Back to Life

In this episode of Back to Life, host Danny Bader sits down with educator, author, and coach Patty McLain to explore strategies for overcoming personal and professional challenges.

Patty shares her journey from high school teacher to trauma-informed practitioner, offering insights into building sustainable well-being through healthy relationships, social-emotional learning (SEL), and resilience. Together, Danny and Patty discuss practical tools to help you unlock your potential and create a positive impact in your life.

From mindfulness to post-traumatic growth, this episode provides actionable steps for anyone looking to harness hope, tap into their strengths, and foster lasting change.

(Show Notes: WOOP, the concept developed by researcher Gabriele Oettingen. Here is her website: https://woopmylife.org/en/science

For more information on the Hope Circuit, check out Martin E.P. Seligman's work: https://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/news/hope-circuit-new-book-martin-ep-seligman)

The Hope Circuit refers to the brain's ability to generate positive expectations and resilience. It activates when individuals feel control over their outcomes, in contrast to learned helplessness. This concept is key to Patty's work in helping people realize their potential through hope and action.)

Are you ready to challenge your limits and transform your personal and professional growth?

In this episode of Back to Life, I sit down with Dr. Carrie Rose, CEO of Ofcourse, to dive into powerful strategies that can elevate your life and business.

Dr. Rose reveals methods, grounded in over 500 research studies, that meet learners where they are, spark their passions, and stretch their thinking to new levels.

We’ll discuss how you can create actionable steps to apply these insights and drive real, measurable change.

Join us to learn how these proven techniques have already empowered organizations like Neal’s Yard Remedies, The National Mainstreet Organization, and JetBlue—and discover how they can unlock your potential too.

Do you have a playbook? Do you have a resource that guides your thoughts, emotions, and, ultimately, your actions…and how do you show up in the world?

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with my friend, actress Stephanie Szostak. She shares insights from her life and her book Self!sh and introduces the app she has built to help you create focus, fulfillment, and resilience for a more fulfilling life.

The favorite thing she said to me, and there are many, was, “Don’t wait for tragedy to take care of yourself.” 

She talks about:

• The anxiety and self-doubt she felt when she worked on big movie sets with big-name actors
• Why you should have your “playbook”
• Embracing the unknown
• The importance of practicing your self-talk
• Why she wrote Self!sh
• How reflection helps you to not “miss out” on what you want.

Be sure to listen to this and share it with a family member or friend.

Also, download the free beta version of her app here: http://www.selfishplaybook.com/

🔥 Ready to unlock your leadership potential? 🔥

Season 4 of the Back to Life podcast kicks off with an inspiring episode featuring my dear friend and fabulous leader and human being, Louise Bang, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer for Marriott International in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Join us as we dive deep into topics of leadership, resilience, growth, and practical tools for navigating these essential areas.

Louise shares her unique insights and experiences that will inspire and empower you and your team on your own journey.

Tune in now and start your week with a dose of wisdom and inspiration! 🎧✨

Brant Menswar is the CEO and founder of Black Sheep Foundry LLC, a boutique leadership development agency that teaches people and organizations how to cultivate values-based leadership through his acclaimed book Black Sheep: Unleash the Extraordinary, Awe-Inspiring, Undiscovered You.

He has been called "America's Personal Development Coach" having appeared on ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX and has worked with companies like Netflix, Verizon, Hilton, Microsoft, ESPN, Sony Pictures Entertainment and dozens more to become values-driven organizations.

Brant is a best-selling author, named one of the country's top speakers and has helped more than 10,000 people discover their non-negotiable values. His keynotes transcend mere speaking and information-sharing to a powerful, moving conversation designed to re-engage even the most apathetic of employees.

His books and podcast expand on his ground-breaking work around values-based leadership described as “disarmingly simple and incredibly powerful.” His engaging techniques of focusing on the values that unite and connect us, rather than the differences that divide us has enabled him to bridge the gap across corporate boardrooms, political aisles and family dinner tables.

Brant is certified in the Psychology of Leadership from Cornell University and is on a mission to help organizations create a high-performing connected culture.

For this episode of the Back to Life podcast, Danny talks with Aaron Salko.

Aaron is the founder and Creator of The 9th Stratum and is a Sales Management Professional with the innovative solutions-based company Stephen Gould.

Salko has a demonstrated history of talent development, innovation, creativity, and organizational growth. For more than two decades, he has focused on human performance in both career and life in a highly competitive, entrepreneurial-based, global sales environment, with an intense concentration on exploring how the science and mechanisms of human behavior, psychology, social interaction, and human physiology apply to performance.

During their conversation, both discuss Aaron's desire to help individuals attain their highest levels of performance in order to achieve success in their career and find purpose and fulfillment in life. His new book is The 9th Stratum: Your Guide to High Performance.

Ever wondered how top athletes and brands break through mental barriers to achieve extraordinary results? Join us in the latest episode of the Back to Life podcast as we dive into the world of mental toughness with the incredible Dr. Haley Perlus! In this episode, we explore Haley's journey working with world-renowned athletes, brands, and fitness experts. Discover the personalized approach she takes to shatter mental blocks and tailor success strategies to each individual or corporation's unique goals and expectations. From her personal experiences as an athlete, coach, fitness professional, and entrepreneur, Haley brings a holistic perspective to mental toughness. Get ready for an inspiring conversation filled with practical insights and tools to elevate your mental game, regardless of the challenges you face.

Ever wondered about the secrets behind manifesting your dreams and embracing personal development?

On the newest episode of the Back to Life podcast, Danny talks with New York Times Best-selling author, Hale Dwoskin.

With over three decades of expertise, Hale is a pioneer in personal development, renowned for his work with the Sedona Method.

Curious about the power of "letting go" and the Law of Attraction?

Tune in now for insights, inspiration, and a transformative journey towards self-discovery.

Listen below or wherever you get your podcasts.

For this episode of the Back to Life podcast, Danny talks with Prelude Solutions’ CEO and Founder Cate Heaman.

Cate founded Prelude in July, 2005 as a telecommunication auditing company. In the early years, the auditing grew to project management and managing RFP’s for telecom services and systems. In 2008, the entity expanded services to telecom system hardware and software and quickly become the fastest growing regional Platinum Avaya Partner and Shoretel Silver Partner.

As CEO and Founder, Cate Heaman grew this company to over 45 people and $12 million in revenue. In the latter part of 2016, Cate sold off the hardware/software and started Prelude Solutions as a telecommunications consulting company that today provides over 400+ services and solutions as a woman-owned business.

For the past three years Prelude has been named one of Philadelphia’s fastest growing companies and expanded services globally. During their conversation, Cate provides insight and tools for leaders to build a positive team culture focused on overall wellness of its people.

For this episode of the Back to Life podcast, Danny sat down to talk with Michael Baclawski, a dedicated wellness and fitness educator with an extensive career spanning two decades. He currently serves as an educator at Catasauqua High School, where he has passionately guided students toward healthier lifestyles and personal growth throughout his career.

Beyond his role as an educator, Michael has actively contributed to the local youth sports community as a soccer coach within the district and now lends his expertise to the Bethlehem Soccer Club by coaching two travel teams. He also serves on the soccer club's board where he plays an integral role in shaping the future of young athletes. In addition to his professional pursuits, Michael is a dedicated and loving father to three daughters and a devoted husband to his wife.

Michael's knowledge and insights extend beyond the classroom and soccer pitch. He is a seasoned presenter, having shared his wisdom and experiences at various conferences and seminars, where his strategies for personal development, wellness, and leadership have inspired and empowered countless individuals.

During the conversation, Michael also opens up about the strategies and mindset that have made him an effective educator and coach and delves into the challenges he's faced personally and professionally, providing invaluable tools that anyone, from educators to leaders in any industry, can use to overcome obstacles and become the best version of themselves.

Join us as we explore Michael's journey, learn from his experiences, and gain practical strategies for leading and teaching with purpose, resilience, and unwavering dedication.

Tune in for a dose of inspiration and actionable advice that can elevate your leadership and teaching game, no matter where your path takes you.