Podcast appearances and mentions of traci ruble

In this heartfelt conversation, Traci Ruble, founder of Sidewalk Talk, sits down with John Sarrouf, co-executive director of Essential Partners, to explore the deeper threads of human connection and the transformative power of dialogue across our differences. Together, they delve into what it truly takes to create genuinely safe spaces where conversations don't just happen—they flourish. With over two decades of experience facilitating courageous dialogues and mediating complex conflicts, John generously shares insights on how deep and authentic listening can heal societal divides and enrich personal relationships. Tune in for practical, soulful strategies to engage in conversations that open hearts, expand understanding, and remind us of our shared humanity. Essential Partners has been at the forefront of bridging divides for over 35 years. They offer trainings, free dialogue guidebooks, and workshops focused on listening across political divides, racial divides, conversations around the war in the Middle East, and more. John Sarrouf is co-executive director at Essential Partners, helping people talk about tough topics—and stay connected while doing it. Over two decades, he's skillfully guided dialogues around the role of guns in American life, police and the Black community, Israel-Palestine, Muslim-Jewish interfaith relations, human sexuality in the Christian church, and racial and ethnic diversity. John has supported independent dialogue programs at universities, museums, and civic groups across the U.S., sparking meaningful conversations nationwide. With a master's in dispute resolution from UMass Boston, John co-founded the Peace and Conflict Studies program at Gordon College and teaches reconciliation at the European Center for the Study of War and Peace in Zagreb, Croatia. Episode Timeline 00:00 Welcome to Sidewalk Talk 00:47 Meet John Sarrouf of Essential Partners 04:56 Unpacking Assumptions in Conflict 09:39 Vigilance and the Cost of Polarization 12:54 How to Create Authentic Connections 17:00 Inside the Essential Partners Dialogue 22:13 Reflecting Together on Shared Wisdom 22:29 Humanizing Each Other Through Dialogue 22:59 Embracing Complexity in Conflict 24:03 Why Feeling Seen Matters 24:39 How to Have Constructive Conversations 25:56 The Art of Generous Listening 33:57 Navigating Power with Sensitivity 38:23 Finding Hope in Reconciliation 40:25 Closing Reflections and Gratitude   Standout Quotes   We make assumptions rather than asking questions and listening deeply to the answer. (John)  I really wonder if this polarization and this threat thing is contributing massively to our loneliness. (Traci) … it does feel like we are in a time when sharing our full selves with people feels dangerous. (John)  We may be political adversaries in this particular moment, but we have to be thinking of ourselves as neighbors. And I have to care what, what the impact is on you. (John)   Despair is our common enemy. Despair will keep us from each other. And our only way through this moment is with the sense of hope that we can meet each other again. (John) Connect: Find | John Sarrouf At whatisessential.org On Instagram: @essentialpartners On YouTube: @essentialpartners On Facebook: @essentialpartners On LinkedIn: @JohnSarrouf   Find | Sidewalk Talk  At sidewalk-talk.org On Instagram: @sidewalktalkorg On YouTube: @sidewalktalkorg On Facebook: @Sidewalktalksf On LinkedIn: @SidewalkTalkOrg   Find | Traci Ruble At Traciruble.com On Instagram: @TraciRubleMFT On YouTube: @TraciRubleMFT On Substack: @RelatingWell On Facebook: @TraciRubleMFT   SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST On Apple Podcasts On Google Podcasts On Spotify On YouTube  

Cultivating Presence (with a Dash of Mischief): A Conversation with Mitch Davidowitz In this episode, Traci Ruble, founder of Sidewalk Talk, sits down with longtime therapist and Vipassana practitioner Mitch Davidowitz to explore something that feels harder than ever: being present. Together, they wander into the heart of what it means to show up—truly and fully—for ourselves and others. Mitch brings decades of wisdom wrapped in humility, humor, and a touch of rascal spirit. The two dig into the medicine of deep listening, the rebellious act of slowing down, and why love and compassion aren't just soft concepts—they're radical practices in a fractured world. This conversation is part invitation, part provocation: What if staying present is the real revolution? What if mischief is a doorway to wisdom? And what if, in this wild world, just being someone who cares deeply is a contribution worth being proud of?   About Mitch Davidowitz Mitch Davidowitz, MSW, M.Ed, Ed.S. is a psychotherapist, writer, photographer and inspirational teacher known globally. His work is a confluence of his decades of intensive mindfulness training and being a clinician for the past 45 years. Mitch has trained healthcare and mental health professionals around the United States in the compassionate care of those facing loss since 1984. Mitch has appeared on radio and television to provide education about the challenges that mourners and those supporting them experience. He is currently in private practice outside of Boston, Massachusetts seeing clients nationally and globally with a wide range of issues. His approach is diverse and deeply informed by his mindfulness training. In addition to his clinical background, Mitch began intensive retreat practice in Vipassana meditation in 1974 with Anagarika Sujata. He continued these trainings extensively with Jack Kornfield, Joseph Goldstein and Sharon Salzberg. Baba Ram Dass was also one of his primary teachers.   Episode Timeline 00:00 Introduction to Sidewalk Talk 01:04 Meet Mitch Davidowitz: Therapist and Vipasana Practitioner 04:08 The Journey to Heart-Centeredness 08:05 Love, Compassion, and Advocacy 16:58 The Power of Discipline and Meditation 21:53 The Changing Landscape of Human Suffering 25:19 Rising Anxiety and Insecurity 26:24 Guilt and Happiness Amidst Suffering 27:49 The Power of Small Acts 29:30 Introducing Playfulness and Mischief 31:03 Therapeutic Approaches and Personal Growth 36:25 The Importance of Listening 38:53 Reflections and Future Plans 45:00 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement   Standout Quotes  One can be very fierce and very strong from a place of empathy. (Mitch)   It's not that I spend my days lighting candles and sticks of incense. It's not that we don't get annoyed.  But we look and see what leads to well-being. What leads to contraction? What leads to openness and connectednes,s and what leads to estrangement?   That doesn't mean not confronting people with things that are not right, you know? It's not indifference. But it's not reactivity.  It takes a lot more strength and power to stand down and sit up and invite someone to share with you how they came to their thoughts and beliefs.   Joseph Goldstein, one of my mindfulness teachers, said just assuming the position every day at the same time awakens those mind states that we're trying to cultivate.   People are more afraid, people feel more vulnerable, and so what happens is that that is setting off and triggering other things that have happened that made them feel unsafe.  We can't save the world, but we can save the moment. We can show up in a way that restores this sense of belief in each other, of the fundamental goodness of humanity. Even though there's so much darkness, we do need to remind each other about hope and restoring the belief that good people are here available.   help bring down the suffering on the planet.   I'm helping people not to take themselves so seriously.  Carl Jung said, Know all the theories, master all the techniques, but when sitting with someone who's a human soul, just be another human soul.  Connect: Find | Mitch Davidowitz On LinkedIn: @MitchDavidowitz Facebook @MitchDavidowitz   Find | Sidewalk Talk  At sidewalk-talk.org On Instagram: @sidewalktalkorg On Twitter: @sidewalktalkorg On Facebook: @Sidewalktalksf On LinkedIn: @SidewalkTalkOrg   Find | Traci Ruble At Traciruble.com On Instagram: @TraciRubleMFT On Twitter: @TraciRubleMFT On Facebook: @TraciRubleMFT   SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST On Apple Podcasts On Google Podcasts On Spotify On YouTube

What if the stories we're told about each other aren't true? Therapist Traci Ruble doesn't buy what the media tells her about people—so she took to the streets to find out for herself. She and a group of volunteers set up Sidewalk Talk, an experiment in radical listening: sitting in public spaces with a sign that says Free Listening and inviting strangers to share whatever's on their minds. It's raw, awkward, sometimes heartbreaking—but also unexpectedly hilarious and deeply human. In this episode, Traci shares what she's learned from thousands of sidewalk conversations—how deep listening challenges assumptions, reveals the goodness in people, and even rewires the way we see the world. Related Links Sidewalk Talk website - https://www.sidewalk-talk.org/ Sidewalk Talk bus tour - https://www.sidewalk-talk.org/2025-listening-bus-tour Sidewalk Talk the Podcast - https://www.sidewalk-talk.org/podcast Follow us on social media! Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheUncomfyPod/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/uncomfy.podcast/ Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@theuncomfypodcast Threads - https://www.threads.net/@uncomfy.podcast CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Uncomfy 00:45 Meet Traci Ruble and Sidewalk Talk 01:17 The Birth of Sidewalk Talk 02:27 First Experiences and Challenges 03:32 The Power of Listening 05:07 Memorable Stories from the Sidewalk 08:09 The Importance of Human Connection 10:25 Becoming a Sidewalk Talk Listener 15:05 Expanding Sidewalk Talk 17:57 How to Get Involved 18:30 Conclusion and Additional Resources

In this episode of the Sidewalk Talk podcast, host and founder Traci Ruble speaks with Dr. Carol Xu, who holds a PhD in management science and engineering from Stanford University, about the intricacies of human connection. They explore Carol's expertise in cross-cultural communication and management, her personal journey through burnout and depression, and the innovative practices she employs to foster creativity and resilience in organizations. Their conversation covers a range of topics, from the impact of T-groups on interpersonal communication to the challenges of maintaining humanizing practices within organizational structures. Carol highlights the importance of grounding, intentional listening, and striking a balance between emergent strategies and structured plans to sustain meaningful connections—both personally and professionally. Episode Timeline 00:00 Introduction to Sidewalk Talk 01:04 Revisiting Conversations: Tracy's Experience 01:28 Meet Carol Hsu: Cross-Cultural Communication Expert 05:52 Carol's Journey: From Academia to Burnout 09:24 The Importance of Human Connection in Organizations 14:08 Balancing Growth and Humanization in Organizations 20:31 Emergent Strategies and Human Awareness 26:32 Humanizing the Workplace 28:36 The Role of Power in Hierarchies 32:04 Understanding Liminal Space 35:22 Communication Dojo and T Groups 38:39 The Importance of Foundational Layer 45:46 Final Thoughts and Gratitude Resources Mentioned https://www.presentofwork.com/ https://www.presentofwork.com/relational-agility Standout Quotes “ That humility is really important. Like sometimes just admit that. Hey, we don't know what we're doing.” (Carol) “ Once an organization is big enough, and then once it wants to control some things, and thenit starts a metric system and then it starts measuring people. Once you do that, people will tend to switch off their internal kind of sensibility and awareness, and then they try to fit that mode.” (Carol) “ Oftentimes what's easily measured is actually not the underlying thing you want. ” (Carol) “ The symbolism of that story is so fascinating. You're saying if we mechanize ourselves, we die.”(Traci) “Empower people to tap into, to really tap into the overlap between the personal and organizational. ” (Carol) “ In some ways, we have a tendency as humans to turn ourselves into a machine. We have a tendency to take things for granted. It doesn't matter if it's at the workplace or at the house, at the home front.” (Carol) “ Efficiency, has a place. However, it also can easily get abused. And I think in today's societies, a lot of places that doesn't really need a hierarchy, has hierarchy just because people don't really have any other alternative models.” (Carol) “If you're using oppression to fight oppression, you're on the wrong track.” (Traci)    Connect: Find | Sidewalk Talk  At sidewalk-talk.org On Instagram: @sidewalktalkorg On Twitter: @sidewalktalkorg   Find | Traci Ruble At Traciruble.com On Instagram: @TraciRubleMFT On Twitter: @TraciRubleMFT On Facebook: @TraciRubleMFT   Find | Dr. Carol Xu At www.presentofwork.com On LinkedIn: @jiacarolxu   SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST On Apple Podcasts On Google Podcasts On Spotify On YouTube

Ancestral Healing Through Systemic Constellations: Cultivating Unity in Diversity with Zita Tulyahikayo   In this episode of the Sidewalk Talk Podcast, host Traci Ruble interviews Zita Tulyahikayo, a clinical hypnotherapist, and systemic coach, about the profound impact of systemic family constellations. They discuss the importance of understanding one's ancestral roots and the transformative power of non-verbal, empathetic connection. They highlight upcoming initiatives like the Listening Bus Tour and share personal stories of healing and clarity through constellations' work, all while challenging conventional views on unity, diversity, and personal growth.   00:00 Introduction to Sidewalk Talk 01:16 Meet Our Guest: Zita Tule Hikayo 02:25 Upcoming Listening Bus Tour 04:21 Zita's Background and Expertise 07:35 The Importance of Ancestral Connections 12:01 Understanding Systemic Family Constellations 21:27 Personal Stories and Transformations 30:05 Memories of Sugarcane Fields 30:49 Ancestral Connection and Gratitude 33:17 Journey to Peru with Mother 34:40 Personal Reflections and Warrior Lineage 36:36 Systemic Constellations and Family Dynamics 39:14 The Complexity of Unity and Diversity 43:30 The Brutal and Beautiful World 46:31 Purpose and Passion in Life 52:24 Final Reflections and Farewell   Resources Mentioned Zita's Substack The Lawyer (Magazine)   Standout Quotes  We know now that genetic information and memories are stored and passed through us. So the, the cells that would become me were in my mother when my mother was in my grandmother's womb. (Zita)  I always say you have a close bond with people who you meet as friends. But usually if you had the chance to look in the past, you'd find that you were distant relatives. And often we're more genetically closely related to our friends than we are to our actual family members. (Zita)  I think, our strongest muscle, empathy, our capacity to empathize or feel. information in our body, which then gets transmitted into meaning which we turn into words. (Zita)  We're all in trances all the time. My job work is waking people up out of trances that don't really suit them very well. And putting them into a better trance, which supports their, you know, growth and learning…(Zita)  What Constellations does is it gives you another aspect or two or three or four of the story so you have a fuller picture and with the fuller picture, the truth, which was once just your truth. (Zita)   Connect: Find | Sidewalk Talk  At sidewalk-talk.org On Instagram: @sidewalktalkorg On Twitter: @sidewalktalkorg   Find | Traci Ruble At Traciruble.com On Instagram: @TraciRubleMFT On Twitter: @TraciRubleMFT On Facebook: @TraciRubleMFT   Find | Zita Tulyahikayo At www.lifetherapywithzita.com On Instagram: @life_therapy_withzita On LinkedIn: @ZitaTulyahikayoFRSA On Twitter: @LifeTherapyZita   SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST On Apple Podcasts On Google Podcasts On Spotify On YouTube

In this enlightening episode of The Sidewalk Talk podcast, your host Traci Ruble engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Eric Fitzmedrud, a prominent couple's therapist specializing in male sexuality. Their discussion delves into the complex world of male sexuality, consent, and the significance of emotional intelligence within relationships. Traci expresses her deep admiration for Dr. Fitz's work and the unique lens through which he views male sexuality, emphasizing his dedication to issues related to consent and patriarchy. One of the highlights of the episode is the exploration of Dr. Fitz's groundbreaking book published this week, "The Better Man: A Guide to Consent, Stronger Relationships, and Hotter Sex." Traci feels so strongly about the potential of this book to radically alter sex from a pressure tug-of-war between partners to something magical. Dr. Fitz underscores the importance of men reconnecting with their tender hearts and nurturing authentic relationships. He argues that this is key to unlocking their true power and satisfaction. The conversation takes an intriguing turn as they discuss the potential conflict between tenderness and sexiness. Dr. Fitz illuminates how embracing tenderness can create safety within relationships and enhance intense sexual experiences.   Episode Timeline [00:09] Intro  [0:58] Meet Dr. Eric Fitzmedrud aka “Dr. Fitz” [7:33] Men's power comes from their tenderheartedness [9:04] Different erotic styles.  [11:37] Consent leads to more pleasure [18:08] Gender essentialism and what transmen can teach all men about sexual pleasure. [23:51] How sexual shame shows up. [32:04] How to liberate men from patriarchy? [37:51] Dr. Fitz's message to Sidewalk Talk listeners [39:50] Outro   Resources Mentioned The Better Man: A Guide to Consent, Stronger Relationships, and Hotter Sex (Book)   Standout Quotes “...our love, our capacity to connect, our capacity to be in genuine, authentic relationship, is where our deepest power comes from - men or people of any gender.” (Dr. Fitz) “Consent culture can take place in the therapist's office or the boardroom or anywhere we meet and connect with each other.” (Dr. Fitz) “We get caught in these conflicting messages with very few messages that confirm for us the innate essence of goodness in us, that our sexuality is good, that our desire and capacity for love is real and needed in the world.” (Dr. Fitz) “...a penis being hard ejaculating the way that you think it ought to or somebody's told you it ought to, isn't essential to being a man. It isn't essential to being a good lover, because that trans man over there can be a good lover too.” (Dr. Fitz) “...if we don't attend to the flowing water of sexuality, it's still flowing. And if we don't attend to where it's going, it will continue filling up whatever reservoir we've bottled it up into until it will overflow our boundaries and it will feel out of control for us.” (Dr. Fitz) Find | Sidewalk Talk  At sidewalk-talk.org On Instagram: @sidewalktalkorg On Twitter: @sidewalktalkorg   Find | Traci Ruble At Traciruble.com On Instagram: @TraciRubleMFT On Twitter: @TraciRubleMFT On Facebook: @TraciRubleMFT   Find | Dr. Eric Fitzmedrud At www.drericfitz.com On Instagram: @drericfitz On Facebook: @drericfitz On TikTok: @drericfitz On LinkedIn: @drericfitz On Twitter: @drericfitz

How Do Our Relationships Frame Our Psyches? Ft. Traci Ruble How do relationships with our siblings and significant others impact our lives? What stories play a role in framing our personality? Listen in as Sarah Elkins and licensed therapist, Traci Ruble, discuss the compelling stories of our most important relationships. Check it out today! Discovering Clarity One Bite at a Time course is now available!     “Use all these stories, lessons, and mistakes I've made as a sidewalk… It all comes down to how we feel.” - Traci Ruble   *podcast show notes contributed by Tracy Ackeret   --- About Traci Ruble: “I am a candid, clever, licensed California therapist living and working from Heidelberg, Germany. I am a no-BS couples therapy veteran. For 18 years I have been helping couples who have failed with multiple couples therapists before me to get some new growth points. I also listen on public sidewalks as a practice, to strangers, around the world.”  Check out Traci's Website, Sidewalk Talk, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.  --- ABOUT SARAH: "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision." In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I've realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don't realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they're sharing them with. My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home. The audiobook, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available! Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.  

This week's guest is the fabulous Traci Ruble, a hugely experienced psychotherapist, and founder of Sidewalk Talk, a hugely inspiring community listening initiative that started with her inviting a group of fellow therapists to literally take their chairs into the streets and listen for free to what people passing by needed to get off their chests. What started as a brilliant idea in San Francisco has exploded into a global movement with Sidewalk Talk sessions happening in major cities around the world. As you might expect from someone who set up a worldwide conversation starting phenomenon, Traci is an excellent conversationalist, and During our fun and engaging conversation we spoke about all sorts of things, including why she quit the tech rat-race to become a therapist and how she survived six divorces as a child. About the importance of us all being allowed to exist as flawed humans, and the worst thing for the happiness of romantic relationships.

“Hello wanderers… welcome to the finale of our second season of ‘Wanderful'". If you've listened to any of the previous episodes, you will know this is a podcast which has been designed to be walked to, providing you with some ‘inspiration on the go' Every week we invite an inspiring guest to join us… somebody with a refreshing take on life and its various twists and turns. What you don't know is that lots of the wonderful conversations get left on the cutting room floor. However… David and the team have scooped up some of that interview gold so you can take a wander through the magic we missed out on. As ever… you can listen to this podcast in your home, but we think you will get the most inspiration if you boot up and join David @davidpearl_here @streetwisdom_ out on the streets. The Season 2 finale features conversations with the founder of ‘The Eden Project', Sir Tim Smit KBE, chief listener and volunteer executive director of ‘Sidewalk Talk', Traci Ruble, the great connector, presenter and co-creator, Oli Barrett, columnist for Psychologies magazine, host of the ‘Happy Hacks' Podcast and founder of ‘Untold Happiness', Kia Cannons and multi-grammy award singer / composer, Nmon Ford. https://linktr.ee/DavidPearl Time Line 00.00 – 00.09 Theme 00.10 – 03.29 David introduces the Omnibus edition & Traci Ruble 3.33 – 3.44 Traci Ruble ‘back stage' and ‘on stage' 03.46 – 07.05 The world's best cold caller 07.07 – 08.18 David introduces Kia Cannons 08.20 – 11.08 Natural Enthusiasm 11.10 – 14.06 Food intolerance and changing dietary lifestyle 14.10 – 15.28 David introduces Oli Barrett 15.32 – 18.45 The great re-framer 18.47 – 21.45 What gives us restoration? 21.49 – 23.02 David introduces Nmon Ford 23.05 – 29.03 How to promote yourself 29.07 – 30.54 David introduces to Sir Tim Smit 30.58 – 32.44 Things are getting boring at Eden – geo-thermal 32.50 – 40.32 Relations with China 42.28  – 44.57 The magic of improvisation 45.00 – 46.34 David circles back to Traci Ruble 46.38 – 47.56 Really meeting 48.49 – 50.14 End credits Quotes Traci Ruble (On Sidewalk Talk) Its a practice. Its like meditation, but relational meditation. Can I meet you and can I meet myself in this encounter and cultivate this into a practice which is consciousness raising?” Kia Cannons “Something I'm grateful for is that I wake up happy. Life has not been easy on many levels but I do have this natural enthusiasm and attitude to life.” “I have always known there is the tough stuff and the good stuff and you get to choose what you focus on.” Oli Barrett “The things that restore us could be nature, music, the company of the people we love. Finding those chances for restoration, not just rest, is absolutely crucial.” Nmon Ford “If somebody else with whom you've worked, who knows other people can simply send a text message, an email, pick up a phone and call somebody, with who you'd like to work, that would be avenue one  and avenue number two would be just produce it yourself. Write it, find somebody else to write it, find some place to do it and just go ahead and do it.” Sir Tim Smit “From the beginning to the end of the concert… the audience was the concert. It was like the music was being drawn out of us, that they were the bards of our inner souls. Talk about happiness… I don't think I've ever been to a concert wherever I looked, even people you imagined to be the shyest mice you'd ever seen, they were all singing, released by this… thing… and it felt like a joyous act of ensemble, with the conductors being the people who were the band. It was an extraordinary thing.” Further Information Traci Ruble Web: http://traciruble.com/ Twitter: @TraciRubleMFT Instagram: @TraciRubleMFT Instagram: @sidewalktalkorg Kia Cannons Web: kiacannons.com Instagram: @kiacannons Podcast: Happy Hacks Oli Barrett Twitter: @olibarrett Nmon Ford Web: www.nmonford.com Twitter: @nmonford Instagram: @nmonford Sir Tim Smit KBE Web: www.edenproject.com Twitter: @edenproject LinkedIn: eden-project Facebook: theedenproject Instagram: edenprojectcornwall   David Pearl Twitter: @davidpearlhere Instagram: @davidpearl_here   Andrew Paine (Producer) Twitter: @ItPainesMe

“When I listen, I am not alone…” Biography Traci Ruble has worked with people on their relationships for over 16 years as a couples counsellor and psychotherapist; describing herself as a “candid, clever, and integrative psychotherapist / couples therapist. I talk like a regular person and love "getting in the mud" with clients as an equal.” Having survived six divorces as a child, born to a teen mom, she says  “really I've been working with couples since I was four. I have my own lived experience of not being heard and being an outsider.” In addition, Traci is the chief listener and volunteer executive director for Sidewalk Talk, a listening and volunteer-led global movement and non-profit, now in 15 countries across 90 locations with 8500 listeners listening as their own activism and growth practice. She sat on the sidewalk in San Francisco in 2015 and continues to be moved by the changes this project has made in her own life. From getting more conscious about her own privilege, the challenges of leading while female, the link between connection and boundaries, and sustainable heart-centered organisational growth.   Traci is working on her first book and is a sought after speaker and couples expert.  Aside from thoroughly loving her work, Traci also loves to be outside wandering in the trees, running, and goofing off with her husband of 17 years and two tween sons. She also loves couch surfing on some of the Sidewalk Talk chapter leader's couches and listening with other teams around the world. Traci is currently living in Germany until 2022   Timeline 0.00 - 00.45 Theme / Introduction 00.45 - 05.03 Introducing Tracy Ruble 05.03 - 09.20 Traci explains ‘Sidewalk Talk' The importance of listening and compassion Confronting bias about people Falling in love with a stranger after 10 minutes Paying attention to economic injustice 9.20 Compassion happens between equals 11.00 How do you know when the (sidewalk) talk is done? 11.48 Traci's communication style (listening versus talking) 12.15 The joy of listening to other people's stories 13.30 Traci is an anxiety sufferer - Traci wants to be liked 16.00 Traci's new relationship to Leaders and Leadership 17.02 How Traci made life difficult for previous leaders? ‘High maintenance but worth it' 21.10 Are we asking for what we really want? 23.30 The questions we ask people on Sidewalk Talk 27.00 How does Traci experience  and tolerate the word NO? The importance of developing a capacity to say NO 28.30 Cherishing the tender parts of Traci Ruble 31.00 How does Traci meet the world in cool ways? Giving people the ‘cherishing' face Meeting people with the ‘sparkle' in their eyes 35.05 How to amplify your own sparkle - Inviting clients to put themselves in an ‘egg' and put inside what ever nourishes them. 36.53 Using Metaphor and creativity to create resilience 39.43 The ‘Wanderful' Exercise: the ‘egg' walk 42.38 Post-Wanderful Exercise - What came up for David Pearl? 45.41 Additional thinking about your ‘egg'   Resources Mentioned Sidewalk Talk (Traci Ruble TED talk) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRNtEuyQtQA Sidewalk Talk https://www.sidewalk-talk.org/ Internal Family Systems by Richard Shwartz   Standout Quotes “It's super pleasurable to start listening to other people's stories and to start listening in a way you can illicit more of their personal story - it's just incredibly gratifying and enlivening.” (Traci Ruble) “Compassion happens between equals.” (Traci Ruble) “When I'm listening, I just think, I'm not alone, I'm human with you and that feels really good.” (Traci Ruble) “Thank you for leading me today, I feel so appreciated.” (Traci Ruble) “As I've stepped into a leadership role, have I made myself approachable enough as a leader? to have people feel safe enough to know that they could ask (for what they need or want) ? (Traci Ruble) “I smile at you and I say ‘how's your day going? Would you like to sit down and be listened to?' “ (Traci Ruble) “Tolerating the No because No is a representation of a boundary and all boundaries are between two humans is the defining ground of what I need in order to be in connection with you and if I'm saying no, I'm saying I'm not available to be in connection with you.” (Traci Ruble) “When we're little kids we don't like No, because we're on our way to a goal, we don't like our directionality being thwarted. But as we age into adulthood we need to develop the capacity to hear No with grace and not make it all about us.” (Traci Ruble) “When you seek somebody who ‘sparkles', notice what part of you rises to meet the ‘sparkle'” (Traci Ruble)   Connect Traci Ruble http://traciruble.com/ Twitter @TraciRubleMFT Instagram @TraciRubleMFT Instagram @sidewalktalkorg David Pearl Twitter @davidpearlhere Instagram @davidpearl_here Andrew Paine (Producer) Twitter @ItPainesMe  

Traci Ruble is a therapist formerly based in San Francisco and now in Heidelberg, Germany, and is the founder of Sidewalk Talk, a nonprofit dedicated to creating communities of listeners worldwide. Traci talks with me about her thoughts on belonging, parenthood, the challenges facing couples today, and how to approach 2021, as well as the need for hearing each other and being heard. She also shares how her life experiences shaped her personally and professionally and how she journeyed into this field.

Traci Ruble is a renowned therapist, speaker, and founder of Sidewalk Talk. A few years ago, Traci felt the weight of growing loneliness, violence, addiction, frustration, uncertainty, and inequality in our world, and she decided to create spaces of connection and belonging - on the sidewalks. Sidewalk Talk creates communities of listeners for greater belonging and physical and mental health. Traci joins the podcast to talk about her fascinating journey through life, Sidewalk Talk and their incredible work, mental health and other struggles in 2020, and so much more!

Are you a good listener?Many of us think we are good listeners, but maybe, just maybe, we are not as hot at listening as we think we are. Today, Dr. Guy Itzchakov joins Traci Ruble on the podcast to talk about the subtle art of listening.Doctor Itzchakov is an assistant professor at the University of Haifa and the Department of Human Services and obtained his Ph.D. from the School of Business Administration at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto at the Rotman School of Management. His focal research has been on the effects of high quality listening on facilitating a change in the speaker’s emotions, cognition, and behavior.  Dr. Itzchakov is also research advisor to Sidewalk Talk.Listen in as Dr. Itzchakovs shares tips on listening you can use, right now, today, in your own life.  Episode Milestone[03:05] How Traci and Dr. Guy met[05:14] How Dr. Guy got into listening[o6:15] The boomerang effect[12:41] Why don’t we listen more?[13:41] The enemies of listening[19:19] How does culture affect listening?[27:04] Ingredients to good listening[32:58] Ways of conveying understanding to the speaker[39:01] Does listening contribute to people’s health?[44:48] Dr. Guy’s wish Resources Mentioned:Carl Rogers Standout Quotes from the Episode:“When someone listens to us, we feel less anxious, because we don’t care anymore, how we look when we say the things we say.” [08:35]“Research is important to the extent that you can make a difference with it.” [10:55]“Listening is key to the change that we need to make, and we are asked to make in our society” [11:35]“If you listen well, you lose dominance, and you gain prestige.” [17:47]“Listening will reduce the speaker’s anxiety, both state anxiety and social anxiety, which is an indicator of wellbeing.” [39:12] Connect:Find | Sidewalk Talk PodcastAt sidewalk-talk.orgOn Instagram: @sidewalktalkorgOn Twitter: @sidewalktalkorg Find | Traci RubleAt Traciruble.comOn Instagram: @TraciRubleMFTOn Twitter: @TraciRubleMFTOn Facebook: @TraciRubleMFT

If you’ve been noticing a decrease in your energy, a change in your sleep or eating patterns, more anxiety, and a more negative mindset than usual, you may be experiencing what is called burnout. Most people know burnout as overworking, but there’s more to it than that. - The next guest on the Love Intently Podcast is Traci Ruble, a San Francisco-based therapist for individuals and couples, a speaker, and the founder of Sidewalk Talk, a non-profit which teaches and practices listening in public spaces to heal our lonely and disconnected world. - We kick off this interview with Traci explaining how we can notice burnout in ourselves, how to get out of it, and also how to avoid ever getting in it in the first place. In addition, we discuss what to do if you notice your partner is burnt out. - Next, we discuss the four stages every couple cycles through throughout their relationship. Sometimes, one person can be in a different stage than the other, and they never progress to the next stage, which is often when couples come to therapy. Traci breaks it all down for us so we can clearly understand what stage we’re in, as well as if therapy will actually help or if it’s time to call it quits. - For all you ambitious over-achievers out there, Traci talks to us about how we can maintain our passion for work while also having a thriving relationship. You can have both! - Then, we talk about what’s known as the “window of tolerance”. A tool used by trauma therapists, psychotherapists and others to describe how we can regulate our emotions. Sidewalk Talk uses it in their trainings for volunteers to help them learn how to feel in their body when boundaries are being crossed and they should end the conversation, but the tool can be used by anyone to regulate turbulent emotions like fear, anxiety, anger, etc. - Lastly, we talk about her non-profit Sidewalk Talk, which started with just her and 28 colleagues sitting on a sidewalk listening to and talking with strangers passing by, and now has grown to thousands of volunteers and chapters nation-wide. - For full show notes: https://www.loveintently.com/podcast - **Connect with Traci Ruble:** http://traciruble.com/ https://www.sidewalk-talk.org/ https://www.instagram.com/tracirublemft/ - Connect with Sophie and Love Intently https://loveintently.com Follow @love.intently on Instagram Follow @sophkwok on Instagram

In a world where social distancing has become the new normal, people are craving a deep sense of connection and belonging in their relationships. Join mental health experts Rebecca Hintze and Traci Ruble as they discuss the power of listening and other great tips to help strengthen your relationship with others and with yourself.

My guest on this episode is someone I've been secretly following for years. You can imagine my excitement being able to sit with her and have a candid conversation about the work we do.  Traci Ruble is a relationship expert.  She has been working with individuals and couples for over sixteen years in California and has been featured in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, ABC, CBS, and NPR.  She is currently working on her first book on intimacy at home and at work.  Traci also founded and leads a global human connection project called Sidewalk Talk where over 7000 listeners sit on sidewalks in over 92 locations across 15 countries offering to listen about anything and heal our lonely and divided world.  Sidewalk Talk was recently featured in Oprah Magazine. Check her out at www.traciruble.com and www.sidewalk-talk.org  The Couples Counsel Podcast is designed to help couples get unstuck and moving towards a happier and healthier relationship. Dr. Jameson Mercier provides practical advice for everyday challenges in relationships. Episodes are released weekly on Wednesday mornings. For more information, visit www.mercierwellness.com. Past episodes can be heard at www.mercierwellness.com/listen.  For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast, email info@mercierwellness.com. If you’d like to work us to address concerns in your relationship, click the following link to schedule a consultation. https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation Lastly, we value your feedback. You can reach out to me on social media at @dr.jamesonmercier (Instagram) or @DrJamesonMercier (FaceBook). You can also leave us a voicemail at 954-282-1093. I listen to all the feedback and voicemails and might include yours on an upcoming episode. Find us on social media: #CouplesCounsel #MercierWellness

Everything you've always wanted to ask a therapist and more. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/twenty-something-trials/support

Traci Ruble is a San Francisco based psychotherapist and founder / director of Sidewalk Talk, a global street listening non-profit. You can get involved with this awesome organization here!

Where I think I can serve your audience is talking about connection and attachment and why coming out and volunteering for Sidewalk Talk and getting more active connection can be part of recovery.     Carol the Coach is going to interview marital therapist Traci Ruble who will be sharinf what she has learned about connection from listening to her clients. She will be talking specifically about her work with couples. She does alot of pre-emptive work talking about sex and arousal as part of building a relationship vision.  She continues to be amazed how few folks talk about their expectations for marriage or prior to launching in and find prevention can be really great medicine by getting clear on expectations.  Fun fact: She and her husband got so clear on expectations that they made a list of everything they hated about each other and shared it with one another before they got married so they could agree they were not signing up for a fixer-upper but an "I see you and know what I am getting myself into" marriage.

Where I think I can serve your audience is talking about connection and attachment and why coming out and volunteering for Sidewalk Talk and getting more active connection can be part of recovery.     Carol the Coach is going to interview marital therapist Traci Ruble who will be sharinf what she has learned about connection from listening to her clients. She will be talking specifically about her work with couples. She does alot of pre-emptive work talking about sex and arousal as part of building a relationship vision.  She continues to be amazed how few folks talk about their expectations for marriage or prior to launching in and find prevention can be really great medicine by getting clear on expectations.  Fun fact: She and her husband got so clear on expectations that they made a list of everything they hated about each other and shared it with one another before they got married so they could agree they were not signing up for a fixer-upper but an "I see you and know what I am getting myself into" marriage.

We all love to talk, but most of us need to learn to listen in relationships. Psychotherapist Traci Ruble (founder of Sidewalk Talk) is back with Natasha Chandel from Germany to help teach us this invaluable skill that can make or break couples. Why is listening so important? Why is being un-heard so distressing? What are the different types of listening and how can you listen better, especially if it’s something you don’t want to hear? The ladies have a candid discussion about the relationship between listening and intimacy in this new episode of Kinda Dating! Sidewalk Talk Community Listening: https://www.sidewalk-talk.org/ Follow Kinda Dating: www.instagram.com/kindadating www.facebook.com/kindadating www.twitter.com/kindadating Follow Natasha Chandel: www.instagram.com/natashachandel www.facebook.com/natashachandelofficial www.twitter.com/natashachandelofficial Follow Aisha Holden: www.instagram.com/aishasaysdance www.facebook.com/aishasaysdance www.twitter.com/aishasaysdance Follow Traci Ruble: http://traciruble.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TraciRubleMFT/ https://www.instagram.com/tracirublemft/ Follow Adam Pineless: https://www.instagram.com/adampineless Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Traci Ruble is a relationship expert.  She has been working with individuals and couples for over sixteen years in California and has been featured in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, ABC, CBS, and NPR.  She is currently working on her first book on intimacy at home and at work.     Traci also founded and leads a global human connection project called Sidewalk Talk where over 7000 listeners sit on sidewalks in over 92 locations across 15 countries offering to listen about anything and heal our lonely and divided world.  Sidewalk Talk was recently featured in Oprah Magazine.   https://www.sidewalk-talk.org/ http://traciruble.com/   what you will hear on this podcast:   * hear about the environment she grew up in * listen to her wound story * how the assumptions we hold and very rarely what is true about the reality * the piece that allowed her to lift herself out of the reality she was borne into *  hear the lob over the net and what it meant * hear how we create the thing we most seek * the story of the annoying kid and diarreha of the mouth *  the elisa story and what she was trying to say for what is your son trying to say *  the feeling of exhausting her physiology to release the feeling of of stress and pressure. * what changed for her in the movement fro running as a spiritual practice to running to achieve * how her friendships helped her through her life * what it means to repair with each other * understand a whole new way of seeng connection * hear the connection points we make that are not true, in the actions another does. * the faulty assumptions we make and the acceptance that sometimes that will happen * thich nat hahn, the trashman and the freedom that comes in letting go of the burdens they carry * how she setup a movement to listen to people * the beautiful moment of claiming who she is * the artistry of the provocation of just sitting with another on a busy street with people hurrying by. * thinking  through the process of just setting up 16 chairs * what is the most surprising things she has noticed from listening to people * find out what do people say most to  her and the people who listen with her * listen to the story of her tour to the south with 7 listeners and what happened in Louisville, KY * what would she say if she knew the world was really listening * an intimate moment when she shares her big fear. * hear about the kind of listening that melts away the attention giving speech and touched the depth of what really wants to be said * the honor of truly hearing someone and the blossoming that happens when it happens. * hear about the humility of seeng what we see as a reflection on ourselves * find out what she is really good at. it just might surprise you. * the story of the up-stander. * the one thing she would suggest you do right now to help create the world you want to see   to learn more about danny, please go to his websites: www.DanielBruceLevin.com www.TheMosaicOnline.com   to buy my book The Mosaic, please go to: http://a.co/dvgsgG3

We’ve all felt lonely, but sometimes it leads to destructive behavior in dating. Psychotherapist Traci Ruble (founder of Sidewalk Talk) joins Natasha Chandel from Germany to help us identify and overcome the pangs of loneliness we all feel, so we can become better people and partners. Especially now with social distancing, isolation and quarantine becoming a way of life, as a result of the coronavirus, people are really having to deal with feelings of loneliness. How is it different from being alone? Why are loneliness and dating such a bad combo? How can we change your perspectives and be less lonely? Can we ever truly combat it and be ready to date? The pair get real and deep, and Traci even curses (which you all know we love) in this moving episode of Kinda Dating! National Suicide Prevention Line: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ 1-800-273-8255 Sidewalk Talk Community Listening: https://www.sidewalk-talk.org/ Follow Kinda Dating: www.instagram.com/kindadating www.facebook.com/kindadating www.twitter.com/kindadating Follow Natasha Chandel: www.instagram.com/natashachandel www.facebook.com/natashachandelofficial www.twitter.com/natashachandelofficial Follow Aisha Holden: www.instagram.com/aishasaysdance www.facebook.com/aishasaysdance www.twitter.com/aishasaysdance Follow Traci Ruble: http://traciruble.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TraciRubleMFT/ https://www.instagram.com/tracirublemft/ Follow Adam Pineless: https://www.instagram.com/adampineless Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can anger be productive? Is it possible that the moments where we feel the least in control may offer us the most opportunities for growth?In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Christian Conte, author and licensed counselor. He’s spent over 20 years working in the jail and prison system, helping inmates to work through their anger and move towards transforming their lives. Dr. Conte shares the magic of the yield theory and practical approaches we can all take to make genuine connections with the people we meet. Listen in as we explore it all— guided by the concepts in his latest book, Walking Through Anger.   Episode Timeline:[00:07] Intro[00:58] Meet Dr. Christian Conte[03:00] The value of authenticity[05:46] Understanding the type of person he wanted to be[07:19] What shaped Dr. Conte[11:01] Does anger have value?[13:52] What could your anger teach you?[15:51] Wiping away judgment and working in Max security prisons.[18:46] How is yield theory affecting change?[20:24] How does yield theory work to shift anger[24:12] Humble listening and creating connections with wonder[27:56] How our energy impacts others[29:21] Why down to earth, practical strategies work[30:58] Compassion and the importance of consequences[32:54] Dr. Christian Conte's advice for you [38:12] We are the source and solution to our problems[39:03] Outro Resources Mentioned: Walking Through Anger by Dr. Christian ConteMore about Dr. Conte   Standout Quotes:“ I don't need to put on a facade for people. It doesn't matter what I look like, [what] matters [is] what I'm saying. If what I'm saying doesn't resonate with you- throw it away. If it does, let's move forward with it.“ - Dr. Christian Conte  [32:09]“When I have the humility, to not only remove some of my bias out of the way and let myself be utterly surprised by people, that also creates the sweetness of the connection...I'm in this constant state of delight. Of wonder.” -Traci Ruble [24:41]"What approaching someone with genuineness and humility does is it circumvents. It gets around the fight or flight response."  - Dr. Conte [26:48]"When we can have the compassion to look beyond defining ourselves by our actions and see that we're more than that. Now, we can create new meaning from this moment forward - Dr. Conte [38:44]  Connect: Find | Sidewalk Talk PodcastAt sidewalk-talk.orgOn Instagram: @sidewalktalkorgOn Twitter: @sidewalktalkorg Find | Traci RubleAt Traciruble.comOn Instagram: @TraciRubleMFTOn Twitter: @TraciRubleMFTOn Facebook: @TraciRubleMFT Find | Dr. Christian ConteAt drchristianconte.comOn Instagram: @DrchristianconteOn Twitter: @Dr.ConteSUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCASTOn SpotifyOn Apple PodcastsOn Google PodcastsOn Spotify

Standout Quotes:They see my whole mess and they love me anyway. (Traci Ruble)My heart is never wrong.  It's just getting in there that is the challenge. (Traci Ruble)Boundaries are about finding that balance between connection and protection. (Rebecca Wong)Rebecca Wong's spirit and her way of being are so audible in the way she speaks, breaths, takes long pauses to take in an interaction fully, and to let connection drive how she relates. I am thrilled you get to meet her here. I hope you will join me in listening to one of my favorite podcasts, up for an award.  Find Rebecca's therapy work and her podcast at Connectfulness. Biography: Rebecca WongAll of my life, I’ve been fascinated by what it means to be human together.This has driven me deep into the study of art, film and storytelling, experiential learning, relationships, sexuality, the human reproductive life cycle, the transmission of intergenerational trauma, parenthood, attachment, loss and human behavior, and performance. And the same drive has guided me to deepen my professional studies into Relational Life and Sex Therapy. My experiential teaching style draws from a range of leadership experiences over the past decades ranging from Wilderness Field Instructor to TMI Project Workshop Facilitator.I admire Rebecca so much even though we have never seen each other in real life. I consider her a wise sage who has balanced challenging the status quo with grace and artistry few have matched, imho.  While out wandering through the woods, I had a thought.  "Maybe I should talk about why I am doing this podcast on the podcast."  But I want to be "in discovery" and "in connection" - not rehearsed.As I listen to my own words here, I can hear how internal I am.  But what is more, you can hear how being 'in connection' as Rebecca does so well, allows you to go deeper.  Rebecca captures the essence of my heart and I learned about myself and for that, I am so grateful to get to be in dialogue with her.  You can find more out about Rebecca on her website here.

Our guest this episode is Traci Ruble.  Traci is a busy psychotherapist and the founder of the global social enterprise Sidewalk Talk.  Sidewalk Talk has grown in just a few years from Traci alone with two chairs in San Francisco to over 7000 volunteers in over 56 cities in 14 countries.  Come find out why Traci says (and I agree) that empathetic listening is "the spiritual practice of our time" and how to lead in a powerful way without needing to put anyone down or undermine their empowerment. Resources mentioned in this episode: Traci's psychotherapy site The Sidewalk Talk website Jordan Flanerty's book, No More Heros The Awarepreneurs Community Paul's conscious business coaching site

Every month, Traci Ruble joins a group of volunteers near a busy San Francisco street with a sign that invites strangers to participate in free listening. It’s called Sidewalk Talk, a non-profit organization with a mission to nurture human connection by teaching and practicing heart-centered listening in public spaces. Since it began in 2014, Sidewalk Talk has grown to over 700 volunteers worldwide and now has chapters in 19 cities around the globe.   Guest Bio Traci is the founder and CEO of PSYCHED, a San Francisco-based counseling center, and the co-creator of Sidewalk Talk Community Listening Project. http://www.sidewalktalksf.com/    Connect with the 60 Mindful Minutes podcast   Web: https://kristenmanieri.com  Email: Kristen@kristenmanieri.com    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/60MindfulMinutes Instagram: @kristenmanieri_ 

If you have ever aspired to step into a leadership role, or consider yourself a leader but want to do it better, you’re going to love this week’s conversation.  I’m speaking with Traci Ruble, a therapist, public speaker, and CEO of multiple projects.  We’re talking about redefining what leadership really means, how to truly listen, and why both are so important in human life.  Traci has such a unique process in getting onstage, from concept to delivery and post-review.  It’s all about giving yourself permission, working through the imposter syndrome, and noticing when you feel most embodied.     We also talk about the importance of relationships as leaders, with our tribes, our partners, and with those we lead and work with.  Traci has learned valuable ways of ensuring that she and others feel supported, to combat the loneliness as well as honor our existence.  Deep listening is a big piece of that, but I love the way that Traci redefines what listening really means.  This truly is the Practice of Being Seen. You can read the full show notes at www.practiceofbeingseen.com

Traci Ruble wants you to play bigger. She’s tired of the false message that the more powerful one of us is, the smaller others have to be. She believes that the bigger you are, the more room you make for others to be big too. As a public speaker, founder of a therapy center, and creator of the Sidewalk Talk movement, she’s had lots of opportunities to navigate this challenging territory. Listen as we dive into her journey of embracing her power.   Topics Discussed In This Episode:   Creating a group private practice called Psyched In SF Managing our inner dialogues of self-criticism Creating a movement called “Sidewalk Talk” to be out in the community, listening Balancing her different kinds of work, parenting, volunteering, and partnering How she delegates big parts of her work life Owning her Superpower of public speaking more and more Getting support from her inner circle and ignoring the opinions of others Distinguishing her smaller self from her more powerful self Being generous to other women who inspire her The myth that if you’re bigger you’ll make others smaller Why she charges a relatively high fee Talking to clients about money in deep and helpful ways Adulting around her own money The money rituals and systems that are helping her Show notes at http://coachingwithannie.com/podcast/traci-ruble

Traci Ruble is a San Francisco based psychotherapist, clinic director and the founder of Sidewalk Talk, a community listening initiative that is exploding into a global movement.Starting out in the fast-paced San Francisco technology world, Ruble was rising up the ranks quickly, making a fantastic living and also pushing herself to a breaking point. Then, a death in her family sent Traci on a quest that led her out of tech, immersed her in travel, surfing and eventually therapy. These experiences unlocked an entirely new, deeply open and aware part of her, and also led her into therapy as a new career path.After years of education and building a flourishing practice and clinic, yet another profound moment of awakening led her to want to "take her chair out onto the street" and create a listening movement for so many people in pain who needed to be seen and heard, but didn't have the ability to be clients in a practice.What began as a makeshift band of therapists hitting the street to listen to anyone (for free, this is a non-profit) has turned into a global movement with city leaders in major cities around the world.In this week's conversation, we dive into this powerful journey of transformation. Ruble shares the early childhood experiences, living in a fundamentalist community to be pulled out and dropped back into mainstream culture without a rudder. We explore her lifelong fascination with exploring the dark caverns of her own and other's minds. Along the way, Traci offers wisdom about the power of listening and being fully present, the importance of being with, rather dissociating from pain, and reveals how spending time talking with strangers revealed her own implicit bias and changed her perspective in so many ways.And be sure to listen to the end, because we do something we've never done before. With Traci's permission, we've added in a special "addendum" to the original conversation that was not a part of our in-studio conversation. This brings you into a deeper "back story" that was offered in a later email exchange, and invites you to reconnect with, and share a truer, more vulnerable part of yourself.And, if you're inspired by Traci's Sidewalk Talk movement, you can join her on a new Community Listening tour from April 29 to May 5 down the East Coast of the United States. You can show up to share, or you can be a listener, too. You don't need to be a therapist to be a Sidewalk Talk listener. They will be offering listening training for anyone who wants to participate. Find the details here.+--------------------+We're grateful for the kind support of: ShipStation: Manage and ship your orders. FREE for 30 days, plus a bonus. Visit ShipStation.com, click on the microphone at the top of the homepage and type in GOODLIFE.MVMT Watches: Get 15% off today, go to MVMT.com/goodTunein: Catch all-new episodes of some of your favorite podcasts early with TuneIn First Play? Download the free TuneIn app now.Videoblocks: Go to videoblocks.com/goodlife to get all the stock video, audio, and images you can imagine for just $149.Thrive Market: Get $60 of FREE organic groceries + free shipping and a 30-day trial atthrivemarket.com/goodlife.

  Today we are joined by Traci Ruble of Psyched in San Francisco and the founder/director of Sidewalk Talk. Traci is one of those rare people who I (Esther) immediately clicked with on seemingly every level- basically she rocks.  Tune in as Erica gently pulls us out of our mutual suburban angst with some spot on insights on life in the city.  We will also talk about the joys of listening - on the street and in our offices! Be sure you follow her on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Show Notes   RLW {Read Listen Watch}: Read Erica's picks-  What's Not Yours is Not Yours by Helen Oyeyemi   THERAPIST PROBLEMS: We want to hear your thoughts! Don't forget to send us your questions and suggestions for THERAPIST PROBLEMS Tag us and use the hashtag #WithThatBeingSaid  Esther: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook  Erica: Twitter | Facebook |Instagram {

May 2, 2017 - Here is a simple truth – if you want to make a profound difference in someone’s life, start by listening to them. Traci Ruble from Sidewalk Talk and Stephanie explore the art, impact and guidelines of listening. For show highlights, resources mentioned and backstory between guests and host: https://goo.gl/mYNXQ0

Traci Ruble, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, is the co-creator of Sidewalk Talk. Sidewalk Talk fights stigma around therapy and mental health by bringing listening to the streets. The idea is simple: A volunteer sets two chairs out on the sidewalk. They listen to anyone who wants to talk. “I’m not in my therapist role when I’m out there listening. I show up as a human and I try to not think about all the different theoretical orientations and I don’t meet people with the idea that there’s something that needs to be fixed in them.“ The movement started in 2014. Traci was bewildered by the level of gun violence and she wanted to know: how can we be active in our community and actually listen to what’s going on, rather than interpreting and predicting it? How can we be part of the community? The first Sidewalk Talk event took place in San Francisco in 2015 – now there is a Sidewalk Talk going on, somewhere in the world, every week. An important aspect of the Sidewalk Talk dynamic is that the volunteers are not showing up as therapists – they’re not even showing up as helpers. They only show up in the role of a curious listener. “I don’t think it’s a different experience than a therapy office. I think I experience it differently because I’m not in a therapy office. The context changes how I receive it.” The one thing that Traci has to train the non-therapist volunteers to do is regulation, both inside of themselves and the person they’re listening to. Over sympathizing can burn out the volunteer and unbalance the person talking. Sidewalk Talk is changing the world because it’s a disruptive social technology. When you see people listening in the street, whether or not you participate, your mindset changes. When someone listens to you, it encourages you to do the same. When you engage with your community, it’s stimulating and you want to do more. Listening projects can also disrupt the intense political dichotomy in the U.S. The 2016 election shows that many people don’t feel they are being listened to, so Traci’s next step is Sidewalk Talk On The Road 2017. “Human connection is always the solution. Solutions are not the solution.”   Volunteer to listen in your community at www.sidewalk-talk.org.   -- Resources: Connect with Traci on TraciRuble.com Volunteer to listen in your community at www.sidewalk-talk.org Register for Wisdom 2.0 and see Traci speak Sidewalk Talk On The Road 2017 - April 10-16, 2017   Interested in learning more about how I can help you through coaching?  Find out more at www.johnharrisoncounseling.com/individual-coaching/   Production & Development for True Calling Project by Podcast Masters