ABOUT THIS EPISODE: A vulnerable solo reflection on 5 years of podcasting evolution, pandemic-driven personal growth, and the ongoing journey of becoming. Recorded as both gratitude to guests and potential closure to the series. SPECIAL THANKS: Shout-out to Dredd De Jesus for masterful editing throughout this season! ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn: @connectorqueen

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What happens when cystic acne forces you to confront your deepest insecurities? Zan Carver went from being bullied as an overweight kid to becoming a financial advisor and competitive bodybuilder. His journey through severe acne, public ridicule, and hormonal struggles revealed the mindset that now makes him unstoppable. What You’ll Learn: How childhood bullying shaped a relentless drive for transformation Why “balance or being your best” – you can’t have both (controversial take) The testosterone replacement therapy mistake that led to severe cystic acne How public ridicule on social media built unshakeable confidence Why “I’m tired” is a cop-out answer that reveals misalignment Key Moments: 4:07 – From Hawaii back to New Jersey: How losing sports led to weight gain 18:41 – “You either pick balance or being your best, but you can’t have both” 23:33 – The testosterone mistake that destroyed his skin for 4 months 26:59 – Getting roasted on YouTube while being vulnerable about acne 27:32 – “I could take any criticism now – I don’t care what anybody says” 32:08 – Swimming upstream: Why he does the opposite of popular culture 42:51 – “We’re all tired – how else are you doing? Are you happy?” Zan’s Transformation: Overweight kid → D3 college football player → Wall Street bodybuilder Family legacy: Dad (Duke grad/attorney), sister (overcame addiction) Career focus: Financial advisor specializing in fitness industry Content creator: Provocative takes on work-life balance and authenticity Bodybuilding competitor: Used stage to overcome childhood insecurities Perfect If You’re: Struggling with body image or past bullying trauma Questioning work-life balance vs. peak performance Dealing with skin issues or appearance-related confidence Ready to swim upstream against cultural norms Looking for authentic masculinity content without toxic messaging Zan’s Philosophy: “I never want to let down the people who sacrificed for me” “Going through tough times was the best thing that ever happened to me” “I want people to feel better about themselves, not think about me” “Are you aligned, are you happy, are you clear about who you are?” ABOUT ZAN CARVER: Financial advisor specializing in fitness industry | Competitive bodybuilder | Content creator challenging cultural norms | Wall Street professional who refuses to dim his personality CONNECT WITH ZAN: Website: zancarver.com TikTok: @zancarver Instagram: @zancarver LinkedIn: Zan Carver IV   / zan-carver-iv   YouTube: @zan_carver ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Preview: Never letting down family sacrifice 01:05 Bergen County connections and high-achieving family 03:50 Sports as identity: From Hawaii back to New Jersey football 07:08 D1 vs D3 choice: Balancing athletics with personal growth 10:04 Sibling dynamics: Sister’s recovery inspiring his drive 13:57 Family expectations without pressure 15:43 Future vision: Real estate investments with sister 17:48 Controversial take: Balance OR being your best 22:05 Provocative content strategy and authentic messaging 23:05 The testosterone mistake that changed everything 27:28 Becoming fearlessly unbothered after public ridicule 30:55 Swimming upstream: Rest days still at the gym 36:47 Bodybuilding triumph over childhood trauma 41:41 Final thoughts: Moving beyond “I’m tired” RELATED EPISODES: Ep. 73: Devon McCarroll – 2 Years Sober & The Courage to Question Everything Ep. 72: Katrina Fuhrman – My Year of NO + 5 Books That Changed Everything Ep. 76: Tiffany Carter – From Corporate Burnout to 7-Figure Freedom #BodyTransformation #CysticAcne #WorkLifeBalance #Bodybuilding #FinancialAdvisor #MentalHealth #BullyingRecovery #AuthenticMasculinity #WallStreet #FitnessMotivation #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for authentic stories of transformation that prove your biggest struggles become your greatest strengths!

What happens when you follow open doors instead of forcing closed ones? Julian Curi ( ‪@Righteous_Robot‬ ) went from struggling LA actor to viral filmmaker creating intricate paper-cut animations. His 3-year solo project “Gruff” taught him why sharing process beats perfected products every time. What You’ll Learn: Why chasing trends kills authenticity (and what to do instead) How sharing behind-the-scenes process builds stronger following than finished work The difference between mimicry and influence in creative development Why following “open doors” leads to bigger opportunities than forcing locked ones How growing up in strict Catholic environment accidentally fueled artistic vision Key Moments: 8:17 – LA reality check: “The quality mainly sucks” – culture shock from college theater 13:54 – “More value put on chasing trends than finding your truth” 16:29 – “Don’t try to be the best, simply do your best – someday you might become the best” 19:24 – From copying Across the Universe art to finding unique voice 29:03 – Accidental discovery: “People are attracted to process, not product” 37:01 – 3-year grind mentality: “Complete today’s tasks, not the whole project” Julian’s Journey: Strict Catholic upbringing where arts weren’t considered viable profession College theater success → LA acting struggles → Behind-camera discovery Fine art commissions paid better than acting roles (following open doors) 3-year solo animation project funded by crowdfunding community Viral success from sharing process, not just polished final products Perfect If You’re: Creative struggling between commercial vs. authentic artistic expression Feeling stuck chasing trends instead of developing unique voice Wondering whether to share work-in-process or wait for perfection Navigating career pivots in creative industries Balancing hobby passion with full-time work demands Julian’s Creative Philosophy: “Follow the open doors, don’t force the locked ones” “People invest in journeys, not products” “Your combination of influences is what makes you unique” “Being vulnerable about struggle attracts more following than perfected work” ABOUT JULIAN CURI ( ‪@Righteous_Robot‬ ): Filmmaker and visual artist known for intricate paper-cut animation | Creator of viral short film “Gruff” | Former LA actor turned behind-camera storyteller | Advocates for authentic artistic voice over trend-chasing CONNECT WITH JULIAN: YouTube: @Righteous_Robot Instagram: @righteousrobot LinkedIn: Julian Curi   / julian-curi-8766766a   ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Preview: Chasing trends vs. finding truth 00:56 College connection and creative evolution 04:44 Strict Catholic upbringing shaped escapist art 06:13 College theater to LA acting reality check 09:35 Quality control in oversaturated creative market 12:48 Rick Rubin’s influence: Art for self vs. commercial 17:20 From mimicry to authentic influence development 21:11 Combining multiple influences creates uniqueness 24:26 Creativity in corporate environments 28:59 Sharing process vs. polished products strategy 33:45 Science behind satisfying skill demonstration 36:40 3-year project: Daily tasks vs. mountain mentality 39:31 Following open doors in creative career 44:52 Permission to pace when passion becomes profession 48:01 Final wisdom: Truth over trends, process over product RELATED EPISODES: Ep. 70: Zan Carver – From Overweight Kid to Wall Street Bodybuilder Ep. 72: Katrina Fuhrman – My Year of NO + 5 Books That Changed Everything Ep. 74: Jenna Pershin – Finding Your Sunshine in the Darkness #FilmMaking #PaperCutAnimation #CreativeProcess #LAActing #IndependentFilm #ArtisticAuthenticity #CreativeEntrepreneur #FilmProduction #VisualArt #StoryTelling #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for authentic creative journeys that prove following your truth beats chasing trends every time!

What happens when 150% effort at work leads to clinical burnout symptoms? Yana Spivak went from medical school dropout to healthcare administrator, carrying guilt that drove her to dangerous overwork. Her breakdown at 50+ reveals why choosing careers to avoid trauma – not follow passion – creates the perfect burnout storm. What You’ll Learn: Why burnout is now hitting people in their 20s and 30s (epidemic proportions) How trauma-based career choices set you up for compassion fatigue The difference between boundaries (self-protection) vs rules (controlling others) Why “I’m so busy” is socially acceptable but “I took a bubble bath” isn’t Clinical symptoms that force your body to stop when you won’t Key Moments: 0:24 – “If you don’t take time for wellness, your illness will make sure you do” 10:32 – Boundary revelation: “Your day has ended – stop checking emails” 22:52 – Wrong profession trap: Prominent doctors burning out despite success 30:44 – Society’s judgment: “I spent an hour on the couch” vs “I’m so busy” 41:22 – Physical breakdown: Falling asleep at red lights, throwing up before work 52:26 – Wall Street lawyer’s 1000-page brief over holiday weekends Yana’s Journey: Medical school dropout → Healthcare administrator carrying parental guilt 150% effort philosophy leading to dangerous overwork patterns Clinical burnout symptoms forcing body shutdown in mid-50s Nonprofit founder: “A Bridge 2 Thrive” supporting burnout recovery Accidental athlete at 50 discovering fitness during recovery Perfect If You’re: Working 60+ hours weekly and calling it “dedication” Choosing careers to please others or avoid trauma Experiencing chronic fatigue, disengagement, or relationship strain Unable to establish work-life boundaries Mid-career and questioning if this is sustainable Yana’s Hard-Won Wisdom: “Only you know what you need – don’t be afraid to put yourself first” “We normalize recharging devices but not ourselves” “People who enter wrong professions burn out despite external success” “Burnout divides people into two categories: burned out or on the way” ABOUT YANA SPIVAK: Healthcare administrator turned burnout advocate | Founder of “A Bridge 2 Thrive” nonprofit | Survived clinical burnout in mid-50s | Helps professionals recognize early warning signs CONNECT WITH YANA: LinkedIn: Yana Spivak   / yana-spivak-222ba5222   Nonprofit: A Bridge 2 Thrive https://abridge2thrive.org/ ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Preview: If you don’t take time for wellness… 00:56 Burnout epidemic affecting younger generations 04:10 Women’s monthly cycles vs. men’s 24-hour energy reset 10:09 Establishing boundaries: Where your workday ends 14:44 Overextending and people-pleasing patterns 19:16 110% effort at work: Ambition or destruction? 25:00 Trauma-driven career choices and wrong professions 30:40 Social judgment: “I spent an hour on the couch” 35:29 Society’s structure blaming individuals 39:21 Clinical symptoms requiring tangible help 43:40 Resources and nonprofit work for burnout recovery 47:24 Constructive feedback and self-awareness 52:24 Wall Street lawyer’s impossible weekend briefs 54:41 Final wisdom: Put yourself first RELATED EPISODES: Ep. 76: Tiffany Carter – From Corporate Burnout to 7-Figure Freedom Ep. 73: Devon McCarroll – 2 Years Sober & The Courage to Question Everything Ep. 72: Katrina Fuhrman – My Year of NO + 5 Books That Changed Everything #Burnout #HealthcareWorkers #WorkLifeBalance #MentalHealth #ClinicalBurnout #WomensHealth #CareerTrauma #OverworkCulture #SelfCare #BoundariesAtWork #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for authentic stories that prove putting yourself first isn’t selfish – it’s survival!

What happens when you realize helping people doesn’t require medical school? Rashmi Ketha pivoted from premed to data science to product management, discovering that generalists often find success later but build more resilient careers. From managing 95+ mentees to working on Chase’s mobile app, here’s why embracing dynamic timelines beats rushing to specialize. What You’ll Learn: Why generalists succeed later but build more sustainable careers than specialists How to separate emotional reactions from your identity during setbacks The mindset shift that transforms panic into “things happen when they’re meant to” Why mentoring 95+ people creates abundance mindset vs. scarcity thinking 5 counterintuitive mental health tips that actually work Key Moments: 3:31 – Mindset shift: “If it’s not meant to happen today, it’ll happen some other time” 9:51 – Career pivot: “I know I want to help people, but is med school the only way?” 17:07 – Identity vs. experience: “This is what I’m experiencing, but this is not who I am” 22:03 – Future self reflection: “5-year-old me would be very proud of current me” 28:03 – Abundance mindset: Why helping others doesn’t diminish your own opportunities Rashmi’s Journey: Premed major → Data science degrees → Product manager at Chase mobile app Verizon rotational program gave exposure to different business applications Personal startup experience bridged technical skills with customer problems 95+ mentees spanning high school to college students Three life pillars: Gratitude, curiosity, and resilience Perfect If You’re: Feeling behind peers who seem to have clear career paths Struggling with the pressure to specialize vs. explore different interests Managing career pivots and questioning if you’re on the “right” path Learning how to process emotions without reactive responses Interested in product management career transitions Rashmi’s Philosophy: “Range” by David Epstein: Generalists vs. specialists mindset shift “The world is abundant – we don’t need to fight over crumbs” “Take time to process emotions before reacting to conflicts” “Gratitude, curiosity, and resilience as life’s three pillars” BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS: “Range” by David Epstein – Why generalists triumph in a specialized world “The Slight Edge” – Small daily decisions compound into major life changes ABOUT RASHMI KETHA: Product Manager at JP Morgan Chase mobile app | Former Verizon data scientist | Startup founder | Mentors 95+ students | Advocates for generalist career paths and abundance mindset CONNECT WITH RASHMI: LinkedIn: Rashmi Ketha   / rashmiketha   ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Preview: Things happen when they’re meant to anyway 00:56 Career update: Verizon to Chase mobile app product manager 03:01 Letting go of panic as first reaction 04:19 College struggle: Navigating beliefs and career uncertainty 07:45 Accepting that success has dynamic timelines 09:32 Iterative career path: Premed to data science to product 13:00 Mental fortitude during valleys and setbacks 16:23 Separating external stimulation from identity 18:36 Envisioning future self: How far out to plan? 24:12 Five counterintuitive mental health tips 28:51 Abundance mindset: Why the world has enough for everyone 30:37 Final thoughts on creative outlets and transformation RELATED EPISODES: Ep. 70: Zan Carver – From Overweight Kid to Wall Street Bodybuilder Ep. 69: Julian Curi – From Failed Actor to Viral Paper-Cut Filmmaker Original: Rashmi Ketha – Winning Wednesday 2020 (First appearance:    • Press the Start Button | STEAM, Data Scien…  ) #ProductManagement #CareerPivot #DataScience #GeneralistVsSpecialist #MentalHealth #ChaseApp #JPMorgan #Mentoring #CollegeToCorporate #STEMCareers #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for career pivot stories that prove there’s no single path to success!

What happens when life keeps taking the people you love most? At 16, Jill lost her brother in a car accident. At 30, her mother to cancer. Later, both sons battled addiction. Instead of breaking, she transformed her pain into purpose, becoming a therapist at 47. Here’s her raw story of resilience and the mindfulness techniques that saved her sanity. TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses death, addiction, miscarriage, and anxiety. What You’ll Learn: How to transform fear into faith during life’s darkest moments Why supporting addicted children requires unconditional love (not enabling) Practical anxiety management techniques from a therapist who lives them How going back to school at 47 changed everything about her identity Marriage wisdom that kept 35 years strong through multiple crises Key Moments: 8:17 – Timeline of devastating losses: Brother, mother, father all gone 20:52 – “I had to learn how to put fear into faith” 23:46 – Breathing technique: Hands on chest, three deep breaths to de-escalate 32:53 – “Marriage is hard work – anyone who says it’s not is lying” Jill’s Resilience Journey: Brother killed at 23 in car accident when she was just 16 Mother died of cancer after only 3.5 years with first grandchild Both sons struggled with addiction – she chose love over tough love Earned Master’s in Social Work at 47 with 4.0 GPA despite family chaos Built successful therapy practice helping others with similar struggles About to become grandmother – new chapter of purpose and joy Perfect If You’re: Dealing with anxiety after experiencing major losses Supporting adult children through addiction or mental health struggles Considering career changes later in life (40s, 50s+) Learning to manage fear without letting it control your decisions Struggling with perfectionism vs. self-acceptance Jill’s Mindfulness Arsenal: “I cannot take on this fear” – daily car conversations with higher power Hands on chest breathing: Three deep breaths to de-escalate panic “Be where your feet are” – presence over worry about future Acceptance: “This is who I am, perfectly imperfect” Faith over fear: “Let the cards fall where they may” ABOUT JILL JONAS: Licensed Social Worker & Psychotherapist | Late-bloomer who found her calling at 47 | Specializes in anxiety, addiction, and life transitions | 35-year marriage survivor | Soon-to-be grandmother CONNECT WITH JILL: LinkedIn:   / jill-jonas-lsw-certified-life-coach-960b7378   ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Raw conversations about the moments that break us open and reshape who we become. Hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Instagram:   / connectorqueen   LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Preview: “I was 16 when my brother was killed” 01:04 Introduction: 10-year friendship through Six Degrees of Separation 02:52 “Be Where Your Feet Are” – mindfulness that changed everything 07:14 Timeline begins: 1980 through present day 08:17 Age 16: Brother killed in car accident – everything changed 10:40 1993: Mother dies of cancer on same date as brother (April 19th) 12:38 2008: Both sons caught in addiction – unconditional love tested 14:00 Master’s degree at 47: Overcoming “I’m not smart enough” beliefs 20:52 Fear to faith: “I cannot take on this fear” – car conversations 23:22 Practical anxiety tools: Breathing, walking, laundry distractions 31:50 35-year marriage truth: “It’s hard work, not perfect” 41:12 Pre-grandma time capsule: Excitement over apprehension #MentalHealth #TherapistLife #AddictionRecovery #AnxietyManagement #Mindfulness #CareerChange #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for new episodes that prove your biggest breakthrough comes from embracing all parts of who you are!

What happens when you realize the values you’ve lived by your whole life aren’t actually yours? Anna Hanzelka went from black-and-white thinking rooted in childhood beliefs to becoming a “values detective” – questioning everything from family traditions to cultural programming. Here’s her raw conversation about deconstructing limiting beliefs and designing a life that actually aligns with who you are. What You’ll Learn: How to deconstruct limiting beliefs without losing what actually serves you The meditation that reveals: “What in me is dying? Being born? Always been the same?” Why “should,” “have to,” and “supposed to” are red flag words to watch for How to give yourself the “gift of time” for authentic self-reflection Why treating yourself with curiosity instead of shame changes everything Key Moments: 3:25 – “You have to do deconstruction work to really become yourself” 6:00 – Moving from black-and-white thinking to living in the gray 14:12 – Meditation practice: What’s dying, being born, always been the same? 17:06 – “Carefree timelessness” – why undistracted time creates clarity 40:31 – Red flag words: “I have to, I’m supposed to, I should” 45:51 – “If I had to pick one value for my life, it would be love” Anna’s Transformation Journey: Raised with rigid black-and-white thinking from church and cultural programming Study abroad in Austria exposed her to different cultural values beyond “beer, football, and Jesus” Learned to question family values – what’s actually hers vs. inherited beliefs Developed “values detective” mindset – taking limiting beliefs “to court” for evidence Created monthly values check-ins to stay aligned with authentic self Embraces perfectionism as superpower instead of something to fix Perfect If You’re: Feeling trapped by “shoulds” and expectations that don’t feel authentic Raised in religious/rigid environments and questioning inherited beliefs Struggling with perfectionism and self-criticism Want to learn practical self-reflection techniques that actually work Ready to design a life based on YOUR values, not others’ programming Anna’s Values Toolkit: “Am I meeting my constructed self with curiosity and kindness?” Take limiting beliefs “to court” – what’s the evidence this is true? Monthly values check-ins: What needs to die, be born, stay the same? Love as the ultimate filter: “Does this serve love?” “Carefree timelessness” for authentic reflection without distractions BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS: “The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control” – Reframing perfectionism as a superpower “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey – Keeping the end in mind ABOUT ANNA HANZELKA: Values detective | Former black-and-white thinker turned gray-area explorer | Advocates for conscious value selection over inherited programming | Believes in treating yourself with the same love you’d show a friend | Tea party enthusiast with her cat Patches CONNECT WITH ANNA: LinkedIn:   / annachanzelka   ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring how we evolve from inherited beliefs to conscious choice. Originally “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19, now evolved into stories of authentic transformation. Hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Instagram:   / connectorqueen   LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Preview: “Beer, football, and Jesus” vs. family and nature values 01:05 Introduction: College friends reunited for values deep-dive 02:27 Consciously choosing values vs. inheriting them unconsciously 05:57 Deconstructing limiting beliefs: It’s not just about religion 07:53 Study abroad revelation: Other cultures, other options exist 11:37 Self-reflection with curiosity and kindness, not shame 14:11 Meditation practice: What’s dying, being born, always the same? 16:22 Giving yourself the gift of undistracted time 19:17 Thriving on change: Creating chaos for growth 23:41 Self-development vs. believing you’re broken and need fixing 26:45 Aligning and designing your life around authentic values 30:20 Deciding what “counts”: Natural abilities vs. struggle validation 36:27 “Enjoy the process” – laptop sticky note wisdom 40:00 Red flag words: Should, have-to, supposed-to awareness 45:10 Love as the ultimate value filter for life decisions 50:45 Thanks for watching & listening! RELATED EPISODES: Winning Wednesday: Irene DeRouen – Living a Life Full of Meaning Future episodes on values, authenticity, and conscious living #ValuesWork #Deconstruction #LimitingBeliefs #Authenticity #SelfReflection #PersonalGrowth #Mindfulness #ConsciousLiving #ReligiousDeconstruction #PersonalValues #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for new episodes that prove your biggest breakthrough comes from embracing all parts of who you are!

What happens when being “real” costs you convenience but saves your soul? Steven Edelson went from carefree college days to managing three kids under 5, but his philosophy stayed the same: authenticity over conformity, relationships over rules. Here’s his raw conversation about parenting imperfect children as an imperfect parent, and why genuine connection trumps everything else. What You’ll Learn: Why being authentic is harder but more fulfilling than being fake How to parent three different personalities without losing yourself The “mortar matters more than bricks” philosophy for relationships Why you should choose family over career advancement every time How to practice compassion (literally “suffering with”) instead of just sympathy Key Moments: 7:08 – “I’d rather be Stephen and face consequences than be fake for convenience” 14:21 – “Education is a matter of the heart, not just the mind” 15:53 – “The mortar matters” – relationships hold the rules together 31:22 – “It’s easier to skip disciplining, but that’s our responsibility” 44:22 – “There’s freedom in surrendering your freedom for others” 50:26 – “There’s no career worth being a bad parent or spouse” Steven’s Evolution: College philosophy student who studied abroad in Italy and prioritized deep friendships Admissions director turned teacher who chose authenticity over sales tactics Married to Anya (nurse) after reconnecting post-college Father of three under 5: Peter (4), Amelia (2.5), Kiara (13 months) Educator for 10 years believing relationships matter more than rules Lives by principle: Truth and charity must coexist, never choose between them Perfect If You’re: Struggling with authenticity vs. fitting in at work or social situations New parents feeling overwhelmed by multiple young children Teachers/educators wanting to build genuine connections with students Anyone choosing between career advancement and family priorities Learning to accept imperfection in yourself and others Steven’s Life Philosophy: “Never being fake – you’re killing yourself when you suppress who you are” “Compassion means to suffer WITH someone, not just feel sorry for them” “The mortar (relationships) matters more than the bricks (rules)” “No career is worth being a bad parent, spouse, or worse version of yourself” “Freedom comes from surrendering your freedom for people you love” WISDOM FROM THE TRENCHES: St. Don Bosco motto: “It’s not enough to love students – they must know you love them” Practical parenting: Each child needs different approaches at different developmental stages Marriage truth: Imperfect parents will wound their children unintentionally – compassion required Career vs. family: Deathbed regrets are always about relationships, not promotions Authenticity principle: Truth and charity can always coexist with wisdom and prudence ABOUT STEVEN EDELSON: High school teacher & administrator | Father of three under 5 | Philosophy major turned educator | Believes relationships trump rules | Practices radical authenticity in professional settings | Married to Anya (nurse) | Lives in Tappan, NY CONNECT WITH STEVEN: Message through comments and we’ll pass it along! ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring how life’s biggest challenges shape who we become. Originally “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19, now evolved into stories of authentic transformation. Hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Instagram:   / connectorqueen   LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Preview: “Never being fake – you’re destroying who you are” 02:52 Italian lesson & study abroad memories 05:25 Euphoria in friendship: Surprising each other abroad 09:12 Admissions director to full-time teacher transition 10:41 Being real to people in business vs. scripted responses 12:38 Patience in the process: No agenda with human beings 15:50 “The mortar matters” – relationships hold rules together 18:47 Pre-COVID to now: Added two more kids during pandemic 23:00 Three small kids with individual needs and challenges 26:28 Shift from traveling couple to family-building mode 27:47 Puddle of challenges you choose to accept with children 31:20 Easier to skip disciplining but responsibility to help guide 35:14 Self-compassion and self-awareness as imperfect parents 39:19 Kids as extension of you vs. detached parenting approach 44:17 Freedom in detachment: Caring about others’ success over your own 47:32 Final thoughts: Authenticity, truth with charity, family over career 54:37 Thanks for watching & listening! #Parenting #Authenticity #Education #TeacherLife #FamilyFirst #ThreeUnderFive #Relationships #ParentingPhilosophy #WorkLifeBalance #AuthenticLiving #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for new episodes that prove your biggest breakthrough comes from embracing all parts of who you are!

What happens when brutal honesty leads to unexpected friendship? Joe Arrigo admits he “really didn’t like” Katrina after their first podcast – then 6 months later they became close friends. Here’s his unfiltered take on creating bold content that sparks conversation without crossing the line, plus why turning 30 changes everything about knowing your worth. What You’ll Learn: How to stir the pot for meaningful conversation without getting canceled Why you should audit your life and cut people who don’t support your growth The “masculine writing style” that makes people take you seriously How to respond to trolls with composure (hint: neutral acknowledgment works) Why examining your inherited beliefs is crucial for authentic living Key Moments: 4:15 – “I really didn’t like you after the first podcast… now we’re besties” 10:46 – “We couch things from fear of being cancelled or questioned” 17:52 – Content strategy: “Stir the pot but leave ambiguity for discussion” 28:18 – “I didn’t know my worth until I was 34… turning 30 changes everything” 37:01 – “Audit your surroundings – get rid of people who don’t support you” 39:03 – “Take stock of your thoughts – where do they actually come from?” Joe’s Evolution: Age 20s: Sought comfortable, safe, easy life without major aspirations Turning 30: Everything questioned – body aching, life perspective shifted completely Current at 34: Finally knows his worth, focused on career challenges and growth Author: “Marble and Sculptor” – examining personality types and self-transformation Content creator: Recruiter who creates philosophical LinkedIn content about workplace dynamics Philosophy enthusiast: Believes in “masculine writing style” – no hedging, clear convictions Perfect If You’re: Creating content online but afraid of negative feedback or getting canceled Approaching or past 30 and questioning your life direction Struggling with inherited beliefs vs. authentic personal values Want to write with conviction but worried about offending people Learning to respond professionally to criticism and trolls Joe’s Content Philosophy: “All you have to do is say something semi-bold and leave it vague for discussion” “I confirm their comment but don’t agree – ‘That’s certainly one idea out there'” “Most people forget your post in a week – take a long-term perspective” “You need a healthy ego to put yourself out there and not fall apart” “Examine your thoughts – do you believe that or is it just a meme from parents/school?” LIFE-CHANGING BOOKS MENTIONED: “The Creative Act” by Rick Rubin – Completely rewrote his second book after reading this “Marble and Sculptor” by Joe Arrigo – His first book on personality types and self-transformation Carl Jung’s work – Original source material on deep thinking and isolation Nietzsche – “Masculine writing style” with clear convictions, no hedging ABOUT JOE ARRIGO: Recruiter turned philosopher | Author of “Marble and Sculptor” | LinkedIn content creator focused on workplace psychology | Believes in examining inherited beliefs | Advocates for “stirring the pot” through thoughtful conversation | Currently 34 and finally knows his worth CONNECT WITH JOE: Instagram:   / advisrenterprises   LinkedIn:   / joe-arrigo   Calendly: https://calendly.com/advisr/pick-my-b… YouTube:    / @ghostofjung   Business: https://www.advisrenterprises.com/ Blog: https://joe-recruiter.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B42PTVZL/ ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Raw conversations exploring how brutal honesty and authentic transformation shape who we become. Originally “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19, now evolved into deeper stories of personal evolution. Hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Intro: “I really didn’t like you after the first podcast” 01:52 From Winning Wednesday to Becoming You evolution 06:20 Personal evolution throughout life and inherited beliefs 10:43 Toeing the line: Fear of being canceled vs. authentic expression 12:00 “The Creative Act” by Rick Rubin completely changed his writing 17:52 Content strategy: How to stir the pot for meaningful conversation 25:22 Success using LinkedIn: Why successful people don’t know how to use it 34:20 “Everyone can’t be like you” – Gratitude for differences 37:00 Audit your life: Get rid of people who don’t support your growth 41:35 Reckless abandon with deep thinking: Philosophy vs. modern repackaging Joe’s 1st appearance:    • Myers-Briggs at Work | Using Personality T…   #ContentCreation #LinkedInStrategy #PersonalGrowth #Philosophy #CareerGrowth #AuthenticExpression #SelfReflection #Mindset #PersonalityTypes #ProfessionalDevelopment #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for new episodes that prove your biggest breakthrough comes from embracing all parts of who you are!