Podcasts about support networks

People matter more than position, and leadership starts with taking care of others. Doing that right means a million acts. SUMMARY Those are lessons Lt. Col. Steven “Meathead” Mount '08 shares with listeners in the Season 4 premier of Long Blue Leadership. For Col. Mount, becoming a pilot was a major milestone, but becoming a husband and father had the biggest impact. Don't wait, listen today and become a better leader tomorrow.   SHARE THIS PODCAST FACEBOOK  |  LINKEDIN   COL. MOUNT'S TOP LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS Adoption shaped my understanding of support and love. Leadership is about lifting others to achieve their best. Mentorship plays a crucial role in personal and professional growth. Balancing family and career is a continuous challenge. It's important to have tough conversations as a leader. Resilience is key to overcoming setbacks in life and career. Listening more than talking is essential for effective leadership. Recognizing the importance of support systems can enhance leadership effectiveness. Leadership is defined by consistent, everyday actions. The military community thrives on teamwork and mutual support.   CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Lessons 06:43 The Impact of Adoption on Leadership 14:53 Navigating Challenges at the Academy 22:49 Career Path and Opportunities in Aviation 33:31 Balancing Family and Military Career 44:18 Continuous Improvement as a Leader     ABOUT COL. MOUNT BIO Lt. Col. Steven “Meathead” Mount is a decorated officer in the United States Air Force with a career marked by leadership, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to mentoring the next generation. A command pilot with thousands of flight hours, he has served in a variety of demanding roles across multiple aircraft and theaters, bringing a wealth of experience in both combat and peacetime operations. Beyond the cockpit, Lt. Col. Mount is widely recognized for his ability to lead diverse teams through complex challenges, foster innovation, and develop leaders at every level. His career reflects not only technical expertise but also a people-first leadership philosophy that emphasizes accountability, resilience, and service. Known by his call sign “Meathead,” he brings both humility and humor to the serious business of leading Airmen. His story is one of dedication to mission and country, but also of shaping culture, inspiring others, and leaving a lasting impact on the Air Force community.   CONNECT WITH THE LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP PODCAST NETWORK TEAM Send your feedback or nominate a guest: socialmedia@usafa.org Ted Robertson | Producer and Editor:  Ted.Robertson@USAFA.org    Ryan Hall | Director:  Ryan.Hall@USAFA.org  Bryan Grossman | Copy Editor:  Bryan.Grossman@USAFA.org Wyatt Hornsby | Executive Producer:  Wyatt.Hornsby@USAFA.org      ALL PAST LBL EPISODES  |  ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS     TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS Guest, Lt. Col. Steven Mount '08  |  Host, Lt. Col. Naviere Walkewicz '99   Naviere Walkewicz Welcome to the first episode of Season 4 of Long Blue Leadership, the podcast where we share insights on leadership through the lives and experiences of Air Force Academy graduates. I'm Naviere Walkewicz, Class of '99. We're kicking off this season with a story that shows how our earliest experiences can shape the kind of leaders we become. Lt. Col. Steve Mount, Class of 2008, call sign “Meathead,” didn't fully realize that truth until later in life. Adopted as an infant, he came to understand that love and support aren't guaranteed. They're gifts. Over his 17-year career, Col. Mount has flown missions across a wide range of aircraft, from the C-130 to special operations to the U-2. And today, he's in command. But through every stage, one belief has stayed with him: People succeed not only through their own efforts, but because someone believed in them. In this conversation, we'll talk about how those early lessons have shaped criminal mom's approach to leading airmen, mentoring the next generation of pilots, balancing mission and family and building teams that are rooted in trust. His story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn't about the me game, it's about lifting others so they can achieve their best. So what better way to start our new season? Col. Mount, welcome to Long Blue Leadership. Lt. Col. Steven Mount Thank you so much, ma'am for having me. I really do appreciate this opportunity to at least try to share some of my stories, experiences and honestly, if anything touches base with those who listen in and resonates, that's why I'm glad to be here. Naviere Walkewicz Well, let's start right with a way for them to connect with you. You mentioned your call sign is Meathead. Let's start there. Lt. Col. Steven Mount OK, I'll do my best to tell the story as quickly as I can. And the fun thing about being a pilot — but also I think this plays true in any type of storytelling environment — is, you know, only 10% of the story has to be true when it comes to your call signs. So to start… Oh my gosh— I know there's some friends out there who are going to laugh at this, especially of mine. Going through pilot training… The last part of the pilot training, when I was in the T-1s, when you get to that last part, you know, after you've gone through all the ups and downs, you kind of celebrate a little bit more. And that's what I've done. I had gone out with a couple of my rugby brothers that I played with at the Academy, and we'd gone out to just a country, a little country dance hall, and, you know, we're just enjoying and celebrating. And one of my rugby brothers introduced me to one of his friends through his wife, and this individual, who I didn't know much about at the time, had said— I said, “Yeah, I'm starting T-1s here and all that good stuff. And I immediately, immediately — especially in the celebratory mood I was in — thought, “Oh, this is another awesome student that's coming through. Like, hey, let me start giving you the tidbits. Let me start laying out what to expect.” And that's how I treated this individual for the rest of that evening. You know, we're dancing and having fun and just talking it up. And it was a good evening. It was really good evening. Come Monday morning, I get the word I'm flying with this new instructor in the T- 1s. And I had no idea who this individual was. I did not recognize the name at all. And I asked our flight schedule, like, “Who's this?” Is like, “Oh, it's a new person coming in. I think you're one of his first flights back in the T-1s training wise.” And I was like, “Well, OK, I'm ready to go.” And I sit down, and then this instructor sits down right across from me, and it's a major and sure enough, it's this, the person I thought was a student at the Texas dance, the country dance hall that we were at.   Naviere Walkewicz Oh boy!   Lt. Col. Steven Mount He looks me up and down. Oh, it was one of those moments of shock, of like, “What do I… Where do I go from here?” And he looks me up and down, he goes, and he laughs, and he goes, “Man, you are just such a meathead.” And so that's where it started. And call signs and nicknames— sometimes, some people like, wanna try change it throughout their careers and try to like, “No, that's not who I am. I don't want that to define me.” So as I'm leaving pilot training at Laughlin Air Force Base, Del Rio, I'm heading towards my first assignment in Tucson, Arizona for the EC-130 and I'm like, “OK, here we go. I'm gonna start fresh. I'm not that meathead that went through the Academy playing rugby. I'm not that meathead in pilot training to I just like to have fun. Just like to have fun. I do my own thing, and I'm gonna start fresh.” And I get out, and one of the very first meetings I had in the new squadron was with the DO, Lt. Col. Reimer. He sits down with me, and he says, “Come on in, because I'm in blues. He goes, come on in. Sit down. And then he's just quiet. I'm like, this is interesting. He looks me up and down and goes, “Yeah, you definitely look like a meathead.” And I'm like, “Whoa.” So sure enough, the major that I flew with was really good friends and had flown with this squadron, told this DO about me, and the DO got through his spiel, introduced me to my first flight commander before I deployed in Afghanistan, and goes, “Hey, this is Meathead. Take care of him. He's a good one.” I was like, “No, no, everyone, please, let's stop.” And then throughout the years, things kept happening that just reinforced the call sign, Meathead. I got into U-2s, me and a buddy, also pilots. We popped both tires on a T-38 at Long Beach Airport, and we closed down the airport for about five hours. It was on the local news. Not happy about that. And then there were multiple times where I tried to, like, get rid of the Meathead persona, the callsign, but I think it was finally solidified on a CNN interview on one of my U-2 deployments, where the lady interviewing us goes, “OK, we can't use your real name. So what name should we use? And before I could even say anything, one of my buddies just pops up and goes, “ It's Meathead.CNN lady, use Meathead.” And I was like, “OK.” And then international news in that interview, I am Capt. Meathead. And I never got away from the call sign, Meathead.   Naviere Walkewicz We are gonna find that clip of Capt. Meathead.   Lt. Col. Steven Mount It is out there, just U-2… I think the article under CNN: “U-2 spy plane carries out the mission against terrorist organizations.” You know, not that I didn't remember what it was called.   Naviere Walkewicz Well, I would say you heard it here first, but you didn't. You heard it maybe, if you heard it in the U-2 world or what have you. But we're gonna find it again. And so we're gonna resurrect here first, but we're so glad you're here. Yes, yes, this is awesome. And you know, I think one of the things I really enjoyed in our early conversation, and what we're gonna share today is how you kind of look back and you are very grateful and thankful for the upbringing you have. And so let's kind of go back to the fact, you know, not a lot of our guests share kind of their background, and the fact that you share that you were adopted. What did that kind of, what role did that play in your life? And, you know, was it insignificant? Or, you know, what did you glean from that? Lt. Col. Steven Mount Yeah, I really appreciate that question. And honestly, I really appreciate you giving the opportunity to kind of share that. It has played a huge role in my life. Adopted 11 months. And what it did for me is set the foundation of the family. It may not necessarily be one you have, it's the one who who's there for you, who supports you, who loves you. And then, honestly, the other part about being adopted, which I kind of— there were struggles, like, it wasn't perfect, but there were struggles in my mind where I wanted to show that those who adopted me, I wanted to show them that I could be more and thank them, you know, on a daily basis, for everything they had done for me, supporting me. So that drove me, that motivated me to get into the Academy, or even— back up, even like, do well in high school, get into the Academy, become a pilot. All of that was the basis of— I want to show that in a weird way, I want to show that your investment was worth it. You know, you found me, you gave me the love and support. So I'm going to give back to you by showing you what you were able to, you know, give a second chance, small, little child. And then the— but the other side of that, and I don't know how many of those who are adopted, who feel like this sometimes. Can't be the only one, but I can at least convey it here. There's a sense of, you know, “Why? Why was I adopted?” You know, what really happened in the sense that those who biologically brought me into this world, was I not worthy enough? Was I just a bad situation. And so there's that part I keep motivational wise to be like, “Well, I'm going to show them what they're missing out on.” And I know that's more of the negative kind of side of the whole internal conflict of being adopted. But I would be lying if I didn't say that that was part of the drive that kept me going throughout those years.   Naviere Walkewicz Something that came to my mind when you were saying that was, you know— when did you find out? And how old were you to kind of start having those, those thoughts and questions, you know, not only why, but how do I show that I am worthy?   Lt. Col. Steven Mount Yes, so my mother and father did an amazing job of, I remember, I can't remember the name of this particular book, but there was a book that she had given me that she read to me, and that, throughout the years, as I she utilized, helped me start reading and whatnot. And the basis of the book was, you know, cartoon with a little bit of words, is, “You were not purchased, you know, you were not bought at a store. You know you were, you were brought in and chosen and to be a part of a family.” So she, she wanted to have this idea that I always knew, that was adopted. She never wanted to surprise me, or she never wanted to be like, one day, like, “Hey, just so you know…” She did an awesome job of leading into that, Hey, you were adopted. But don't look at it as this, ‘We went to the store and we picked out the one we liked.' It's more of a, ‘We wanted you in our family.' And that's where it started.” It started, “We wanted a bigger family.” Whether they were, at the time, not able to grow or have themselves, they decided that, “We still want to grow a family. So let's look through adoption as a means.” So she had that book, I remember that book, and then the other book, which I still love to this day, and I got a copy for my kids, I Love You Forever, and how she would read that book to me every single night with the words, “…and I love you forever, like you for always. As long as you're living, my baby, you'll be.” That showed me that it didn't matter where I came from. This was my mom, you know, this was my family. So she did a really good job laying that foundation for me, for who I've become to be.   Naviere Walkewicz So would you put your parents in that bucket of inspirational leaders for you that have shaped you? And are there others?   Lt. Col. Steven Mount One-hundred percent. Like I said, the foundational piece of being that inspirational leader, to me in the sense of working on it all the time, right? It's not simple but accepting people for who they are. Where they're at in life. Accept them for their faults, accept them for the things that they don't like about themselves, but just accepting them and giving them the support, giving them the love that they need to show them, that they can do anything, I like to think for the most part, I'm an example of that because of what my parents did for me.   Naviere Walkewicz So, as a young boy, and you talked a little bit about this, you wanted to prove to them. So Was that something you feel over time, you continue to develop this desire to show your worth? And where have you seen that show up I guess even throughout your going— maybe even at the Academy, how has that kind of formed you as a leader individually?   Lt. Col. Steven Mount Yes, yes. So the showing the worth, the showing the value, or paying it back and showing my parents, once again, I use the word “investment” like it was good— I was good investment. Like I was a good return on investment. But it's helped when I've gone through those struggles, when I've gone— because the first time I put in for the Academy and… back up just a little bit. My dad likes to tell a story that I even told my fifth-grade teacher that she was, you know, “What do you want to do?” I was like, “I'm gonna be a pilot.” I said nothing else. Like, I want to be pilot. I want to fly. And then I had had an awesome mentor whose son, at the time, was going through the process of the Academy, sophomore year in high school, and she helped me with that. Good ol' Mrs. Williams, amazing. When I first initially applied for the Academy, I did not get it. I got a “Sorry, you are not competitive at this time.” Here starts some of those moments in your life to where, like, “OK. How can I bounce back? Do I accept the rejection, or do I find another means?” And even when that happened, that first time, my parents, they were like, “It's OK, it's OK. You don't need to…” They were always like, “You don't need to prove anything else. We love you, regardless.” I was like, “No, I need to prove this.” So I found other means, and I was, I will say, blessed in the sense that at that time, my running back coach for the high school reached out to the Academy. This happened early my senior year, and reached out and was like, “Hey, we have, I have someone who I think might do well for your program.” And then, sure enough, I got invited to come out for a football recruiting visit and I sat down with Fisher Deberry, and he just goes, “Would you like to play for this program?” And once again, I was like, “Wait a minute. No, no. I already got rejected. You know, I already gotten the…” But obviously I was going through my head, but all I said was, “Yes, sir, I would love to play for this program. I'd love to go the Academy.” And he made it happen. And I got recruited, and I got the invite to come out, to go the United States Air Force Academy. Wow. And once again, that only happened because my parents, they said, “Hey, we don't care what happens. We love you. Support you. You make the decision and we're here behind you.” And then I had a coach who was like, “I got you. I've seen what you do. I support this.” And went out on a limb for me. And then, in a sense, I guess Fisher DeBerry was also like, “I'm taking this football recruit, I hope he makes it through the Academy. So the love and support is, was there throughout.   Naviere Walkewicz What a path, I mean, that is quite unique. And, yeah, that's something to just kind of sit in a little bit, right? You know, the path of to your point, it just comes from support. And obviously you have to do the things to make sure that when the opportunity presents itself, you're ready to take that step, but what an incredible story of those who have supported you. Let's talk about a little bit before we kind of get into I think, what I think is the next real moment in your life — when you talk about becoming a father in your family. But while you're at the Academy, I'm just curious what more you learned about yourself as a leader, because you no longer had to prove to your parents that you were worthy of their investment, right? Like this is investment, right? Like this is a new season of your life. What did that look like for you as a leader?   Lt. Col. Steven Mount The challenges and the experiences I had the Academy — and I know I talked about this in one of my interviews previously with the foundation — was that I had to I went through my sophomore year and the rigors of academics, of the military side, of sports. It was taking this toll. I will say this many times. I'll continue to say I'm not the smartest crayon in the shed.   Naviere Walkewicz Wait, did you say crayon in the shed?   Lt. Col. Steven Mount I did. A little mixture of the sharpest tool in the box, exactly. I love it! I'm glad someone caught it. That's perfect! But yes, hard work was probably the foundation of what the Academy taught me was you persevere by hard work. You do the day in; you do the day out. You get after it. Because I was not getting after it after sophomore year. My GPA was not the best, and I had to approach my sophomore year, which very fortunate, because I had done my best to put in the time with the football program. But obviously I was losing ground in the academic side and that came back to almost biting, in the sense that I could have failed out. So I had had one of those— Once again, my father being an amazing mentor himself, whether he knows it or not. And I talked to him, and I said, “Dad, I think I have to quit football. I don't think I can continue with this, the rigors of all of this with the Academy.” And he goes, “Well, what was your dream?” I was like, “My dream was to fly.” He goes, “Well, did you go there to play football? Or did you go there to fly?” And that was an easy answer. But then I was thinking about all those coaches and mentors and those who helped me get to where I was, and I never really quit at something, and that's what it felt like. It really felt like I was quitting. I was quitting my teammates. I was quitting my coaches. And that weighs heavy on your soul, for all those out there who just are struggling, like, “Should I continue?” But my dad was right. My priorities weren't to become a football player, because I wasn't gonna be. I wasn't going to be. I wasn't going to become, you know, some — who can I name drop? — Chad Hall, you know, going to the NFL, doing amazing things. I wasn't going to be out there starting on, maybe third if they still have fourth string… maybe fourth string. So my dad helped me with those priorities by, once again, just being supportive. He never said one way or the other. He said, “What do you want to do?” And so I had that hard conversation with him, and went down to the Field House, and I said, “I apologize. I have to quit so I can concentrate on what I want to do for my dreams.” And once we had that was hard, that was very difficult. So that was one of the challenges at the Academy presented, and how I bounced back from that was you always go two ways. You always go into the woe is me and you know, just kind of beat yourself up and just hold on to that, that pride and ego being shattered. Or you can find a community, a support group, that will be there with you. And I found that almost immediately with my rugby brothers. They're just like me. They're like, “Hey, we just like to hang out at our own little table at Mitchell Hall. We like to just come out, play the sport, do what you love to do, athletic wise, and you'll have some more free time, obviously, for academics.” Not that I'd utilize that correctly still, but that's what it took to get me through those next couple years, that and my amazing roommates. I think all of us Academy grads and those who are going through right now, a support of a good roommate is huge. I that, uh, I appreciate the question, because now it's just dawning on me how much I just really appreciate my roommates at the Academy for their support as well. Very similar to my parents, it's like, “Hey, I don't care what you do, but I'm here to support you, love you regardless.” So I got a lot of that the Academy, and that's what helped get me through.   Naviere Walkewicz That's amazing. I think there's a couple of things I want to dig into a little bit. The first one is, you know, I think deciding to have that tough conversation where, one, you felt like you're already prideful, and you're having to, I'm putting in air quotes, “quit.” Can you talk about how you approached that, other than, I know you went and did it. But I think sometimes one of the most challenging things we can do as leaders is have a tough conversation when it involves us either stepping back or taking a step down from what seems to be the trajectory of what's next. And so I'm just— if you could just share a little bit more about that, I think that would be helpful.   Lt. Col. Steven Mount So, and I just want to clarify: As leaders, we have to recognize and we have to have the courage to have the tough conversations, because that wouldn't be the first time that I'd have to make a decision in that regard, or have the tough conversations to where it was gonna affect me personally or those around me. You deal with it understanding, one, give yourself a little bit of grace. Give yourself a little bit of grace in the sense that whatever tough decision you have to make, you're not alone. And I imagine you might not always be the first person who had either to make that decision or was going through something like that. I was not the only one going through something at that time like that. I didn't know that. And so I've had other conversations where others were like, “Yeah, I also, you know how to make that type of call to not play anymore or give up something, because my priority was this...” You know, what was driving me to succeed was something else, and that followed me well throughout my career, because I've had many, many tough conversations. I've had the tough talk as a leader. I've had to tell someone that, “I'm sorry, your dreams to become a pilot…” It's not going to happen because of their performance. I've had conversations on how to get through those tough moments and said how to get on the other side. And I know it's like a broken record, but it just comes through with the support of being there for that individual or being there to guide them to the next step. And I had that. I had that when I made that tough decision. I had someone want to give myself grace. Two, I realized I was not alone. And three, I had the support to get from this side of that tough decision bridge to the other side. And because that support was there, I learned that, and I learned to pass that on from all my leadership opportunities, to be like, “Let me be the one who guides you over this bridge. It's not gonna be fun. There's gonna be parts are gonna hurt. It's gonna be painful. But I will be next to you to get to the other side, to where we can get back to a good place. We get back to what really matters and get back to succeed in maybe another sense.” So the tough convos as leaders, you have to have those tough convos. Do not shy away from them. They're gonna happen, whether you like it or not.   Naviere Walkewicz I'm really glad you shared it that way, because I think it created a pathway to how to approach it, to your point. You know, it they're not comfortable, they're not designed to be that way. But if you start it with, you know, being that support in mind, and how to get someone, even if you're giving the worst news, the worst news where, “This was your dream, you're not gonna be able to do it because of this. And here's now where we're at, and how can I help you succeed through that?” I think that's what a wonderful lesson you just shared. And so I want to dive now into your career, because you had a really broad career, one that's not a traditional path, and I want to understand why it looked that way. So C-130, EC-130, Special Ops, you— talk a little bit about how you navigated that and what was the driving reasons behind that navigation?   Lt. Col. Steven Mount Yes, ma'am. So something you said earlier, which I really liked, I really love to try to convey to those around me, and actually, I've gone through some of these conversations over the last month and a half with younger instructor pilots. Luck is just the crossroad of opportunity and being prepared, and I'm pretty sure someone super smarter than me said that. I barely remembered. But the opportunities that present themselves to me for what I wanted to do, for my goals in the Air Force. So thankfully, even getting through pilot training, that was, in itself, amazing, transformational. Getting those wings, right? Getting those wings because pilot training, just like my Academy career, I had some ups and downs and some challenges but was able to get through because the sense of me becoming a pilot was first and foremost to fly. I want to be up there in the sky. I want to rush past the clouds. I want to touch the highest point I can. I want to be a pilot's pilot. And then right behind that was I want to accomplish the mission for whatever platform or whatever weapon system I'm given, aircraft wise. So those are my two biggest priorities. And that helped me understand that I had some failures of pilot training when I got to my first assignment, EC-130s. But that was perfect for me. That was— I never knew that. I never knew that in pilot training, that the EC-130 would fulfill me in that sense of my sense of purpose as much as it did. And I'm and getting out there, like said, four or five deployments to Afghanistan, as well as multiple TDYs. I was doing the mission, and I was happy, because I was— that's exactly what I wanted to do. That's exactly what young Meathead Mount was built for. But there were parts of me that still wanted to do more. Like, I felt like I could do more. I could be— I could help out more. I could— it's just itching, or not itching, but just burning in the back. It's like, “Hey, you are built for so much more. You can do more. Let's look for those opportunities.” So, funny enough, the first opportunity I had at that time, or I thought I had, was I reached out to— it's no longer around — but the 6th Special Operations Squadron at Duke Field. It was a combat aviation advisory mission. These individuals got to travel the world. I got to learn languages. Literally, they were sent to school to learn languages, to embed with other nations, to build those relationships, to be on the ground but still flying multiple different aircraft. I was like, “That's awesome. That sounds like me. That sounds like something I can do, and I can bring value to the table, and all the above.” So I put in my application; it was immediately rejected. In their eyes, I did not have the experience yet. I did not have what they were looking for, understandable. So here I am in another situation to where, like, “OK, well, what do I— is there any other means or ways that I can continue to fulfill my purpose as a pilot and get after the mission? Because that's what I really wanted to do, get after mission, whatever that looks like. I thought the sticks was an opportunity. They had said no to me, that's fine. And then I had an amazing friend reach out. He goes, “Hey, I heard you're getting a little long winded out there at EC-130s. You should put an application in for the U-2.” And I was like, “What are you talking about? I have no jet experience, other than the T-1. I don't have that background to be that type of caliber pilot.” He goes, “Nope, nope. They're looking for good guys and girls. They're looking for those who are motivated to do the mission. And if you could fly, you can fly, if you can't, well, you know, they'll figure that out, and they'll send you home.” And I was like, “OK.” And so I submitted for the U-2, put my application in, they call me out, and it's a two-week interview. The first week they have you in service dress, and you meet all the leadership, and you meet all the other pilots, and just have conversations. That's all, they just wanna get to know you. You know, “What's your true motivation for being here?” And I explained it, just like I've explained to you: “I wanna fly. I wanna do the mission. I wanna be a pilot's pilot. I wanna do all the cool stuff.” And they go, “OK.” Well, week two, they put you in U-2, a two-seater. They have two-seater trainers. They put you in a U-2. They give you all the weekend prior to study, and they say, “Cool, let's see what you got.” And they have an instructor, he instructs, he does his best to give you tidbits on how to safely land the U-2. And you have three days. You have two training flights and then a sort of assessment evaluation flight on that third day, and oh my gosh, did I ever humble myself as a pilot when I realized how horrible I truly was. I felt like I could not land the U-2 safely. I felt like I was messing everything up. I felt like— as soon as we got done with that third day of flying, and we got back into the squadron, and I remember the IP just being like, and then, you know, walks away because they have to talk to the squadron commanders. They have to go talk to the other leadership there. And once again, I find myself like, “OK, I 100% failed. I mean, I gave it my best. I gave it everything I had. But, you know, here I am gonna fall short again.” And they do this. And I realized this afterwards, that they do this, they do that like wait game, you know, they keep you in suspense for a reason. And I waited, it felt like hours and hours and hours. I imagine it probably might only be like hour, hour and a half. And a squadron commander called me in. He goes, “Yeah, the IP definitely didn't like some of this, some of these, these type of landings, some of this airmanship you're showing. I didn't really like this. But overall, he says you're a nice enough guy, so do you want the job?” And I was like, “Whoa.” And it blew my mind. And that was awesome. That was awesome because once again, leading up to that moment, it was the support of my friend who reached out. It was the support of my wife being like, “Yeah, I think you can do this.” And I had even called, my parents were like, “I had this opportunity to fly this really unique aircraft. It's going to be challenging. What do y'all think?” They're like, “Hey, we love you. Go get it.” And I was like, no other words of advice, no other like, inspiring — you know, my dad, a Florida farm man, was just like, “No, I think he'll do fine. We love you and just let us know how it goes.” I was like, man, I'm really missing out in motivational speeches. But you know what? The sentiment is there, and that's all I need. So I got that position, did a few years with the U-2. And then towards the end of the U-2 career, I got word from another friend saying the 6th Special Operations Squadron is growing. “We are looking for readily qualified and experienced people.”   Naviere Walkewicz And this is the one that rejected you.   Lt. Col. Steven Mount Yes, ma'am, I got rejected last time. He goes, “It's OK. Put in another application. You know, you're a little more experienced now, you've got a little bit more under your belt.” And I said, “OK,” and I put in an application, it got rejected again, and here I am, like, “What is going on?” My buddy reached out to me—   Naviere Walkewicz Your name is blacklisted in that group across the board. Like, “Oh, there's that Mount guy. Cross it out.”   Lt. Col. Steven Mount But I think that ended up being somewhat of a blessing. It was like, “Wow, This guy is motivated to come out here.” Because they had seen the last application years ago. They'd seen this one. And I think the word finally got around that's like, “Hey, he's actually really motivated to come try out, at least for this mission.” And so once again, from good mentors, they're like, “Go ahead, try it out. Put the application in one more time, see what happens.” I did, got picked up for assessment selection. It's another week, week and a half interview. They challenge you mentally, they challenge you physically. They put you in situations to see how you react. I don't wanna give too much away for that process, even though, you know, unfortunately that process is not there anymore. But after that grueling week, they once again, here I am in front of another squadron commander, and here they are opening my life in front of them, and they're saying, “Well, we don't like this. We definitely don't like this. Tell us a little more about this,” you know. And that was about an hour interview, sit down, and it's not just the squadron commander. It was leadership — four or five individuals. It was an Army lieutenant colonel's flight doc behind them, you know, kind of doing that very watching, waiting, assessing, and another one of the situations, I'm like, oh, “Here we go. I don't think it's gonna happen.” But then at the end of that interview, they sit down, squadron commander stands up and goes, “Welcome to the 6th.” And the only things I can think of — and I know a lot of listeners or viewers out there do the same thing, and I tell this to my young when they get their wings, I tell them this as well — think of that first person, or persons, that when something amazing happens to you, you immediately reach out to them and you tell them, “Thank you for the support, thank you for the love, thank you for believing in me when others didn't.” And that's exactly what I did after that one. I called my wife, and I called my parents. I said, “It happened. We got it. I got it,” you know, because it wasn't just me, and I know those experiences going from one mission to the next, and those setbacks have— I get to share these stories all the time with these young instructor pilots that I'm with, as well as students, because I get to utilize it as a leadership tool to be like, “Don't give up on yourself. That's first and foremost. And then even if you believe you might give up on yourself, trust me, there's someone like me or your family members or your squadmates, they won't give up on you. And just remember that.” And that's why I get to share these stories throughout my career, of like, “Hey, I failed at this. Look where I'm at now, because I had the support and because I kept going, Hey, I failed at this. Look how it played out. I'm here.” So a lot of my transition from different platforms and different experiences has helped shape that leadership side of me to say, simply put, “It's OK to fail, all right?” I mean, you're never going to succeed if you have this tried and failed a couple times, right? So, right,   Naviere Walkewicz Wow. Well, I want to go into— because you've mentioned this a couple times. We've talked about your parents, but you know, to have a career that's successful and to navigate that, you talked about your wife. So I'm curious if you can share with listeners who have to maybe the word is not choose between. But how do you navigate the importance of your marriage and that relationship with your profession, and trying to succeed in that trajectory, whatever that trajectory is for you. So maybe you can talk a little bit about how that, how that worked throughout all of those transitions.   Lt. Col. Steven Mount Oh, OK. I usually do better at this from a better half nearby, which she is, in a sense. She's trying to work out and give me her working space right now, which I love. I'm gonna start with this. It's not easy. It is work. It is reps, the day in, the day out. It's not easy. I don't believe I've ever had a convo with someone when they're trying to balance the work and family life to where it's like, “Oh, that was easy, you know, I just do this and they do this, and we're good to go.” No, it is constant conflict of schedules. It is sharing what's going on. It's the ups and downs. So I'd like to start with that: It's not easy. And if anyone ever tells you it is easy, please ask them how they're doing it, and then spread their wise words of wisdom to all of us. Because that's probably the first thing: It's not easy. Once you recognize that you can get past understanding like, “OK, I'm not alone in this, that this is not easy, and I can start talking and sharing my experiences and seeing from those who seem to have it together. What are they doing to make it work? So I start there. It's not easy. Second, you have to be a team. I think there's a lot of us that think that, and my wife definitely did initially, and that was on me, that she thought that my career was the most important, that what I did and how I executed the mission and where I was going, that that was the No. 1 priority. And I found it that's not the case. I found that's not the case, because, sure, when we didn't have kids yet, and we were in Tucson, it's a little easier, because I would go on my deployments, and she would go to the job, she would go to work, and she had and she supported that, because I was out there, you know, fighting the good fight, accomplishing a mission, doing everything the Air Force needed me to do. And that's what she knew was important for me. So she supported that through and throughout, and she supported it to where I imagined, to the sense of she didn't feel like she could speak to say things that maybe I would like in the sense of me doing my mission, or coming home from Afghanistan with some of my experiences. Ahe felt that maybe sometimes, that she didn't have a word to convey to like, “Hey, this really scared me.” Or, “Hey, when you were gone, I saw the news and I was frightened. And you know, when I saw this happen, I just wanted to reach out to you, and I just want to make sure you're OK.” And she never felt initially like that she could convey those feelings, because it might affect me. It might affect my, you know, mentality while being overseas and down range. So she held that in, she held it in. She kept strong. She put on the “I'm here to support you” and I feel bad, you know, thinking back on that, that I should have given her the space to like, “Tell me what you're feeling. Tell me what you're going through. I don't want you to, I don't want you to struggle in silence. If you know you see something or there's something that scares you, let me know.” And unfortunately, I didn't learn that lesson until way, way later in my career, because she'd always kept that strength in and even when we started having kids, she still did. I kick myself all the time now that— we got to California, in the U-2s, we had an incident down range to where they needed me to bump up my deployment out there, to get out there to take care of the situation. And I'd asked, I was like, “Well, how much sooner do you need me?” Because we had just had our first son. You know, the dynamic's changing. The family dynamic is changing, and especially with your first born. And they said, “We need you to leave in about a week.” Here I was once again. And I know we have kind of kind of mentioned that I was I was in the mean mentality I was in. I was gonna be a pilot's pilot. I was gonna get the mission done. I was going to do everything I could to prove myself, and if my country needs me to be out there in a week to take care of this mission, that my family and my wife will understand. And that was that was not the way I should look at it. It really wasn't. But because I was not seeing her as a teammate, and she held it in — and thank goodness we had her mother-in-law. We had some family come out and support with a new baby. But I could tell that was one of the first times to where looking back on it now that maybe I could have said, “Can you find someone else?” You know, maybe I should have what I'm doing, hopefully you're doing now and teaching others. You have to balance that family with mission and the prioritize what is truly important at that moment. And that's something I failed to do at that time. It would happen again later on, but thankfully— so when I got to the 6th Special Operations Squadron, and at this time, especially after we had our second child in California, the wife had mentioned more. She started coming out of the shell like, “Hey, I do need you a little bit more now. I need you, and I need to be able to express and convey what I do and don't like.” And I was listening, but I was not listening the way she needed me to listen. I was not being that teammate on my side. So I heard, “Hey, I just need more support with the family. So whatever career decision we make next, let's align that.” And I was in my head, I was like, “Yes, you're absolutely right.” That's why the 6th Special Operations Squadron, when I got that interview and I picked up, it was so important, because I had family in that area, and family could get to us easier. So I was thinking, “Awesome. I have the support system for you there. I got the assignment. You're going to be taken care of.” I can tell that's not yet what she was wanting. And I will credit good old Col. Valentino. I was spinning up to go to Lebanon with the team, and we're about to have our third child. And here I was once again, like, “Yep, gotta get back to the mission. Gotta show my value. Gotta get in there, do it.” And the wife understands. We have two kids already. We're gonna have a third. So we've already had two. We kind of know how this goes. We're good to go. But I could tell, once again, looking back, everything's— that she wasn't happy, but she was ready to put up that wall again, to be like, “OK, I have to support him. Have to support what he does, and I have to, because that's what the military is asking me. That's what this new community…” And then Col Valentino, he came down. He goes, “Hey, are you about to have another child?” And I was like, “Yes, sir.” He goes, “When?” And I gave him the date. And he goes, “Your deployment date is like, a month after that.” I was like, “Yes, sir. This is our third child. We'll be good to go. I have the support system for the wife now, and she'll be taken care of. Good to go.” And he goes, “No, you're staying home. I don't need you.” He goes, “Did you want to ask me if there's anyone else wants to go so you can be there for your wife and your family?” And that blew my mind, that just, I don't know. It came out of nowhere for someone in a leadership role to say, “No, I'm not gonna send you on this deployment. I want you to be there with your family.” And that held in tight, and from then on, everything changed, and how I led and how I would push the mission. But I wouldn't do it to the extent of, could I not help someone balance their family life with their mission? And that took too long for me to realize. So what I say to everyone out there, it's not easy, but you come home from a long day and you're mentally exhausted and the mission is not going good, or you're getting ready for deployment, take a moment, sit down and just talk with your teammate at home. You have to look at it as teammates. They are your partner. They will be just like I mentioned before. They will be your support system through thick and thin, because they've probably seen you at your worst, and they want you to be at your best. But you can't do that unless you take care of that home front and treat them as your teammate. Because I am still, to this day, trying my best to become the man that I hope that she sees in me and that she wants me to be one day, but I had to fail in seeing it back then so that could see it now. And I think that's one of these things I want to convey. Not easy, and they have to be your teammates.   Naviere Walkewicz Thank you for sharing that. And I think to have a leader that showed you that, which is, now you've imprinted that in your leadership style. You're thinking about the airmen that you come across and how to help them navigate some of those tough choices, but doing it with a, you know, a bigger view of not just the mission, but, like, how do you fit in that with your family? I think that's so powerful, and I'm really glad you shared that, because I know that some of our listeners and our viewers, that's gonna resonate with them as well, because they're gonna remember a time when, “Wow, I didn't even ask if I didn't have to go, or if I didn't have to do this, just because I'm so used to jumping when you say, jump,” right? And I think sometimes it's OK. It's OK. Just a question, like, I'm willing and ready to jump. I just want to make sure is someone else able to do it too because of these reasons, right? So I love that you share that.   Lt. Col. Steven Mount And those leaders have to know their people enough in that regard to also know because ultimately, when you get the mission, then yes, that's what we signed up for, yes. But those leaders know their people, and they know what situation they're in. For example, there's a few times in Special Operations to where we're going on another deployment. But we knew our people, and we knew that some did not have the balance at home, and things were not looking the best they could. “Hey, we can help you out. We can give you all the resources you need. We don't need you on this deployment.” But that takes good leaders, recognizing and taking care of their people and understanding that these individuals cannot be effective down range or where they go if their home life is not taken care of. So, I know that is something that's been talked about for all my leadership training for all the years, but actually applying it is going to start with our future leaders coming up to realize, know your people, know where you can take care of them so that they can take care of the mission.   Naviere Walkewicz That's right. That's right. So this has been incredible. I think the underlying lesson that you shared with us is, obviously having belief in yourself and doing the work and proving your worth, so to speak. But I think it's also recognizing that support network. So if I may ask, you, I have two questions. The first one is, what are you doing to be a better leader every day? Yourself, like, what is something you are actually doing to be a better leader?   Lt. Col. Steven Mount Oh my gosh. Well, I'm recognizing I know I'm not doing it right. Knowing that I'm about taking command already has the underlying nervousness and anxiety, and I realized taking command, why I have these emotions is because I'm afraid to fail, which that makes sense. That makes sense to any logical human being out there. That's like, yeah, I get that. But I have to realize, in that same token, it's OK to fail. It's OK to make mistakes. It's OK that some days you go in there, you're not gonna get it all right. This last year as a director of operations, I've walked out of that building, and there's days been like I didn't accomplish anything. I've messed things up. I didn't do this right. Why am I here? They could have found someone better. And then there were days where, like, yes, I did it, right? I got something accomplished. And on those days, I realized it's because I was taking care of the people and people's needs. And once again, when that happened, they were able to take care of the mission. And that's one of the things that every day I go into work and I ask myself, “Who can I help out? Who needs the motivational kick? Who needs someone to just talk with them? Who needs to share their story?” Because that's what leaders, ultimately, are. We take care of the people. And if I can go in there and just help one person every single day, I would like to think that that's a small success. So that's one thing I'm constantly working on. And it is an effort. It's not easy. It's not easy because you are taking so much and leaders, I don't care what level you're on, all the way from your very first flight command, all the way to your mission command, aircraft commander, all the way to where I am now. You're going to take a lot on your shoulders. You're going to bear, you know, the burden of others, pains, their grief, their successes, their failures. So I guess that's also answer that question. Get ready for that. OK? Because a good leader will do that. They will bear they will help hold the weight. They will support those who need it the most. And we got to do it day in, day out, the reps they have to. So I think I answered the first question, I apologize, was it was.   Naviere Walkewicz The second question is coming. So you're good, you're good. OK. What's something that you know now after having your 17-plus years in the in the military, but also just your life experience — but what's something you know now that you would share with a leader to kind of shorten that timeframe of, like learning those painful things to be better, right? So what would be something you'd share?   Lt. Col. Steven Mount Something I'd share to close that learning gap? Because once again, my call sign is Meathead— I learned lessons the hard way. Do your best to listen more than you talk. Do your best to just take the experiences of others, talk to others, but just listen. Just hear them. Just hear them. I believe that a lot of the things that I could have prevented may have already been told to me, or may have already been, you know, mentored to me, but I just didn't listen. Maybe they said something and “I was like, well, that doesn't jive with being cool or being a pilot, so I'm not gonna listen to that.” I'm pretty sure all of these lessons that hopefully either conveying or passing on, in a sense, I think I learned them early on. I just, I just didn't listen. So for all the leaders out there, do your best to listen, listen more than you talk. It will be wonders. Naviere Walkewicz Oh my gosh, that's just outstanding. And I what I really appreciate about that is, you know, you talked about how you're doing things to get better every day, but even just in the moment, you recognize like that's such an important piece of that is taking the time to listen and reflect so that you can actually really pick up on those cues, maybe, that someone needs your support. So yes, well, this has been incredible. As we wrap up today's episode, I keep coming back to something you said, which was all someone needs to do is just support you. Yeah. So here's the takeaway, leadership is found in how we show up for our people and how we believe in them, and how we remind them that they are capable for more than what they think they are. The question we can always ask ourselves today is, who needs me to believe in them right now? And you actually said that really well. So Col. Mount, I just want to thank you for joining us for this episode of Long Blue Leadership. Is there anything else you want to leave with our listeners today? Lt. Col. Steven Mount Yes. I don't think I'll ever be that leader that does one great act, and everyone's like, that's a great leader. I don't think I'll ever be that leader that gives like, one great speech, like, that's it. He nailed it. He's a great leader. No, if I'm gonna leave something with all of those you know at the Academy and the leaders in the Air Force now — which, by the way, thanks all of you. Me too, man, thank you for your service. You have no idea how much the world needs us right now, so you get out there and see it. So sorry. That was an aside. But thank you to everyone who's at the Academy now, who have served, whose families have served and will continue to serve. But one thing I'll leave to all those young leaders: Your leadership is defined by the acts, the million acts every day, not just by one act, not just by, like I said, not just by one amazing thing that you do. It's defined on you being there, and a million acts per day over a lifetime of your career, of showing up, showing that you care. That's huge, showing that you're fair and consistent. And they will see that your people will see that that those million acts day in day out, of how you treat them, and how you present yourself as a leader. And they will watch. They will watch, and if they can see that you care, and if they can see that you are doing those million acts day in, day out, and you're in there and you're in the grind and you're in the mud with them, they will give you everything, they will, and it's amazing to see, it really is, but that starts with you as the leader. So yeah, that's it, it's those million acts every day of a lifetime career that shows that you're a leader.   Naviere Walkewicz Well, we are so glad that you're out there leading and influencing so many. We're grateful for all of your years and more that you will do. Thank you so much.   Lt. Col. Steven Mount Thank you so much for the opportunity. I really, really enjoyed this. Thank you.   Naviere Walkewicz Good. Thank you for joining us for this edition of Long Blue Leadership. The podcast drops every two weeks on Tuesdays and is available on all your favorite podcast apps. Send your comments and guest ideas to us at socialmedia@usafa.org, and listen to past episodes at longblueleadership.org.   KEYWORDS Leadership, Resilience, Mentorship, Adoption / Family Foundation, Support Network, Perseverance, Tough Conversations, Mission & Family Balance, Trust, Listening       The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation      

Janki Lalani Gandhi spent nearly two decades in investment banking, advising founder-led brands like Supergoop, ILIA, Paige, and ALC before making a bold transition outside of corporate finance. Her career has earned her recognition as one of the Most Influential Women in Mid-Market M&A and a spot on WWD's Top 40 Under 40 in fashion and beauty.In this episode, Janki shares what she has learned along the way, from navigating male-dominated rooms to making high-stakes decisions without a playbook. She's built a leadership style that doesn't rely on being the loudest voice in the room.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[09:04] Lessons from early years in investment banking[12:38] Frameworks for assessing new opportunities[15:42] Janki's approach to high-stakes decisions with confidence[17:56] Leadership lessons and finding her own style[20:34] Staying grounded through family and personal values[23:44] Navigating motherhood, career, and the juggle[29:02] Advice for first-time founders entering competitive industries[31:46] The future of consumer brands, tech, and AILearn more about Janki by following her on LinkedIn.Follow Nancy Twine:Instagram: @nancytwinewww.nancytwine.comFollow Makers Mindset:Instagram: @makersmindsetspaceTikTok: @themakersmindsetwww.makersmindset.com

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Questions: I am a 58 single man and I am considering fostering. My first question is how much of a bias is there against men? What are the unique challenges that single foster dads face that discourage so many? What can we do to get more single foster dads to help families reunify, foster, and possibly adopt?Resources:Creating a Support Network as a Single Adoptive, Foster, or Kinship Parent (Article)Adopting as a Single Parent (Online Parent Training course)Resources for Adopting or Fostering as a Single ParentSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review. This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content: Weekly podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

What would you do if you had to give birth in the middle of a war? In this episode, I sit down with Natalia, a Ukrainian mother of two, to hear her incredible story of freebirthing her second child during the 2022 Russian invasion. After one homebirth, Natalia chose to walk an even more radical path with her second—preparing to give birth without medical support, while bombs dropped around her and sirens became part of daily life.What's most striking is that on the day her son was born, the chaos paused. For the first time in weeks, there was silence. A stillness descended over her city, allowing Natalia to give birth in a sacred bubble of peace amidst the war. A divine mercy.We speak candidly about what it was like to prepare for a physiological birth during trauma and survival mode. We explore how she tended to herself postpartum while navigating a broken system that refused to acknowledge her birth. We talk about stopping her hemorrhage, the bureaucratic battle to register her baby, and the heartbreaking search for breast milk when her body struggled to produce.This conversation is a living testament to maternal instinct, spiritual resilience, and the unshakable power of sovereign birth—even in the most unimaginable of circumstances.Inside this episode:How Natalia prepared for freebirth while her country was under siegeThe eerie silence that fell over her city as she birthed her sonNavigating postpartum hemorrhage alone—and what she did to stop itHer struggle to obtain a birth certificate in a system that denied her realityWhat it took to find donor breast milk for her newbornThe spiritual strength and sovereignty required to give birth during warTimestamps:[00:00] Introduction[12:14] The beginning of a wild pregnancy and the realization that she would give birth alone[16:42] Preparing for a freebirth as war begins[21:19] Fleeing home as war erupts during late pregnancy[26:16] Giving birth in the middle of war and finding unexpected peace[32:33] Facing postpartum hemorrhage and delivering the placenta[44:53] Struggling to register a home birth during war and navigating survival choicesResources Mentioned:The Power of Women by Sister MorningStar | BookSister Morningstar | WebsiteIf you want to connect with Natalia, follow her on Instagram and visit her website.Find more from Emilee on Instagram, YouTube and the Free Birth Society website.Disclaimer: Free Birth Society, LLC of North Carolina shares personal and educational stories and experiences related to freebirth and holistic care. This content is not medical advice, and we are not a licensed midwifery practice. Testimonials reflect individual experiences; results may vary. For services or scheduling, contact info@freebirthsociety.com. See full disclaimer at freebirthsociety.com/youtubeterms.

Do you ever feel like you're not good enough to be a designer? Have you ever thought, “What if my clients discover that I'm not as skilled as they believe I am?”In this final episode of the Mindset Shift Series, I discuss the real struggles that new designers face, such as feelings of insecurity and imposter syndrome.These feelings are completely normal, and even experienced designers go through them.So, I share simple yet powerful strategies to uplift you when you're feeling down, help shift your mindset, and boost your confidence. Plus, I also share real stories from my own journey.If you've ever felt like you don't know enough, don't have a signature style, or wonder why anyone would pay you for your design work, this episode will help you feel seen and supported.This is also your reminder that you can do hard things, and you don't have to do them alone.

In this episode of 'Healing from Toxic Abuse,' host Deborah welcomes Lizzie, a listener who bravely shares her journey of overcoming a toxic relationship. Lizzie recounts her experiences moving from Britain to Spain, navigating cultural differences, and ultimately surviving an abusive marriage. Through candid conversation, Lizzie discusses the emotional and psychological manipulation she faced, the pivotal moments that led to her realization, and the steps she took to reclaim her life. This powerful story highlights the importance of external support, self-belief, and the resources available for those in similar situations. Lizzie's narrative is an inspiration to others facing similar challenges with toxic relationships, reminding listeners that it is possible to find a way out and rebuild a life of independence and happiness.00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast01:45 Lizzie's Journey: From Britain to Spain03:49 Realizing the Toxicity05:44 The Turning Point: Getting a Stable Job11:32 Recognizing and Accepting the Abuse15:14 Seeking Help and Support20:58 Reporting to the Police and Breaking Free24:34 Taking the First Brave Step25:08 Belief System and Dependency26:33 Rebuilding Self-Reliance27:21 Support Network and Shared Experiences28:18 Understanding the Cycle of Toxic Relationships30:46 Overcoming Manipulation and Finding Clarity35:24 Building a New Life and Shared Custody41:24 Resilience and Future Goalswww.InnerSourceTherapy.com

In this episode of The Coaching Inn, host Claire Pedrick sits down with Rachel Morris to explore the insights and experiences that led to her book, Working Mother. Rachel shares her journey from a career in learning and development to becoming a coach and author. Discover how she navigated the challenges of balancing a thriving career with motherhood, and the patterns she observed in her coaching practice that inspired her book. Rachel talks about the importance of building a support network and embracing the imperfections of both work and parenting.   If you're a working parent or know someone who is, don't miss this insightful conversation. Listen to the full episode and share it with friends who might benefit from Rachel's wisdom. Or buy them the book! It's currently 99p/ 99c on Kindle Contact: Contact Rachel through Linked In  Contact Claire by emailing info@3dcoaching.com  or check out our Substack where you can talk with other listeners. Further Information: Subscribe or follow The Coaching Inn on your podcast platform or our YouTube Channel to hear or see new episodes as they drop. Find out more about 3D Coaching and get new ideas and offers in our weekly email. Coming Up: Claire will be talking to Tatjana Hartung about The Human Greenhouse Keywords: Working Mother, Coaching Journey, Leadership Development, Parental Transition, Maternal Transition, Female Leaders, Work-Life Balance, Career Coaching, Self-Employed Mothers, Maternity  Coaching, Parental Coaching, Work Identity, Personal Development, Emotional Patterns, Overwhelm Management, Support Network, Work-Life Integration, Professional Growth, Parenting Challenges   We love having a variety of guests join us! Please remember that inviting someone to participate does not mean we necessarily endorse their views or opinions. We believe in open conversation and sharing different perspectives.  

In this episode, Hollie introduces her boyfriend Alex and shares the emotional journey of their relationship, which began just weeks before her Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis. They reflect on the challenges of navigating a new romance under the shadow of cancer, the unspoken fears, and the strength they found in each other. From remission milestones to unexpected joys - including the announcement of their pregnancy - this episode is a touching exploration of love, resilience, and healing.  Hollie and Alex's story is a testament to the power of connection during life's toughest moments. RadioTherapy podcast is sponsored by the Beatson Cancer Charity Home | Beatson Cancer Charity and The National Lottery Community Fund Young Start programme, Young Start | The National Lottery Community Fund and is recorded by Go Radio in Glasgow Go Radio | 90's 00's & Now | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West (thisisgo.co.uk)  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiotherapypodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radiotherapypod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/radio-therapy-podcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiotherapypodcast     

In this episode, Abby shares her journey through non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with her fiancé Liam by her side. From the early symptoms and misdiagnosis to the emotional impact of chemotherapy and hospital stays, the couple reflects on how cancer reshaped their lives and relationship. They discuss the importance of support, maintaining normality, and finding strength in each other. Now two years in remission, Abby and Liam look back on their experience with gratitude, humour, and hope for the future. This episode is a testament to resilience, love, and healing. RadioTherapy podcast is sponsored by the Beatson Cancer Charity Home | Beatson Cancer Charity and The National Lottery Community Fund Young Start programme Young Start | The National Lottery Community Fund, and is recorded by Go Radio in Glasgow Go Radio | 90's 00's & Now | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West (thisisgo.co.uk)  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiotherapypodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radiotherapypod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/radio-therapy-podcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiotherapypodcast     

In this powerful episode, Kat shares her journey through acute myeloid leukaemia, relapse, and a bone marrow transplant, alongside her best friend Sophie. From childhood friendship to hospital visits, Sophie has been a constant source of support. They reflect on the emotional weight of diagnosis, the challenges of keeping it private, and the importance of being treated like a normal person. Sophie opens up about the toll it took on her and how their bond deepened through the experience. Together, they explore the value of consistent support, the reality of relapse, and the strength found in true friendship.  RadioTherapy podcast is sponsored by the Beatson Cancer Charity Home | Beatson Cancer Charity and The National Lottery Community Fund Young Start programme, Young Start | The National Lottery Community Fund and is recorded by Go Radio in Glasgow Go Radio | 90's 00's & Now | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West (thisisgo.co.uk)  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiotherapypodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radiotherapypod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/radio-therapy-podcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiotherapypodcast     

In this episode, Abby sits down with her sister Amy to reflect on the impact of Abby's diagnosis with aplastic anaemia and PNH. For the first time, they openly discuss how the illness affected not just Abby, but the entire family. Amy shares the challenges of supporting a loved one through uncertainty, especially from afar while living in Australia. They explore the emotional toll of waiting for test results, the importance of listening over fixing, and the quiet strength found in consistent support. The episode also touches on friendship, boundaries, and the unspoken grief of not being a bone marrow match. A powerful conversation about resilience, empathy, and the enduring bond between sisters. RadioTherapy podcast is sponsored by the Beatson Cancer Charity Home | Beatson Cancer Charity and The National Lottery Community Fund Young Start programme, Young Start | The National Lottery Community Fund and is recorded by Go Radio in Glasgow Go Radio | 90's 00's & Now | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West (thisisgo.co.uk)  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiotherapypodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radiotherapypod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/radio-therapy-podcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiotherapypodcast     

In this episode, Georgie (17) and older sister Megan (19) reflect on Georgie's journey with Ewing's Sarcoma, diagnosed at age 15. They share the emotional impact of the diagnosis, the fear of potential amputation, and the strength found in their sibling bond. Megan opens up about supporting Georgie while managing her own emotions, often hiding her pain to stay strong for the family. Together, they discuss the importance of normalcy, the role of friends and school, and the challenges of returning to education after treatment. Georgie looks ahead to college, excited not to be defined as the person who had cancer. A powerful story of resilience, love, and growing up through adversity.  RadioTherapy podcast is sponsored by the Beatson Cancer Charity Home | Beatson Cancer Charity and The National Lottery Community Fund Young Start programme, Young Start | The National Lottery Community Fund and is recorded by Go Radio in Glasgow Go Radio | 90's 00's & Now | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West (thisisgo.co.uk)  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiotherapypodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radiotherapypod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/radio-therapy-podcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiotherapypodcast     

Nine years ago today, Donald Trump gave one of his most important speeches ever. In Youngstown, the then-Republican nominee for president powerfully repudiated the appeasement of jihadists long pursued by his opponent, Democrat Hillary Clinton.  Mr. Trump put forth, instead, a comprehensive and realistic of set of policy initiatives rooted in a central proposition: We are confronting not an assortment of “terrorists” irrationally, if not inexplicably, seeking kill us.  Rather, America especially is being targeted by adherents to an ideology at the core of “radical Islam.” Its proper name is Sharia. And Candidate Trump promised to keep more of them from coming here and, most importantly, to “stripping out and removing one by one [their] support networks…in this county.” That must be done now, starting with the designation of such networks' mothership, the Muslim Brotherhood, as a terrorist organization.  This is Frank Gaffney.

Learn how to overcome busyness, start meaningful conversations, and build lasting adult friendships that enrich both your personal and professional life. In this episode, Stephanie Everett talks with Kat Vellos, author of We Should Get Together: The Secret to Cultivating Better Friendships, about practical ways to form new connections, deepen existing relationships, and create a sense of community. You'll discover strategies for moving beyond small talk, making the most of your time, and using Kat's four “seeds of connection” framework to help relationships thrive.  Kat shares research-backed insights on why friendships matter for well-being, how to integrate connection into your daily life without adding more to your to-do list, and ways to authentically connect with neighbors, colleagues, and acquaintances. Whether you're looking to expand your circle, reconnect with old friends, or foster deeper ties in your professional network, this conversation offers actionable ideas you can start using today.  Listen to our other episodes on Careers & Professional Development.    Episode #572 – Practical Courage Skills Every Lawyer Needs, with Jim Detert (leadership and professional growth) Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #567 – From Quiet to Confident: Redefining Success as an Introverted Lawyer, with Heidi Brown (confidence-building for career success) Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #564 – The Gift in the Struggle: Leveraging Emotional Intelligence for Growth Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #520 – The Truth About Lawyer Self‑Care: Prioritize or Suffer (personal well-being integral to professional longevity) Apple | Spotify | LTN    If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.  Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.    Links from the episode:    Learn More about LabCon  We Should Get Together: The Secret to Cultivating Better Friendships    Chapters:  00:56 – Lab Con: Hands-On Business Building for Lawyers  04:43 – Meet Kat Vellos: Author & Friendship Expert  08:47 – Why Adults Have Fewer Close Friends Today  13:44 – Finding Time for Friends & the “Seeds of Connection”  16:20 – How to Meet Neighbors and Build Local Ties  18:53 – Moving Beyond Small Talk with Meaningful Questions  22:49 – Using Conversation Prompts to Connect at Work  26:30 – Committing to Local Friendships & Staying Connected 

Learn how to overcome busyness, start meaningful conversations, and build lasting adult friendships that enrich both your personal and professional life. In this episode, Stephanie Everett talks with Kat Vellos, author of We Should Get Together: The Secret to Cultivating Better Friendships, about practical ways to form new connections, deepen existing relationships, and create a sense of community. You'll discover strategies for moving beyond small talk, making the most of your time, and using Kat's four “seeds of connection” framework to help relationships thrive.  Kat shares research-backed insights on why friendships matter for well-being, how to integrate connection into your daily life without adding more to your to-do list, and ways to authentically connect with neighbors, colleagues, and acquaintances. Whether you're looking to expand your circle, reconnect with old friends, or foster deeper ties in your professional network, this conversation offers actionable ideas you can start using today.  Listen to our other episodes on Careers & Professional Development.    Episode #572 – Practical Courage Skills Every Lawyer Needs, with Jim Detert (leadership and professional growth) Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #567 – From Quiet to Confident: Redefining Success as an Introverted Lawyer, with Heidi Brown (confidence-building for career success) Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #564 – The Gift in the Struggle: Leveraging Emotional Intelligence for Growth Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #520 – The Truth About Lawyer Self‑Care: Prioritize or Suffer (personal well-being integral to professional longevity) Apple | Spotify | LTN    If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.  Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.    Links from the episode:    Learn More about LabCon  We Should Get Together: The Secret to Cultivating Better Friendships    Chapters:  00:56 – Lab Con: Hands-On Business Building for Lawyers  04:43 – Meet Kat Vellos: Author & Friendship Expert  08:47 – Why Adults Have Fewer Close Friends Today  13:44 – Finding Time for Friends & the “Seeds of Connection”  16:20 – How to Meet Neighbors and Build Local Ties  18:53 – Moving Beyond Small Talk with Meaningful Questions  22:49 – Using Conversation Prompts to Connect at Work  26:30 – Committing to Local Friendships & Staying Connected  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#145Uncover "The Secret to Thriving as a Homeschool Parent

This is Frank Gaffney with the Secure Freedom Minute.  Secretary of State Marco Rubio was asked yesterday by talk radio host Sid Rosenberg, “Why wouldn't you guys designate the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR?” He responded,  “All of that is in the works. Obviously, there are different branches of the Muslim Brotherhood, so you'd have to designate each one of them.” Those who have enabled that Sharia-supremacist – and therefore terrorism-tied – group and its fronts like the Council on American-Islamic Relations to metastasize in this country will surely mobilize to prevent their designations as such. Qatar, Turkey and jihadist organizations they support will use their considerable influence and operatives to protect the Brothers.  Still, nine years ago this week, then-presidential candidate Donald Trump pledged that “the support networks for Radical Islam in this country will be stripped out and removed one by one.” That's a promise made that must be kept now. This is Frank Gaffney.

2025 American Legion World Series begins THE INTERVIEW Retired Army Maj. Gen. Mark Graham, the executive director of Vets4Warriors, lost both of his sons, including one to suicide. In response, Graham has dedicated his life to mental health awareness and suicide prevention, aligned with the Rutgers UBHC National Call Center. Vets4Warriors hires and trains veterans to be peer support specialists who answer calls within 30 seconds, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Graham discusses his time in the military, his work to reduce mental health stigma and the suicide rate, and more. SCUTTLEBUTT American Legion Family rallies to help Texas communities in the aftermath of devastating floods in Kerr County The amazing escape of a WWII pilot who crash-landed into a field hosting a Nazi soccer match. OTDIH 1981: IBM enters the personal computer market with the introduction of the IBM 5150. Special Guest: Mark A. Graham.

In this powerful episode of You're Probably Right, MCM breaks down the one thing that can make or break every relationship: self-respect.From spotting the subtle ways you lose yourself in love, to understanding why constant giving never earns lasting affection, this conversation is raw, practical, and eye-opening. You'll learn how to identify unhealthy patterns, set non-negotiable boundaries, and rebuild the confidence that makes you magnetic.We cover:The hidden signs you've been trading self-respect for loveWhy “transactional caregiving” leaves you empty and resentfulStep-by-step actions to reclaim your independence without dramaHow to spot a partner who values you over what you give themWays to enter your next relationship stronger than everIf you've ever felt unseen, undervalued, or taken for granted, this episode will help you draw the line and choose yourself first — without losing hope in love.

Send us a textIn this episode, the hosts discuss their nonprofit work supporting veterans and their families, including fundraising initiatives for children with cancer. They introduce Joe Stazione, a Marine Corps veteran, who shares his experiences in the military, the impact of his peers, and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. The conversation highlights the importance of community support for veterans, the creation of fundraising events, and the journey of building a business that gives back to the veteran community. In this engaging conversation, the speakers share personal anecdotes about their connections to Nashville, humorous reunion mishaps, and memorable military experiences. They delve into the creative process behind unique flag designs and artistic ventures, highlighting the importance of passion and camaraderie in their lives. The discussion culminates in reflections on courage witnessed during service and plans for future artistic projects.Support the show

In this episode, I got to sit down with Susie Batista - an incredibly inspiring entrepreneur whose journey has taken her from the skies as an air stewardess to the world of high-end interior design and now full-time property development.Susie shared how she pivoted from a fast-paced airline career to staging homes, trusting her instincts and following the signs along the way. She opened up about juggling family life, building two businesses with her husband, and the role that mindset, mentorship, and a little bit of faith played in their success.What really stuck with me was Susie's reminder that asking for help and sharing your vision can open unexpected doors - sometimes literally leading to six-figure investments.If you've ever wondered how to grow a business with heart, manage high-stakes clients, or sell your company with confidence, Susie's insights are gold. I hope you love this conversation as much as I did.Here are the highlights:Starting a Career in the Airlines (2:29)Transition to Property and Construction (4:01)Moving to Brazil and Returning to the UK (7:07)Building a Support Network and Starting a Business (8:36)Challenges in the Interior Design Business (15:38)Transitioning to Property Development (21:26)Women in Business and Personal Growth (22:35)Advice for Women in Business (25:45)Connect with Susie HEREConnect with Dawn:Instagram @dawnmcgruer @dawnofanewerapodcastFacebook https://www.facebook.com/dawnamcgruerLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/businessconsort/Web www.dawnmcgruer.comThis podcast is in association with @HerPowerCommunity - The #1 Female Founders Global Community where connections flourish & growth is intentionalhttps://www.patreon.com/c/herpowercommunity This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podkite - https://podkite.com/privacy

Links:Book a call:⁠ https://www.innerconfidence.com/communityGet NewBrew: ⁠https://www.drinknewbrew.com/Bryan's Site: www.myrelationshipfail.comTimestamps:03:42 Father Reconnection Amid Childhood Trauma06:24 Formative Childhood and Lifelong Impact12:37 "Navigating Trauma and Emotional Struggles"13:19 Relationship Tension and Miscommunication17:01 Attachment Theory Exploration21:06 "Modern Dating Course for Divorced Men"23:37 "Relationship as a Drug: Realization"25:50 Support Network's Crucial Role30:19 Avoid Triggered Conversations34:49 "Emotional Roller Coaster and Reconnection"35:21 Unexpected Eviction Drama38:27 Improving Communication and Connection43:17 Healing Core Wounds Awareness47:30 Childhood Instability and Abandonment Issues50:26 "Resilience Through Personal Growth"53:56 "Winning Social Circles for Success"54:43 Exclusive Community Membership InvitationConnect w/ Robbie: Instagram:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/robbie_kramer/⁠⁠TikTok:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@robbie.kramer⁠⁠YouTube:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/innerconfidence

Interactive discussion with a live audience, featuring thought leader Wendl Kornfeld, provided an insightful and inspiring look into the challenges and solutions of “solo aging”—growing older without immediate family nearby. Hosted by the Positive Aging Community, the session brought together older adults from across the United States for a candid conversation on building support networks, fostering resilience, and finding belonging as we age.Wendl Kornfeld's personal story underscores the reality of solo aging. Married for over 40 years but without adult children and with a spouse in declining health, Kornfeld realized over a decade ago the importance of constructing a robust support team. She described how, in 2013, she began organizing small focus groups for older adults in similar circumstances. These meetings, initially held in private homes, evolved into a larger movement now known as "Community as Family." The group started with six attendees at New York's Temple Emanu-El and now boasts a mailing list of more than 80, providing both practical resources and genuine friendships.Kornfeld emphasized that community is as vital as resilience in navigating the later stages of life. Drawing from her experience and academic studies in the psychology of aging, she highlighted:Mutual Aid Philosophy: Support networks aren't one-way streets—members both give and receive help. This mutuality is central to lasting, meaningful engagement.Practical Steps: Attendees were advised to widen their social circles by forming bonds with neighbors, colleagues, and through local organizations. Volunteering, joining “third places” like libraries and community centers, and taking the initiative to organize meetups are effective ways to foster connection.Professional and Legal Preparation: Kornfeld stressed the need for all older adults to have key documents—such as health care proxies and financial power of attorney—prepared. She noted that many of these forms are available for free from local Departments of Health and don't always require legal assistance.Participants openly discussed emotional hurdles, financial constraints, physical limitations, and isolation—especially for introverts and those with disabilities. Kornfeld explained that urban, suburban, and rural environments present different opportunities and challenges but encouraged everyone to seek out what's available in their community, especially through county Departments of Aging.The discussion was rich with personal stories—of pet owners bonding over dog walks, support groups forming around shared diagnoses, and strangers becoming trusted friends and even health care proxies. Kornfeld championed the idea that if you build it, they will come, encouraging attendees to start small support groups, develop mission statements, and be proactive about community-building.Full recording and more details here

Send us a textEpisode 183 - When It Comes Out of Nowhere: The Emotional Gut PunchWhat do you do when a family conflict hits you out of nowhere and leaves you reeling? In this episode, Tina Gosney shares how to navigate the emotional “gut punch” of sudden family hurt. You'll learn why these moments are so disorienting, how our reactions can intensify suffering, and how to begin responding with clarity, courage, and self-compassion.Tina explains the Buddhist teaching of the Two Arrows and the difference between clean pain and dirty pain—two powerful concepts that will change the way you process emotional pain. This episode is packed with validation, insight, and practical tools for anyone who feels blindsided by family conflict and doesn't know how to move forward.Episode OutlineThe “Gut Punch” of Sudden Family Conflict Tina introduces the metaphor of the emotional gut punch—how it feels, why it's so destabilizing, and why it's common in family relationships.The Two Arrows: Pain vs. Suffering Learn the Buddhist concept of the first and second arrow. Discover how we unintentionally add suffering to our pain by believing fearful or self-critical thoughts.Clean Pain vs. Dirty Pain Explore the difference between honest emotional pain and the reactive patterns that keep us stuck. Learn how to stay present with clean pain instead of spiraling into dirty pain.How to Stay Grounded After the Gut Punch Tina offers practical steps to care for yourself in the moment—naming the pain, noticing the second arrow, letting the emotions move, and finding compassion for yourself.Why These Moments Can Become Turning Points Hear how these painful moments, while difficult, can also be invitations to grow stronger, set new boundaries, and reconnect with your core self.Related Episodes & Additional Resources Download: Heal the Rift – 5 Steps to Reconnect with Your Adult Child – A free resource with simple, powerful steps to begin rebuilding connection CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE GUIDESet up a Connection Call with Tina: CLICK HERE TO SET UP YOUR FREE CALL Tina Gosney is the Family Conflict Coach. She works with parents who have families in conflict to help them become the grounded, confident leaders their family needs. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with us: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tinagosneycoaching/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tinagosneycoaching ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tina is certified in family relationships and a trauma informed coach. Visit tinagosney.com for more information on coaching services.

What happens when a member of one of the most iconic families in American history turns his privilege into purpose? Anthony Kennedy Shriver, CEO of Best Buddies International and nephew of President John F. Kennedy, joins Shawn for another high-impact episode of The Determined Society. From growing up under the influence of public service giants like Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Sargent Shriver to building the world's largest nonprofit dedicated to inclusion, Anthony shares the defining moments, values, and determination that drive his mission today. *This episode covers:* -Founding Best Buddies International and its global impact -His mother's legacy in creating the Special Olympics -Growing up in the Kennedy family—and the real meaning of service -Public/private partnerships and unlocking opportunity -Why people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are the most overlooked workforce segment -How schools, companies, and media can step up -The future of Best Buddies and what fuels Anthony today If you're looking for real leadership, bold vision, and legacy in action—this is it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when a member of one of the most iconic families in American history turns his privilege into purpose? Anthony Kennedy Shriver, CEO of Best Buddies International and nephew of President John F. Kennedy, joins Shawn for another high-impact episode of The Determined Society. From growing up under the influence of public service giants like Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Sargent Shriver to building the world's largest nonprofit dedicated to inclusion, Anthony shares the defining moments, values, and determination that drive his mission today. *This episode covers:* -Founding Best Buddies International and its global impact -His mother's legacy in creating the Special Olympics -Growing up in the Kennedy family—and the real meaning of service -Public/private partnerships and unlocking opportunity -Why people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are the most overlooked workforce segment -How schools, companies, and media can step up -The future of Best Buddies and what fuels Anthony today If you're looking for real leadership, bold vision, and legacy in action—this is it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever asked yourself: Am I willing to face discomfort and take courageous action? What negative self-talk or pressure am I letting control me? Have I ever taken the time to really name and face what's weighing me down or keeping me up at night? Whether you're a business owner, a hard-working dad, or somewhere in between, Larry lays out why building intentional connections with other men and seeking growth is key to creating a legendary life—both for yourself and the generations to come. Drawing from personal experience and eye-opening statistics, Larry opens up about his own journey through denial, honesty, and growth, unpacking how easy it is for men to stay stuck in “I'm fine” mode—even when struggling internally. He offers three powerful strategies to support mental well-being: ruthless self-honesty, taking care of your body and mind, and intentionally building a supportive, growth-oriented circle of men. If you're ready to get honest, find your tribe, and start moving forward, this episode will be the wake-up call you need. Become the best husband you can: https://bit.ly/deamarriageyoutube In this vital conversation, we dig into: Move Your Body, Guard Your Mind, and Cut the Junk: Mental and physical health are inseparable. Larry calls this the second pillar: move your body, guard your mind, and cut out the junk. Regular movement, whether it's a walk, a lift, or a sweat session, can clear your head and improve your mood. You don't need a perfect workout routine. Consistency is far more important. Upgrade Your Circle: Brotherhood Over Isolation: Isolation is the silent killer of men's mental health. Many fathers try to “lone wolf” their way through struggles, believing they must handle everything themselves. Larry warns that this mindset can erode your spirit and make life's challenges feel even heavier. The Power of Getting Honest With Yourself: Every father experiences moments of feeling lost, overwhelmed, or out of his depth. According to Larry, the first and most crucial step is honesty. Too often, we brush aside our struggles with the phrase, "I'm fine," when, in reality, we are not. Instead of masking the pain or confusion, Larry encourages dads to face those feelings head-on. This episode will inspire you to disrupt the repeating pattern, reclaim your purpose, and start living a legendary life. Here's what research and observation highlight about men's mental health: One in eight men will deal with serious depression in their lifetime, but over 60% will not get help. Men die by suicide four times more than women, but rarely ask for help. Most dads say that they feel consistently stressed or burned out trying to balance work, fatherhood, and marriage. But nearly half admit feeling completely and totally alone. If you're filling your head with hours of doomscrolling news and mindless social media every day, your risk doubles.  Studies show people who watch over 3 hours of news daily are twice as likely to report severe anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. www.thedadedge.com/mastermind  

What happens when life throws you into a caregiving role you never expected? For professional organizer Janet Taylor, it meant putting her business on hold, stepping up for her beloved mom, and discovering a new layer of strength, purpose, and reinvention.In this inspiring and heartfelt episode, Janet shares how she navigated the intense, emotional, and often overwhelming journey of midlife caregiving — and how her organizing superpowers became her greatest ally.✨ You'll hear how Janet:

Starting college as an education major? Feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to find your people? In this episode of the EDU Magic Podcast, guest host Dr. Amy Orville, professor, mom, and professional development expert, shares three powerful, heart-centered strategies to help you build a strong support network in your first year of college. Whether you're just beginning your journey as a future teacher or looking to strengthen your connections on campus, this episode is packed with practical advice on:✅ How to connect with your education cohort✅ Finding a faculty mentor (your academic Yoda!)✅ Joining education organizations that align with your goalsThese tips are designed to help first-year education majors thrive both academically and emotionally. Behind every great teacher is a community that helped them grow.Connect with Dr. Sam Fecich Want to keep the conversation going beyond the blog? I'd love to connect with you! Whether you're a future educator, a current teacher, or someone passionate about edtech and innovation in the classroom, there are plenty of ways to stay inspired and supported.Discover Your Student Teacher Superpower. Take the free quiz: What's Your Student Teacher Superpower? and uncover your unique strengths in the classroom! Join the Conversation on Instagram. Tag me @sfecich with your thoughts and takeaways. Remember, EDUmagicians...You have the EduMagic within you. Keep shining, keep growing, and keep making a difference.

Have you ever asked yourself: "If I could go back, what advice would I give my younger self?" "How do I teach my kids to face their fears when I still struggle with my own?" "Is true strength about bottling things up, or asking for help?" If these questions resonate, get ready for an honest, funny, and deeply touching exchange that reminds us how universal the struggles of growing up—and parenting—really are. Today, Larry Hagner and his son Ethan Hagner tackle the ultimate hypothetical: what would you say to your younger self? Their conversation unpacks not just advice for growing up, but crucial lessons for fathers navigating the complexities of guiding their children. Ethan Hagner candidly admits to being an anxious and introverted kid. Looking back, he shares how powerfully stepping out of his comfort zone—whether wrestling with social fears, struggling through disliked activities, or simply talking to a childhood crush—shaped the confident young man he's become. Larry, reflecting as a proud dad, shares the immense power of letting your kids see you embrace challenges too, and the vital importance of showing your family how to ask for help when things get tough. Become the best husband and leader you can: www.thedadedge.com/mastermind In this deeply touching conversation, we dig into: The Growth Zone: Ethan's journey from anxiety and introversion to confidence, forged by repeatedly stepping out of his comfort zone. Parental Modeling of Discomfort: Why it's crucial for dads not just to tell their kids to be brave, but to show them how they embrace their own challenges. Vulnerability as Strength: The transformative message that emotional openness isn't weakness, but a critical part of living and growing into your full potential. The Power of Asking for Help: Why leaning on your support network and giving yourself (and others) permission to be human is essential for navigating tough times. Navigating Universal Struggles: Honest reflections on the challenges of growing up and the ongoing journey of self-discovery, from both a father's and son's perspective. Whether you're a parent guiding your children, or someone still figuring it all out, this episode delivers real talk, practical takeaways, and a reminder that every chapter—no matter how daunting—is worth diving into, together. Here's what research and observation highlight about discomfort and growth: Studies show that individuals who regularly engage in activities outside their comfort zone report a 20% increase in self-efficacy and resilience. Children whose parents model vulnerability and the act of asking for help demonstrate 30% higher emotional intelligence and stronger coping skills. A strong social support network is correlated with a 45% reduction in perceived stress levels during challenging life transitions. www.thedadedge.com/alliance www.1stphorm.com/dadedge www.thedadedge.com/mastermind  

Send us a text"A tackle gone wrong left me with a fractured vertebra in my neck and an emptiness as I was told I could no longer play the game I so loved. Feeling worthless and devoid of purpose, my attempts to fill the hole with drinking led to a three-year spiral into depression and alcoholism."In this episode of Leadership Bites, Guy Bloom interviews James Gwinnett, who shares his journey from a semi-professional rugby player to sobriety and mental fitness. James discusses his book Ready Set Life and the importance of identity, purpose, and mindfulness in overcoming life's challenges. He emphasizes the significance of building a support network and the role of self-reflection in personal growth. The conversation also touches on the lessons learned from endurance sports and the importance of enjoying the journey rather than fixating on the destination.TakeawaysJames Gwinnett's journey highlights the importance of mental fitness.Sobriety can be achieved through discipline and structure.Identity can be fluid and should not be solely tied to one aspect of life.Mindfulness practices can help build resilience.Overcoming challenges requires a supportive network.Self-reflection is crucial for personal growth.The journey is more important than the destination.Small steps can lead to significant changes.Sharing problems can lighten the burden.Finding joy in the process is essential for happiness.To find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.The link to everything CLICK HEREUK: 07827 953814Email: guybloom@livingbrave.com Web: www.livingbrave.com

How to turn curiosity, clarity, and AI into your most powerful job search tools.Job search isn't just about landing your next role—it's about understanding who you are and how you want to show up in the world. According to Andrew Seaman, Senior Managing Editor for Jobs and Career Development at LinkedIn, that process begins with curiosity, not certainty. “People assume they need to apply to dozens of jobs with a perfect résumé,” he explains. “But the best applications are rooted in self-awareness and strategy—not spray-and-pray.”Instead of rushing to the next opportunity, Seaman encourages job seekers to slow down, ask better questions, and prioritize conversations over checklists. From informational interviews to profile updates, clarity is key—knowing what you want and telling a story that shows why you're the right fit.With tools like LinkedIn's Job Match and natural-language job search, candidates can now assess how they align with a role—and where they can grow. “It's not just about being qualified,” Seaman says. “It's about showing the value you bring.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Seaman joins host Matt Abrahams for our Catalyze Your Career miniseries to share how to job search with intention. Using Matt's “Four I's” framework—identifying, investigating, initiating contact, and interviewing—they explore how strategic storytelling, thoughtful networking, and AI tools can help you stand out in a crowded market.Episode Reference Links:Andrew SeamanEp.184 Fit or Quit? Find the Job That is Right For You—Catalyze Your Career Ep.187 Experimenting, Failing, and Finding Your Job Fit - Catalyze Your Career  Ep.151 Get Hired: How the Right Communication Can Advance Your Career  Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:05) - What's Changing in Job Search (03:49) - Identifying Roles with Curiosity (06:49) - Investigating Companies & Roles (08:13) - Initiating Contact Effectively (11:29) - Crafting a Strong Narrative (12:41) - How Job Match Can Help (16:01) - Strategic vs. Shotgun Approach (21:00) - Best Career Advice Received (21:56) - Career Regrets & Lessons (23:25) - Conclusion   ********This episode is sponsored by LinkedIn. Dare to discover what's next. Explore your job potential at LinkedIn. Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.  

In a world where loneliness has become an epidemic and healthcare often feels impersonal, Dr. Elizabeth "Liz" Markle offers a revolutionary approach: prescribing community as medicine.Dr. Elizabeth Markle, a licensed psychologist and co-founder of Open Source Wellness, challenges traditional healthcare approaches by introducing a revolutionary "Community As Medicine" model. She explores how social connection, movement, nutrition, and stress reduction can heal more than pharmaceuticals. Through Open Source Wellness, Liz has developed innovative group programs that prescribe community support, demonstrating significant improvements in participants' physical and mental health. Join us as she shares with us how community can be the most powerful medicine.In this episode, we cover:Benefits of Community-based peer support for HealthThe Concept of a Behavioral PharmacyShortcomings of the Healthcare SystemTraining and Implementation of Community as MedicinePartnership with low-income Health clinics, YMCAs, and other Organizations to deliver the Community as Medicine ModelChoice of Individual Coaching Formation of Groups and Group Accountability Helping people who are suffering from lonelinessCreation of Open Source Wellness and collecting outcomes dataNeed for Structural changes to support Social Connection and Well-being in Modern SocietyChallenges and Future DirectionsForming Lifelong Connections and Support Networks that Created Sustainable StructuresHow to join as a coachHelpful links:Elizabeth Markle, Ph.D. Co-Founder, Executive Director of Open Souce Wellness a nonprofit devoted to equitable health and wellbeing. To donate, visit this LINKFull Service Health CoachingFood as Medicine Program SupportAre you interested in being a Health Coach? Apply hereConnect with Liz @dr.eliz.markle on Instagram and on LinkedINDavid Whyte's Poem - Everything is waiting for youBowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American by David PutnamThe HolomovementLiving Tantra - A 6-week immersive journey into sacred embodiment, pleasure, presence, and energetic intimacy (virtual Course)Christine Marie Mason+1-415-471-7010 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Because trying to do it all alone isn't a badge of honor—it's a fast track to burnout. This episode is full of simple, doable ways to create the kind of support every working mom deserves (yes, even you). Whether it's emotional, logistical, or just someone to text when you've had enough, this one's about not going it alone. ---------- For more information on the the "From Devastated to Divorced" Course, click the HERE! Find the Prompt Journal Digital Downloads HERE! ( but hey there are also included in the course, YES all 5!) Great news! Now you can find everything you need in one spot! Want that chapter checklist just visit www.JosieFalcon.com want to listen to this podcast off of apple, visit www.JosieFalcon.com Want to know about my services, you guessed it visit www.JosieFalcon.com you can email me at CoachJFalcon@gmail.com If you want to just send me a quick note, you can find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/Josie.Falcon And lastly, If you would like to interact with me and share with others please join my Facebook group  "Separation, Divorce & Starting Over"

In this week's episode of Legal Speak, Patrick Smith interviews Dru Levasseur, founder of the Trans Legal Professionals Networking Program. They discuss his background, the challenges many trans people historically and currently face,  both socially and professionally, and the power of community in challenging times.   Hosts: Patrick Smith & Cedra Mayfield Guest: Dru Levasseur Producer: Charles Garnar

The Robyn Engelson Podcast  Ever wish you had a life mentor with over decades of experience whispering million dollar wellness tips in your ear? That's exactly what you will get each week when you tune into The Robyn Engelson Podcast. I'm your host–a sought after burnout recovery coach for high-achieving women and help you heal from burnout and survival mode - so you can reclaim your energy, joy, and rediscover your voice. Each week, I bring you inspiring guests, insights, and tools to empower you to be energized, compress time, and start living instead of existing.   Episode Title: Breaking the Chains of Workplace Toxicity Host: Robyn Engelson Guest: Kaitlyn Rios Episode Summary: In this empowering episode, Kaitlyn Rios, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Board-Certified Wound Specialist, VP of Clinical Business Development, and founder of Faced with Grace, joins the podcast to tackle the difficult yet critical topic of workplace toxicity. Kaitlyn and the host explore how toxicity can range from obvious bullying to subtle microaggressions, and how these behaviors, when left unaddressed, lead to burnout and emotional harm. Through personal stories and professional insights, Kaitlyn outlines a three-step process for breaking the chains of toxicity: recognizing and naming it, assessing if it can change, and modeling positive leadership if staying. She shares her nonprofit's mission to mentor and empower women navigating toxic work environments and introduces the PEARL Leadership framework: Presence, Empathy, Accountability, Resilience, and Legacy, as a path to healthier, more sustainable leadership. Listeners will walk away with practical tools, emotional validation, and renewed confidence to prioritize self-care, speak up, and either influence change or make the brave choice to walk away. This episode is a must for anyone facing challenges in their professional environment   You'll learn: What Workplace Toxicity Really Looks Like Understand how toxic environments can range from blatant abuse to subtle microaggressions, and why both are equally harmful. How to Recognize and Respond to Toxic Work Culture Learn Kaitlyn's three-step method for identifying toxicity, evaluating your options, and taking courageous action. Why Burnout Isn't a Badge of Honor Explore the dangers of glorifying burnout and discover the importance of pausing, reflecting, and choosing sustainability over hustle. The Power of Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence See how tuning into your emotions and boundaries can protect your wellbeing and guide better decisions at work. How to Lead Without a Title Discover how influence, not position, shapes culture, and how you can model healthy leadership wherever you are. Kaitlyn's PEARL Framework for Healthy Leadership Learn how Presence, Empathy, Accountability, Resilience, and Legacy can transform both your leadership style and your workplace. Why Naming the Problem is the First Step to Healing Break the silence: find out why calling out toxicity is key to dismantling it and creating space for real change. How to Empower Yourself and Others Through Mentorship Hear how Kaitlyn's nonprofit Faced with Grace supports women in navigating or escaping toxic environments with courage and grace.   Memorable Quotes:  "Toxicity thrives in silence, naming it is the first step toward freedom."  "You don't need a title to lead. True leadership starts with how you show up every day." "Burnout isn't a weakness, it's a signal. Listen, pause, and realign with your purpose."  "Your peace is worth more than any paycheck. Sometimes the bravest move is walking away."  "Resilient leadership isn't about being tough, it's about knowing your limits and leading with grace."   Resources & Mentions: Nonprofit Organization: Faced with Grace – Empowering women to rise above workplace toxicity through mentorship, education, and community. Leadership Framework: PEARL Leadership – Kaitlyn's model for healthy, sustainable leadership: Presence, Empathy, Accountability, Resilience, Legacy Professional Titles: Doctor of Physical Therapy | Board-Certified Wound Specialist | VP of Clinical Business Development   Actionable Steps for Listeners: 1. Identify the Source of Toxicity Take a moment to reflect on your current work environment. Ask yourself: “Is the stress I'm feeling caused by a person, a team, or the overall culture?” Write down 2-3 recurring behaviors or patterns that negatively impact your well-being. 2. Speak Up or Step Away If you feel safe, report the issue to HR or a trusted leader. If not, start planning an exit strategy that protects your peace and future growth. Remember: leaving a toxic environment is an act of strength, not failure. 3. Model Healthy Leadership (Even Without a Title) Lead by example. Practice Kaitlyn's PEARL values: Presence, Empathy, Accountability, Resilience, and Legacy. Start by choosing one to focus on in your interactions this week. 4. Create a “Pause Plan” to Avoid Burnout Schedule time daily or weekly to step back and reflect. Ask: “What drains me? What energizes me?” Use these insights to adjust your workload, set boundaries, or seek support. 5. Join a Support Network or Mentorship Program Seek out or create a safe space (like a women's leadership group or peer support circle). Consider getting involved with organizations like Faced with Grace to connect with others navigating similar challenges. 6. Rewrite Your Workplace Story Visualize a healthier, purpose-driven work life. Write down: “I'm so grateful I now work in a place where I feel respected, supported, and valued.” Act in alignment with that version of your future self, whether it's through learning, networking, or setting new boundaries.   Final Thought: You deserve a workplace that uplifts you, not drains you. Healing begins the moment you name what's hurting and take steps to protect your peace. Leadership isn't just about changing others, it starts with choosing yourself. Whether you stay, speak up, or walk away, your courage creates space for transformation. The time to reclaim your voice is now.   What listeners have to say: Kaitlyn Rios' episode has been a wake-up call for professionals across industries, employees, leaders, and change-makers alike. Monica D., a healthcare administrator, shared how naming the toxic behaviors on her team gave her the clarity to start difficult (but necessary) conversations with leadership. Andre M., a tech team lead, said Kaitlyn's PEARL framework helped him shift his leadership style from reactive to resilient, improving both morale and performance on his team. Lisa K., a burned-out marketing executive, finally gave herself permission to leave a toxic role after hearing Kaitlyn's reminder: “Your peace is worth more than any paycheck.” These breakthroughs remind us that healing, growth, and positive change are possible, especially when courage meets clarity. Now it's your turn: What moment, quote, or takeaway from Kaitlyn's story is helping you lead or live differently? We'd love to hear from you—share your story with us and inspire others to break the silence, too.   Loved this episode? If you found value in this conversation, don't forget to leave a review! Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Your feedback helps us create content that supports your journey to thriving, not just surviving.   Connect with Kaitlyn Rios LinkedIn Instagram Tik Tok Facebook   About Kaitlyn Rios': Kaitlyn Rios is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a board-certified wound specialist. Her physical therapy career has been anything but typical and has led her to pursue many niche and diverse leadership opportunities. Currently, she works as a VP of Clinical Business Development for a rapidly growing, national wound product manufacturer. In her spare time, Kaitlyn seeks to give back to her community via serving at her church and furthering the development of her nonprofit organization, Faced With Grace, which offers motivational mentorship to women navigating the challenges of workplace toxicity. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, recreational and professional writing, creating ceramic pottery, and going to concerts. Kaitlyn lives life, always striving to honor her core values of integrity, authenticity, gratitude, adaptability, and humility.    Connect with Robyn: Bring Robyn to Your Stage Get Robyn's #1 best selling book, Exhausted To Energized - 90 Days To Your Best Self  Get Robyn's free video  Sign up for Robyn's personal letter  View Robyn's website Follow Robyn on LinkedIn Robyn's Facebook Watch Robyn on Instagram    

Send us a textEver felt like the more you grow, the more people pull away? Like your rise somehow makes you “too much”? In this final episode of our 4-part series on building the support you deserve, Dr. Heather Walker breaks down the “Pet to Threat” phenomenon and what to do when excellence starts to isolate you.Learn how to turn the tension into trust, shift perception without shrinking, and build relationship equity that protects your power. You'll walk away with practical conversation starters, a reflection exercise, and a pact to move forward with integrity, clarity, and connection.And, when you're ready to map out your support system, grab the Career Currency Roadmap Bundle to get the Support Network Map and more tools designed to help you rise with people, not in spite of them.Email info@leadwithlevity.com or follow us on Instagram @leadwithlevity for detailsSupport the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!

As the Greek and Gay Support Network (GGSN) celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, three of its longtime members, each with their own story of struggle and resilience, joined SBS Greek to reflect on what this milestone means for them, and for the wider community

Laurel Orley is the founder and CEO of Daily Crunch Snacks and a mission-driven entrepreneur with a background in advertising. After more than a decade building major brands like Dove at Unilever, she transitioned to launch her own company focused on health, flavor, and impact.Daily Crunch Snacks is a women-owned snack brand offering sprouted, air-dried almonds and other nut blends with bold, innovative flavors. Rooted in a family recipe and a mission to support mental health, the brand emphasizes clean ingredients, sustainability, and crave-worthy crunch.Laurel launched Daily Crunch with her aunt Diane, who developed the unique sprouting process after studying brain health in India.The brand debuted in March 2020—days before the COVID-19 shutdown—and adapted its launch strategy for a digital-first world.Daily Crunch has since expanded into 6,000+ stores and was named the 13th fastest-growing food and beverage company by Inc.Laurel is a board member of the Upcycled Food Association and a member of EY's Entrepreneurial Winning Women Class of 2024.The brand's mental health mission is personal: Laurel's cousin lost his life to bipolar disorder, inspiring her family to create The Support Network, which Daily Crunch supports financially and publicly.Laurel's experience on Dove's Real Beauty campaign taught her the power of mission-driven marketing and authenticity.The sprouting process transforms the texture of almonds, making them crisp and chip-like while improving digestibility.Product innovation stems from a blend of trend reports, consumer feedback, and Laurel's own flavor instincts—like turmeric & sea salt or Nashville Hot.Collaborations, like their Fly By Jing partnership, are a strategic focus for driving awareness and reaching new audiences.Upcycling ingredients—such as pickle ends from Cleveland Kitchen—helps reduce waste and differentiate flavor profiles.Daily Crunch doesn't lead with its mission, but invites consumers to discover its mental health advocacy as they dig deeper into the brand.  QUOTES “I wanted to launch a brand with a mission that I believed in. Our mission is actually mental health awareness.” (Laurel)“Soaking nuts removes phytic acid, an anti-nutrient, making them more bioavailable, easier to digest and more nutrient dense.” (Laurel)“The crunch is what gets people in. It's lighter, airier, crunchier. Honestly, it's like a chip.” (Laurel)“You're always going to have setbacks. My motto is always two steps forward, one step back.” (Laurel)“We had to throw out 20,000 pounds of almonds and I didn't have the right insurance for it. I almost threw in the towel.” (Laurel)“There's a fine balance between mental and physical health. It all ladders back up to brain health.” (Laurel)“When you see someone in the wild buying your product, it's the best feeling. I was hiding behind a pillar at the airport.” (Laurel)“The savory-sweet combo is really resonating right now. Our last two launches were savory, but you can definitely do both.” (Laurel)

Send us a textHave you ever walked into a meeting fully prepared, only to realize the decision was already made without you? You're not alone. In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on the hidden dynamics of workplace power plays. You'll meet Rachel, a talented leader blindsided by decisions made behind closed doors, and Jack, who feels invisible despite putting in the work. Together, we'll break down why simply doing good work isn't enough and how you can proactively shape conversations and secure buy-in before the meeting even starts.You'll learn:Red flags you're being shut out of important conversationsHow to identify and connect with key influencers earlyPractical steps for securing allies and building your inner circleHow to position your ideas so they're impossible to ignoreSupport the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!

This week on the PerformHappy Podcast, I got to switch things up—I was the one answering the questions!I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lacey Rochelle from Shine Health Coaching to dive deep into the science behind fear and how it shows up in performance. We unpacked quick, practical tips for staying present when the pressure's on, and talked about what it really takes to move from stuck to confident.Whether you're an athlete, a parent, or a coach, you'll hear how the right kind of support—from coaches, parents, and teammates—can make all the difference in building trust and resilience.If you're looking for a mindset shift to finally kick those mental blocks and get into flow, this episode is for you.In this episode, Coach Rebecca and Lacey Rochelle talk about:Performance Anxiety in Sports.The Role of Exposure in Overcoming Fear.Navigating Public Pressure and Performance.Experiencing Flow in Sports.The Importance of Being Present.Understanding the Human Brain's Response to Threat.Building Stress Tolerance and Resilience.The Importance of Support Networks.Key Tips for Optimal Mental Performance.“If you don't think you're good enough, you perform like that." - Rebecca SmithLacey Rochelle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laceyrochelle_/Lacey Rochelle's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaceyRochelleI'm teaming up with @nike and @ussportscamps to bring you TWO life-changing Confident Gymnast Camps this summer—and your gymnast is invited! Pittsboro, NC — Unify Athletics | July 19th & 20th. Petaluma, CA — Redwood Empire Gymnastics | August 2nd & 3rd. Spots will go FAST!https://www.ussportscamps.com/welcome/nike-gymnastics-camps-complete-performance-coachingLearn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990BurFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complete_performance/ Join my FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/completeperformancecoaching/ Check out my website: https://completeperformancecoaching.com/Write to me! Email: rebecca@completeperformancecoaching.comReady to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com

Building a Support Network for Growth: "We finally got to a place where we have a trusted team, and, that's helped so much. And I think that that kind of gave us the, sigh of relief to say, okay. We can do this now. We we have the right people." - Maura GiannobileWe're beyond excited to bring you the latest updates from our recent episode featuring the wonderful Maura Giannobile—a powerhouse entrepreneur, interior design visionary, and the driving force behind The Everwoods Cabins and soon, Everwoods Interiors.Here's what you'll learn.Maura's Big Leap: From Overwhelm to Growth Not long ago, Maura recalls a time when managing her design business, launching multiple luxury cabins, and juggling family life felt too overwhelming. But with strategic changes—namely, building a team she could trust and learning the art of letting go—Maura and her husband Tony have turned chaos into a thriving, scalable business.Intertwining Brands for Success Maura didn't set out to create two businesses that feed each other, but that's exactly what happened. Guests who loved their stay at The Everwoods Cabins are now seeking her interior design expertise for their own homes, making referrals organic and powerful.Big News: Everwoods Interiors is Coming! At the end of this month, Maura is rebranding her design firm as Everwoods Interiors, expanding her offerings to include virtual design services for Airbnb hosts nationwide. This new direction aims to answer a major market need—helping hosts make their short-term rentals shine and stand out.Taking Guest Experience to the Next Level It isn't just about a beautiful space. The Everwoods Cabins now offer curated guest experiences like personal chefs, in-cabin spa services, and specialty tours. Not only have these upgrades delighted guests, but they have also set Maura's business apart in a rapidly growing vacation rental market.What's Next? Maura has more cabins underway, new property plans for couples' retreats, and even a potential software venture in the works aimed at helping other hosts better market to their guests. Growth is certainly the theme of Maura's journey!This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs:Scaling means letting go of perfection, but never your vision.Building an outstanding team is essential for sanity and success.Don't be afraid to pivot or rebrand to meet the needs of your evolving market.Small touches and curated experiences deliver big differentiation for your business.Want to Learn More or Stay at an Everwoods Cabin? Check out the beautifully designed cabins in Hocking Hills at theeverwoods.com.com—and keep an eye out for the launch of EverwoodsInteriors.com!Empowering Moments04:37 Teamwork Builds Brand Success09:00 Rebranding as Everwoods Interiors12:25 Blueprint Staging & Installation Guide14:36 Function Over Fashion in Rentals16:26 Expert Advice for Vacation Homeowners20:22 "New Private Cabin Retreat"25:54 Backup Team Enables Stress-Free...

Thinking about divorce but paralyzed by fear? In this episode, we dive deep into knowing when to stay, when to leave, and how to reclaim your strength if you're facing coercive control, financial manipulation, or emotional chaos. Family law expert Lois Liberman joins Erica from The Crazy Ex-Wives Club Podcast to break it all down.In this episode of The Crazy Ex-Wives Club, I sit down with powerhouse divorce attorney Lois Liberman—who brings more than 30 years of wisdom, grit, and heart to one of life's most daunting crossroads: deciding whether to stay or leave. Lois shares her real-talk insights on navigating the emotional and financial maze of divorce, from spotting the signs of coercive control to reclaiming your power when fear tries to keep you stuck. 

After collapsing from heatstroke during the 2024 Brighton Marathon, Holly Rowlinson faced heartbreak and the loss of a long-held goal. With reflection and the support of St John Ambulance, Holly turned her setback into a purpose. A year later, she ran the 2025 London Marathon, raising over £2,000 for the charity who helped her back to her feet. Holly's story is a testament to community, gratitude and the strength created from having a meaningful why. With this clarity and determination, Holly focused beyond the finish line. Reframing failure, she chose not to run for time but for something greater. Holly chose purpose over pace.   KEY TAKEAWAY ‘We both pushed each other over that line and that's the spirit of the marathon.'   RESOURCE Holly's Fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/holsvslondonmara4sja   ABOUT HOLLY Holly is a final year English undergraduate at the University of Exeter, having spent her third year studying at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. She loves skiing, playing university cricket and parkrun tourism both as a runner and volunteer.   CONNECT WITH HOLLY https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyrowlinson/   ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist, podcaster and mastermind host helping you to improve productivity, engagement and fulfilment in your everyday life and work. Prepare to banish overwhelm, underwhelm and frustration to live with clarity of purpose.   BOOK RECOMMENDATION* Shortlisted in The Business Book Awards 2025 (Work and Life category): Focus on Why: Create a Purposeful Way of Life by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu     WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call   KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter   CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson   HOSTED BY: Amy Rowlinson   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence. *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Let's be honest—how often do we think about how pregnancy and postpartum affect our training and recovery? For many women, this season of life brings unique challenges that aren't always addressed in mainstream fitness advice.In today's episode, Brianna Battles, founder of Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism, joins me to discuss the importance of training during pregnancy and postpartum. We dive into how to modify your workouts to protect your pelvic health, the importance of understanding diastasis recti, and how to train your body while respecting its changes. Brianna also shares valuable insights on mindset—why it's crucial to adjust your approach to exercise during these transformative periods and how to embrace the process.With years of experience helping women train safely through pregnancy and postpartum, Brianna offers practical advice on regaining strength, improving pelvic health, and rethinking fitness goals for the long term.Tune in for a powerful conversation on fitness, health, and recovery after having a baby!We Also Discuss:(00:13) The Fitness Struggle: Balancing Motherhood & Health(07:38) Pelvic Health 101: Why It's Key During Pregnancy(18:54) Embracing the Shift: Navigating Body Changes in Motherhood(26:35) Core Training Secrets for Pregnant Women: What You Need to Know(37:14) Diastasis Recti: Understanding Postpartum Recovery(49:00) Overcoming Postpartum Challenges & Restoring Your Strength(58:37) Building a Support Network for Pregnant & Postpartum AthletesThank You to Our Sponsors:Broads: Broads gives you structured, progressive training and a powerhouse community to keep you strong, consistent, and unstoppable. Join today at broads.app and use code PODCAST for 20% off your first month!Legion: Use code Tara20 for 20% off your first order and double loyalty cash back any order after that when you shop at LegionAthletics.comFind more from Tara: Website: https://www.taralaferrara.com/Instagram: @taralaferrara @broads.podcast @broads.appYoutube: Tara LaFerraraTiktok: @taralaferraraFind more from Brianna Battles:Website: https://go.briannabattles.comInstagram: @brianna.battles Programs: https://go.briannabattles.com/programs

I want to hear your thoughts about the show and this episode. Text us here...In this episode of "Casa de Confidence," our host Julie DeLucca-Collins chats with the dynamic Marilyn Alverio, founder of "Latinas in Power." Julie shares Marilyn's incredible work, emphasizing the importance of supporting Latinas in the workplace. Marilyn shares her inspiring journey from facing discrimination to becoming a corporate leader, and how these experiences led her to create a network empowering Latinas through leadership advocacy and mentorship. The conversation highlights the power of community, collaboration, and cultural pride. Tune in for an uplifting discussion on resilience, representation, and the magic of women supporting women!Empowerment of Latinas in the workplaceChallenges faced by Latinas, including discrimination and underrepresentationImportance of mentorship and support networks for womenCollaboration among women versus competitionCultural identity and authenticity in professional settingsSystemic barriers affecting women of color in leadership rolesRole models and representation of Latinas in leadershipCommunity building and its significance for personal and professional growthInitiatives and events aimed at supporting Latinas in their careersEncouragement for listeners to become allies and support marginalized individualsLThis deeply personal and powerful memoir chronicles Pastor Bill LaMorey's transformation from brokenness to redemption and ultimately, to a life of purpose and leadership. The book is structured like a play with three “Acts”: Brokenness, Redemption, and Transformation. Throughout, he blends personal storytelling with universal truths, aiming to help others recognize the redemptive potential in their own stories.

Whether you're just starting out in your career or launching a new business, one thing's for sure—success isn't just about hard work. It's about navigating challenges, surrounding yourself with the right people, and knowing when to let go of what's holding you back.In this episode, we chat with Rikki Kelly, founder of EGO Tequila, who shares her journey from Fort Worth, Texas, to the agave fields of Mexico. Rikki opens up about the highs and lows of building a tequila brand from the ground up and the invaluable lessons she's learned along the way.She highlights how mentorship has shaped her path, offering powerful insights on how to execute—whether in business or in life.Before you take your next sip, tune in to hear Rikki's inspiring story and the lessons that can help you on your own journey.Listen, Share and Leave a Review

In this episode of Double Tap, Steven and Shaun are back—caffeinated, opinionated, and tackling everything from accessibility to identity. Kicking things off, Steven shares how his Apple Watch health alerts, though sometimes dismissed by doctors, played a crucial role in keeping his health in check. They explore how smartwatches—despite not being medical-grade—offer critical health insights and peace of mind.The discussion moves from tech to identity, challenging the notion of “blind pride” and debating whether it's fair—or even helpful—to claim that being blind is a “blessing.” The hosts share their personal perspectives on disability acceptance, the emotional highs and lows of navigating blindness, and why one-size-fits-all narratives don't work.Listener emails round out the show, including a powerful question from a listener new to vision loss: iPhone or Android—which smartphone is better for accessibility? Steven and Shaun offer a thorough comparison of TalkBack and VoiceOver, app ecosystems, device pricing, and community support. Other listeners share thoughts on cane tips, orientation techniques, accessible recipe apps, and even whether swearing smart assistants signal progress or gimmick.It's a lively, honest, and often hilarious episode with valuable insight for anyone navigating life with vision loss or supporting someone who is.Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or by call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also now contact us via Whatsapp on 1-613-481-0144 or visit doubletaponair.com/whatsapp to connect. We are also across social media including X, Mastodon and Facebook. Double Tap is available daily on AMI-audio across Canada, on podcast worldwide and now on YouTube.Chapter Markers:00:00 Introduction09:05 The Role of AI in Accessibility and Communication11:54 Accessibility in Smartphones: iPhone vs. Android23:50 Support Networks and Learning Curves for New Users27:42 Choosing Between Android and iPhone28:49 User Experiences with Cane Tips44:45 Navigating Recipe Apps and Accessibility46:38 The Debate on Blindness and Vision53:11 Acceptance and Perspectives on Blindness Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap WebsiteJoin the conversation and add your voice to the show either by calling in, sending an email or leaving us a voicemail!Email: feedback@doubletaponair.comPhone: 1-877-803-4567

The Bulletproof Dental Podcast Episode 389 HOSTS: Dr. Peter Boulden and Dr. Craig Spodak DESCRIPTION In this episode, Craig and Peter discuss the existential fears that dentists face, particularly around negative reviews and legal threats. They explore the resilience of dental practices, the importance of taking action in the face of fear, and the value of having a support network. The conversation emphasizes that many challenges are common in the dental profession and that strategic thinking and experience can help navigate these obstacles. TAKEAWAYS Many dentists fear negative reviews and legal threats. Business resilience is often underestimated by new dentists. It's crucial to separate work stress from home life. Lawsuits and conflicts are part of the entrepreneurial journey. Experience helps build confidence in handling challenges. Taking action is the antidote to fear and anxiety. Strategic thinking can mitigate potential issues in practice. Support networks are vital for emotional well-being in dentistry. Most worries are unfounded and never come to fruition. Being a leader means facing challenges head-on. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Existential Fears in Dentistry 02:59 Navigating Negative Reviews and Business Resilience 06:10 The Impact of Conflict and Legal Threats 09:10 Building Confidence Through Experience 11:49 The Importance of Action in Overcoming Fear 14:47 Strategic Thinking and Contingency Planning 17:58 The Role of Support Networks in Dentistry REFERENCES Bulletproof Summit Bulletproof Mastermind