Dancing in the Discomfort Zone with Anne Bonney

Dancing in the Discomfort Zone is all about embracing the awkward and uncomfortable moments in life to shimmy your way to success! Arel Moody ( www.arelmoodie.com) is a stellar example of this philosophy. He’s not just a business whiz; he’s a master of turning discomfort into opportunity. In this episode, he spills the beans on how he navigates the bumpy road of entrepreneurship, shares his secret sauce for minimizing the risk of failure when leaping into the unknown, and reveals how understanding human behavior has propelled both his success and the success of others through his innovative services!In this episode, we’ll groove through:

• The Trials and Tribulations: Get ready for some juicy tales of the bumps, bruises, and hilarious missteps that come with building a thriving business!
• The Likability Factor: Discover why being the life of the party (or at least not a total wallflower) can be your secret weapon in business and life!
• White House Fame: Hear the story of how Arel managed to strut his stuff at the White House—not once, but TWICE!
• Meet Dot: Learn about the creation of Dot, the fabulous Talk-a-dot mascot, who’s sure to steal the show!

So, lace up your dancing shoes and get ready to leap into the discomfort zone with us—because who said growth can’t be a little fun? 🎉

Want more?  Here are the links.
 www.arelmoodie.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/arelmoodie/
www.facebook.com/arelmoodie
https://www.instagram.com/arelmoodie/?hl=en
 
Arel Moodie is a best-selling author and executive coach who has spoken to over 750,000 people throughout 48 states and 5 countries. Arel is a speaker, entrepreneur, bestselling author, and “human behavioral investigator” who has extensively studied the intricacies of human dynamics and relationships. Arel has been invited to speak at the White House twice, the TEDx stage three times, and has been featured in The New York Times, Inc. Magazine, Essence, USA Today, Forbes, Black Enterprise, Huffington Post, and has been a contributor to the television program The Doctors. 

Transform Your Life with Maraya Brown: Yale-Trained Hormone Specialist & Midwife

Discover the expertise of Maraya Brown, a Yale-educated hormone specialist and midwife with a wealth of experience in functional medicine. As the visionary behind The Women’s Vibrancy Code program and podcast, Maraya empowers women to rediscover their vitality and embrace every phase of life.

Why Maraya Brown Stands Out:

• Expertise in Women’s Health: With 24 years of experience in attending births and managing women’s health in clinics, hospitals, and homes globally, Maraya has a profound understanding of women’s wellness.
• Comprehensive Approach: Her holistic methodology blends traditional wisdom with modern functional medicine, helping women rise from challenges and celebrate their journey.
• Global Impact: Maraya has transformed the lives of thousands of women across multiple continents, fostering health, happiness, and a sense of belonging.
• Dynamic Engagement: Through her work as a CEO, retreat host, mom, and wife, Maraya offers an empowering space where women feel seen, confident, and empowered to stand in their power.

Join Maraya on a journey to vibrancy and self-discovery. Tune into her podcast and programs to unlock transformative health and well-being.

 Want more from Maraya?  

• https://marayabrown.com/podcasts/ 
• free resources: https://marayabrown.com/resources/ 
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/_marayabrown_/ 
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/energyhormoneslibido 

Want to suggest a topic or guest for a future episode?  Let us know at [email protected].

Explore Personal Evolution with Beth Ziesenis: From Career Struggles to AI Insights

Join us as we delve into the fascinating journey of Beth Ziesenis, the renowned tech expert behind Your Nerdy Best Friend. In this episode, Beth opens up about her personal evolution—from escaping a soul-sucking job and navigating a mental health diagnosis to forming a supportive partnership with her spouse and designing her ideal life.

We talk about

• All the cats!
• Her beautiful partnership with her very well suited husband
• How she became YOUR Nerdy Best friend
• And how having a safe word with your family could solve a lot of issues with the deep fake stuff that’s going on.  

Want more from Beth?  

http://yournerdybestfriend.com
Insta: @nerdybff
FB: @yournerdybff

YouTube: @askbethz

 Beth Z is an author, speaker and proud nerd who shares tech tips and tricks to make your life easier. She has no formal tech training. She just spends hours on the computer and doesn't get out much. Except to speak, and she does a lot of that.

In this episode of the "Dancing in the Discomfort Zone" podcast, host Anne Bonney sits down with Jasmine Brett Stringer, a professional speaker, TV personality, and author on a mission to help people live empowered and authentic lives. 
Wwe talked about:

Embracing Uncertainty and Pursuing Happiness: Jasmine shares how a pivotal moment of being laid off from her corporate job led her to courageously pursue her "secret dream" of becoming a speaker and coach, helping others seize their lives.

1. Living Authentically and Practicing Positive Psychology: Jasmine discusses the importance of living authentically, connecting with oneself, and incorporating positive psychology practices like gratitude, mindfulness, and drawing on past experiences to overcome challenges.
2. The Power of Human Connection: Jasmine emphasizes the vital role of authentic connections and vulnerability in a world that often feels disconnected, sharing her personal practice of sending handwritten cards to nurture relationships.
3. Dreaming Big and Seizing Opportunities: Jasmine recounts serendipitous encounters with Oprah Winfrey and the unexpected gift of concert tickets to see Janet Jackson, highlighting the importance of being open to life's surprises when you're living with intention.
4. Prioritizing Goals and Saying No: Anne shares her own journey as a running influencer, underscoring the need to intentionally prioritize one's goals and say no to non-essential activities in order to live a fulfilling life.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and practical strategies to live more empowered, authentic, and intentional lives. Jasmine's infectious energy and wisdom provide a roadmap for seizing the day and embracing the discomfort of personal growth.

Want more from Jasmine?  Here ya go.  

• Website: www.jasminebrettstringer.com
•  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarpeDiemwithJasmine
•  Twitter: https://twitter.com/carpediemjbs
•  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carpediemjbs/
•  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminestringer/

We also talked about

Authentic Happiness by Martin Seligman

•  https://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/
• https://www.amazon.com/Authentic-Happiness-Psychology-Potential-Fulfillment/dp/0743222989

Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates https://www.momentoflift.com/the-moment-of-lift

 Jasmine Brett Stringer is a keynote speaker, award-winning author of Seize Your Life: How to Carpe Diem Every Day, on-air TV personality, and host of the podcast and lifestyle blog Carpe Diem with Jasmine. Jasmine is on a mission to help people live empowered and authentic lives. Through her Seize Your Life keynotes, workshops, and customized coaching sessions, Jasmine guides clients and audiences through a simple process to identify their goals and achieve their personal definition of success. She graduated from American University’s Kogod Sch

Celebrating Our 300th Episode: A Journey of Risks and Rewards!

The adventure that commences this week all started at the Global Speakers Summit in Bali, where I took a leap of faith and put down a deposit. Fast forward 14 months, and here we are—celebrating our 300th episode! 🎉 and I’m about to embark on an epic three-week adventure across five countries, each one a new notch on my bucket list.

Now, let’s be real—I’m feeling a delightful mix of nervousness and excitement. I mean, who wouldn’t be a little jittery about taking on a new goal, completing one that's almost 20 years in the making and traveling with 3 friends who don't know eachother?  Talk about tossing the comfort zone behind me, But hey, that’s what life is all about, right? Taking risks, getting uncomfortable, and hoping you don’t end up lost in a foreign country (though, let’s be honest, that could make for some great stories!).

In this milestone episode, I’ll spill the beans on how we got here and why embracing the unknown is worth every awkward moment. Join me as I share my preparations, the challenges I’m gearing up for, and the hilarious mishaps I’m sure to encounter along the way.  So, grab your headphones and get ready for a fun ride! Here’s to 300 episodes of adventure, laughter, and a little bit of chaos! Don’t miss out—tune in and be part of this unforgettable journey!

Understanding ADHD and Neurodiversity with Erica Shoop: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Empowerment

In this enlightening episode, Erica Shoop from Find Your Kula dives deep into the complexities of ADHD and neurodiversity. Initially researching ADHD to better understand her partner, Erica uncovered valuable insights about herself, leading to a profound journey of self-discovery. From navigating a divorce during the pandemic to launching her own business, Erica shares her experiences and strategies for thriving as an adult with ADHD and Autism.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

• Pandemic Reflections: Discover how the pandemic prompted Erica to reassess her life priorities and make significant changes.
• Community Building: Learn about Erica's efforts to refine her business plan and create a supportive community for neurodivergent individuals.
• Neurodivergent Strategies: Gain valuable insights into practical strategies Erica uses to overcome challenges associated with a neurodivergent brain.

Tune in to understand ADHD and neurodiversity better, whether for yourself or someone you care about. This episode offers a wealth of knowledge and practical advice for navigating a world that often lacks information on adult female ADHD and Autism. 

Want more?  Here are the links!  

•  findyourkula.com
•  findyourkula.com/erica
•  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericalynnshoop/
•  https://www.instagram.com/findyourkula

 
Erica is a visionary in the realm of self-employment, rejecting hustle culture and taking a more holistic approach to business + life coaching and community building. Erica guides individuals on a journey of self-discovery that encompasses all aspects of the human experience. With a unique perspective shaped by her neurodivergence, Erica brings creative solutions to building a livelihood that supports a sustainable and harmonious life.

Navigating ADHD and Neurodiversity with Leslie Josel: Expert Strategies for Students and Parents

Explore the world of ADHD and neurodiversity with Leslie Josel, a renowned ADHD Student & Parenting Coach. (https://www.orderoochaos.com/) In this insightful episode, Leslie discusses how the traditional educational system often overlooks the needs of neurodiverse students and how her expertise helps bridge this gap, fostering greater happiness and success for both students and parents.

Episode Highlights:

• Expert Advice on Neurodiversity: Learn about Leslie's innovative strategies for supporting students with ADHD and other neurodiverse conditions.
• Inspirational Journey: Hear Leslie's personal story of overcoming challenges and how it inspired her to dedicate her career to helping others.
• Empowerment and Courage: Discover how triumph often arises from adversity and get inspired by Leslie's courageous path to success.

Tune in for valuable insights and motivational stories that can help you or someone you know navigate the complexities of ADHD and neurodiversity.

Want more from Leslie?  Here you go!

https://www.orderoochaos.com/
https://lesliejosel.com/
https://www.instagram.com/order.out.of.chaos/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-josel-adhd-student-parent-coach/

 Belonging in a word that is being thrown around a lot in the workplace, and in the world.  What is the impact of not having community.  I think we’re seeing the backlash in some of the mental health statistics, crime, division and many other huge societal problems that we’re seeing.  Charles  Vogl (https://www.charlesvogl.com/) is trying to change that, and help high stakes (and other) organizations build community so they can collaborate when lives are at stake!  He has 3 amazing books on the topic, but in this episode he shares several of his strategies to help bring people together.

In this episode we talk about

• The time he spent living in a homeless shelter, and in Zambia with the Peace Corps
• Some of the key components to creating genuine human connection
• The 3 promises that need to be understood for people to “stay in the room” and feel a part of and contribute to the community that’s being created there.  

Want more from Charles?  You can find it all on his website.  www.charlesvogl.com

Charles began his lifelong study of change making while a volunteer living in a Santa Ana, CA homeless shelter. He then worked on human rights in Sub-Saharan Africa as a Peace Corps Volunteer, and later built teams to create high social impact media as a New

York documentary filmmaker. His PBS film work won several international awards, including the Amnesty International Movies that Matter Award. All the work served as crucibles in which to learn the importance of and how to bring people together around shared values and purpose.

Charles teaches the wisdom and principles to build deep community and resilient relationships in the most lonely era in organizational history. His work draws on three thousand years of spiritual traditions to understand how individuals build loyalty, strengthen identity, and live out shared values.

Building a deep community in turn builds organizational resilience, attracts and retains community members around shared purpose and values, and fosters innovation that disrupts industries and influences global change.

He holds an M.Div. from Yale, where he studied spiritual traditions, ethics, and business as a Jesse Ball duPont Foundation scholar.Link:  

Being transgender is a life experience that many are confused about these days.  Tons of misinformation flying around the interwebs, that can make us all really uncomfortable!  When I met Deanna Jones (www.deannajonesnow.com) I knew she would be the perfect addition to the Dancing in the Discomfort Zone lineup!  She has such an eloquent way of speaking about her experiences as a transgender woman, the good, the bad, and the ugly! She knew something different when she was 4 years old. (and this was in the 60s when transgender wasn’t even a word, and it didn’t even become a household conversation until decades later!)  In this courageous interview, she shares her whole story.  We talk about

·        How long she hid her feelings, and how she illustrates to the people she works with how it felt (ingenious if you ask me!)

·        When she finally came out, how it was handled at her workplace, and with her family.

·        The new found joy and freedom she now has living her authentic self

·        Her recent marriage, and the difference between Transgender and homosexual.

·        Her response to the question of young trans kids going through a full transition.

Want more from Deanna?

www.deannajonesnow.com

http://themonti.org/stories/the-monti-video-series-deanna-jones-1

http://themonti.org/stories/the-monti-video-series-deanna-jones

Deanna has worked in the Technology field In Sales and Operations roles for 30 years, including 24 years here at Cisco Systems. Deanna has an MBA from Elon University and a Masters in Instructional Technology from University of Maryland University Global Campus. She is the Vice President of Harmony LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce and is also a member of Raleigh Chamber of Commerce. In her spare time, she likes to coach T-ball and has coached for 17 seasons. In 2019 Deanna transitioned to her authentic self while working at Cisco Systems. Since transitioning, Deanna has become very involved with the LGBT+ community. She has a DEI certificate in Diversity & Inclusion Training from eCornell. She has frequently spoken at a storytelling group called, the Monti in Durham and has also served on many panels for DEI conferences. She also works with small to mid size companies on ways to make their workplaces more LGBTQ+ friendly.

National Human Trafficking Hotline:  Call for confidential help and info 24/7  888-373-7888

Human trafficking is a multi-BILLION dollar criminal industry (Estimated at $5.7 billion in the US alone…and the US has some of the highest demand in the world.)  

Human trafficking denies freedom to almost 25 million people around the world.  (and those numbers are notoriously under reported)  

A 2017 study of cases reported to the Polaris-operated National Human Trafficking Hotline (https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en/human-trafficking) involved over 10,000 individual victims and nearly 5000 potential traffickers.  This is a HUGE problem.  

Lauren Trantham (https://www.ridemyroad.org/) is working for survivors, photographing them, and telling their stories in an ethical and empowering way to raise money (over $400,000 at the point of publishing) for survivor programs.  She’s also the Director of Communications for an amazing non-profit called The Epik Project (https://www.epikproject.org/) that is comprised of mostly men trying to eliminate human trafficking.  In this terrifyingly informative episode we talk about

How trafficking doesn’t happen the way you think.  (Only 5% are forcefully kidnapped.  The rest are a lot more insidiously trapped)

Some other social issues crossover with human trafficking: porn use, loneliness, and increases in suicide

What Epik Project (https://www.epikproject.org/), a non-profit of men fighting human trafficking is doing, and how their Demand-Disruption program is not only interrupting sales in the moment, but addressing the larger issue of male loneliness that is inextricably tied to the human-trafficking problem, and how in the 10 years they’ve been doing this, they’ve interrupted over 500,000 potential human-trafficked sales.  

In this episode, we talk about

• Some signs to watch out for.
• Her 10,000 mile motorcycle journey across the US to photograph survivors, her source of hope in this dark battle.
• How the Epick Project has adjusted their approach to their focus on reducing demand

Here are some links that Lauren mentioned in the interview.

Elevate Academy founded by trafficking survivor Rebecca Bender.  Donate today to help a survivor: https://elevate-academy.org/

The Network works specifically with illicit Massage parlors: https://www.thenetworkteam.org/

The Polaris Project is a main data collection hub for human trafficking: https://polarisproject.org/

Exodus Cry Podcast : https://exoduscry.com/podcast/

 National Human Trafficking Hotline:  Call for confidential help and info 24/7  888-373-7888       https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en/human-trafficking

The Brain on Porn research.  https://www.yourbrainonporn.com/relevant-research-and-articles-about-the-studies/

Want more from Lauren?  

https://www.ridemyroad.org/

https://www.instagram.com/ridemyroad/

Lauren Tratham is an author, and speaker, business owner with nearly eight years of experience as a leader in the Anti-Human Trafficking Movement. She is the founder and Executive Director of Ride My Road, which has raised over $400k for survivor programs. As a photographe