Elsplend Realities

Some of life's most important turning points don't arrive with certainty—they begin as a quiet invitation to pay attention.

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, author and coach Kristin Kurtz shares her journey of transformation and the lessons she's learned about trusting God, embracing change, and discovering identity through life's unexpected transitions. Together, we explore why so many people sense they're meant for something more yet struggle to take the next step, and how learning to listen to that inner calling can lead to a life of greater purpose and peace.

We discuss spiritual growth, finding your voice, navigating uncertainty with courage, and the role difficult experiences play in shaping who we become. Whether you're standing at a crossroads or simply sensing that life is asking something new of you, this conversation offers gentle wisdom for moving forward with clarity, trust, and authenticity.

Healing from narcissistic relationships isn't just about leaving toxic people—it's about reconnecting with yourself.

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, psychotherapist, author, and founder of The Narcissism Recovery Project, Darren Elliott, explores the emotional impact of narcissistic abuse and why healing begins with reclaiming clarity rather than living in fear. Drawing from both his personal experiences and professional work, Darren explains how gaslighting, manipulation, and emotional disconnection shape our relationships, our communities, and even our culture.

Together, we discuss the difference between confidence and narcissism, how fear erodes empathy, the challenge of rebuilding self-trust after emotional abuse, and why genuine healing requires both accountability and compassion. This conversation offers practical insight for anyone recovering from toxic relationships, questioning unhealthy systems, or seeking to build deeper, healthier connections rooted in truth, empathy, and love.

What if the fullest life isn't built by choosing one path—but by courageously pursuing the passions that make you come alive?

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, Brandy Von Holten shares an extraordinary journey that spans international martial arts competition, science education, entrepreneurship, authorship, and ranch ownership. Rather than seeing these as separate careers, she reveals how each chapter has been driven by purpose, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace new challenges.

Together, we explore the lessons she's learned from competition, the resilience forged through personal hardships, the legacy of transforming a century-old family ranch, and why she believes passion is a far better compass than the pursuit of busyness. Whether you're navigating a career change, building a business, or wondering if it's too late to pursue another dream, this conversation is a reminder that living authentically often means giving yourself permission to become more than one thing.

Success isn't always a sign of alignment. Sometimes, the most accomplished people are carrying the heaviest burdens—not because they're doing too much, but because they've lost sight of who they truly are.

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with LaTonya Renee Flood, Servant Leader, Kingdom Strategist, and founder of the True FACE Foundation, to explore the connection between identity, faith, and leadership. She shares why many high-achieving Christian women struggle not with discipline or work ethic, but with living behind expectations that disconnect them from their God-given purpose.

Together, we discuss the difference between roles and identity, the hidden cost of people-pleasing, what "Holy Confidence" looks like in everyday leadership, and how faith can shape healthier businesses, stronger families, and lasting legacies. This conversation is an invitation to move beyond hustle culture and lead from a place of purpose, peace, and authentic identity.

https://latonyareneeflood.com/

What happens when the beliefs you've inherited no longer feel like enough—but you're not ready to abandon the search for meaning?

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, Matt Ward shares his journey from a four-decade career in the audio industry to developing New Atenism, a framework that explores reason as a foundation for personal growth, purpose, and collective understanding.

Together, we examine the relationship between reason and spirituality, why intelligent people often arrive at different conclusions, how our beliefs are formed, and what it means to pursue truth with both curiosity and humility.

This conversation isn't about telling you what to believe. It's an invitation to reflect more deeply on how we make sense of ourselves, our values, and the world around us.

If you've ever questioned long-held assumptions or searched for a grounded approach to meaning in a rapidly changing world, this episode offers a thoughtful space to explore those questions.

https://newatenism.org/

What if the true purpose of education isn't simply to prepare us for a career—but to shape the kind of people we become?

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, Dr. Meera Viswanathan—scholar, educator, and Head of School at The Ethel Walker School—shares a thoughtful perspective on learning, leadership, and the inner work of human development. Drawing from her experiences in academia, global education, and school leadership, she reflects on why curiosity, reflection, and meaningful relationships remain essential in a world increasingly driven by measurable outcomes.

Together, we explore education as a lifelong journey of becoming, the enduring value of the humanities, the role of culture in shaping identity, and what it means to lead with both wisdom and humanity. This conversation is an invitation to look beyond achievement and consider how our learning shapes not only what we know, but who we are becoming.

How much of our experience is shaped by the way we perceive ourselves and the world around us?

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, Dr. Gretta Chamberlain shares her unique perspective on consciousness, healing, and inner transformation, drawing from both her background in medicine and her work in energy healing and spiritual exploration. Together, we explore the relationship between awareness, identity, unconditional love, and the possibility that meaningful change begins within before it is reflected in our outer lives.

Whether you approach these ideas from a psychological, scientific, spiritual, or simply curious perspective, this conversation invites thoughtful reflection rather than certainty. It's an exploration of perception, personal responsibility, and the enduring question of how our inner world influences the way we experience reality.

What if the most important financial conversations have very little to do with money?

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, financial advisor and StewardRight founder Michael Proctor explores why wealth is as much about relationships, values, and purpose as it is about numbers. Drawing from his experience at the intersection of finance, faith, and family, Michael shares why stewardship is a calling, how money shapes the culture of a home, and what it takes to build a legacy that extends beyond financial success.

Together, we discuss the emotional side of money, aligning financial decisions with personal values, navigating difficult conversations as a family, and redefining success through responsibility rather than accumulation. This conversation is a thoughtful invitation to pursue not only financial clarity, but also the kind of wisdom and intentionality that strengthens relationships and leaves a lasting legacy.

https://stewardright.com/contact/

What if great parenting isn't about getting everything right—but about creating a home where emotions are understood, not feared?

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, behavior analyst, parent coach, and author Brooke Barrett shares practical wisdom on helping children and parents navigate big emotions with greater compassion, flexibility, and confidence. Drawing from behavioral science, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and her The Oaklings children's book series, Brooke explores how simple, everyday conversations can strengthen emotional resilience and deepen family connection.

Together, we discuss self-compassion in parenting, creating shared emotional language, and why the goal isn't perfection—it's building relationships where both parents and children feel safe to grow. This conversation offers a thoughtful reminder that the healthiest families aren't those without challenges, but those who learn to face them with understanding, curiosity, and love.

Success isn't always built in boardrooms. Sometimes, it begins on a farm, a construction site, or through the lessons learned by starting over in a new country.

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Taylor Smith, a real estate professional whose journey from rural Canada to the U.S. real estate market has shaped a unique perspective on business, investing, and relationships. With nearly two decades of experience in residential and commercial real estate—and a background in construction management—Taylor explains why understanding people is just as important as understanding property.

Together, we explore how life experience can become a competitive advantage, the mindset differences between homeowners and investors, what buyers often misunderstand about real estate, and how emotional decisions influence financial outcomes. Taylor also shares practical insights on building long-term wealth through property, earning trust in a relationship-driven industry, and why every chapter of life prepares us for the next opportunity.

Whether you're considering your first home, exploring real estate investing, or looking to build lasting wealth, this conversation offers valuable lessons on making informed decisions while staying grounded in what matters most.

Because the strongest foundations aren't built with concrete alone—they're built through character, relationships, and the experiences that shape who we become.