This episode was our most downloaded in 2024.

TW: Support for Domestic Violence Survivors in Religious Settings

The conversation explores the sensitive topic of domestic violence in religious contexts, emphasizing the need for awareness and support for survivors. Tia's experiences within her religious community highlight the challenges faced by individuals trapped in abusive situations. The episode encourages proactive involvement in recognizing and addressing abuse, promoting justice, and providing ongoing support for survivors seeking safety and healing.

Trauma took your past, but it does not have to have your present and your future, too. And you are the one in charge of that. - Tia Levings

In this episode, you will be able to:

My special guest is Tia Levings

Tia Levings is an insightful writer, podcaster, and speaker, with a focus on the realities of Christian fundamentalism, evangelical patriarchy, and religious trauma. Her expertise has been featured in notable publications such as Salon, the Huffington Post, and Newsweek. As a content strategist, Tia delves into the impact of religious trauma on mental health, domestic violence within religious contexts, and the deconstruction of fundamentalism in modern politics, shedding light on these critical issues. Her forthcoming memoir, "A Well Trained Wife," chronicles her personal journey of escaping Christian patriarchy, presenting a compelling and courageous narrative that promises to resonate with those seeking empowerment and healing from religious abuse. Tia's work is driven by her passion for advocating resilience and recovery from religious trauma.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:02:25 - Growing Up in Mainstream Fundamentalism

00:05:22 - Trauma and Dogmatism

00:07:42 - Effects of Fundamentalism on Women

00:14:08 - The Influence of High Control Religion

00:15:34 - The Pressure of Traditional Gender Roles

00:16:55 - Red Flags and High Control Religion

00:20:47 - The Manipulative Nature of Patriarchy

00:25:53 - Addressing Pushbacks and Myths

00:27:34 - The Incredulity of Religious Trauma

00:28:22 - Challenges in Seeking Justice

00:29:26 - Empowering Survivors

00:32:35 - Finding Solidarity and Community

00:38:27 - Building Healthy Relationships

00:41:09 - The Impact of Religious Trauma

00:43:18 - Coping with Discomfort and Denial

00:44:50 - Healing from Religious Trauma

00:46:31 - Advocating for Survivors

00:53:18 - Taking Action and Making a Difference

00:56:22 - Understanding Mental Illness and Abuse

00:57:45 - Supporting Victims of Domestic Violence

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Lori reflects on the past year of podcasting, the 20th anniversary of the tsunami and the way leading in a polycrisis led to lessons she implemented in the Covid-19 pandemic. Whatever lies ahead in 2025, reflecting on the lessons of the past will give us tools to handle whatever comes our way this year.

Follow a more in depth conversation with Lori here:

Go back and listen to some of our episodes from 2024. There were some outstanding guests who gave us some insights from their own lived experience with authentic real life stories that will give us tools to handle 2025 together.

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Leave a five star review of the podcast if you liked listening last year. It only takes 30 seconds, but it makes a big difference in how people find us and join us here.

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Does this sound familiar? Have you been told to just forgive and forget, to move on and put it all behind you, but the pain of not being believed or supported after abuse is still lingering? The ineffective advice you've been given has left you feeling isolated and unheard, but there's hope for finding the understanding and validation you truly deserve. Let's talk about how to heal from the trauma of not being believed and find the support you need to move forward.

In this episode, you will be able to:

My special guest is Michelle Moffitt

Michelle Moffitt is a dynamic psychotherapist and leadership consultant known for guiding individuals and organizations through change using evidenced-based strategies. As a facilitator and speaker, she specializes in teaching Emotional Intelligence through effective communication, including conflict resolution, feedback delivery, negotiation, and setting boundaries. Her upcoming book, Cracked Open: A Journey to Resilient and Independent Mindset slated for release in January, dives into her real life journey to a resilient mindset, providing valuable insights for those navigating narcissistic abuse and church-related trauma. An overly optimistic Enneagram 7 wing 8, she infuses her work with positivity and actionable insights. A dedicated mom to five amazing adults, she seamlessly blends her professional knowledge with real-life experiences to empower her clients and audiences. Her passion for growth and development shines through in every aspect of her work, making her a sought-after voice in the fields of personal and professional transformation.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:23 - Walking Through Trauma

00:03:33 - Michelle's Resilience and Boldness

00:09:47 - Cracked Open: A Journey to Resilient and Independent Mindset

00:13:02 - Not Being Believed

00:14:24 - Recognizing Impression Management Systems

00:15:28 - Meeting Wade Mullen

00:16:30 - Prioritizing Well-being and Children

00:19:36 - Presenting Abuse to the Board

00:24:23 - Understanding Narcissistic Abuse

00:28:38 - Narcissistic Personality Disorder in Religious Systems

00:30:05 - Unpacking the Impact of Religious Expectations

00:33:11 - Early Realizations of Marital Issues

00:37:44 - Creating a Safety Plan and Seeking Help

00:43:01 - Struggling with Basic Human Needs

00:43:47 - Providing Safe Escape

00:44:23 - Repeated Storytelling for Healing

00:46:34 - Coping Strategies and Grief

00:51:35 - Navigating Holidays and Identity

00:56:50 - Journey of Healing

00:57:43 - Unbelievable Betrayal

01:00:23 - Finding Light in Darkness

01:06:41 - Tools for Healing

01:08:29 - Empowerment through Sharing

"It takes a long time to figure out who you are, what your identity is, what your own strengths are. You deserve all the healing." - Michelle Moffitt

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Thanks to each of you who listened, shared the podcast, subscribed and recommended this podcast to your loved ones.

Happy Holidays, Difference Makers!

See you next year for an episode with Michelle Moffitt to start the New Year off.

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Discover the unexpected side of a remarkable leader, Julie Castro Abrams, as she shares her journey and vision for women's empowerment. Stay tuned to find out her surprising hopes for 2025 and the inspiring work she's doing to make a difference worldwide. Don't miss out on this exclusive conversation that will leave you feeling inspired and empowered.

In this episode, you will be able to:

My special guest is Julie Castro Abrams

Julie Castro Abrams, the CEO and Founder of How Women Lead, is a highly accomplished expert in empowering women in leadership roles and driving diversity in corporate governance. With a strong commitment to justice and community, Julie has played pivotal leadership roles in various organizations focused on women, children, Latinos, economic development, and the arts. Her extensive accolades, including the Women of Color Action Network Leadership Award and her role as Governance Chair for the Women's Funding Network, attest to her significant impact in supporting women entrepreneurs and startups. Julie's dedication to creating a supportive network for women and her proven ability to facilitate rich conversations that drive change make her an invaluable asset in navigating career growth and board opportunities for women.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:02 - Welcome and Introduction

00:03:27 - Personal and Professional Development

00:09:46 - The Credo of How Women Lead

00:10:16 - Supportive Network and Advocacy

00:12:44 - Visibility and Empowerment

00:13:27 - Taking Up Your Power

00:14:33 - Countercultural Behaviors

00:16:37 - Celebrating Black Women's Leadership

00:18:53 - Unabashedly Visible Struggle

00:23:31 - Disrupting Groupthink on Boards

00:26:16 - Importance of Diversity in Decision Making

00:28:35 - Empowerment through Women's Retreats

00:32:06 - Evolution of How Women Lead's Programming

00:33:18 - Addressing Gender Equity in Venture Funding

00:36:14 - Reversing Cultural Narratives of Division

00:39:32 - Encouraging Women to Pursue Leadership Roles

00:40:26 - Normalizing Conversations about Leadership

00:41:03 - Redefining Masculinity

00:43:36 - Creating Supportive Spaces for Women

00:49:33 - Hopes for 2025

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Does this sound familiar? Have you been told that the key to finding your next role is to simply upload your resume and wait for the perfect opportunity? Yet, there you are, feeling stuck and frustrated, with no results in sight. It's time to break free from ineffective job search strategies and discover a new approach that actually works. Let's dive into resilience strategies for job loss and recovery and uncover how to land your dream role.

In this episode, you will be able to:

My special guest is Kristen Revell.

Kristen Revell is a powerhouse in the executive search and recruitment field, boasting over two decades of expertise. As the President and Founder of The Revell Group, she has been instrumental in delivering tailored talent solutions for clients seeking top-tier professionals. Kristen's extensive career includes leadership roles at Robert Half, where she showcased her prowess in business development, strategic accounts, and leadership training. Besides her professional accomplishments, Kristen's ventures outside the corporate realm include hosting the podcasts, Curiosity with Kristen and Where Next Travel with Kristen and Carol, where she delves into inspiring conversations about business transformations and travel experiences. Her passion for uplifting and inspiring others shines through in her work, making her a trusted advisor and a captivating voice in the industry.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:08:12 - Moving Abroad and Expatriate Opportunities

00:12:19 - Job Search Strategies

00:13:04 - Career goals and company research

00:14:30 - Thorough evaluation before joining a company

00:16:25 - Personal well-being and work-life balance

00:19:28 - Identifying toxic work environments

00:24:00 - Recognizing burnout and the need for self-care

00:25:17 - The Challenges of Being a Difference Maker

00:26:27 - Finding the Right Company Culture

00:30:19 - Utilizing the Services of a Recruiter

00:35:05 - Making a Difference in People's Lives

00:36:58 - The Cost of Recruitment Services

00:37:14 - Importance of Clarifying Payment Expectations

00:37:40 - The Importance of Taking Time Off

00:42:08 - Favorite Travel Destinations

00:47:07 - Kristen's Impact in Career Transition

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Have you heard the myths about the future of work talent management strategies? Let's debunk three myths: 1. Internal talent marketplaces only benefit employees, 2. Skills-based hiring practices limit diversity, and 3. Women on corporate boards have minimal impact. I'll reveal the truth behind these myths, but be prepared for a compelling twist that will challenge your perspective. Stay tuned!

In this episode, you will be able to:

My special guest is Dr. Edie Goldberg

Edie Goldberg, Ph.D. is the President of E.L. Goldberg & Associates in California. She is a nationally recognized expert in talent management and the future of work. Her practice focuses on designing HR strategies to attract, engage, develop, and retain employees. Prior to starting her own firm, she was a Global Thought Leader in the Human Capital Practice at Towers Perrin. Edie is the co-author of The Inside Gig: How Sharing Untapped Talent Across Boundaries Unleashes Organizational Capacity. She has authored and co-authored numerous other book chapters and articles on the topics of performance management, strategic workforce planning, career development, skills-based talent strategies, and internal talent mobility. She has a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Albany, SUNY. She is the Chair of the SHRM Foundation Board of Directors, and is a member of the Advisory Board to several HR Technology companies.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:08:32 - Career Inspiration and Future of Work

00:13:56 - Impact of Talent Management Strategies

00:17:11 - Importance of Upskilling

00:17:32 - Challenges of New Employees

00:18:08 - Cost Savings and Employee Engagement

00:21:25 - Burnout and AI

00:27:40 - Widening Pathways to Talent

00:34:26 - Generational Shifts in the Workplace

00:35:06 - Embracing Generational Differences

00:37:21 - The Impact of COVID-19 on Work

00:39:51 - The Role of Women on Corporate Boards

00:44:07 - Making Ethical Decisions in the Boardroom

00:48:20 - Strategies for Talent Management

"I fundamentally want to help individuals achieve all that they can in their career and be happy and fulfilled. And we spend so much of our time at work. It is so important that that experience enriches our life." - Edie Goldberg

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Discover the unexpected journey of a music industry disruptor who's shaking things up and challenging the status quo. Uncover how she's breaking barriers and empowering women in ways you never thought possible. Join us as we unveil the surprising twists and turns that led her to create a global platform for change. Stay tuned to find out how she's turning the tables in an industry dominated by men. You won't want to miss this eye-opening conversation.

In this episode, you will be able to:

My special guest is Shira Yevin

Shira Yevin is a powerhouse in the music industry, known for her relentless pursuit of gender equality and fair pay for creators. With a background in theater, dance, and music, she co-founded the all-girl punk rock band Shiragirl. Shira's trailblazing spirit led her to crash the male-dominated Warped Tour, creating a stage for over 300 female-fronted bands. Her influential work is widely recognized and she has been a speaker at major events like SXSW, Music Ally Next, and New York Tech Week. As the CEO and founder of Gritty In Pink, a platform empowering female freelancers in the music industry, Shira continues to champion women's involvement in male-dominated spaces. Through her artistic and business acumen, she is dedicated to carving out a more inclusive and supportive industry for women through her groundbreaking marketplace, INPINK.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:02 - Introduction to A World of Difference podcast

00:00:11 - Walking through trauma

00:01:38 - Empowering women in the music industry

00:05:04 - Challenges in the male-dominated music industry

00:10:57 - Education and career approach

00:12:12 - Critical Thinking in Media Analysis

00:16:43 - Bridging Political Divides

00:18:11 - Launching Gritty and Pink

00:20:27 - Revolutionizing the Gig Economy

00:23:10 - Gender Pay Gap and Negotiation

00:23:52 - Implicit Bias and Leadership Perception

00:25:30 - Gender Equity and Male Allies

00:29:40 - Voting for Women and Girls' Dignity

00:32:47 - Overcoming Fear and Looking Forward

00:33:31 - The Need for Female Leadership in Politics

00:35:58 - Gritty Pink's Impact and Success

00:39:05 - Diversity and Authentic Support

00:41:00 - Collaborating with Music Industry Icons

00:42:48 - Normalizing Women's Sports

00:44:26 - Normalizing Women in Sports

00:44:43 - Impact Pink's Future Plans

00:46:22 - Challenges in Tech Startup

00:47:11 - Concierge Service and Client Base Expansion

00:49:25 - Thanksgiving and Gratitude

Women need to get hired and need to get paid. So honestly, that's what makes me most excited is just putting dollars, like directly back in the pockets of women. - Shira Yevin

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Do you want to truly understand the impact of international adoption and the complex web of privilege and bias it entails? If you're seeking the solution to this, then join me as we delve into this eye-opening conversation that will increase your understanding of privilege and bias in adoption practices. Let's uncover the truth together.

In this episode, you will be able to:

My special guest is Dr. Gretchen Sisson

Gretchen Sisson, a research sociologist and author of "The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood," is a respected figure at the University of California, San Francisco's Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health ANSIRH) in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive sciences. Her work on adoption relinquishment after abortion denial has been cited in the dissent for the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs vs Jackson, Women's Health Organization, and has garnered attention from renowned publications such as the Washington Post, Time Magazine, the Nation, NPR, New York Magazine, Vox, and Mother Jones. With a focus on the mental, physical, and financial aspects of women's experiences following pregnancy, Gretchen's expertise sheds light on the complex intersection of adoption and reproductive rights, providing valuable insights for prospective adoptive parents considering transracial adoption.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:02 - Introduction to the Podcast

00:03:49 - The Impact of Adoption Relinquishment

00:11:19 - Cultural Narratives and Adoption

00:13:38 - International Adoption and Child Trafficking

00:14:43 - Changing Landscape of International Adoption

00:15:11 - The Decline of International Adoption

00:17:01 - The Complexities of Transracial Adoption

00:23:08 - Intersection of Adoption and Reproductive Health

00:26:25 - Nuances of Abortion and Adoption

00:29:16 - Reflection on Adoption Choices

00:30:55 - Impact of Social Safety Nets

00:34:29 - Unique American Domestic Adoption System

00:38:31 - Narratives and Privilege in Adoption

00:41:35 - Unpaid Labor and Normative Ideals

00:43:56 - Challenges of Safe Housing for Pregnant Women

00:44:18 - Coercive Tactics of Adoption Agencies

00:46:35 - Advice for Adoptive Parents

00:49:00 - Overcoming Shame and Guilt

00:55:35 - Embracing Differences and Deepening Understanding

00:58:09 - Importance of Good Relationships

00:58:18 - Spreading Joy and Making a Difference

00:58:30 - You Matter

00:58:32 - Empowering Others

"We don't value any of those things that families in poverty, that parents living in poverty can give their children, because we believe this middle class ideal is so, you know, undeniably desirable." - Gretchen Sisson

Episode with Cameron Lee Small on Adoptees

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If you're feeling bewildered and unsure about how to navigate the influence of white male voters in the US election, then you are not alone! The current political landscape can leave you feeling overwhelmed and lost, especially when it seems like your voice isn't being heard. But what if I told you there's a way to understand and leverage your influence as a white male voter? Let's dive into the factors that are shaping the political decisions and explore how you can make informed choices that truly matter.

In this episode, you will be able to:

My special guest is Mike Nellis

Mike Nellis, a seasoned veteran in Democratic politics and social impact work, has left an indelible mark on the political landscape. Nellis has been instrumental as the Founder and CEO of Authentic, a digital-first fundraising and advertising agency in shaping digital advertising and fundraising strategies, having raised over a billion dollars for Democratic campaigns. Notably, as a former senior advisor to Kamala Harris and the visionary organizer of White Dudes for Harris, Mike Nellis brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the complexities within the political sphere.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:06:03 - Factors Contributing to Election Results

00:10:33 - Shifting Dynamics Among Young White Males

00:12:19 - Importance of Engaging with Fox News

00:13:28 - Inclusive Campaigning

00:15:21 - Impact of Cultural Themes on Election

00:20:09 - Role of Social Media in Shaping Views

00:21:06 - Cultural Shifts and Divisions

00:23:38 - The impact of technology on personal connections

00:27:10 - Impact of the election on women

00:29:48 - Using privilege for good

00:30:00 - Prioritization and self-interest in voting

00:34:21 - Tailoring communication for different audiences

00:35:00 - Importance of Shared Language and Positive Male Role Models

00:37:49 - Overcorrection in Society and Politics

00:39:25 - Trust in Election Votes

"Go find the thing that grounds you in the things that you love and go find your corner of the world and make it a better place." - Mike Nellis

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