Critical Conversations

This is one of those conversations that goes deeper than surface-level healing.

In this episode, I sit down again with Grace L. Lamour, MS, LMHC, a licensed mental health counselor serving the New York, Florida, Virginia, Maryland- to talk about forgiveness—what it really is, why it matters, and how it impacts our physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Grace brings a grounded and compassionate perspective shaped by her work with individuals from all walks of life, including high-achieving women, first-generation Americans, and those navigating burnout and major life transitions. With a background in special education and leadership in therapeutic settings, she has spent years helping people ask the right questions that lead to deeper healing and self-awareness.

Together, we explore:

-What forgiveness actually means (and what it doesn’t)-Why holding on affects more than just your emotions-How forgiveness supports healing in the body and mind

This conversation is honest, thoughtful, and incredibly important—especially if there’s something you’ve been carrying that you’re not sure how to release.

If you haven’t already, you can also go back and listen to our first conversation from April 2024 for more of Grace’s work and perspective.

Connect with Grace:IG: Grace L. Lamour, MS, LMHC
Website: theglamourmethod.com

Welcome to the conversation.

This is a real conversation about entrepreneurship—but not in the way you might expect.

Because business isn’t just about strategy… it’s about you.

The way you think, the patterns you carry, the places you avoid—your business will reflect all of it back to you.

In this episode, we talk about how life is always showing us where we’re being invited to grow—and how entrepreneurship accelerates that process.

This is why business coaching can be so powerful. Not because it gives you more to do, but because it helps you see what’s actually in the way.

If something’s been feeling off in your business… this is a conversation worth listening to.

This one is personal.

I’m sharing where I’m at right now—navigating divorce, co-parenting, entrepreneurship, and the very real process of becoming who I say I am.

This isn’t polished. It’s honest.

A conversation about alignment, self-trust, and what it looks like to keep choosing yourself, even when life feels uncertain.

If you’re in a season of change or feeling that internal pull… you’re not alone.

In this episode of Critical Conversations, we’re diving into something that can’t be curated, filtered, or perfected.

Embodiment.

There is a difference between practicing something and becoming it.
Between performing authenticity and actually living it.
Between doing the work and being the work.

So what does it really mean to be embodied?
To walk into a room and have your energy say what your mouth doesn’t have to?

This conversation explores the tension between being and doing — and why so many of us default to “doing” because it feels safer. But building a life that reflects your essence requires something deeper.

It begs the uncomfortable question:
Who are you?
What do you stand for?
And when people experience you… is that what they feel?

This episode challenges the idea that authenticity is a tactic. It isn’t something to turn on when it’s convenient.It’s a way of being that bleeds into every room you enter.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your life reflects your truth — or if you’re just really good at practicing — this one isfor you.

This isn’t about branding.
It’s about congruence.
It’s about essence.
It’s about becoming authentically you.

You Can’t Fake Essence!

Accountability isn’t about perfection—it’s about ownership.

In today’s episode of Critical Conversations, I talk about accountability in action, why it matters, and why I believe it’s one of the biggest things missing in our society right now.

Showing up. Claiming your role. Doing the work even when it’s uncomfortable.

This conversation is necessary.
Listen now.

In this podcast episode, I interview a local entrepreneur Ryann Reinhofer, who owns Thoroughbred Real Estate Group and also leads a nonprofit organization. Today, we need your help.

Please listen to the full episode so you fully understand what is at stake. But this is not the time to just listen — it’s time to take action.

If you want your email to count toward the CPRD Board’s February 26th meeting, it must be sent before 2/18/26.

If you are seeing this after 2/18/26 — email anyway and show up in person on 2/26. Presence matters.

We need to overwhelm the board with respectful, firm communication so they understand they have a responsibility to stand with integrity and uphold the original vision for this land.

[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Below is a template you can copy, personalize, and send:

Subject: Please Uphold the Original Vision for Crystal Rilee Park

Dear CPRD Board Members,

I am writing in strong support of keeping Crystal Rilee Park designated for equestrian and hiker use only, in accordance with the donor’s original intent and the previously approved Master Plan.

This park is not just another recreational space — it is a sacred and carefully stewarded environment. The equestrian community has invested significant time, funding, and volunteer effort into building and maintaining the all-weather trail system. It is a rare and deeply valued space where horses and riders can safely coexist with hikers without the inherent risks that mountain bikes introduce.

Beyond safety and infrastructure, this is also a matter of integrity. When a donor makes a clear and intentional gift to the community, honoring those wishes builds trust. If we begin to reverse or reinterpret donor intent after the fact, it risks discouraging future philanthropic investment. Those with the means to donate land and resources need to trust that their legacy and intentions will be respected.

Equestrians have very limited safe riding options within the State. This park represents the one dedicated, bike-free space available to our community. Preserving that designation protects safety, honors the donor, and maintains the integrity of the partnership between CPRD and the equestrian community.

I respectfully ask the Board to uphold the original designation and maintain Crystal Rilee Park as an equestrian and hiker-only park.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and service to our community.

Please don’t just listen.
✔️ Email before 2/18/26
✔️ Show up on 2/26
✔️ Share this episode
✔️ Invite others to take action

Integrity matters. Legacy matters. Community voice matters.

Let’s act now.

Divorce will test everything you think you know about yourself.

On today’s episode of Critical Conversations, I break down the real do’s and don’ts of divorce—what I learned the hard way and what I wish someone had told me sooner.

This isn’t just for those going through it. If you love someone who is, or want to be better informed, this episode is for you.
Listen now.

Why do you still feel burned out—even when you’re “doing all the things”?

In this episode, we go beneath surface-level solutions to explore what’s really keeping people stuck, exhausted, and disconnected. We unpack why quick fixes like time off, supplements, or pushing through rarely create lasting change—and what science tells us about the deeper root of burnout.

This conversation dives into the powerful connection between the nervous system, hormones, mind, and physical body, and why addressing only one piece often leads to temporary relief instead of real healing. We talk about how chronic stress keeps the body in survival mode, why awareness requires regulation first, and why slowing down isn’t a luxury—it’s essential.

This episode isn’t about adding more to your to-do list or committing to unrealistic routines. It’s about understanding why your body and mind respond the way they do, so you can stop blaming yourself and start connecting the dots.

If you’ve ever thought, “Why isn’t this working?”—this episode will help you see the bigger picture and why going back to the root changes everything.

Hosted by Carolyn Kruescamp, Holistic Hormone Dietitian, and Karissa Dean, ICF Certified Life Coach.

Sign up for the Masterclass Here

Follow Karissa on IG Here

Follow Carolyn on IG Here

In today’s episode of Critical Conversation, I’m reintroducing myself and reflecting on what 2025 asked of me as I shed in the Year of the Snake—letting go of what no longer fit, even when it wasn’t easy.

I share what I’m carrying forward into the Year of the Horse: movement with intention, purpose, and self-trust. Through the lens of horses (and how deeply they mirror us as humans), I explore what it means to stop forcing, start listening, and choose aligned forward motion.

This is an empowering conversation—an invitation to remember that you don’t have to stay stuck in situations that no longer serve you. You’re allowed to move. You’re allowed to choose differently. And this year, we move with clarity, courage, and direction.

What if you gave yourself the space to truly ask:

What do I want?
This episode of Critical Conversations is an invitation to pause, get curious, and listen deeply—so you can move forward with clarity and take aligned action as you enter 2026.