In this episode, Michael Bungay Stanier explains keystone conversations and why this is vitally important in building the best possible relationships, both at work and in your personal life. Discover how these seemingly small conversations can lead to stronger, more collaborative, and more fulfilling connections. You’ll also learn: How any working or personal relationship can be made better Why it takes courage to initiate the invitation to work on a relationship that is important to you The 3 core elements of a relationship: safety, vitality, repairability Defining keystone conversations and why they’re so important in improving relationships How there is an important tension between safety and vitality How to look at problems in growth made instead of problem mode Why it’s important to make it safe to ask questions The importance of actively engaging in relationships so it doesn’t stagnate To learn more, click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Florence Williams shares the profound benefits of being outdoors and in nature, offering you a fresh perspective on self-care and a path toward increased well-being. Discover the scientific evidence that proves how spending time in nature makes us happier, healthier, and even more creative. In this episode, you'll be able to... Recognize the many benefits of spending time in nature and how they're backed by scientific evidence That 15 minutes in a forest environment can reduce our cortisol levels Understand the concept of Nature Deficit Disorder as we are consumed with modern-day conveniences Understand why being in nature can be better than meditation for some people Learn why it's important to pay closer attention and connect to our surroundings Discover why spending time in nature affects different parts of the brain Understand the potent effects that being in nature has on your emotional and mental well-being. Learn new ways to engage in nature, even in urban landscapes To learn more, click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Suleika Jaouad received a devastating leukemia diagnosis at the age of 22, her life took a very unexpected turn into adulthood. Viewing her long hospital stay from the lens of a journalist, Suleika began a daily diary, ultimately fashioning her own reflective world. Through her writing, she found not just a lifeline, but a sense of purpose and agency, living out the essence of post-traumatic growth. Suleika's commitment to actively seeking meaning amidst her significant health challenges is an inspiration for anyone dealing with uncertainty in life. In this episode, you'll be able to: Understand how transformation comes with hardship and unpredictability Appreciate the role of vulnerability and love in conquering life's hurdles Discover how doing something creative can be the key to unlocking suffering Know the significance of developing a network built on loving support and empathy Learn how to skillfully navigate the ‘in-between’ spaces in life’s journey To learn more, click hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rohan Gunatillake shares how his love of stories allowed him to discover the power of inhabiting different characters and exploring themes of his own life through their tales. This discovery led him to create a wonderful podcast that blends storytelling and meditation for a more meaningful experience for his listeners. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover ways to incorporate mindfulness into daily life without disrupting your schedule Learn to notice and use your reactions to anything that moves you (good or bad) to go deeper within Recognize both the benefits and limitations of meditation apps Learn to let go of expectations that meditation should look a certain way Bring creativity into your mindfulness practice to fuel your creative passions To learn more, click here:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Kaag is a renowned philosopher and author who brings fresh insights into the timeless wisdom of Henry David Thoreau. With impressive academic achievements under his belt, including teaching writing at Harvard and serving as a professor at UMass Lowell, John possesses a unique perspective on Thoreau’s philosophy regarding work and intentional living. Drawing inspiration from his own life’s journey and the challenges of balancing personal fulfillment with professional obligations, John invites us to explore new ways of finding meaning and purpose in their work. In this episode, you will be able to: Explore how seeking purpose and meaning in your work enhances overall fulfillment Learn from Thoreau’s ideals on the balance between work, personal development, and conscious living Shift your relationship with work by placing emphasis on your core values and beliefs Embrace a simpler lifestyle that fosters a sense of satisfaction unencumbered by material expectations Engage in continuous self-discovery to refine your values and manifest a rich, authentic life. To learn more, click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you have ever been in a situation where another was willing to harm you for their own benefit, then abuse has happened and that person has become an abuser. In this episode, we talk about the process leading up to this abuse, helping listeners to identify warning signs. We also offer practical advice that empowers survivors to take back control and find healing after abuse has occurred. In this second of a two-part conversation on abuse of power, join us to learn how to establish healthy boundaries, find supportive communities that enable growth, and reclaim your power. Listen to part 1 here.  In this episode, Ginny and Brandi help listeners to:  Gain awareness of the impact that abuse of power can have on personal and societal well-being Examine the ways language is used to dismantle trust and identify techniques to counteract this  Grasp the importance of setting boundaries to counter abusive behavior and promote healthier relationships Identify how surrounding yourself with supportive communities enables healing and positive growth Learn to reclaim your authenticity by overcoming the effects of abuse and cultivating self-empowerment To learn more, click here!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Mark Coleman shares the many benefits of spending time in nature and explores several mindfulness practices that cultivate joy, wisdom, and wonder in your life!   You'll discover: How we need to practice paying attention to what’s right in our lives rather than what’s wrong How mindfulness is always in service of wisdom, understanding, and freedom Why we need to widen our lens to be able to see what else is “here” How nature invites us to be in the present moment in a joyful and effortless way Defining mindfulness simply as clear awareness and the capacity to be present Understanding how multitasking diminishes our attention How nature teaches us about knowing and being known Grasping the reality of impermanence in nature and in our lives To learn more, click here!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Abusers seek to isolate their victims and implement tactics to keep them silent and thinking that it’s “all in their head” or somehow their fault. However, when we talk about our experiences as victims of abuse, any false sense of shame is lifted and the experience is normalized; abuse becomes easily recognizable— and something we know how to stop. In this first of a two-part conversation, Ginny and Brandi share their personal stories of living through abuse, and how they survived. They share how community support and self-trust can help you overcome the effects of abuse of power and reclaim your voice. In This Episode, Ginny and Brandi Discuss: Why unacknowledged power is the root of abuse What solutions can help us challenge authority and encourage support within communities Why addressing power dynamics is key to sustaining positive relationships Ways to pinpoint warning signs of abusive behavior and take appropriate action How to embrace the process of healing after enduring abuse Why community is so important in navigating and resolving abuse or trauma-based scenarios To learn more, click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a wealth of experience in collecting life stories, Bruce Feiler has become an expert in identifying personal values in the search for fulfilling and purpose-driven work. As a best-selling author and engaging speaker, he inspires his audiences to dig deep, unearth their own personal stories, and chase their dreams rather than follow someone else’s path. In this episode, Eric and Bruce Discuss the Search for Meaningful Work and… Defining “workquakes” and developing strategies for navigating career transitions How to determine your personal values to pursue more meaningful work  Understanding the power of making unorthodox decisions, fostering individuality and creativity. How to embrace change and extract happiness and meaning from evolving situations Recognizing the impact individual decisions can have on personal growth and empowerment To learn more, click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the loss of someone we love, we’re inevitably faced with the question, “How do I live with this grief?” In this episode of “Something to Normalize,” Ginny and Brandi offer some answers to this question. Through research and personal experiences with grief, they share strategies, powerful bits of wisdom, and practical tools they’ve discovered. They also discuss how they’ve applied these tools in their own lives, and what was most helpful in their process. This is the second in a two-part series on grieving. Click here to listen to part 1.  In This Episode, Ginny & Brandi Discuss: How grief is more than just the loss of a person; it is also the loss of our identity as it relates to that person  What opportunities grief offers us— like forming a new relationship with the memories of a loved one How rituals can have an important role in helping us process our grief Ways to navigate the ever-changing nature of grief To learn more, click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.