My guest today is Claire Uncapher.Claire is an intuitive and transformational life coach, energy healer, and speaker.  She is on a mission to help people understand their symptoms don’t always mean there’s something wrong with them and the traditional model of medicine isn’t the only tool at their disposal for emotional healing.Claire’s first career was as a nurse and during that time she realized that people didn’t always get the real and lasting change they were seeking in the traditional medical setting.  In her work now, she uses a holistic and intuitive approach to go deeper and equip her clients with tools to experience lasting change.  She combines root cause and subconscious work, emotional release, and conversational energy work to help people overcome their inner obstacles and become the best version of themselves.In our conversation today, Claire shares pieces of her own story and journey that lead her to healing, caring for herself, learning to choose and push the easy button sometimes, and more.Claire, thank you for sharing these pieces of your story.  Thank you for the wisdom and thoughtfulness you embody and thank you for the work you do to make the world a more beautiful and peace-filled place!You’ll find links below if you’d like to connect with Claire, as well as links to some books we mention, quotes, and a free root cause healing meditation. Resources:· "It's Not Always Depression" by Hilary Jacobs Hendel· "It's Okay To Be Different" by Todd Parr (children's book)· Quote that we discussed: https://www.instagram.com/p/C7UsCutOwdq/· Free Root Cause Healing Meditation: https://claireuncapher.myflodesk.com/bodyspeakmeditation· Or, you can use this link (copy and paste) if you'd like: CLICK HERE to download a free root cause healing meditationConnect with Claire on Instagram @claire.uncapher or through her website at https://claireuncapher.com Make Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra

My guest today is Kim Brundage.Kim is an award-winning headshot and branding photographer on a mission to deliver a truly transformative experience that assures her clients feel nothing short of beautiful and confident, both on and off camera!Kim was a guest on episode 159 and if you haven’t heard that conversation, please check it out!In that first conversation, Kim mentioned the book, Come as You Are, by Emily Nagoski, Ph. D.  After hearing about it, I read the book, and reached back out to Kim saying, “Oh my goodness, this book is amazing and transformational!  Want to come back on the podcast and talk about it??”The subtitle of the book is: The surprising new science that will transform your sex life.  The author, Dr. Nagoski is an award-winning author, sex educator, researcher, speaker and lecturer.  Her latest book is Come Together: The Science (and Art!) of Creating Lasting Sexual Connections.So, as you might expect, Kim and I talk about sex in this episode!  If for any reason, it’s not your topic of interest, feel free to skip it!I still recommend Dr. Nagoski’s book and hope you find our conversation thought provoking and interesting!Website for Emily Nagoski, Ph. D.: https://www.emilynagoski.com/Website for Kim Brundage: https://kimbrundage.com/Make Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra

My guests today are Jaylee Kordosky and Jessica Cotton. I was introduced to Jaylee and Jessica through the thoughtfulness of Shannon Yzquiero-Cochran.  Thank you, Shannon!  I’m delighted to have this connection!Jessica is a co-founder of Shenanigans Comedy Theatre, a non-profit comedy club in Huntsville, Alabama.  Jessica and her wife, Kimberly, opened Shenanigans in 2019 to provide a venue that is a safe space for all performers and producers.  From stand-up shows and improv to musical and drag, all are welcome at Shenanigans.  Jaylee first got connected with Shenanigans through one of their outreach groups, Weird Kids.  Jaylee is a social worker, and they now serve the community in a variety of ways and roles.  Jaylee’s story and journey has evolved into one of giving back and supporting anyone who comes to the Center with a need.My conversation with Jessica and Jaylee is incredibly inspiring!  The work they are doing, the spirit of innovation, inclusion, and determination with which they do this work… left me with the beautiful realization of so much good that is happening in our world.  In the midst of all the challenges, it’s really moving to see tangible impacts for good in local communities and how they are making a difference both locally and globally!Jaylee and Jessica, thank you for sharing these pieces of your stories and the story of Shenanigans.  Thank you for the difference you are making in the lives of individuals, in the broader community of Huntsville, and beyond!  To learn more about Shenanigans Comedy Theatre to go www.huntsvillelaughs.com.  There are links in the show notes as well to the additional resources on their outreach page, access to their resources request form, and information about Weird Kids of North Alabama. Links to Resources:https://www.huntsvillelaughs.com/ (Here is the main link to the Shenanigans website)https://www.huntsvillelaughs.com/outreach (This is our outreach page at Shenanigans)https://www.huntsvillelaughs.com/thecenter (The Resource Request form we discussed is at this link if you scroll all the way down the page.)https://linktr.ee/weirdkidsofnorthal (This is our Link Tree for Weird Kids of North Alabama)Make Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra

My guest today is Caitlin Avery.Caitlin is an award-winning author, a triathlete, mountain biker, backpacker, black-diamond skier, and yoga enthusiast.I was honored to meet Caitlin through the kind introduction from Andrea Barton from episode 165.  Thank you, Andrea!One of the books Caitlin has written tells the fictional story of a woman who outed her high school rapist through a Facebook post over 20 years after the fact.  The book is titled, Life of Cyn.  As you’ll hear in our conversation today, the book is inspired by Caitlin’s personal journey and experience.It’s deeply moving and a powerful story of shedding shame, doing the hard work of healing and growing, and standing in one’s courage while allowing others to support. Caitlin, thank you for sharing your story here on the podcast as well as through your writing.  Your courage and strength shows up both places. Please note, as you begin to listen to this episode, we talk about rape and sexual assault throughout the conversation.  Please take care of yourself first and foremost even if it means not listening today.  I have included a link in the show notes to RAINN where there are many additional resources for anyone who has been affected by sexual assault or violence.Caitlin would be delighted if you would follow her on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook as Caitlin Avery Author.  And those links are also in the show notes. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caitlinaveryauthorInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/caitlin_avery_authorFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/caitlinaveryauthor RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): www.rainn.orgAlcoholics Anonymous: www.aa.orgAl Anon: www.al-anon.orgMake Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra

My guest today is Natasha Smith.I met Natasha through the kindness of Shannon Cochran-Yzquierdo.  Thank you, Shannon!  You are connected with so many amazing people and I’m honored to get to meet some of them!Natasha is a firm believer that we can all create positive change.  Regardless of the industry in which she works or the title behind her name, her passion is to inspire others.  And our conversation today demonstrates that exact thing!Natasha has a wealth of experience including being a music teacher, songwriter, lead vocalist, executive assistant, and more… and through it all her purpose is to help others realize their potential and their possibilities.In our conversation today, Natasha reflects on her life as an African American woman who grew up in rural Virginia.  She was raised by her mom and grandmother after her dad died when she was a baby.  From a young age, Natasha took a stand for anyone who looked alone or who was being picked on or mistreated.  She’s continued to have this beautiful perspective of looking for the things that tie us together and working hard to bring out the positive ingredients in every single person she meets.Natasha, I’m so grateful to have had this conversation with you.  Thank you for sharing these pieces of your journey.  I know we didn’t even scrape the surface of all your experiences, and yet you share so much wisdom and inspiration.  Thank you for making the world a better place!  I’m already looking forward to our next conversation!One final note before jumping into our conversation, this is being released at the beginning of June 2024, so PRIDE month has just begun.  Natasha is an amazing ally to those in the LGBTQ+ community.  You’ll hear her share her passion during our conversation.  She also shares some resources for supporting LGBTQ+ friends and family members, so please check out the show notes for those links. Resources:Human Rights CampaignPFLAGGLSENINOVA (Norther Virginia)www.hiv.govMake Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra

My guest today is Diana Buikel.Diana is a world traveler, photography enthusiast, and a person with deep compassion, profound resilience, and a remarkable inner fortitude and faith.I was introduced to Diana by Shannon Cochran-Yzquierdo – thank you so much, Shannon!!Diana works in the Intel, Physical, and Personnel Security fields within Deloitte and the Industrial Security Industry.  She’s previously been a certified pharmacy technician and flight attendant.Diana is an active volunteer and event organizer with St. Baldrick’s Foundation, raising money for childhood cancer research, and also served as a childhood cancer foundation board member and model.In our conversation today, Diana shares pieces of her story around multiple major losses early in life.  She also shares how she got involved in supporting the fight against childhood cancer when her cousin was diagnosed with brain cancer at a young age.  Diana will be shaving her head again this year to promote awareness of this important cause.Diana, thank you.  Your stories, your journey, your passion… are inspiring.  Your faith and optimism make the world a better and brighter place.  I’m so grateful to know you.You can find links below to Diana’s fundraising page and a YouTube video about St. Baldricks Foundation and their work. Diana's Fundraising page: https://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/1131606/2024Learn about St Baldricks: https://youtu.be/yGOqEJ75xzQ?si=IOmlCF6mwfnliwJVMake Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra

My guest today is Neta Ein-Gil Glassberg.Neta is a certified leadership coach and leverages her background as an experienced business development manager to help leaders and teams foster creative thinking, develop interpersonal communication strategies, and embrace diverse perspectives.Neta was born in Thailand to an Israeli diplomat.  She’s lived in Singapore, the Philippines, Peru, and now, the US.  As a third-culture kid, she learned to adapt to diverse environments, develop sharp empathy and communication skills, and holds a broad perspective on navigating different cultures while maintaining authenticity.I was fortunate to meet Neta through the Georgetown Leadership Coaching mentorship program.  It’s been engaging, inspiring, and thought-provoking to get to know Neta and learn pieces of her story.Neta, thank you so much for this conversation.  Thank you for sharing your stories, your reflections, and your wisdom.  You bring so much creativity and fun to the world.  The ripples you are creating are going far and wide to touch so many lives!You’ll find links below if you would like to connect with Neta or learn more about her work.Insight Coaching LLC.  -  https://insightscoaching.co/    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/neta-ein-gil-glassbergMake Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra

My guest today is Alorah Bliese.I met Alorah through Shannon Cochran-Yzquierdo, a well-known guest on the podcast, and I’m so grateful for the connection! Thank you, Shannon!Alorah is a queer, neurodivergent scientist.   They work as an interdisciplinary researcher, specializing in molecular marine biology. As a bisexual+ and non-binary person that is cisgender and heterosexual passing, they have experienced harmful stereotypes and erasure in their personal and professional life. In our conversation today, Alorah shares pieces of their story in hopes to shine light on the experience of invisibility within the queer community and raise awareness about people that exist on spectrums rather than binaries. She is currently the co-lead of the San Diego PRIDE employee resource group within her company, working to provide resources, education, and community to queer employees and allies, and is an advocate for DEI in and out of work.Alorah, thank you so much for sharing these elements of your story and journey.  Thank you for your compassion and wisdom in caring for yourself and others.  And thank you for your willingness to jump into conversation and storytelling.  I know your story will touch many lives and help others know they are not alone.There are links to resources in the show notes.  Let’s work together to make our world a safer, more inclusive, and less difficult place.  Resources:Human Rights Campaign: https://www.hrc.org/American Institute of Bisexuality: https://bi.org/enOut and Equal: https://outandequal.org/BEST PRACTICES FOR NON-BINARY INCLUSION IN THE WORKPLACEAbout that B: Bi+ Inclusion at Work Make Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra

My guest today is Andrea Barton.Andrea is the author of The Godfather of Dance, A Jade Riley Mystery. The second book in the series will be out in late 2024.I met Andrea through Nicole Webb who has been on my podcast and am so grateful for the connection!An electrical engineer turned career consultant, Andrea spent 12 years enjoying the exhilaration and dislocation of life as an expat spouse. With her husband and two sons, she lived in Nigeria, USA and Qatar before repatriating to Australia, where she commutes between Melbourne and Mansfield. Along the way, she developed a passion for ballroom and Latin dance, helped to build a school, got bogged in both the Doha and Australian deserts, and had an accidental hallucinogenic experience in Peru.In our conversation Andreas shares pieces of her own journey of becoming a writer, of digging into storytelling from the angle of a writer, a dancer, an editor.  She shares a great framework towards the end of our conversation which is also part of a blog and if you want to see the visuals, there are links in the show notes.Andrea, thank you for sharing your stories here!  Thank you for your courage, creativity, and humor.  You are inspiring and wise, and our conversation here has made me spend more time writing.  So, thanks for that!To find Andrea’s books, more about her and her work, and the link to the blog and story framework, check out the links below.  Andrea Barton, Author websiteThe Why, How, and What of Storytelling (blog and story framework) Make Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra

My guest today is Joan Fletcher.Joan is the founder of Winning Ways and as an executive leadership coach, she’s dedicated more than 30 years of her life to empowering high performing leaders and their teams to achieve remarkable personal and professional outcomes.I met Joan through a kind introduction made by Shannon Cochran-Yzquierdo, who’s been on my podcast several times, sharing her amazing stories.  Thank you for this wonderful connection, Shannon!Joan is the author of The Leadership Evolution, which is based on her decades of work and experiences.  She zeros in on the one thing that can help leaders go from “just okay” to truly effective.In our conversation today, Joan shares this key, self-awareness, and a some reflections to deepen our self-awareness in profound ways.  Joan, thank you so very much for this conversation.  Thank you for sharing these pieces of your story, the wisdom with which you approach your work and life, and thank you for the inspirational questions and reflections… I’m still pondering them and soaking them in.You’ll find links below to learn more about Joan and her work, as well as her book!Joan's WebsiteThe Leadership Evolution book and programsMake Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra