Join me and life coach Lucas Katz as we share our personal experiences and professional wisdom around the topic of regret. We look at the nuances of guilt and shame and reflect on how past choices, sometimes dictated by fear or external influences, can shape the person we become.

I unpack the often overwhelming experience of grappling with personal responsibilities while being aware of global tragedies. I explore our collective struggle to process an incessant stream of information in an age where our global village presents us with both the immediate and the distant. I examine the concept of “capacity,” and how much we can hold in our emotional “trunk,” inviting listeners to ponder whether we've really adapted to the sheer volume of knowledge technology thrusts upon us.

What does turning 50 truly mean in today's world? I’m honored to welcome back my first-ever guest, Christine Gough, as we discuss reaching this significant milestone. From laughing at the idea of a funeral themed 50th birthday party to discussing Christine's incredible journey through cancer and personal loss, we celebrate the sense of renewal that can flourish with age. Christine's infectious zest for life offers a refreshing perspective on aging and that the best may be yet to come.

The challenges of indulging in "what ifs" and seeking unnecessary information.

Join me and my guests, Liz Ball and James Obert, as we explore pop culture and its indelible impact on our lives. Our conversation ranges from the influence of iconic franchises like Star Wars and Sesame Street to the personal connections fostered by shared cultural experiences. We share our unique perspectives, reminding us of the profound ways in which TV shows, music, books, movies, and games shape our individual narratives from a young age.

I sit down with Wes and Brittany Burian and explore the ebbs and flows of their life together, from their optimistic early days together to the trials of navigating Wes's diagnosis of Fabry disease. They bring to light the struggles and revelations that come with managing a rare genetic condition. Hear how they grapple with the physical limitations and the hereditary implications that affect their family dynamics.

Could the secret to navigating life's highs and lows lie in managing our expectations? Join me as I discuss the profound impact of finding the balance between what we hope for and what reality delivers. In this episode, I open up about the emotional rollercoaster of my niece's wedding—an occasion of pure joy overshadowed by the sudden health crisis of my father. Through this personal story, I highlight the beauty that persists even when our best-laid plans take an unexpected turn. I also recount the challenges I faced volunteering at an orphanage, grappling with the sensory overload and my inability to adapt. This intimate narrative not only mirrors our own struggles with reality versus anticipation but also serves as a comforting reminder that self-compassion and recognizing our true capabilities are invaluable.

This week, I’m taking my own advice from a previous discussion on the pressure to be constantly productive. I'm sharing why sometimes it's essential to prioritize self-care over ticking off that next task on the to-do list. This means there won't be a full episode this week. But fret not! This break isn't a sign of disappearing but a necessary pause for my well-being—something I advocate for each of you, as well. In the meantime, I encourage you to check out other episodes. Thanks for your ongoing support, and I'll be back soon with more stories and conversations that I hope will resonate with you. Take care!

Have you ever caught yourself equating busyness with self-worth, or felt the weight of societal expectations pushing you to fill every moment with activity? This episode looks at our productivity-obsessed culture. I question the merit of ceaseless work and suggest that pausing to enjoy the stillness could be the most daring act of self-care you undertake. In navigating the complexities of our lives, we examine the pressures to maintain the perfect facade, like that impeccably manicured lawn, and challenge you to consider if these tasks truly bring joy or are merely obligations disguised as achievements.

I welcomed Sita Severson, a yoga therapist with a rich background in mindfulness and healing practices, for a compelling discussion on the practical aspects of energy and intuition. These are often-misunderstood concepts, and Sita illustrates their scientific basis and their palpable presence in our daily lives.

Join me as I sit down with Dionne Makila, a fellow Iowa native with an insatiable case of wanderlust. We journey through her remarkable travels, spanning all 50 states and 37 countries, reflecting on the transformative nature of travel. From a childhood dreaming of California to studying abroad in Paris, Dionne shares how early adventures with our alma mater's study program ignited her lifelong passion for exploration. Listen in as we uncover the profound impact of travel on personal growth and identity, discussing everything from grocery shopping in foreign countries to finding confidence in navigating new cultures.

Join us as we navigate the “globally mobile” experience with my dear friend, Jessica Wright. In this enlightening discussion, Jessica, a parent coach, professional editor, and spouse to an American diplomat, shares her profound connection to the world of third culture kids (TCKs) and adults (ATCKs), reflecting on the complex blend of identities these individuals often possess. Our conversation unpacks the challenges and nuances of raising a family in constant motion, the cultural juggling act of fitting in, and the profound search for belonging that defines the TCK journey.

Have you ever considered the lasting impact your words can have? Join me for an exploration into the power of our voices, drawing from my personal encounters with two very different high school teachers—one who cut deep with harsh words and another who uplifted with encouragement. These stories highlight the weight our words carry. It's a reminder to myself and to all of us that whether we're sharing a piece of our mind, standing up for what's right, or simply having a chat, our voices are potent tools that can either heal or harm.

I’m honored to welcome Joanne Lin, Executive Director of Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs. Ms. Lin is a seasoned attorney and fierce advocate for civil and human rights. She shares the challenges and rewards of a life committed to serving others in a contentious world. The relentless tide of global news can be a harsh reality to confront daily. Yet, amidst this, Joanne is deeply motivated to improve the lives of others. We discuss the challenges of polarization and the need to decompress and care for ourselves. We scrutinize the ironies of the digital age, where information abundance oddly narrows our worldviews, often shutting out both nuance and complexities. Finally, we underscore the sustaining power of hope and purpose.

Join our exploration of the emotional roots of your financial life with Brianna Firestone, acclaimed neuroscience-based money healer and intuitive life coach. I'm thrilled to share our candid conversation that includes Brianna's personal money struggles and her enlightening year-long shopping hiatus. Together, we uncover the surprising ways our earliest beliefs, formed in childhood, cast long shadows over our adult financial behaviors. We intertwine our own stories, confronting the family and societal narratives around wealth and scarcity, and the conflict between following passions versus financial practicality. It's a revealing look at how we can reframe our relationship with money by granting ourselves the permission to learn and see money as a tool, not a stressor.

When the unimaginable happened, Doug and Laurie Bunnell’s world was forever altered. They share their intimate journey through grief, offering a look into the aftermath of losing a child. We reminisce about Zachary's vibrant life and the indelible mark he left on those who knew him. The Bunnells' story is not just one of sorrow, but also of profound love and the complex decisions they faced as parents navigating their son's illness, offering a somber yet deeply touching narrative that resonates with anyone who has faced a similar challenge.

Join me as I reconnect with an old friend and colleague, Yuniya Khan, to explore the meandering paths that lead us to fulfilling careers. Listen as Yuniya shares her transformation from a television and radio graduate to the founder of Uplift Global Consulting, revealing how she embraced her passion for narrative change concerning Africa and the African diaspora.

Join us as we unpack the complexities of rejection sensitivity dysphoria and its profound impact on neurodivergent individuals. Listen in as I get personal, sharing the daunting hurdles this fear of rejection has created in my life—from romantic pursuits to launching this very podcast. In a candid conversation with fellow coach Lucas Katz, we reflect on our childhood encounters with emotional sensitivity and how these past experiences have been channeled into a force for empowerment.

My guest, Lucas Katz, is a life and business coach with a special interest in neurodiversity. We swap stories and insights into the multifaceted experience of ADHD, from the laughable relatability of online content that hits too close to home to the internal chemical dance that keeps us seeking stimulation. Our anecdotes dive into the challenges and benefits of this “neurospicy” life.