture at Full Volume, where he will be interviewing creative people from around the country about their process and the importance of culture in America today. Russell has an MA in Creative Writing from Boston University and lives in Billings, Montana. Be sure to check out Russels's Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram! As well as his Website, subscribe to his Newsletter, and his Bluesky account!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

365 Tools For Success In the path to thriving and enjoying your life you must be able to identify and utilize the tools unique to your skills and values. Not everyone can use the same tool kit, just like plants require different soil to grow, we also require our own unique environment to grow.  In this episode Sarah Elkins and Gina Riley discuss the importance of the unique tools we acquire through life and the best way to utilize these tools.    Highlights The influences that shape our lives, developing our clarity over time. You can't see your potential from the inside, you need people in your life to help you build the perfect future. What unique and powerful tools do you have?   Quotes “I think that understanding our own why, and I'm not going right to the Simon Cynic material which is great, but truly just getting angered in the thing that motivates us deep down to push forward in life.”  “I'm not always right, and I try to check my assumptions, because with maturity we realize we aren't always right.” “I think that there's so much power for all of us; men and women, to embrace  the things that we naturally show up with. And if we're working against it we're just working against ourselves.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, Regardless of the tool you use to self-reflect, to hold up that mirror, maybe it's time now to really decide to look at that and choose how you want to show up, who you want to be And to identify the stories that demonstrate those qualities, those skills, those values. I really encourage you to look in that mirror, whatever tool you choose to use, whether that's friends and family and asking them to honestly let you know how you appear to them, how you show up for them, or taking an assessment and talking to a coach to walk you through it.       And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Gina Gina Riley is transforming how executives approach job search and career transitions. With nearly a decade in corporate Human Resources at Intel Corporation and later as an executive search consultant for Talence Group, she has led CEO, COO, and CFO searches across industries, trained hundreds in talent selection, and gained unique insight into what makes candidates stand out in competitive leadership searches. As a career coach, she developed the Career Velocity TM framework—an action-oriented and proven system that has helped countless executives navigate successful transitions. A two-time DisruptHR speaker and thought leader in career progression, Riley holds a master's degree and is a certified YouMap® coach and behavioral interview skills training expert. Her expertise spans networking strategy, leadership development, and executive presence, making her a trusted advisor for leaders preparing for strategic career moves. She has appeared on over 30 podcasts, including the popular Find Your Dream Job, downloaded over 18,000 times. Her popular series “How Your Next Executive Role Finds You” and extensive catalog of career-related articles, including contributions to the Forbes Coaches Council, have established her as an authority in executive career development. In her first book, to be released with Advantage Forbes Books, Qualified Isn't Enough, Riley shares her comprehensive understanding of both sides of executive hiring—including what is discussed in the boardroom—to provide readers with insider knowledge and practical frameworks for advancement. Her unique perspective and systematic approach have helped leaders at all levels transform their careers. Find more of her insights and resources at Be sure to check out Gina's LinkedIn, Gina Riley Consulting, Her Masterclass Series, Her LinkedIn Newsletter, and Her Forbes Article!     About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

364 NLV 2025   This year in Austin Texas February 10th and 11th is the eighth annual NLV Summit hosted by Sarah Elkins. A meeting of great minds, incredible opportunities, and a sharing of impactful stories. In today's episode Sarah reminisces on many of these stories from the previous several NLV Summits and how they have helped her shape her path going forward.   Highlights Gaining perspective on life, especially when you feel hopeless.  Incorporating the lessons your friends and peers don't even realize they're teaching you. Continuing to strive for the dream you want to build.   Quotes “Something that continues to shape my work is something Melissa Hughes said when she hosted her session. She said; Sometimes you have to get up to the cheap seats. And she was using the metaphor for those high seats in the bleachers at a baseball game. So that we can gain perspective by getting to a higher view. To look at the bigger picture when we feel stuck.” “What is it? What does it do? Why does it matter?” About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!  

363 Taking Inventory As the New Year begins it's time for us to take a step back and reflect on the stories, messages, and values we want to bring into 2025. Just like tending to a garden by removing weeds and adding nutrients, we must also tend to the garden of our lives.  In this episode Sarah Elkins, Emily McVey, and Chris Wang discuss the stories that shaped them into who they are as well as how they have chosen to tell their stories through thoughtful and meaningful actions.   Highlights What are the coping strategies you developed? What connects you to other people? Even if you've never seen them.  What skills did you develop from a chaotic situation that manifested into a valuable tool for you to use throughout life? What generational curses are you breaking? What situations will you never allow others to endure because you had to endure them? Remember to step back and look at the bigger picture, instead of viewing the situation through a lens or holding the subjects to a higher standard. What brings you peace and calm?   Quotes “If you play music, if you play an instrument, and you listen to the music, it's almost like you're having a dialogue with this person even though you've never seen them.” - Chris Wang “We are not doing this to our children.” -Emily McVey “There's the traditional definition of success which is more tied to- you know- maybe more defined by money and career and that kind of stuff, which I kind of pursued and did my share, but then I realized it's incomplete. I was still deeply unhappy.” -Chris Wang “Don't go out on the floor and ask the girls to work on their issues if you're not willing to work on your own.” -Emily McVey   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What inventory are you gonna take about what you ran from or what you're running toward? And who in your life needs to hear from you? That you believe in them and that you're there to support them and to help them move into whatever they're running toward. And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Emily Emily has lived in Montana her whole life. She and her husband, Mike, raised their three children in Helena, participating in several extracurricular activities such as Boy Scouts and all of the sports. Emily's background includes a formal education in culinary arts, sociology, and public relations, and she has a master's degree in public administration. Her nonprofit experience includes working at Florence Crittenton Home, Montana Youth Homes under Rocky Mountain Development Council, as well as volunteering for many other nonprofit organizations and is a suicide prevention QPR trainer. Emily worked for the State of Montana for six years and continues to contract services for licensing kinship foster families for Child and Family Services. Emily also now does home visits for the FLEX student exchange program. Emily was glad to return to the nonprofit sector in 2019 to work alongside other nonprofits to make meaningful change happen in the tri-county area. When she is out of the office, Emily enjoys cake decorating, and trying out new hobbies by taking adult education classes. Be sure to check out Emily's Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! As well as the links she provided for more information about ACE; Violence Prevention, ACE Quiz, and Know Your Resilience Score.  About Chris Not Available.   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

362 Stories Influence Our Identity and Personal Narrative    As we close the chapter on 2024 and begin to start anew in 2025, it's time that we take a step back to reflect on the narratives and stories that we have been harboring. We must take it upon ourselves to determine if these stories still serve us or if it is time to let those stories stay a product of their time and remain in the past so that we can create new stories that reflect us who we are now.  In today's monologue Sarah Elkins ruminates on the effect the story The Giving Tree had on her as both a child and a mother, and how it has inspired her to reflect on other stories that no longer serve her.    Highlights What stories are you telling yourself that do not stand the test of time? How do the stories you've heard influence you and the relationships with the people around you. It's not too late to change the ending of your story. Will you choose a kinder conclusion or will you choose the option that gives you peace?   Quotes “Think about the stories that you read to your children in the hopes that they'll absorb some morality lessons; Like Aesop's Fables, maybe stories from the bible, or maybe books from your culture or religion. We can't expect children to absorb those lessons but ignore the ones in Cinderella and The Giving Tree. It doesn't work like that, literature is Literature.” “As we head into the new year it's a really good time to consider our impact on the people and environment around us, and to make an effort to be more intentional about that impact.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, I challenge you to take inventory of a few things; before you make any new years resolutions, before you pick a word of the year, or as you consider your goals for personal growth in 2025, ask yourself these questions. What influenced my identity as a child or young adult that maybe it's time to review and consider whether they still resonate and why? What stories have I been told about myself as a child that no longer align with who I am or how I want to experience myself moving forward? And what evidence can I point to, recent stories, that contradict those childhood labels that no longer fit? Lastly, what stories am I continuing to share about other people; my children, my friends, my family, and others in my community and at work, that might be contributing to negativity and division?  And, as always, thank you for listening.   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

361 Tools For Change Change is an unstoppable force of nature. From the great Rocky Mountains to the spring flowers, all of us are subject to change, whether it be for positive or negative is entirely up to you and the choices you make in utilizing your skills and natural talents.  In today's episode Sarah Elkins and her guest Sally Magee discuss how change can be dealt with in a constructive and helpful way to not only better yourself but those in your life as well.   Highlights Personal experience affects professional experience, and we need to find balance. Sometimes a language barrier or miscommunication can leave a humorous memory you can bond over. Using every tool in your arsenal to help yourself and others. Set a small but manageable goal.    Quotes “I think sometimes people get short sighted in seeing the tool for; “Oh, well this only applies at work, or it only applies in certain areas” You know; “At work I'm this way, at home I'm this way.” And your strengths apply to every part of your life and there is no separation.” “Our strengths are our natural way of being.” “Dive into something where you can build relationships with other people who are on a similar path as you.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, It doesn't have to be about sobriety necessarily, but a big goal in terms of redefining what you want out of life and how you're gonna get it. Using your natural talents to first of all identify what that why is; Why do you want to make a change? And then using your talent to really be successful in making a significant change in your life. I'm really curious, what will be your big change, what is the transformation you're seeking? Is it to be sober? Is it to lose weight? Is it to start your own business?   And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Sally Hi, I'm Sally! Founder of Magee Coaching Solutions, a Strengths-Based Sobriety Coaching practice, that provides a judgment-free coaching services for “gray area drinkers” to examine their relationship with alcohol. For the sober-curious, I run an Alcohol-Free Challenge and 31-Day Course, and for the “sober-serious” I offer a 6-month coaching experience. I'm passionate about helping people experience life on the other side of alcohol and thrive alcohol-free. Be sure to check out Sally's Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! As well as her website Magee Coaching!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

359 What is Success?   Success and our paths to reaching it look different for every person, especially when it's to someone who isn't an achiever and doesn't care for titles. Our own personal success is often more meaningful than a trophy. In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Robin Hamilton discuss their own personal definitions of success as well as the trials and hurdles on their paths to self discovery and success.   Highlights Showing appreciation for your stories and the stories of others. Don't forget to keep your eyes open and grateful to the opportunities presented to you. What do you want to do? And what are the next steps in reaching that goal? Are you presenting yourself in a way you can be proud of as well as those who rely on you?   Quotes “You need to take the blinders off, and you need to be careful of the story or the narrative you're telling yourself of what should be and be open to what is in front of you.” “You're doing all of this work anyway, why don't you just do it for yourself?” “I always felt that when your talents can support you and sustain you, in the way you want them to, that is what I believe success to be.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, One thing that really caught my attention was the story of the woman that was interviewing Robin and said “We think much of ourselves don't we?” When do you get to be the woman that says, “Damn girl, you really know what your value is. We have this range in our salary and that's at the upper range, I can try to push this through but what if we start here?” When can you be the woman who says “You're right. You aren't asking enough.” We need to be that woman for the women around us. It should never be a woman who tells another woman, she's not the value she thinks she is.    And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Robin Robin Hamilton is an Emmy-award winning journalist, television host, moderator and writer. As a journalist, Ms. Hamilton has worked for network affiliates around the country, including Florida, New York, and Massachusetts. Based in Washington, DC, she was the host for the public affairs news magazine program This Just In. In 2012, she founded the ARound Robin Production Company, where she creates videos for non-profits to help with fundraising, marketing and messaging. In 2016, she was awarded a Fulbright grant to travel to Myanmar to help facilitate a communication campaign between local organizations and their government. She received two master's degrees, one from New York University, with a concentration in broadcast journalism, and a second in public administration from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, with a focus on policy and media. Her company has also produced five documentary films. Check out Robin's Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram! As well as her website Around Robin! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

358 Inner Leaders No matter how much of a master we think we are at the things we do, we can always learn more. Whether that be in the form of learning a new hiking path, learning a new crochet stitch, or how to best use your behavior in the workplace to encourage others to thrive. In this episode Tanya Bugbee and Sarah Elkins discuss the importance of having a coach, and using the skills that connect us to others.    Highlights Sometimes it takes time for us to accept and share the important details of our lives. Practice and leaving reminders for yourself to work on the behavior you want to make an adjustment to.  We need someone pragmatic and straight to the point to coach us.   Quotes “It connects us, those stories. We make a connection when we share something vulnerable or whatever we're sharing. It's a way to connect and to bond and to understand.”  “We need to have strong inner leaders in our voices.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, If you are a coach, who are you reaching out to for coaching to make sure you are bringing your best to your clients? If you've considered hiring a coach, what are the outcomes you want as a result of working with them, because that can help inform which coach is going to be the best fit for you. Think about the people you admire and respect the most because of interactions with you and know that your best coach connection will be with somebody like that, someone you will listen to and feel confident and safe to be vulnerable with. I highly encourage you to consider hiring a coach especially if you're a business owner and you just need somebody with really good ideas, and good listening skills, that can help you and make sure that they are in your corner. And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Tanya Tanya's clients don't just meet their goals—they soar beyond them. From earning promotions to becoming top producers, Tanya's clients achieve with confidence, courage, and a plan. Known for her skill in creating customized strategies that lead to measurable results, Tanya is the coach who transforms ambitions into achievements. Her path to coaching is as vibrant as her approach: she's been a top-producing realtor in three states, a corporate trainer for Jenny Craig, a sailboat flipper, and even ran a flight school. Oh, and she earned her pilot's license at 26. Her stories inspire and her strategies deliver, equipping every client with the tools they need to thrive. Outside of work, Tanya is all about adventure and family—whether it's taking her bike out on a new trail, enjoying live music, or savoring grandmotherhood. Be sure to check out Tanya's Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! As well as Tanya's Website! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

357 The Objects That Matter To You   Connection, especially in today's day and age, is becoming a lost art. Today we are given the unique and groundbreaking idea from Lisa Weiss, to ask about the objects that are held onto by the people around us, connecting with them through the shared love of holding onto pieces of the past that have shaped us into who we are today.    Highlights What are you keeping from the past? What commonality do you look for in others? What do you surround yourself with that matters to you?   Quotes “I don't want to live an unlived life.” “I tend to like objects that make me feel like I matter to someone else.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, One of the first topics in this conversation was considering the depth of the object you're holding on to. So what is an object in your life that you can look at and tell a story about that includes other people, other characters in your story matter. How can you share that with people? Think about opportunities to use objects to connect with people around you, because right now in our global community with the polarization we are facing this is so critical. Asking a question, not to change somebody's mind, not to try to persuade somebody, but asking them with the intention of connecting. Ask the question that will bring depth and connection in that moment around you.    And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Lisa Lisa Weiss is the 3X Emmy® Award-winning founder + CEO of Storybeat Studio, a storytelling and public relations company combatting invisibility, disconnection, and disengagement among individuals and organizations. She has more than two decades of experience as a media executive and writer for iconic brands, including Oprah Winfrey and CBS News. Through her work with Storybeat Studio, Lisa was named a Forbes Next 1000 entrepreneur (December 2021) and a Tory Burch Fellow (2021-2022). She is the creator of the Object Diaries project: Stories About Human Connection Told One Secret Object at a Time. Be sure to check out Lisa's LinkedIn! As well as Object Diaries, the adjoined Newsletter, and Story Beat Studio! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

Andy really hopes that you will join him for this episode of The Wedding Biz as he welcomes back to the show Bryan Rafanelli of Rafanelli Events! ​​Bryan is a renowned designer and planner and is the founder and chief creative officer of Rafanelli Events, and he has been behind some of the most high-profile events in recent history, including Chelsea Clinton's wedding and several of President Obama's White House state dinners. His team has also worked on key campaign events for Vice President Kamala Harris! Bryan opens up about the pressures of maintaining excellence in a saturated market, admitting that even after decades of success, he still feels the weight of “being only as good as your last event.” Listen in to hear him reflect on how he balances innovation with authenticity, rejecting trends for the sake of trends and instead focusing on creating meaningful connections through his work. He also shares his candid thoughts on burnout, revealing that while he's sometimes tempted to step back, his passion for creativity keeps him grounded. Whether designing an unforgettable party or brainstorming new ideas, Bryan thrives on making the impossible possible! This episode of The Wedding Biz truly goes beyond event planning, diving deeply into the challenges of balancing the business and creative aspects of a career in design. Bryan and Andy also touch on the importance of surrounding oneself with talented people, finding joy in personal routines, and staying motivated in the face of immense success. Join them for an inspiring conversation about the highs and lows of life at the top of the creative industry! If you enjoy and get something insightful out of this conversation with Bryan, then please don't keep it to yourself! Andy asks that you please share it with at least three friends and/or colleagues you know who would benefit from hearing this episode. Also, be sure to leave a top review wherever you listen because that really helps Andy and the show out!   Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network.   SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute!   Time Stamps [0:31] – We learn that this episode's guest is returning guest Bryan Rafanelli of Rafanelli Events! [2:01] - Bryan strives to create unique and memorable events that resonate with their themes! [3:35] - Bryan shares how he loves his current creative career and feels fulfilled by the challenges that it presents. [6:32] - Andy recalls Bryan's appreciation for balancing artistic creativity with business success. [7:36] - Bryan emphasizes the importance of balancing creativity and business for overall success. [9:27] - Bryan believes in staying engaged with both creative and business aspects for success. [11:01] - Bryan values all opportunities and continuously strives to maintain and enhance his success. [14:50] - Pushing his team forward, Bryan thrives on accomplishing seemingly impossible challenges. [17:11] - Bryan finds fulfillment in balancing work and personal happiness while taking advantage of exciting opportunities. [19:40] - Andy recalls a memorable event that Bryan designed and seeks another satisfying story. [20:15] - We learn how Bryan has mastered creating adaptable wedding plans, finding beauty in unexpected weather. [23:26] - We hear how Bryan enjoys solving real-time challenges in event planning, especially in relation to weather changes. [26:33] - Bryan is involved in politics and anticipates the impact of upcoming elections on his work! [29:00] - Andy reveals where Bryan can be located online.   RESOURCES Bryan's Previous Guest Spots on The Wedding Biz Michelle Rago's Previous Guest Spots on The Wedding Biz   Find Bryan: Rafanelli Events - Website Rafanelli Events' Instagram Page Rafanelli Events' Facebook Page Rafanelli Events' Twitter Page   Follow The Wedding Biz on Social: The Wedding Biz The Wedding Biz on Instagram: @theweddingbiz The Wedding Biz on Facebook: @theweddingbiz The Wedding Biz Network The Music Makers   Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here.   Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment.

For those of us who have ever asked “Who am I?” — this one's for you. Dr. Sara Kuburic — aka The Millennial Therapist — has asked herself this question, and dedicated her career to helping others answer it. She delves into the distinction between our identity and our roles, how we often lose ourselves in the expectations placed upon us, and how taking responsibility can be sexy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

354 Amy's Mess Hunger, for the lucky among us, is an inconvenience, the final straw during a bad day that fuels a bad temper, or an awkward moment in a silent room. But for many in our community hunger is painful, difficult, and inescapable making it near impossible to do anything let alone attend school. Approximately 2.5 million children are homeless in the United States, many of whom somehow still have to attend school, often hungry. But we can help, whether it be through donations or time, we can help the children in our communities. Today Sarah Elkins and Amy Adams discuss Amy's Mess, a nonprofit organization that seeks to feed the children and families of the Helena Community and to spread awareness of the plight of homeless families.    Highlights Acts of kindness can help your community. Doing what you can within your means.  Working together with your community to help eachother.   Quotes “I realize what I'm doing is not a fix, but at the same time these kids have a lot of instability and insecurity in their lives, you know they're living in a hotel or a camper.  Regardless of what the parent's situation is these kids are still hungry.” “I realize you don't know me, but I know I can help.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, Amy started this just by understanding a need and figured out what she could do and what she could count on to help her make even a small difference in the lives of these students. I'm a huge believer that food and giving in this way is a pathway to reduce drop-outs, to reduce criminal activity, to reduce addiction, to reduce violence at schools. Feeding people, nourishing and nurturing them, especially students is going to make a difference in our communities. What will you do and how do you see the change and the shift?  And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Amy I am just an individual who cared to start something.  Be sure to check out Amy's LinkedIn and Facebook! Visit Amy's Mess to find out more and donate to help feed hungry families.   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

353 Food Stories Revisited   Revisiting episode 292 “Food Stories” Sarah Elkins reminisces on the importance of love languages and how important it is to show those you love how much you care. Love languages come in many different forms; gift giving, words of affirmation, and for today's episode specifically, the act of cooking and giving a good meal to those you hold close. It is vital to the health and continuation of relationships that we discover these languages and think about how these actions impact how others view us.   Highlights Spending time with those you love, nurturing them and being nurtured in turn. Don't wait for the perfect time to use something you love. Finding direction.   Quotes “How do you want to see yourself? What do you want to see in yourself?” “When you want people to see you in a certain way but can't demonstrate it through your actions; What stories can you share so they experience you that way?”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What is your love language? What stories can you share that demonstrate it so you don't have to say, “my love language is-” When you heard my very first story about feeding people, about the food that I lovingly created, you heard my love language in my voice, and that story tells alot about who I am at work and at home. So Listeners, figure out which stories demonstrate those qualities you want people to know about you. And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!  

352 Human Curriculum   Human connection is imperative to our growth and success as people, however if we do not take time to work towards creating a community to feed our social needs we will end up stunted and spinning our tires unable to continue.  In this episode Sarah Elkins and Christopher Fillipiak discuss the importance of community and growth, which often comes with the fact we must allow ourselves to be vulnerable by loving and being loved in return.    Highlights Growth often means vulnerability. Creating community and passing those skills down to those who look up to you. We need hugs. We need to know we are wanted and loved. Bringing community and love to everything you do.    Quotes “Being able to find the people you resonate with, and I think so much of it is getting clear and creating the life that you actually want, whatever that looks like, and being able to be honest about that.” “It helps me to lean in to creating a community that I want.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, How can you flip the equation so you're spending more time in that place where you feel connected, sometimes that can be outside by yourself, but particularly when you're in community, when you're not lonely. Think about how you can spend more time finding that community and choosing that community. Embracing outliers and bringing them into community so they feel it too. We need to shift that equation so more of our time is spent there instead of loneliness.  And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Christopher I'm a sales coach and consultant who helps CEOs succeed at their own sales work. My experience is unique in that it combines a foundation in engineering, solid business principles, plus a focus on mindset. The result is an integrated approach that comprehensively transforms sales organizations. I have helped businesses 12x their sales growth, increase deal flow by 500%, and bring on 500% more clients. I'm a strong believer that mastering a sales skillset helps us create the life we want. And what could be more important than that? So many CEOs dread sales work; I teach them that it's a loving act. Ultimately, getting what you want in life is up to you. While I work with clients all over the country, I'm based out of Asheville, NC, where I enjoy mountain biking, dancing, laughing, learning, and raising four amazing kids with my wife Karen. Be sure to check out Christopher's LinkedIn and Facebook! As well as his website! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

351 Communication Is In Everything We Do   We are always communicating in everything we do, from overtly talking to or texting someone, to smiling and nodding to strangers you pass on the street, it's human nature to want to be seen and heard and to give that to others.  In this episode Sarah Elkins and Jim Collison discuss the importance of communication and how understanding your strengths leads to better communication not just with others but with yourself.   Highlights Choose to put yourself into situations where you can tell a great story afterwards. Live a life bigger than the one you have. Strengths are sometimes seen as a weakness before you learn how to use them. Be patient enough to let things happen.   Quotes “You can't take people places you've never been.” “I think some people miss on Clifton Strengths, it does explain who you are, but it is also a productivity tool. How do you get better?”   Mentioned in this podcast National Suicide Hotline, Text or Call 988 Help is available. You are cared for.    Dear Listeners it is now your turn, This whole Clifton Strengths, any assessment, maybe this isn't the answer to our global communication issues but it can be an answer to your individual communication. And the reality is that each of us are responsible for our own communication and how it's received by the people and environment around us. You are communicating with everything you do; every like, every comment, every share, every honking of your horn, you are communicating who you are, your character. And when you can take responsibility with it, the world changes. So listeners, what are you going to do, today, tomorrow, over the next few days, to figure out what it is you want to work on.  And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Jim CliftonStrengths Top 5: Arranger | WOO | Maximizer | Communication | Activator I am the CliftonStrengths Community Manager for Gallup and Produce Gallup's Called to Coach and CliftonStrengths Webcasts found at http://gallup.com/cliftonstrengths. In my role I manage the global community of Gallup-Certified Coaches and help those customers who are engaged with our CliftonStrengths Assessment worldwide. In prior years I have managed IT resources, managed a high school and college internship program for Gallup and was a member of the Omaha STEM Ecosystem managing board. I have been at Gallup since 2007. Be sure to check out Jim's LinkedIn! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

A few weeks ago, I traveled to Spain to hike the Camino de Santiago trail as part of a retreat/mastermind, and it completely changed my outlook on life and business. Today on Bullpen Sessions I'll share why the trail was more difficult than it seemed, how that bonded us all together, and how getting away from everything helped me put my life in perspective, and change my approach as we head into Q4. ▶▶ Download our free training: https://www.completegameu.com/landing-page-1

350 Growing Through Failure   It is vital to our success to fail, we need to try things that are new and be comfortable in the fact failure is normal and expected. By letting ourselves be uncomfortable and fail at new things, we leave room for growth and success. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Paige Arnof-Fenn discuss the importance of trying new activities and accepting our failures as opportunities to grow.   Highlights Building a community of people who know when to reach out for help and who you can reach out to. Don't just do what you're great at, try things that are new, especially if you suck at them at first. Explore outside your comfort zone to learn new and amazing things about yourself and the world around you.   Quotes “Be brave enough to start something you kind of suck at when you really haven't sucked at stuff in a long time.” “Part of being an adult is being comfortable being uncomfortable.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, We covered a lot of ground today, but the thing that just came back to me is that I would love to challenge you to take on something that you've always been curious about but never tried. Maybe you won't be good at it, maybe you'll find that you have a natural talent for it. Maybe it's taking a pottery class, throwing clay on a wheel or hand sculpting things, maybe it's taking up knitting or Tai Chi, maybe it's something as simple as walking around your neighborhood in a way you haven't done before, with great intention.  And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Paige Paige Arnof-Fenn is the founder & CEO of global branding and digital marketing firm Mavens & Moguls based in Cambridge, MA. Her clients include Microsoft, Virgin, The New York Times Company, Colgate, venture-backed startups as well as non profit organizations. She graduated from Stanford University and Harvard Business School. Paige serves on several Boards, is a popular speaker and columnist who has written for Entrepreneur and Forbes. Be sure to check out Paige's LinkedIn, as well as her website Mavens and Moguls, their recent articles, and their speaker programs!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

349 Community Building   How we choose to spend our time directly impacts the way we live both in our careers and in our day to day lives, however if we are spending our precious time surrounding ourselves with negativity and naysayers we are very unlikely to succeed. Which is why it is so important to find a community that encourages and supports each other. In this episode Sarah Elkins ruminates on the path that led her to success and satisfaction, the importance of the individuals that helped her along the way, and the community they built.   Highlights Identifying paths and the advocates who encourage you and see the best in you. What is your role? And are you in a place that helps you thrive in that role? Belonging and inclusion.   Quotes “There's no way I could've known this path before I took any of the steps on it. Some people know what they want to do at a very young age, I was not one of those people. What I did have, and continue to have, are people in my life who believe in me, who often see more in me than I see in myself.”  “Feeling so supported and valued, changed the way I spend my precious time and energy.” “Remember you can't really build community if you don't allow and encourage others to contribute. And that means you can't always be the one giving, you have to be someone who can ask for help and receive it with grace.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, I encourage you to take time this week to consider who is in your circle. Do you have a diverse group of friends and colleagues who support and encourage you? Who ask you the hard questions, and who believe in you, sometimes more than you believe in yourself? Are you that person to others and do you receive that help with grace? If you can't jot down at least 3 names off the top of your head, you might have some work to do. Here's one idea to help you find and nurture that community: Look back at the times in your life that you felt confident, when you felt like you were contributing, when you felt like you were contributing and found satisfaction in the work you were doing. Now look for local activities where you are likely like hearted, not like minded necessarily but like hearted people. Maybe that's joining a book club, spending time at the library or a local bookstore, getting outside for walks -hikes-, or maybe take a walking tour of your community, if you're feeling really brave maybe it's time to join us at our next No Longer Virtual Summit.  And, as always, thank you for listening.  About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

348 Artistry in Community Art has always brought people together, even in the darkest times of human history there is always a creative trying to give the world just a little bit of light.  In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Al Swanson discuss how community and artistry often go hand in hand, as well as the importance of giving back to your community.   Highlights Community. Passion for the path you chose. People will fall in love with the creator, not the product.   Quotes “Though the challenges are there I think because you are allowed to go down that path you chose, it's the more I'm interested in something the more I want to talk about it.” “Pick your medium, and you have to love it, and you're gonna have to want to give it.”   Mentioned in this episode Sarah Yaeger George McCauley   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What are you going to explore today, tomorrow, the next day, in your creative outlet? What small thing can you take on, it might be picking up a coloring book and starting to color, just start to explore that. It might be picking out a recipe you've never tried or maybe it's finding your community at the library, a hiking group, maybe it's the land trust near you to help with trail maintenance, maybe it's something as simple as volunteering to read to children or seniors. What will you do to find your community, to contribute to it, to better yourself and keep yourself in alignment? And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Al (bio from his website) A.L. grew up on a small farm in Maine, surrounded by a beautiful forest, and raised by a father who loved working with wood. Watching his father create extraordinary pieces with his own two hands, with trees harvested from their land, left an impression on A.L. and sparked a passion that continues to this day. After spending time studying business and agronomy at respective universities, he decided to follow the passions he discovered as a boy and pursue the fine craft of woodworking. He apprenticed under several elite cabinetmakers in Maine, mastering the traditional craft. In 2000, he packed up his tools and gave in to the lure of the wide-open spaces of Montana, where he now calls home. Today he shares the passion he discovered as a boy with the folks who enjoy his collections of fine hardwood gifts for the home, exceptional hand-crafted furniture, and his line of wooden fly boxes, landing nets, and fly rod cases. When he's not in the studio creating something that will last for generations, you'll find him out on the river casting for trout, spending time with his son, and dreaming up the next big project to exceed his patrons' expectations.   Be sure to check out his website! As well as his Twitter and Facebook!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

I want to hear your thoughts about the show and this episode. Text us here...In this episode of Casa De Confidence, Julie welcomes Michelle Pollak, a leadership coach and former creative executive in the entertainment industry. Michelle shares her journey from acting to producing and eventually to coaching. The conversation delves into challenges high achievers face, societal pressures on women, and the importance of self-trust. They discuss the epidemic of people-pleasing among women, balancing masculine and feminine energies, and the need for supportive relationships. The episode emphasizes self-discovery, setting boundaries, and redefining personal success, encouraging listeners to pursue their passions authentically.Leadership and personal growthJourney of self-discoveryMichelle's Transition from performing to producing and coachingChallenges faced by high achievers, particularly womenSocietal pressures and expectations on womenImportance of self-trust and personal fulfillmentPeople-pleasing behavior among womenBalancing masculine and feminine energies in the workplaceRole of supportive relationships and coaching in career transitionsEmpowering future generations of women through changed mindsets and behaviorsThis is an invitation to join a supportive community of purpose-driven entrepreneurs who are creating an impact in the world.A mastermind is a community of peers who exchange ideas, provide support, and offer sound advice for running a successful business.Join the Confident YOU Mastermind now at https://goconfidentlyservices.myflodesk.com/confidentyoumastermindSupport the showOther helpful resources for you: Learn more about my Confident You Mastermind Today! Here's your Guide to Starting A Podcast in 30 days, download yours today! For more about me and what I do, check out my website. If you're looking for support to grow your business faster, be positioned as an authority in your industry, and impact the masses, schedule a call to explore if you'd be a good fit for one of my coaching programs. Thank you for listening to our podcast. Please Subscribe! Join our Facebook GroupInstagram, TikTok We love reviews! Please leave us a review.Contact us if you want to Launch, restart, or grow your podcast.

347 Find The Hidden Prize In Failure   Everything you do, starts and ends with you. From habits we try to make consistent, to our careers, everything we do comes from ourselves, and sometimes we fail which is just as important as success. Often we must fail and learn from those mistakes in order to succeed.  In this episode Sarah Elkins and Charles Clark discuss the importance of the evolution of the self, accepting our successes and failure, as well as the importance of stopping to check in with yourself and ensure you are still in alignment.    Highlights Show up for the one. Embody your word of impact. Take care of yourself, find time to regroup. You need to live what you teach, be a good example not just to others but yourself. You need to be willing to accept when it's time to look in the mirror and confront yourself.  Accept your failure AND your successes.   Quotes “There's that one person out there who really needs it and it kind of reminds me of this whole idea like; Hey just think about the one because we get so focused on the millions, the tens of thousands, the hundreds, but what about that one? Because I truly believe that one can become the million.”  “It's painful day one, but if you do it enough you begin to love your imperfections.” “I see myself changing, I'm not perfect but I know I'm worth it. I'm worth showing up and being consistent, I'm not there yet but look at what I've done.” “Find The Hidden Prize In Failure”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, I would really encourage you to think about one thing; shameful or hurtful or disappointing or painful that you experienced in your younger years, anytime pre-15 or 16. Something that happened to you, maybe it happened to you alot, you know what I mean, your traumatic childhood experiences. Many of us try to ignore them or we think because we had a generally good childhood that we don't have any trauma to deal with - I promise you everyone has something to deal with. Think about that moment, and think about how it has impacted who you are today, and do one thing that reminds you that you have the responsibility, that you have the power to show up how you want to show up in the world. Regardless of what happened in your childhood, YOU are responsible for your behavior in this moment. What are you going to do with this critical knowledge. And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Charles From the adrenaline of the racetrack to the exhilaration of the speaker's podium, Charles Clark's journey is a testament to the power of resilience. A three-time National Champion and ten-time All-American, Charles was once ranked the sixth fastest man in the world at the IAAF World Championships in Berlin. His athletic career was a dream in motion until a devastating injury changed the trajectory of his path forever. Overnight, Charles went from the triumphs of athletic achievement to the depths of injury-induced despair, leading to an intense battle with anxiety and depression. Yet, what seemed like a catastrophic setback became the cornerstone of a profound transformation during which Charles learned to master and sustain optimal mental well-being. Eleven years later, Charles' message goes further than the mere pursuit of achievement; it's about cultivating a mindset of growth, starting first and foremost with mental health. Charles is passionate about helping others become mentally strong, discover their purpose, and develop the habits that will allow them to make their dreams a reality. His philosophy is grounded in the belief that there are valuable lessons hidden in hardship that teach us exactly what we need to know to find fulfillment in life. For Charles, to truly thrive is to relentlessly push beyond the confines of failure and success, to reach unprecedented heights. Today, Charles is a best-selling author and an award-winning speaker. His books, The 'I' in Team: The Playbook To Create A Winning Culture & A Thriving Business and Become your Ideal Self: How to Heal Through Self Therapy made the Amazon best selling list for leadership & motivation. Annually, he captivates audiences at over 50 events worldwide, ranging from educational institutions and sports teams to Fortune 500 companies. To date, his client list includes Google, Farmers Insurance, the NFL, the MLB, NCAA, Johnson & Johnson, Raymond James, Amazon, Nike, iHeart Radio, PepsiCo, and more. With his infectious energy and inspiring insights, Charles has reached and uplifted more than 600,000 people globally, instilling in them a newfound zest for life and leaving an unforgettable mark on hearts and minds alike. Be sure to check out Charles's Facebook, LinkedIn, and Website! Order his new book!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

346 The Words You Use   You lead from wherever you sit, which is why it is so important to be intentional with your thoughts, words, and motives as you go through life.  In this episode Sarah Elkins and Erin Diehl discuss the importance of picking the right words for yourself and being intentional with the energy we bring to any situation.   Highlights Picking the right mantra for yourself. Nothing is one size fits all. Letting others voice their thoughts so they feel seen and heard. Give yourself grace.   Quotes “Rituals, and prayer, and mantras, and affirmations, and words mean a lot, but we have to really believe them and internalize them, in order to make a difference in our own life and then we can therefore change others once we have shaped ourselves.” “I look back at past versions of me, that didn't have some of the knowledge I have, and I just give her grace because she was just figuring it out and I'm still figuring it out.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What can you do in the words that you use, how can you shift to a “Yes, and” with your team,  your children, your partner, with your friends, how can you support the people around you and make sure you are living in alignment with how you live in the world. And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Erin Erin “Big” Diehl is a Business Improv Edutainer, Failfluencer, and Professional Zoombie. Through a series of unrelated dares, Erin created improve it!, a unique professional development company rooted in improv comedy, that pushes leaders and teams to laugh, learn, play, and grow. She is the proud host of The improve it! Podcast, a Top 1% Global Podcast, which helps develop leaders and teams through play, improv and experiential learning, and first time author of the Amazon Best Seller & Top New Release: I See You! A Leader's Guide to Energizing Your Team Through Radical Empathy. Among her many accolades, Erin is most proud of successfully coercing over 36,000 professionals to chicken dance. Be sure to check out Erin's LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Erin's websites It's Erin Diehl, It's Erin Diehl - I See You,  and Learn To Improve It! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

In this milestone 500th episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with renowned life coach and founder of The Handel Group, Lauren Handel Zander, to dive deep into the life-changing impact of radical personal accountability. Lauren shares her no-nonsense approach to personal integrity, intentional living, and mastering your inner dialogue. Learn about the "chicken, brat, and weather reporter" voices we all have and how they sabotage our progress. Through her practical tips and exercises, discover how to overcome self-doubt, design your day, keep promises to yourself, and unlock the confidence to achieve your dreams. This episode is packed with transformational insights and is the perfect guide for anyone ready to take control of their life.Full show notes and resources:  https://passionstruck.com/lauren-handel-zander/SponsorsBabbel: Unlock the power of learning a new language with Babbel's innovative system. Passion Struck listeners can get 60% off their subscription at Babbel.com/PASSION.Hims: Regrow your hair before it's too late! Start your free online visit today at Hims.com/PASSIONSTRUCK.Quince: Experience luxury for less with Quince's premium products at radically low prices. Enjoy free shipping and 365-day returns at Quince.com/PASSION.For more information about our sponsors and promo codes, visit: passionstruck.com/dealsIn this episode, you will learn:The importance of designing your day with intention and outcome in mindThe concept of directing your subconscious through daily designThe impact of personal integrity on achieving dreams and aspirationsThe significance of radical personal accountability in living wisely and avoiding ignoranceThe power of intentionality in becoming the best version of yourselfStrategies for unlocking personal happiness, self-esteem, and confidenceThe role of internal dialogue in achieving personal growth and successPractical advice on how to change negative thought patterns and overcome dream decayThe value of keeping promises to oneself and building personal integrityThe 12 areas of life to focus on for holistic personal developmentConnect with David Yeager: Handel GroupOrder Passion StruckUnlock the principles that will transform your life! Order my book, Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life. Recognized as a 2024 must-read by the Next Big Idea Club, this book has earned accolades such as the Business Minds Best Book Award, the Eric Hoffer Award, and the Non-Fiction Book Awards Gold Medal. Order your copy today and ignite your journey toward intentional living!Catch More Passion StruckCan't miss my episode with Angela Duckworth on the Keys to Achieving Long-Term SuccessListen to my interview with Angela Foster on Biosyncing for Peak Health and HappinessWatch my episode with Tricia Manning on How to Lead With Heart and Leave a LegacyCatch my interview with Katy Milkman on Creating Lasting Behavior Change for GoodIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review! Even one sentence helps. Be sure to include your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can personally thank you!

345 Staying Embodied As An Artist Like everything in existence, we change and grow and it can become difficult to stay involved in the things that make our lives fulfilling and enjoyable. Our passions can come and go which is normal, but it is always important to remember to take care of yourself and what makes you thrive in order to return to your passions. In this episode Mary Riitano and Sarah Elkins discuss how acting has come and gone in Mary's life and how honing numerous skills can help us return to the passions that spark joy in our lives.    Highlights It's normal to be terrified of something you've done before. Cocktail of chemistry. You can pick up different things to discover -or rediscover- yourself. We all grow and change at our own unique rate, there is no deadline to spread your wings. Create a rich tapestry of skills.   Quotes “That mask we wear on the outside; we've got to get through this in a brave way, and you don't want to show any of the stuff on the inside. But remembering that it's there is what makes us real.” “I think as a small town artist your call to the arts kind of comes in these waves and clarities, and then you go back into the fog. Because where I was at the time, there was a small theater, and then when my family moved from Minnesota to Montana there, was no theater.” “It was the same feeling I had when I was 9. I walked onto the stage and I said, ‘oh I'm home'.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, If you're one of those big girls sitting on a couch, thinking about that dream you've been holding onto, whether that's as Mary said; starting a garden, growing your own food, maybe it's being in a movie, maybe it's being a guest on a podcast, maybe it's grand, maybe it's quiet, maybe it's I don't know being the next president of the United States, We have your back. You have women in your corner. So, what will you do? What's your first step? I'd love to hear from you. And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Mary Mary Riitano recently appeared as love interest Cassie in the tv episodic “Heebuck” (currently on festival tour) directed by Michael Polish. Her work is noted for vibrant energy, strength, versatility, and is referred to as captivating. She garnered a Best Actress for short film romantic comedy “Swing” at the WY International Film Festival + three best actress nominations for this film. Riitano is a skilled dramatic actress receiving Best Supporting Actress award for “Wuthering Heights” at the Idyllwild Festival of Cinema. Other films on Amazon Prime are "Useless" & "We Burn Like This." Mary's acting journey includes 19+ years of theatre, seven independent films, western series, several professional short films, and two documentaries. She's trained with some of LA's best: Margie Haber Studio, Lindsay Frame AMAW Portland/LA, Crystal Carson LA/Atlanta, Christine Horn, BGB Studios, and Josh Pais Master Acting Series. Mary is active in Montana film communities and loves mountain time snowboarding and hiking! Be sure to check out Mary's LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram! As well as her website Mary Riitano!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

343 Incremental Improvements Our environments influence how we function and how we are able to deal with the things in our life mentally and emotionally so that we can choose to rearrange or shed the stories or things that no longer serve us.  In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Mark Ainley discuss the importance of giving everything our own style, facing the parts of ourselves we hold onto that need to be reframed or allowed to rest, and finally how we all collect little trophies of our adventures and that these “imperfections” should be treasured.   Highlights Give your own style to whatever you do. Make it unique, make it You. What part of your story that you aren't dealing with needs to be reframed so that you can move on? How your environment shifts your roles. What are your adventure dimples?   Quotes “When we have that resistant, usually there's something behind that resistance. There's a reason for that, And if we cannot push but follow through with shall we say gentle persistence, we can get to the root and that expression can change.” “We're so busy trying to change behavior, trying to change the face of things, rather than the root.” “Clutter is the sign of a nonintegrated relationship of how something expresses.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What will you do, which room will you start in, where you stand there for 60 seconds. Close your eyes for a moment, sense what you're feeling or hearing in that room. Are there any noises? Is there a hum, do you have wind chimes outside? What are you hearing? Are these sounds that are agreeable, do they light you up, do they inspire? Then open your eyes, look around you, does that room make you feel good or does it make you feel dizzy and heavy? What can you change today, in that room, something small, that will inspire you to make more changes. Incremental improvements.  And, as always, thank you for listening.    Mentioned in this episode  Atomic Habits by James Clear When by Daniel Pink   About Mark A professional Feng Shui consultant since 2001, Mark Ainley of Sense of Space has consulted and taught all over the world, particularly in Japan, where since 2003 he has had an active practice both in person and on Zoom. Well-known and respected for his practical, easy-to-grasp approach to Feng Shui principles (which he refers to as Contemporary Feng Shui), he writes, teaches, and consults internationally, bridging the ancient wisdom of Feng Shui with common sense and aligned insights from the latest environmental psychology research. Be sure to check out Sense of Space! As well as Mark's Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

342 The Best Teacher Is Life   Throughout life we all have to learn some difficult lessons, some lessons are harder than others, but if you persist and remember your core values you will succeed with more knowledge of yourself and your capabilities than you started with.  In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Gail Harris discuss the importance of learning the harder lessons in life and coming out the other side to share these experiences with others.   Highlights Loss strengthens us by how we move through it.  Turn your sorrow into art, so that others will know they aren't alone. Divine timing, even if you can't see the full plan in the moment, some things are meant to be. Life is your teacher.   Quotes “I'm more than my human self.” “I just let myself feel it, because I did believe that that was a forked road. Because if you don't feel it and you become numb to it, then you hang onto it forever. It's not that we ever don't feel the grief -feel the loss- you will always feel the loss but the grief I think can transform.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, I would love to hear from you. When you think about your own life stories, it's not just one event and it's not a timeline of events. I would love to hear what you're thinking about and as you've listened to this episode in terms of holding space for other people's grief, what you would write about if you were to write your story, and what would you include? Which characters, which part of your life? And, as always, thank you for listening.    Mentioned in this episode The Art of Holding Space Finding Zoe   About Gail Gail Harris is a certified ghostwriter specializing in women's memoir and an IPNE Book Award Finalist for the memoir FINDING ZOE. She collaborates with women who have risen above life's challenges and are ready to share their journeys personally and professionally. She enjoys the cathartic nature of storytelling both for the author and those who read her story; the healing is universal. Her company is called Golden Ghostwriting. Gail finds the gold in an author's story or what sets it apart from other stories to make it marketable. Be sure to check out Gail's LinkedIn and Golden Ghost Writing! About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

Our sense of belonging and acceptance has been tied to alcohol for so long. But you have the power to reshape your life, influence your community, and live with radical fulfillment. There are SO many people in the world who are putting their dreams first and not just living for the weekend to drink. Who are the five people that you see the most? Do you want their life? Or do you want something bigger, something more, something that isn't so mundane?  Karolina shares tons of practical tips for transforming your social life and finding new, vibrant communities and friendships that don't revolve around drinking. We also cover the dangers of perception bias, the psychology behind our need to belong, and how we can become a “wolf” and inspire others to redefine their relationships with alcohol too. You're not just ditching a drink—you're embracing leadership, taking a brave stance, and redefining what belonging truly means!  For the price of just 3 drinks at a bar, you can join Karolina's 22-day Dry Bootcamp and learn how to relax and have fun without alcohol, build a sustainable, alcohol-free lifestyle, and discover your deeper why. Plus, you'll get all the guides, rituals, and meditations to help you connect to your higher self. We start August 6th. Sign up for just $59. IN THIS EPISODE: Flipping the script from being the “odd one out” to becoming an alcohol-free trailblazer in your social circle The powerful concept of perception bias and how it shapes our view of what's “normal” in drinking culture Karolina's tips for finding and consciously creating alcohol-free communities online and offline that align with your lifestyle A real-life example of a book club's transformation when one person took a stand (plus the profound ripple effects it created!) Exciting details about Karolina's upcoming Dry Bootcamp, where you can transform your relationship with alcohol—all for the price of just three drinks at a bar   LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED: Dry Bootcamp starts August 6th! If you're ready for a life-changing break from alcohol, this program will inspire you to reevaluate alcohol through daily lessons and an immersive community. Sign up now for just $59! Karolina's book is available in hardcover, Kindle, and as an audiobook. When you get your copy of Euphoric: Ditch Alcohol and Gain a Happier, More Confident You today, you'll also unlock tons of resources to support you on your journey.  Check out the other episodes in this series: Episode 132: Isn't Drinking Cultural?! And Episode 133: The Myth of Normal Drinking. Loved the book? We'd be honored if you left a review! Follow @euphoric.af on Instagram. And as always, rate, review, and subscribe so we can continue spreading our message far and wide.

340 Unity in Connectedness    How we present ourselves with our intentions and energy is as important as a freshly pressed suit when building community and connection in both our work and personal lives. In helping others and accepting help, by being positive and allowing positivity to thrive, in accepting ourselves and others we can build true connectedness. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Sophie Lechner discuss the importance of connectedness in our lives and how building true meaningful relationships can shape our lives.    Highlights Connectedness unites us. Real connectedness can't be found online.  Don't forget to take time for your business and connection when you worry about others.  If you keep yourself in a positive mindset you are bound to enjoy whatever you do.   Quotes “We need to plant seeds for potential relationships, and harvest whatever ones come out.” “It's better to have a little bit of a pause, think it through. Thoughtfulness is one of the things I want to be known for so I need to remember to do that.”   Mentioned in This Episode Exactly Zero    Dear Listeners it is now your turn, What is the vibe, the energy, that you want people to feel when they're around you? Whether it's an interaction in a post on social media, face to face, a phone call, your next podcast interview, and especially the next job interview or the time you need to interview somebody else for a job. Do you want to be welcoming, do you want to be somebody who feels like they belong? Because those contributions are absolutely in good health. I encourage you to write down what you want to be perceived as and what your vibe is today.  And, as always, thank you for listening.    About Sophie Sophie Lechner helps mission-driven entrepreneurs find their audience on LinkedIn and build relationships with them so they can spread their message and grow their business. Her 20-year presence on LinkedIn has led to speaking engagements, podcast invitations, clients, and a Forbes interview. With The MAGNET Model, entrepreneurs stop chasing clients and instead enjoy sharing their gifts with dream clients they attract like a Magnet. For different bio lengths and more headshot options, go to https://themagnetmodel.com/mediakit  Be sure to check out Sophie's LinkedIn, The MAGNET Model, as well as this quiz on what kind of LinkedIn User You Are!   About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana. Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!

In this inspiring episode, we dive deep into the journey of overcoming self-doubt and building self-esteem with author and meditation teacher Giovanni Dienstmann. Giovanni shares his transformative journey from a chaotic upbringing to finding peace and purpose through meditation. We explore various themes such as the benefits of meditation, shifting identity, and creating your ideal self. Giovanni also offers insights on differentiating between fear and intuition and staying aligned with your true purpose.Highlights:Overcoming Self-Doubt and Building Self-EsteemJourney to Becoming a Meditation TeacherFinding Direction and PurposeDifferent Styles of MeditationBenefits of MeditationWise ConfidenceShifting Identity and BlueprintFinding What You WantCreating Your Ideal SelfStaying Awake in the ProcessDaily Alignment PracticePitfalls and ChallengesVisualizing Your Future SelfDifferentiating Between Fear and IntuitionThe Evolution of ConsciousnessGetting Started with Mantra MeditationSpecial Mentions:David Foley's books: "The Primal Sound" and "The Wisdom of the Tantric Goddesses"Favorite Question:How do we differentiate between what's just old ego and conditioning and what's a truer, more trustworthy thing? Giovanni's answer is a must-listen!Billboard Question:Stay tuned to hear Giovanni's response to our signature Billboard Question!Where to Find Giovanni's Work:Giovanni's WebsiteGiovanni's InstagramGiovanni's Books on Amazon 

https://passionstruck.com/passion-struck-book/—Order a copy of my new book, "Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life," today! The book was picked by the Next Big Idea Club as a must-read for 2024, the winner of the Business Business Minds Best Book 2024, and shortlisted for the Eric Hoffer First Grand Prize.In this episode of the Passion Struck podcast, host John R. Miles interviews Dr. James R. Doty, a neurosurgeon and expert in neuroscience and compassion. Dr. Doty discusses the concept of manifestation and how it can lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling life. He emphasizes shifting focus from materialistic goals to a sense of purpose and service to others. Dr. Doty shares practical exercises and routines from his book, "Mind Magic," that listeners can start implementing immediately to calm their minds and align their intentions with their actions. Full show notes and resources can be found here: https://passionstruck.com/dr-james-doty-on-manifesting-a-fulfilling-life/In this episode, you will learn:The difference between hedonic happiness and eudaimonic happiness and how focusing on purpose and meaning can lead to a more fulfilling life.The importance of understanding and addressing adverse childhood experiences and trauma in shaping behavior patterns.How to embed intentions into your subconscious through value tagging and repetition.Practical exercises and routines from "Mind Magic" to start calming your mind and focusing on being of service to others for a more fulfilling life.All things Dr. James Doty:  https://www.jamesrdotymd.com/Photo credit of Jim Doty: Sebastian MarinSponsorsBrought to you by Indeed. Head to https://www.indeed.com/passionstruck, where you can receive a $75 credit to attract, interview, and hire in one place.Brought to you by Nom Nom: Go Right Now for 50% off your no-risk two week trial at https://trynom.com/passionstruck.Brought to you by Cozy Earth. Cozy Earth provided an exclusive offer for my listeners. 35% off site-wide when you use the code “PASSIONSTRUCK” at https://cozyearth.com/This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/PASSIONSTRUCK, and get on your way to being your best self.This episode is brought to you By Constant Contact:  Helping the Small Stand Tall. Just go to Constant Contact dot com right now. So get going, and start GROWING your business today with a free trial at Constant Contact dot com.--► For information about advertisers and promo codes, go to:https://passionstruck.com/deals/Catch More of Passion StruckWatch my interview with Jaime Bronstein On How To Manifest The Love Of Your Life3 Reasons To Never Believe A Prediction That Doesn't Ignite YouCan't miss my episode with Dr. David Vago On Self Transcendence And Personal GrowthListen to my episode with Robin Steinberg On Humanizing Justice Through CompassionCheck Out my interview with Scott Galloway On Why America Is Adrift And How To Fix ItMy solo episode on Why Your Micro Choices Determine Your Life Like this show? Please leave us a review here-- even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!How to Connect with JohnConnect with John on Twitter at @John_RMiles and on Instagram at @john_R_Miles.Subscribe to our main YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnRMilesSubscribe to our YouTube Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@passionstruckclipsPhoto CreditsPhoto credit goes to Sebastian Marin.

https://passionstruck.com/passion-struck-book/—Order a copy of my new book, "Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life," today! The book was picked by the Next Big Idea Club as a must-read for 2024, the winner of the Business Business Minds Best Book 2024, and shortlisted for the Eric Hoffer First Grand Prize.In this episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles interviews Paul Rabil, a legendary lacrosse player and entrepreneur. Paul shares insights from his new book, "The Way of the Champion," focusing on pain, persistence, and the path forward. The episode delves into Paul's journey from overcoming learning differences to achieving success in sports and business. Full show notes and resources can be found here: https://passionstruck.com/paul-rabil-how-you-master-the-way-of-a-champion/In this episode, you will learn:The focus on building a top-five sports league in North America through increasing participation and accessibility in lacrosseThe value of competitive compromise in various aspects of life, including sports, business, and personal relationships.The impact of singular focus, resilience, and dedication to achieving success in sports and beyond.The importance of balancing competitiveness with kindness and empathy, especially in business partnerships.The importance of falling in love with the process of skill development and practice away from team practice to achieve success in sports.The significance of starting with fundamentals and mastering the ordinary before attempting the extraordinary in sports, as exemplified by athletes like Steph Curry.The concept of "competitive compromise" in balancing competitiveness with kindness and empathy, especially in business partnerships.All things Paul Rabil: https://paulrabil.com/SponsorsBrought to you by Indeed. Head to https://www.indeed.com/passionstruck, where you can receive a $75 credit to attract, interview, and hire in one place.Brought to you by Nom Nom: Go Right Now for 50% off your no-risk two week trial at https://trynom.com/passionstruck.Brought to you by Cozy Earth. Cozy Earth provided an exclusive offer for my listeners. 35% off site-wide when you use the code “PASSIONSTRUCK” at https://cozyearth.com/This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/PASSIONSTRUCK, and get on your way to being your best self.This episode is brought to you By Constant Contact:  Helping the Small Stand Tall. Just go to Constant Contact dot com right now. So get going, and start GROWING your business today with a free trial at Constant Contact dot com.--► For information about advertisers and promo codes, go to:https://passionstruck.com/deals/Catch More of Passion StruckWatch my interview with NASCAR Driver Jesse Iwuji On Creating An Unstoppable Life In RacingCan't miss my episode with Coach Matt Doherty On How You Rebound From Life's Toughest MomentsListen to my episode with Sean Foley On Crafting A Winning Mindset For SuccessMy solo episode on How To Live Intentionally With Passion And PerseveranceLike this show? Please leave us a review here-- even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!How to Connect with JohnConnect with John on Twitter at @John_RMiles and on Instagram at @john_R_Miles.Subscribe to our main YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnRMilesSubscribe to our YouTube Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@passionstruckclips