Compass Stories

Veronica Sterling shares her transformative journey of travel, self-discovery, and how her perspective has evolved through her adventures in Bryce Canyon and beyond. This episode explores the importance of curiosity, reflection, and embracing change in life.

Keywords

self-discovery, travel, Bryce Canyon, perspective, personal growth, reflection, adventure, life changes, inspiration

Key topics

Travel as a catalyst for self-discovery

The importance of reflection and curiosity

The transformative power of nature and landscapes

Personal growth through life experiences

The role of perspective in understanding ourselves and the world

Takeaways

Travel can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and understanding.

Reflection and curiosity are essential for personal growth.

Experiencing nature deeply can change our perspective on life.

Building a life around purpose and exploration leads to fulfillment.

Change in perspective often comes from immersive experiences, not just observation.

Sound bites

"Travel stopped being just fun, it became purposeful."

"The view is spectacular, but the real change is within me."

"Some journeys are made for wonder, not conclusions."

Chapters

00:00 The Origin Story of Travel

05:21 Personal Growth Through Exploration

Resources

Connect with Veronica:

https://www.veronicasterling.com

In this episode, Laura Anthony shares her journey from childhood experiences with neurodiversity to her work as a disability lawyer and advocate for neurodiverse workplaces. She discusses the importance of understanding, curiosity, and systemic design in creating inclusive environments that benefit everyone.

Laura Anthony is a nationally recognized speaker, disability attorney, and workplace consultant with decades of experience in neurodiversity, inclusive leadership, and dispute resolution. Drawing from her training and roles leading neurodiverse teams, Laura works with leaders who want to transform their workforce and culture through neuroinclusion. She partners with organizations ranging from global brands to local schools, helping them to recognize the different ways people think and communicate and to design systems where those differences spark innovation and growth.

Laura has delivered keynotes and led corporate trainings for a variety of audiences, including Fortune 100 companies, government agencies, education institutions and associations representing legal, health care, education, and human resources professionals. Her work has been featured in Forbes and on leading podcasts, reflecting the growing recognition of neurodiversity as a workforce and talent priority. You can learn more about Laura’s work at lauraganthony.com.

Keywords

neurodiversity, inclusion, leadership, systemic design, curiosity, workplace culture, disability law, neurodiverse workforce

Key topics

Neurodiversity and systemic design

Assumption of the risk and behavior interpretation

Creating inclusive environments through systemic ramps

The importance of curiosity over assumptions

Leadership's role in fostering neuroinclusive cultures

Personal stories illustrating neurodiversity in care and work

The misconception of neurodivergence as superpowers

Expanding the lens on diversity and inclusion

Sound bites

"Great minds don't think alike"

"Ask how they are, not what’s wrong"

"Neurodivergence is not a superpower"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and guest background

00:29 Guest's childhood and career path

188:50:50 Living with neurodiversity in the family

48055:32:34 The importance of empathy and authentic connection

139166:39:15 The risks of assumptions in interpreting behavior

200555:32:39 Core concepts: Great minds don't think alike

237777:46:05 Universal systems as ramps for inclusion

276944:26:10 Diversity, inclusion, and expanding the lens

318333:19:33 Applying neurodiversity understanding outside of work

378888:52:56 Personal story of caregiving during COVID

431388:52:57 Lessons from caregiving and making assumptions

550833:19:49 The myth of neurodivergence as a superpower

672499:59:56 Creating environments that support everyone

696111:06:38 How to fix a stubbed toe in relationships

786111:06:40 The importance of valuing differences in systems

812777:46:40 Closing thoughts and appreciation

Resources

Laura's Website

www.lauraganthony.com

Laura's LinkedIn

Laura G. Anthony | LinkedIn

Connect with Veronica

https://www.veronicasterling.com

Veronica Sterling | LinkedIn

In this travel diary, Veronica Sterling reflects on her journey to visit 50 out of 63 national parks, sharing insights on accountability, perseverance, and the importance of taking actionable steps towards achieving dreams. She emphasizes that extraordinary lives are built through consistent effort and decision-making, rather than relying solely on belief or talent.

Takeaways

Celebrating milestones is important in any journey.

Achieving big dreams requires accountability and action.

It's not about being superhuman, but about taking steps forward.

Every setback can be an opportunity to ask, 'What is the next step?'

Ordinary people can achieve extraordinary lives through consistent effort.

Dreams should not be left on a shelf for someday.

The journey is filled with challenges, but perseverance is key.

Building a life you love is a series of decisions.

Self-doubt can be overcome by focusing on actionable steps.

Celebrating progress is essential to staying motivated.

Sound Bites

00:00 "We just kept waking up every day."

05:02 "What is the next step?"

07:41 "Being superhuman isn't required."

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating Milestones in Nature

05:59 Building Extraordinary Lives Through Action

Resources:

Connect with Veronica

https://www.veronicasterling.com

In this insightful conversation, Jay Ehrnschwender, a pain expert and physical therapist, explores the complex nature of pain, its emotional and physical components, and how understanding these can help us navigate suffering and foster healing through connection, curiosity, and self-compassion.

Jay is a physical therapist working near Cincinnati OH.  He started his career with a focus in orthopedics but has shifted to working with patients stuck in chronic pain.  Jay has been trained in a biopsychosocial approach to pain symptoms.  This training is notable because it requires not only the consideration of the physical self but also includes the influence of interpersonal dynamics and primitive protective reactions that often exist within the complexities of long-maintained pain.

Keywords

pain, emotional pain, physical pain, healing, connection, curiosity, self-compassion, pain management, mental health, physical therapy

Key topics

The dual nature of pain as sensory and emotional experience

The role of curiosity in pain management and healing

The impact of shame, stigma, and social support on pain and suffering

Strategies for cultivating safety, connection, and authenticity in pain recovery

The interconnectedness of physical and emotional pain and how to navigate it

Sound bites

"Masking often hides shame."

"Fear is a major driver of pain."

"Small wins build resilience."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Pain and Therapy

02:53 Understanding Pain: A Dual Experience

05:52 Curiosity as a Tool for Navigating Pain

08:35 The Nature of Pain: Sensory and Emotional Components

11:31 The Cycle of Pain and Emotional Distress

14:23 The Interconnection of Emotional and Physical Pain

17:32 Stigma and Shame in Pain Experiences

20:27 Overcoming Shame and Building Connection

27:57 Understanding Suffering and Connection

29:31 The Role of Authenticity in Healing

31:42 Promoting Autonomy in Recovery

33:25 Healing Together in Shared Pain

37:45 Self-Compassion and Internal Support

40:19 The Intersection of Joy and Pain

43:20 Finding Hope in the Midst of Pain

Resources

International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) - https://www.iasp-pain.org/

Listen to Jay's Podcast, Rewiring Resilience

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rewiring-resilience/id1819464502

Connect with Veronica

https://www.veronicasterling.com

Veronica Sterling reflects on loneliness, connection, and reconnection strategies inspired by her journey along the Loneliest Road in America. She offers practical scripts to help rebuild relationships and emphasizes personal accountability in overcoming loneliness.

Keywords

loneliness, reconnection, relationships, communication scripts, personal accountability, mental health, emotional well-being

Key Topics

Loneliness as a mismatch between desired and actual social connections

Personal accountability in relationships

Scripts for reconnecting after disconnection

The importance of small acts of courage in relationships

Reflecting on long-term relationship neglect

takeaways

Loneliness is about the mismatch between desired and actual social connections.

Taking responsibility for disconnection can facilitate healing.

Using specific scripts can help own your behavior and open dialogue.

Small acts of courage deposit trust in relationships.

Relationships are rebuilt through consistent, small deposits of effort.

Sound Bites

"You deserve consistency, and I’m sorry I disappeared."

"I hate that this situation has created a distance between us."

"Sometimes we participate in the circumstances that create loneliness."

Chapters

00:00 The Loneliest Road in America

13:24 Reconnecting Through Accountability

SCRIPTS

I Crumbled Under Pressure

Hey, I want to apologize for going radio silent over the last few months. I got really overwhelmed by personal things and completely shut down, which isn't fair to you. You deserve consistency, and I'm sorry that I disappeared. I want you to know I value our friendship so much. And there isn't any pressure right now, but when you're ready, I'd love to buy you a cup of coffee and catch up properly.

Repairing a Direct Conflict Script

Hey, I've been doing a lot of thinking about how things left off between us. I am sorry for my part in how it was handled. I was defensive. I didn't listen to where you were coming from. And I hate that this situation has created a distance between us. And I don't expect to fix things overnight, but I want to apologize. And I'd love to listen when you're open to talking again.

Acknowledging Steady Drift Script

hey, I was reflecting on things, and I realize how much distance has grown between us. Honestly, it makes me sad. I know life gets busy, but I haven't been as present or as proactive as I should have been to keep our connection strong. I'm sorry for my silence, and I'd love to start putting in the effort to rebuild things at a pace that's comfortable for both of us.

Resources

Connect with Veronica:

https://www.veronicasterling.com

In this insightful conversation, Brianna Jackson, a Gallup certified Clifton Strengths Coach, shares her expertise on discovering your authentic self through values and strengths. She discusses practical strategies for building confidence, courage, and aligning your life with your core principles to achieve purpose and fulfillment.

Keywords

self-discovery, strengths, values, confidence, courage, personal development, CliftonStrengths, authentic self, purpose, coaching

Key topics

Discovering your authentic self through values

Using CliftonStrengths to identify talents

Building confidence and courage to pursue goals

Aligning life and work with core principles

Strategies for overcoming fear and self-doubt

Sound Bites

"Everything we need is already in us."

"Fight battles the right way."

"Purposeful living inspires others."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Brianna Jackson

02:46 Finding Your Authentic Self

05:39 Navigating Life Disruptions and Values

08:17 Understanding Strengths and Talents

11:19 Building Confidence Through Strengths

14:29 The Achiever's Dilemma

17:12 Transforming Achiever Strengths into Meaningful Connections

29:13 Exploring Talents and Values

33:59 The Concept of Office Confidence

35:00 Understanding Courage and Willingness

39:57 Building Confidence Through Fear

49:47 The Journey of Unintended Consequences

Resources

CliftonStrengths Assessment - https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/home.aspx

The Refining Company - https://www.therefiningco.com

Brene Brown's Values Exercise - https://brenebrown.com/resources/values-clarification/

Connect with Veronica -

https://www.veronicasterling.com

Veronica Sterling shares insights from her journey through volcanic landscapes, using them as metaphors for life's disruptions and transformations. She offers practical questions to navigate change and find new meaning.

Keywords

disruption, transformation, resilience, personal growth, volcanic landscapes, Crater Lake, Lava Beds, life changes, mindset, inspiration

Key topics

Disruption as a catalyst for transformation

Lessons from volcanic landscapes as metaphors for life

The importance of small steps in progress

The role of connection and support during change

Questions to reflect on during life's upheavals

Takeaways

Disruption doesn't mean the end; it can lead to new beginnings.

Transformation is about discovering who we are now, not returning to who we were.

Asking what still matters helps focus on core values during change.

Small steps create momentum and make big changes manageable.

Support from others makes navigating disruption easier.

Sound bites

"Resilience is discovering who we are now."

"What is one small step forward?"

"Who can walk with me?"

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Lava Beds National Monument

06:16 Disruption and Transformation in Life

10:01 MASTER OUTRO.mp4

www.veronicasterling.com

Matthew Gellin shares his transformative journey in theater, emphasizing its social impact, innovative approaches, and the power of empathy and storytelling to foster community and personal growth.

Keywords

theater, social change, empathy, childhood development, community, storytelling, education, leadership, innovation, American Legacy Theater

Key topics

Theater as a tool for social change and empathy

Innovative approaches to childhood development through theater

The role of storytelling in community building and personal growth

Titles

Transforming Society Through Theater: The Impact of Empathy and Storytelling

From Disappointment to Leadership: Matthew Gellin’s Theater Revolution

Sound bites

"Empathy exists in the universe, it's limitless."

"Imagination makes the impossible possible."

"Break the walls of self-imposed limitations."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Matthew Gellin

01:15 From Disappointment to Leadership in Theater

06:51 The Role of Theater in Social Change

12:28 Empowering Youth Through Theater Education

20:59 The Impact of Theater on Community and Individual Growth

27:01 Creating Safe Spaces for Empathy

29:29 The Nature of Empathy and Connection

33:34 Building Trust Through Vulnerability

36:54 The Complexity of Empathy

39:33 Understanding Different Types of Empathy

44:41 Safety vs. Comfort in Empathy

48:15 The Importance of Listening in Empathy

51:33 Creating New Stories and Possibilities

Resources

Links to American Legacy Theatre:

https://americanlegacytheatre.org/

https://www.facebook.com/AmrcnLgcyThtr 

https://www.instagram.com/amrcnlgcythtr/

Connect with Veronica:

https://www.veronicasterling.com

Veronica Sterling shares her transformative journey through the Redwood National Park, exploring themes of nature, mindfulness, and the power of response. She reflects on her experiences, quotes Viktor Frankl, and invites listeners to consider their own responses to life's circumstances.

Keywords

personal growth, mindfulness, Redwood National Park, Viktor Frankl, response, resilience, reflection, nature, adventure, mindset

Key topics

The majesty of the Redwood Forest and its impact on mindfulness

The story of a bear encounter and wildlife appreciation

The quote by Viktor Frankl on response and growth

The importance of choosing responses over circumstances

Personal stories of uncertainty, purpose, and growth

takeaways

Our circumstances are not our identity; we can choose how to respond.

Purpose often arrives before we feel ready; action precedes readiness.

Small steps in work and life can lead to profound change.

Creating space for reflection helps us see new possibilities.

Action often comes before confidence; growth follows action.

Sound bites

"Between stimulus and response, there is a space."

"Purpose rarely waits until we feel ready."

"Where in your life have you confused your circumstances with your choices?"

Chapters

00:00 Exploring the Majestic Redwoods

05:26 Reflections on Choice and Response

10:22 The Journey of Growth and Action

13:01 MASTER OUTRO.mp4

Resources:

www.veronicasterling.com

Chief Tom Synan shares his journey from childhood purpose to leading community efforts in addiction response, emphasizing empathy, vulnerability, and collaboration in addressing complex social issues.

Keywords

police leadership, addiction response, empathy, community coalition, mental health, grief, vulnerability, social issues, law enforcement, purpose

Key topics

Chief Synan's early purpose and career in law enforcement

The personal story behind the formation of the addiction coalition

The role of empathy and vulnerability in leadership

Challenges and lessons in community collaboration

The importance of grief and resilience in social work

Sound bites

"I realized I made a difference in the community"

"He was not a martyr, but a human being"

"You can't punish addiction out of someone"

Chapters

00:00 Finding Purpose in Service

06:19 The Impact of Addiction on Community

12:18 Empathy and Understanding in Law Enforcement

17:43 The Power of Vulnerability and Storytelling

23:28 Balancing Empathy and Self-Care

28:20 Understanding Empathy and Grief

31:16 The Creative Process and Vulnerability

35:01 The Human Side of First Responders

39:12 Challenges in Addressing Social Issues

44:46 Common Humanity and Shared Struggles

47:43 The Importance of Grief Education

52:33 Empathy as a Tool for Connection

56:24 MASTER OUTRO.mp4

Resources

Hamilton County Addiction Response Coalition

https://www.hamiltoncountyohio.gov/government/departments/addiction_response/addiction_response_coalition.php

Tom Synan's Podcast: Hard Corners

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hard-corners-with-tom-synan/id1631263014

Tom Synan's LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-synan-14b1ba6b/

Connect with Veronica:

www.veronicasterling.com