Diner Talks With James

Today in the Diner is my man, Joshua Rivedal – he’s an amazing storyteller who is full of compassion and wisdom, and he’s got a wit that won’t quit.  He gave me so much to think about regarding how we as a society are approaching suicide prevention, and what we can do as individuals to be there for others.  He has some dope insights on vulnerability, being a force for others, and how to live a life full of grace. We discussed some powerful topics like suicide and abuse. We also may or may not have burst into a song and dance number while sharing our love for musical theater, so you’ve got that to look forward to as well. 

CW: Suicide, Emotional & Physical Abuse

About the Guest: 

Joshua Rivedal is the creator and founder of Changing Minds: A Mental Health Based Curriculum and The i’Mpossible Project. In 10+ years, he has spoken about suicide prevention and mental health to 400+ organizations across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia. Joshua is also a standup comic, a professional actor, an author of 8 books, lives in Philadelphia, loves to cook, and recently grew a pretty mediocre-looking mustache.

Connect with Joshua Rivedal and learn more:

https://www.iampossibleproject.com/

http://www.joshuarivedal.com/

About the Host: 

Friends! Here's a somewhat stuffy bio of me:  

I am an author, professional speaker, coach, host, and entrepreneur. My first book, Leading Imperfectly: The value of being authentic for leaders, professionals, and human beings, is available wherever people buy books. I speak internationally to willing and unwilling attendees about authenticity, vulnerability, and leadership. My clients include American Express, General Electric (GE), Accenture, Yale University, The Ohio State University, and many others. As a speaker, I am doing the two things I loves the most: making people think and making people laugh! 

I host my own events multiple times a year. They are 2-day events called Living Imperfectly Live (and sometimes they are 1-day virtual events). They are a space where humans from every walk of life can come together to be part of a community on the pursuit of badassery. The goal is to help attendees start living the life we say we want to live.

Alas, you're here because of an idea I had a number of years ago and didn't think I was good enough to pull it off. I finally acted on it and alas Diner Talks with James was born! As you can see from what I do in my professional life, Diner Talks is alligned with everything I believe in and teach.  If this wasn't dry enough, and you would like to know more info about my speaking, events, or coaching feel free to check out my website: JamesTRobo.com.

Let’s Be Friends on Social Media!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamestrobo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamestrobo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrobilotta/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/JamesRobilottaCSP

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/JamesTRobo

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from the listeners are extremely valuable to me and greatly appreciated. They help Diner Talks podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, it would mean the world if you couple leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

My man Dr. James Smith Jr brought the heart today – the wordplay and wisdom was on point! He shared about his experience growing up in West Philadelphia (you know he sang it when he said it) and his experience growing up Black in America. We had a thoughtful conversation about the problematic phrase of “picking yourself up by the bootstraps” and the nuances of that concept. He shared great advice on fatherhood and just being an authentic and incredible man in this world. Dr. James Smith Jr is a gift, and you’re going to love meeting him in this episode!

About the Guest: 

Dr. James Smith, Jr. (President and CEO of Dr. James Smith, Jr.) passionately works with learners providing high performance solutions in the areas of leadership, authenticity, diversity and inclusion, presentation skills and personal power. The author, speaker, coach and educator has provided his JIMPACT nationally and internationally and has worked with leaders, managers and individual contributors both virtually and in-person. He also authored three books with his last book, The No Excuse Guide to Success being nominated for an NAACP Image Award. Dr. James' possesses ridiculous optimism and relentless determination, modeled by his mother, Rebecca Nancy Smith. The perfect example of this was when he attended pre-K through senior year of high school without missing one single class.

Connect with Dr. James Smith Jr. and learn more:

https://www.drjamessmithjr.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TheDrJamesSmithJr

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC56t07w7qoQH6smo8UR3QRg

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjamessmithjr/

Today I was joined by professional speaker and storyteller, Joe Mull. This conversation was full of wisdom and wit as Joe shared about his experience of being a social chameleon and learning the moments where it’s more important to give up being liked in order to do the right thing. This ties into his work as a “leadership nerd” (his words) where he helps teams give up their team drama and put in the work to learn how to have healthy confrontation (which, as it turns out, is much easier to deal with than the drama that emerges when we don’t nip things in the bud). He talks about offering the benefit of the doubt and the power of leaning into the discomfort of confrontation. Whether you’re dealing with drama in the workplace or at home, Joe is full of spot-on advice that you’re going to love.

About the Guest: 

Joe Mull speaks and writes about commitment in the workplace. He is the host of the popular BOSS BETTER NOW podcast and author of the book No More Team Drama: Ending the Gossip, Cliques, & Other Crap that Damage Workplace Teams. He is a father of 3, a Disney fan, and is woken up every morning by a needy but loving Dalmatian named Flash.

Connect with Joe and learn more:

bossbetternow.com to subscribe to email or podcast

Instagram @joemull77

About the Host: 

Friends! Here's a somewhat stuffy bio of me:   

I am an author, professional speaker, coach, host, and entrepreneur. My first book, Leading Imperfectly: The value of being authentic for leaders, professionals, and human beings, is available wherever people buy books. I speak internationally to willing and unwilling attendees about authenticity, vulnerability, and leadership. My clients include American Express, General Electric (GE), Accenture, Yale University, The Ohio State University, and many others. As a speaker, I am doing the two things I loves the most: making people think and making people laugh! 

I host my own events multiple times a year. They are 2-day events called Living Imperfectly Live (and sometimes they are 1-day virtual events). They are a space where humans from every walk of life can come together to be part of a community on the pursuit of badassery. The goal is to help attendees start living the life we say we want to live. 

Alas, you're here because of an idea I had a number of years ago and didn't think I was good enough to pull it off. I finally acted on it and alas Diner Talks with James was born! As you can see from what I do in my professional life, Diner Talks is alligned with everything I believe in and teach.  If this wasn't dry enough, and you would like to know more info about my speaking, events, or coaching feel free to check out my website: JamesTRobo.com.

Let’s Be Friends on Social Media!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamestrobo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamestrobo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrobilotta/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/JamesRobilottaCSP

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/JamesTRobo

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from the listeners are extremely valuable to me and greatly appreciated. They help Diner Talks podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, it would mean the world if you couple leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. 

Kicking it in the booth with me this week is Resilience Expert and Leadership Speaker, Summer Owens! I love that Summer’s late night guilty pleasure is dark chocolate and red wine. Pretty sure that makes her the classiest guest in the diner so far! Summer and I then discussed how she used to pull her hair out as a nervous twitch when she was much younger, and the bullying that stemmed from it.  Then one day a boy told her she was pretty, he took things too far, and got her pregnant at 15. Summer’s story about being a teen mom is a powerful one and what she was able to accomplish is quite remarkable. Hearing her experience working for the Memphis Grizzlies, getting her MBA, her time with FedEx, and the choices she made along the way was quite profound.  We then talked about her definition of resilience and how she helps people move through their problems to solutions as a speaker and coach.  This episode was a whole journey, y’all, hope you enjoy it!

About the Guest:  

Summer Owens has been featured internationally on CNN and other media outlets for her story of extreme resilience. She is an award-winning author and speaker with honors including the Women of Achievement Heroism award, Top 40 Under 40, and the three highest honors at her alma mater- Miss University of Memphis, Outstanding Young Alumna, and the Distinguished Alumna Award and is now the president of the University of Memphis’s National Alumni Association.

Connect with Summer Owens and learn more:

https://summerowens.com/

https://www.instagram.com/summero_sowhat/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/summer-owens-10846625/

https://www.youtube.com/user/lifeafterbirthbook

About the Host: 

Friends! Here's a somewhat stuffy bio of me:  

I am an author, professional speaker, coach, host, and entrepreneur. My first book, Leading Imperfectly: The value of being authentic for leaders, professionals, and human beings, is available wherever people buy books. I speak internationally to willing and unwilling attendees about authenticity, vulnerability, and leadership. My clients include American Express, General Electric (GE), Accenture, Yale University, The Ohio State University, and many others. As a speaker, I am doing the two things I loves the most: making people think and making people laugh! 

I host my own events multiple times a year. They are 2-day events called Living Imperfectly Live (and sometimes they are 1-day virtual events). They are a space where humans from every walk of life can come together to be part of a community on the pursuit of badassery. The goal is to help attendees start living the life we say we want to live.

Alas, you're here because of an idea I had a number of years ago and didn't think I was good enough to pull it off. I finally acted on it and alas Diner Talks with James was born! As you can see from what I do in my professional life, Diner Talks is aligned with everything I believe in and teach.  If this wasn't dry enough, and you would like to know more info about my speaking, events, or coaching feel free to check out my website: JamesTRobo.com.

Let’s Be Friends on Social Media!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamestrobo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamestrobo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrobilotta/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/JamesRobilottaCSP

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/JamesTRobo

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from the listeners are extremely valuable to me and greatly appreciated. They help Diner Talks podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, it would mean the world if you couple leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Executive Coach and leadership presence expert, Justin Patton, slides into the diner booth with me this week! We reminisce about eating late-night pizza and our topping preferences.  Then I learned that Justin grew up on a farm in Kentucky shoveling manure and bailing hay.  Though that was not his destiny it is where he learned a work ethic that he carries with him today. Justin told me about he unexpectedly lost his Dad at 18 years old and how he did not deal with the trauma for 12 years. We then talked about his time as a high school English teacher and his transition to the corporate world. I loved our rant about how we both hate the phrase, “fake it till you make it.” Justin then told me about how he coaches executives on their definition of success.  We ended talking about leadership presence, how to build trust, and what authenticity means on a daily basis. 

About the Guest: 

Justin Patton is an executive coach, leadership presence expert, and award-winning author who challenges individuals to use their presence to communicate with stronger trust – both in the workplace and with the people they love the most. Justin is a former high school English teacher, world champion with the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, and he studied body language from a former FBI agent. His programs will inspire you to reimagine who you are at your best and what is possible in your life.

Connect with Justin and learn more:

Website: https://www.justinpatton.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JPinspires

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpinspires/

About the Host: 

Friends! Here's a somewhat stuffy bio of me:  

I am an author, professional speaker, coach, host, and entrepreneur. My first book, Leading Imperfectly: The value of being authentic for leaders, professionals, and human beings, is available wherever people buy books. I speak internationally to willing and unwilling attendees about authenticity, vulnerability, and leadership. My clients include American Express, General Electric (GE), Accenture, Yale University, The Ohio State University, and many others. As a speaker, I am doing the two things I loves the most: making people think and making people laugh! 

I host my own events multiple times a year. They are 2-day events called Living Imperfectly Live (and sometimes they are 1-day virtual events). They are a space where humans from every walk of life can come together to be part of a community on the pursuit of badassery. The goal is to help attendees start living the life we say we want to live.

Alas, you're here because of an idea I had a number of years ago and didn't think I was good enough to pull it off. I finally acted on it and alas Diner Talks with James was born! As you can see from what I do in my professional life, Diner Talks is aligned with everything I believe in and teach.  If this wasn't dry enough, and you would like to know more info about my speaking, events, or coaching feel free to check out my website: JamesTRobo.com.

Let’s Be Friends on Social Media!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamestrobo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamestrobo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrobilotta/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/JamesRobilottaCSP

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/JamesTRobo

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from the listeners are extremely valuable to me and greatly appreciated. They help Diner Talks podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, it would mean the world if you couple leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

We are excited to bring you this encore presentation of one of our most popular episodes. We hope you enjoy!

Rick Daniels dropped all of the knowledge in this episode. He and I recorded this the week that George Floyd was murdered in Minneapolis so you already know that we had a lot to talk about. We discussed parenting in the middle of a powerful moment for civil rights and instilling a love of identity in children. I asked him, “When did you fall in love with your blackness?” and he talked about loving your blackness while still loving everyone else. We then dove into teaching the realities of history to children early and teaching them about societal issues. He talked about why we need to get comfortable having difficult conversations and not shying away because it’s hard. Rick then grabbed the microphone and dropped a great lesson about the complexity of racism and a deep dive into critical race theory. Oh, and also, quick reminder that black lives matter :-)

About the Guest: 

Rick Daniels is the Director of Campus Inclusion at Oakton Community College. He is a powerful educator and speaks nationally about social justice. A successful entrepreneur, Rick is also hired by companies and universities as a consultant to help them develop more sustainably inclusive work places. A proud brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, Rick is a proud father of 5 beautiful and strong children who he raises with his incredible wife, Erica. Lastly, Rick is a huge Milwaukee Bucks fan and is enjoying these last couple years of being able to beat his son in basketball, but his time is coming. 

https://www.instagram.com/rickdaniels1/

About the Host: 

Friends! Here's a somewhat stuffy bio of me:  

I am an author, professional speaker, coach, host, and entrepreneur. My first book, Leading Imperfectly: The value of being authentic for leaders, professionals, and human beings, is available wherever people buy books. I speak internationally to willing and unwilling attendees about authenticity, vulnerability, and leadership. My clients include American Express, General Electric (GE), Accenture, Yale University, The Ohio State University, and many others. As a speaker, I am doing the two things I loves the most: making people think and making people laugh! 

I also occasionally host my own event multiple times a year called: Living Imperfectly Live. It is a space where humans from every walk of life can come together to be part of a community in the pursuit of getting out of their own way so they can live a great story. The goal is to help attendees start living the life we say we want to live.

Alas, you're here because of an idea I had a number of years ago and didn't think I was good enough to pull it off. I finally acted on it and alas Diner Talks with James was born! As you can see from what I do in my professional life, Diner Talks is aligned with everything I believe in and teach. If this wasn't dry enough, and you would like to know more info about my speaking, events, or coaching feel free to check out my website: JamesTRobo.com.

Let’s Be Friends on Social Media!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamestrobo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamestrobo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrobilotta/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/JamesRobilottaCSP

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/JamesTRobo

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from the listeners are extremely valuable to me and greatly appreciated. They help Diner Talks podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, it would mean the world if you couple leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. 

We are excited to bring you this encore presentation of one of our most popular episodes. We hope you enjoy!

This week I am joined in the Diner by social media expert, Dr. Josie Ahlquist! We kicked it off by randomly talking about Josie’s high school dating life. We then discussed her huge transition moving from Wyoming and South Dakota to Los Angeles, what some of the values she missed were and new ones she appreciated. Josie and I then bonded over dealing with imposter syndrome when writing a book and how much better she is at asking for help than I am. Speaking of books, we got to hear all about Josie’s new book: Digital Leadership in Higher Education: Purposeful Social Media in a Connected World. She taught me about self awareness and being intentional on social media as a leader. After a fun random facts segment, we dove back in and discussed Josie’s lack of connection with girls when she was younger and how that has changed in adulthood. We finished up by talking about whether or not social media connecting us or dividing us more, how to own your truth online, and whether or not #activism works. Having Dr. Josie Ahlquist was insightful, educational, and super fun. I hope you learn as much as I did!  

About the Guest: 

Dr. Josie Ahlquist is a digital engagement and leadership researcher, speaker, and consultant. She teaches teens, young adults, education professionals, and campus executives how to humanize technology tools and prioritize building online community. She is the author of the book: Digital Leadership in Higher Education: Purposeful Social Media in a Connected World.

Josie also serves as a research associate and instructor at Florida State University, creating a curriculum to build digital literacy and leadership skills for undergraduates up to doctorate level students. She is extensively published and maintains an active blog and podcast (Josie & The Podcast), which have received accolades from EdTech Magazine, Inside Higher Ed and the Chronicle of Higher Education. Her book, Digital Leadership in Higher Education: Purposeful Social Media in a Connected World, came out September 2020. Josie received her doctorate from California Lutheran University in Higher Education Leadership, Masters in Education from Northern Arizona University. She majored in sociology and human development at South Dakota State University. Josie resides in Los Angeles, CA with her husband Lloyd Ahlquist and their two rescue-fur babies. She is a proud auntie, underdog triathlete and recent peloton addict. 

Connect with Josie and learn more:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/josieahlquist

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josieahlquist/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josieahlquist/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJosieAhlquist/

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.josieahlquist.com

Book: https://www.josieahlquist.com/digitalleadership/

About the Host: 

Friends! Here's a somewhat stuffy bio of me:  

I am an author, professional speaker, coach, host, and entrepreneur. My first book, Leading Imperfectly: The value of being authentic for leaders, professionals, and human beings, is available wherever people buy books. I speak internationally to willing and unwilling attendees about authenticity, vulnerability, and leadership. My clients include American Express, General Electric (GE), Accenture, Yale University, The Ohio State University, and many others. As a speaker, I am doing the two things I loves the most: making people think and making people laugh! 

I host my own events multiple times a year. They are 2-day events called Living Imperfectly Live (and sometimes they are 1-day virtual events). They are a space where humans from every walk of life can come together to be part of a community on the pursuit of badassery. The goal is to help attendees start living the life we say we want to live.

Alas, you're here because of an idea I had a number of years ago and didn't think I was good enough to pull it off. I finally acted on it and alas Diner Talks with James was born! As you can see from what I do in my professional life, Diner Talks is alligned with everything I believe in and teach. If this wasn't dry enough, and you would like to know more info about my speaking, events, or coaching feel free to check out my website: JamesTRobo.com.

Let’s Be Friends on Social Media!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamestrobo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamestrobo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrobilotta/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/JamesRobilottaCSP

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/JamesTRobo

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from the listeners are extremely valuable to me and greatly appreciated. They help Diner Talks podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, it would mean the world if you couple leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. 

We are excited to bring you this encore presentation of one of our most popular episodes. We hope you enjoy!

Tom Krieglstein became my first guest to actually eat while he was in the diner!  Since he was munching on a veggie pizza, we started by chatting about the impact The Simpsons had on Tom’s dietary choices. We then dove into Tom’s passion of creating a culture of connection.  He told me about his chase for the Guiness World Record for hugging and we let the roll into a great talk about where Tom’s passion for connecting others stemmed from.  Tom then opened up and processed the failure of a million dollar business that he started and was then fired from.  In doing so we talked about self-help practices because he is a huge proponent for journaling.  Then after a fun segment where we learned about Tom’s passport mishap in Indonesia and an embarrassing puberty moment for me, we dove back in.  We ended the conversation discussing his new role as a step-father and the difference between being a tourist and being a traveler.  Tom dropped a lot of nuggets in here, y’all.  I can’t thank him enough for joining me in the booth! 

About the Guest: 

After starting his first business in college that grew to $1.5 million in annual sales, Tom went on to be the Founder and Lead Facilitator of Swift Kick. Since 2004, Tom has trained over half a million leaders around the US and the world including England, South Korea, Indonesia, and Bermuda on how to build a Culture of Connection™ within their organization. Tom has spoken to leaders at some of the largest companies in the world such as Coca Cola, Pfizer, Disney, US Navy, and UCLA. Through his speaking, he holds an unprecedented 6 National Speaking Titles from APCA. He is a TEDx speaker, held a Guinness World Record, and sat on the board of the NYC Entrepreneurs’ Organization for five years. On a personal note, he was named after a cat and loves peanut butter.

Connect with Tom and learn more:

www.swiftkickhq.com

https://www.instagram.com/tomkrieglstein/

https://swiftkickhq.com/freshman-success-book/

About the Host: 

Friends! Here's a somewhat stuffy bio of me:  

I am an author, professional speaker, coach, host, and entrepreneur. My first book, Leading Imperfectly: The value of being authentic for leaders, professionals, and human beings, is available wherever people buy books. I speak internationally to willing and unwilling attendees about authenticity, vulnerability, and leadership. My clients include American Express, General Electric (GE), Accenture, Yale University, The Ohio State University, and many others. As a speaker, I am doing the two things I loves the most: making people think and making people laugh! 

I host my own events multiple times a year. They are 2-day events called Living Imperfectly Live (and sometimes they are 1-day virtual events). They are a space where humans from every walk of life can come together to be part of a community on the pursuit of badassery. The goal is to help attendees start living the life we say we want to live.

Alas, you're here because of an idea I had a number of years ago and didn't think I was good enough to pull it off. I finally acted on it and alas Diner Talks with James was born! As you can see from what I do in my professional life, Diner Talks is alligned with everything I believe in and teach.  If this wasn't dry enough, and you would like to know more info about my speaking, events, or coaching feel free to check out my website: JamesTRobo.com.

Let’s Be Friends on Social Media!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamestrobo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamestrobo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrobilotta/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/JamesRobilottaCSP

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/JamesTRobo

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from the listeners are extremely valuable to me and greatly appreciated. They help Diner Talks podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, it would mean the world if you couple leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

We are excited to bring you this encore presentation of one of our most popular episodes. We hope you enjoy!

I got to sit down with entrepreneur, speaker, and great friend Jess Ekstrom and we jumped right in with their decision to sell their apartment and move into an Airstream. Hearing about her relationship and having different ambitions as a partner and how to communicate about it was awesome. I asked her where do you develop a stick-to-itiveness nature with bring ideas to life. Then we chatted about branding yourself while wanting to still be yourself and how do you know when you can turn around and help someone who is behind you? We closed it out with developing trust in your working and personal relationships. 



About the Guest: 

Jess Ekstrom is the founder and CEO of Headbands of Hope, author of Chasing the Bright Side and just launched her podcast called Business on the Bright Side. She's passionate about helping women tell and sell their story through public speaking and book writing. Jess lives full time in her Airstream trailer with her husband, Jake, and their dog, Ollie. She can run multi-million dollar businesses but she can't keep a plant alive and doesn't own an iron.

www.jessekstrom.com

www.instagram.com/jess_ekstrom

www.brightpages.com

About the Host: 

Friends! Here's a somewhat stuffy bio of me:  

I am an author, professional speaker, coach, host, and entrepreneur. My first book, Leading Imperfectly: The value of being authentic for leaders, professionals, and human beings, is available wherever people buy books. I speak internationally to willing and unwilling attendees about authenticity, vulnerability, and leadership. My clients include American Express, General Electric (GE), Accenture, Yale University, The Ohio State University, and many others. As a speaker, I am doing the two things I loves the most: making people think and making people laugh! 

I host my own events multiple times a year. They are 2-day events called Living Imperfectly Live (and sometimes they are 1-day virtual events). They are a space where humans from every walk of life can come together to be part of a community on the pursuit of badassery. The goal is to help attendees start living the life we say we want to live.

Alas, you're here because of an idea I had a number of years ago and didn't think I was good enough to pull it off. I finally acted on it and alas Diner Talks with James was born! As you can see from what I do in my professional life, Diner Talks is alligned with everything I believe in and teach.  If this wasn't dry enough, and you would like to know more info about my speaking, events, or coaching feel free to check out my website: JamesTRobo.com.

Let’s Be Friends on Social Media!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamestrobo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamestrobo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrobilotta/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/JamesRobilottaCSP

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/JamesTRobo

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from the listeners are extremely valuable to me and greatly appreciated. They help Diner Talks podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, it would mean the world if you couple leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

We are excited to bring you this encore presentation of one of our most popular episodes. We hope you enjoy!

Joining me this episode in the Diner is body image expert, coach, speaker, and badass mom, Stacy Nadeau!  She and I first discuss why she was in her underwear in Times Square and the journey to being comfortable in your body for men and women. We then chatted about ways to silence our inner critic.  Stacy is new-ish parent so I wanted to hear about telling yourself stories as a parent and being a brand new mom and being an entreprenuer.  We ended with an eye-opening convo about why we should no longer seek balance and what we should look for instead and “Hell yes” vs. “Hell no” when making decisions. 

·        Being in your underwear in Times Square

·        The journey to being comfortable in your body for men and women

·        Ways to silence our inner critic

·        Telling yourself stories as a parent

·        Why we should no longer seek balance and what we should look for instead

·        Hell yes vs. hell no

·        Being a brand new mom and being an entreprenuer

About the Guest: 

In the summer of 2005, six women made national news when they appeared on a Times Square billboard, dressed only in their underwear. While other nearby billboards featured actresses and supermodels, this one, promoting Dove brand products, promoted real women with real curves and the nation went wild. Suddenly, Stacy, an industrial organizational psychology major at DePaul University, was thrust into the national spotlight. As one of the real women featured in the ad campaign, Stacy quickly emerged as a spokeswoman for healthy body image. She appeared on the Today Show, CNN, Ellen, Dr. Phil, Tyra, and Oprah (twice).

Since then Stacy has committed her life and career to helping leaders re-connect to their power in order to unleash their confidence and move their organizations forward. Stacy has leveraged her experience and organizational psychology background to create impactful programming for countless clients like Walgreens, Cisco, and Lowe’s. Stacy lives in Chicago, IL with her family. She works full-time as a speaker, consultant, and coach to empower women everywhere.

Website: Stacy Nadeau

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacylnadeau/

About the Host: 

Friends! Here's a somewhat stuffy bio of me:  

I am an author, professional speaker, coach, host, and entrepreneur. My first book, Leading Imperfectly: The value of being authentic for leaders, professionals, and human beings, is available wherever people buy books. I speak internationally to willing and unwilling attendees about authenticity, vulnerability, and leadership. My clients include American Express, General Electric (GE), Accenture, Yale University, The Ohio State University, and many others. As a speaker, I am doing the two things I loves the most: making people think and making people laugh! 

I host my own events multiple times a year. They are 2-day events called Living Imperfectly Live (and sometimes they are 1-day virtual events). They are a space where humans from every walk of life can come together to be part of a community on the pursuit of badassery. The goal is to help attendees start living the life we say we want to live.

Alas, you're here because of an idea I had a number of years ago and didn't think I was good enough to pull it off. I finally acted on it and alas Diner Talks with James was born! As you can see from what I do in my professional life, Diner Talks is alligned with everything I believe in and teach.  If this wasn't dry enough, and you would like to know more info about my speaking, events, or coaching feel free to check out my website: JamesTRobo.com.

Let’s Be Friends on Social Media!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamestrobo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamestrobo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrobilotta/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/JamesRobilottaCSP

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/JamesTRobo

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from the listeners are extremely valuable to me and greatly appreciated. They help Diner Talks podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, it would mean the world if you couple leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.