Brilliantly Resilient

I made a vow to myself that I was going to be my best ‘Yes.” I believed in myself wholeheartedly.

~ Whitney Reynolds

How many times have you heard the word “No?” When we’re young, we hear ‘No” often from our caregivers as a way to keep us safe. But as we grow, we begin to hear “No” when we’re being stopped for different reasons. 

A project we believe in, something we have our hearts set on to do or obtain, a promotion at a job, so many things can lead us to a ``No,” despite how much we work towards or desire a certain outcome.

Whitney Reynolds has heard “No” a lot. But she realized that the only way to achieve her goals and dreams was to be her own best “Yes.” Whitney learned how to “connect the dots” in her life to determine her purpose and create true change in the world. As Whitney tells us, she still heard “No” more times than she could count, but by believing in herself and her mission, she found the energy and strength to keep moving and evolving, eventually creating The Whitney Reynolds Show to inspire others to overcome challenges.

“No” doesn’t have to be the end of the road for a dream or goal. Here at Brilliantly Resilient, the pandemic served up more “No’s” than we could count. Yet, the path to achievement and success is rarely a straight line. When we’re willing to change course and connect the dots, as Whitney says, we can move forward and find our own mission, Brilliance, and Resilience. Tune in to hear more of Whitney’s wisdom on this episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast.

Let’s be Brilliantly Resilient together!

XO,

KS & MFB

What people trust you on is essential. We trust that what Public Media puts out there will be beneficial, trustworthy and real. 

~ Kristin Smedley and Mary Fran Bontempo

How much do you trust what the world is saying to you? In a world of fake news (often driven by people promoting falsehoods), disrespect and fear as a driving force, it’s almost impossible to know whom to trust.

But the folks behind public media–think Sesame Street, Mr. Rogers, RoadTrip Nation and more–know the value of trust, and deliver it consistently through their programming and educational offerings.

This week’s show offers a recap of some upcoming episodes with a few of the Brilliant people working in public media. Honored to speak at the NETA (National Educational Telecommunications Association) Conference, we met amazing individuals in public media who shared their own professional and personal journeys, and their Resilience and Brilliance when navigating and growing through challenges. 

Their commitment to values, service and steady evolution and improvement underscores points to the reason we trust public media. Stay tuned for these upcoming, Brilliant episodes!

Let’s be Brilliantly Resilient together!

XO,

KS & MFB

Let go of what should be to make room for what could be.

~ Kristin Smedley and Mary Fran Bontempo

Where would we be without our goals and plans? For many of us, it’s essential to have plans, even to begin a day. Without them, we can feel adrift, unsure of where we’re headed or what we’re doing.

But how many times do your plans actually work out? Sometimes, when we tie ourselves to what we want and expect, especially if we’ve worked hard to get it, we’re crushed when things don’t work out. Occasionally, we get so stuck on our idea of what “should” be, given all of our planning and work, that we keep after a goal or plan that’s not coming to fruition–even if it means running into an imaginary brick wall again and again.

Here at Brilliantly Resilient, we know what it feels like to refuse to let go of what we think “should” be. In Kristin’s mind, her children should not have been blind, and she was unable to see a future in which they lives successful, happy lives.In Mary Fran’s case, her son should not have been an addict, and she refused to accept a reality that was directly in front of her until it was almost too late.

Once we both learned to release what we thought our lives “should” look like, we were able to see the possibilities of what could be. Kristin was able to equip her sons with the tools to build bright futures, and Mary Fran was able to see her son’s illness and get him treatment.

Life evolves. And although plans and goals serve a purpose, it’s essential to recognize that there are opportunities for growth and joy, even if we don’t get what we think we “should.”

Tune into this week’s episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast to learn more as we launch a new season of amazing guests! Let’s be Brilliantly Resilient together!

XO,

Kristin & Mary Fran

Every day, just be enough.

~ Diane Berberian

It is with a mixture of both sadness and joy that we bring you this week’s episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast. Our dear friend, Diane Berberian, passed away peacefully last week after a long battle with cancer.

To say that Diane was a bright light is an understatement, but she never saw herself that way. In her mind, she was always “just Diane,” although she inspired so many with her grit and grace. A true Northeast Philly girl (we’re a tough lot!) Diane fought, but never looked like she was fighting, her wide, bright smile always at the ready.

When we spoke to Diane two years ago, she dropped too many Brilliance Bits to count, but her advice to “Every day, just be enough.” was brilliantly simple and striking. Do your best, help others, and just be enough. 

Tune into this episode to hear more of Diane’s simple, beautiful brilliance. Here are a few more quotes to listen for:

Sit still and think. People don’t take the time to sit still.

Find those people you belong to. There may be different people at different times. 

Beginners need to know that you get more than one chance if you fail. 

If I don’t ask, the answer will always be “No.” 

~ Diane Berberian

We love you, Diane. Thank you for sharing your light with us all.

Let’s be Brilliantly Resilient together.

XO,

KS & MFB

The messages about who I was supposed to be got in the way of what I needed to say. ~ Selena Rezvani

Did you grow up thinking you were "supposed" to be something, act a certain way, live your life according to a vision that wasn't necessarily your own? Many of us did. But it's never too late to own who you are and stand up for who you want to be.

As we near the end of summer, we want to empower you to "pushback" against an idea of you that doesn't match who you really are. And our friend, Selena Rezvani is just the one to help.

Selena Rezvani knows what it takes to be leader--and sometimes it takes standing up and saying exactly what it is you want. As Selena tells it, women need to step up and ASK for what they want, bring their best self to the table and advocate--for themselves. A women's leadership expert, speaker and author of Pushback: How Smart Women Ask--and Stand Up For--What they Want, Selena knows the power of bringing your authentic self to the table, and owning it!

Tune in as we reshare this Brilliant interview and let's begin fall as who we really are. Learn more about Selena at https://www.selenarezvani.com/.

Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together!

XO,

KS & MFB

During our summer of focus on mental health and imperfect action, we wanted to share again our interview with Jessica Cox, the first armless pilot in aviation history. As Jessica shares her Resilient mindset, (Jessica gives new meaning to the word "Resilient!") note how she continues to remind us to respect ourselves as well as others. Tune in for more from the Brilliant Jessica Cox!

If we carry ourselves with confidence and love, it allows others to respond to us in the same way. ~ Jessica Cox

Okay, Brilliantly Resilient listeners, today there will be no complaining--about anything! Today's guest, Jessica Cox, was born without arms--and she's a pilot!!! As in, she flies planes! Jessica has had to overcome incredible odds to live on her own terms, creating a successful, hopeful and inspirational life to share with others. We are so grateful for her spirit, leadership and attitude. Jessica proves that all things are possible through hard work, committment and love. Tune in to hear our Brilliantly Resilient friend, and visit her at https://www.jessicacox.com/.

Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together!

XO,

KS & MFB

The gift of suffering is that we are here to help other people who are suffering now.

~ Dr. Lise Deguire

How would you cope knowing your mother ran from you to save her own life instead of saving you?

Our childhood experiences can traumatize us terribly, keeping us stuck in unhealthy behaviors and patterns throughout our lives. But it doesn't have to be that way.

As a child of four, Lise Deguire was horribly burned in a fire and left by her mother as her mother ran to save herself. Today, Lise shares her Brilliance as a compassionate psychologist who is the epitome of Resilience.

Lise's book, Flashback Girl: Lessons on Resilience from a Burn Survivor, detaills her experiences and how she overcame her trauma to become a kind, forgiving adult who teaches others to live healthy lives.

As we continue our focus on mental health this summer, we couldn't end the season without again bringing you our friend, Lise. Few people have inspired us more. 

Be sure to check out Flashback Girl and tune into this week's episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast.

Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together!

XO

KS & MFB

I still make mistakes that I learn from, and if you don’t admit that, you’re lying. ~ Jennifer Lynn Robinson

This summer has been all about mental health and action here at Brilliantly Resilient. This week, we're going to celebrate one of the most courageous, smartest, chicest women we know--our friend Jennifer Lynn Robinson, a.k.a. Mrs. Classic Universe 2022-2023!!! Wooooooo!!!!

Jennifer Lynn Robinson had an amazing career, bright future--life looked limitless. Until a devastating accident took it all away. But Jennifer fought her way back with fierce determination, unafraid to make mistakes to grow and learn. An example to us all in Resilience, Jennifer has led FemCity Philadelphia, is the founder of Purposeful Networking, is now teaching at Penn, and has just won the Mrs. Classic Universe crown!!! Brilliance found and shared after tragedy.

We're proud to call Jennifer friend and are beyond excited about her glitzy, glam crown--shouldn't every woman be photographed in a tiara? Tune in as we bring back one of our favorite episodes, and congratulations, Jennifer; we're so proud of you!

Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together!!

XO,

KS & MFB

Since this summer is all about mental health and taking imperfect action, we wanted to again share one of our favorite guests--Rob Kenney of "Dad, How Do I Fame." Rob's prescription for healthy living (below) says it all!

S.E.L.F. Serve others, Eat and exercise, Learn something, Forgive somebody. ~ Rob Kenney, a.k.a. Dad, How Do I?

Rob Kenney is America's Dad. A kind, fun-loving guy, Rob has sky rocketed to rockstar status - all because he gives some good Dad-ly advice and tells a few goofy Dad jokes.

Yet, Rob is really about reaching out to those who are missing their dads--and the support and love dads can provide. With a genuine, simple approach, Rob not only teaches viewers how to do "Dad" stuff, he dispenses wisdom about how to live a good life.

Tune in to hear Rob's story about creating the "Dad How Do I?" videos and how Rob's values infuse his work. Get Rob's book on Amazon here: Dad, How Do I? Join the Brilliantly Resilient Facebook Community for daily motivation to move forward through life's sucker punches! www.Facebook.com/groups/brilliantlyresilient!

Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together!

XO,

KS & MFB

Summertime, and the livin' is easy! We're taking a few weeks off, here at Brilliantly Resilient, so we've decided to bring back some of our favorite episodes, focusing on mental health and action. This week, our buddy Keith Baldwin talks about moving out of his own pity party and taking on messy, imperfect action. Brilliant! Enjoy, and thank you, Keith!

Limit your Pity Party. I threw a hell of a Pity Party, but those emotions don’t help you with solutions or move you forward.

~ Keith Baldwin

Have you ever thrown yourself a Pity Party? Here at Brilliantly Resilient, we were experts at it. When life hits you with a sucker punch, it seems like you’re entitled to feel sorry for yourself. And you are–to a point. But you can’t live in that place of pain. Acknowledge it, feel it, and then get the heck out of there!

This week’s guest, Keith Baldwin decided to make 2020 a year of firsts and wrote a book (A Leap Year of Firsts) about his experiences. But what started out as fun and games quickly turned serious when the pandemic produced some unwanted firsts–as when Keith had to lay off his entire workforce. 

After realizing that feeling sorry for himself wasn’t helping him or his staff, Keith got to work, finding a unique solution to his problem and hiring all 45 workers back within hours of laying them off.

Remember, sometimes life just sucks. The question is, are you just visiting that place of yuck or are you going to live there? Tune in to this week’s episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast to hear more about Keith Baldwin and his Leap Year of Firsts!

XO,

KS & MFB