Elsplend Realities

What if the health of a nation begins with the healing of its people?

In this deeply reflective episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Phyllis E. Leavitt, a psychotherapist with over 34 years of experience working with children, families, couples, and individuals. She is the author of America in Therapy: A New Approach to Hope and Healing for a Nation in Crisis, where she explores the powerful connection between personal psychological healing and the broader emotional health of society.

Together, we explore how individual trauma, family dynamics, and collective patterns mirror one another—and how understanding these connections can open pathways to deeper healing. Phyllis shares insights from decades of clinical practice, including her work in sexual abuse treatment and family therapy, offering a grounded yet spiritually informed perspective on what it takes to break cycles of pain and dysfunction.

We also discuss the intersection of psychology and spirituality, the role of compassion in understanding both victims and perpetrators, and how cultural narratives shape emotional resilience. This conversation highlights not only the roots of division and suffering, but also the real possibilities for hope, repair, and transformation at both personal and societal levels.

Whether you're a practitioner, a seeker, or someone simply trying to make sense of the world around you, this episode offers a thoughtful exploration of healing—starting within and extending outward into families, communities, and beyond.

Join us for a powerful conversation about awareness, compassion, and the collective journey toward emotional and spiritual renewal.

https://www.phyllisleavitt.com/

What if the biggest barrier to success isn’t lack of skill—but misunderstanding what people actually need?

In this insightful episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Bill Shander, an author, educator, keynote speaker, and information designer with over 30 years of experience helping individuals and organizations turn complexity into clarity. His work has reached millions through LinkedIn Learning, and he has taught at institutions including Harvard and Stanford.

Together, we explore the hidden challenges of workplace communication and why “doing what you’re told” often falls short of delivering real value. Bill introduces the concept of “stakeholder whispering,” showing how uncovering true needs—rather than simply executing requests—can transform collaboration, leadership, and outcomes.

We also dive into the emotional dynamics that shape communication, including urgency, authority, and misalignment, and how curiosity, listening, and better questioning can shift relationships from friction to alignment. Bill shares how storytelling and visual communication can cut through complexity, reduce overwhelm, and create shared understanding in high-stakes environments.

Whether you're a leader, team member, or early-career professional, this conversation offers practical insights into improving how you think, speak, and connect at work. It challenges us to slow down, ask better questions, and prioritize understanding over assumption.

Join us for a powerful discussion about communication, empathy, storytelling, and the quiet skill of truly understanding people before acting on what they say.

https://billshander.com/

What if productivity wasn’t about doing more—but about doing what matters with more clarity, energy, and intention?

In this empowering episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Kristen Edwards, a leading productivity strategist and host of the Ambitious Time Management Podcast. With a background in talent management and years of experience supporting high-achieving working mothers, Kristen helps women simplify their schedules, reclaim their time, and build sustainable systems that actually work in real life.

Together, we explore the shift from traditional time management to energy-aware productivity, and why so many ambitious women feel overwhelmed despite doing “everything right.” Kristen breaks down her Focus Formula, explains how to identify hidden time drains, and shares practical strategies for aligning daily actions with personal energy patterns rather than rigid schedules.

We also dive into the emotional side of productivity—guilt around rest, the pressure to always perform, and the challenge of balancing career, family, and personal growth without burnout. Kristen offers grounded, realistic solutions for creating structure without losing flexibility, and for building habits that support both success and well-being.

Whether you're a working mom, entrepreneur, or high-performing professional navigating competing demands, this conversation offers a refreshing and compassionate approach to productivity—one that prioritizes energy, focus, and sustainable achievement.

Join us for a conversation about clarity, balance, and reclaiming your time in a way that actually supports the life you want to build.

What if changing the world didn’t begin with a grand plan, but with a simple act of kindness?

In this heartwarming episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Nicholas Adkins, founder of the global Pinksocks Life movement and author of PINKSOCKS: How a Pair of Socks Became a Symbol of Love and Connection. What began as a simple gesture has grown into a worldwide community of hundreds of thousands of people committed to spreading love, compassion, and authentic human connection.

Together, we explore the profound impact of being truly present with others, the universal human need to feel seen and valued, and how small acts of kindness can create ripples far beyond what we imagine. Nicholas shares stories from his journey, lessons learned from connecting with people across cultures and communities, and insights into why meaningful connection remains one of our deepest human needs.

This conversation invites us to slow down, listen more deeply, and rediscover the power of simple gestures in a fast-moving world. We discuss compassion, belonging, hope, vulnerability, and the ways ordinary people can become catalysts for extraordinary change through everyday acts of care.

Whether you're feeling disconnected, searching for more meaningful relationships, or looking for ways to make a positive impact in your community, this episode offers inspiration and practical reminders that kindness is never too small to matter.

Join us for a moving conversation about love, presence, human connection, and the remarkable truth that sometimes the smallest gesture can transform a life—including our own.

Because at the heart of every meaningful connection is a simple message: You matter. You are seen. And you are not alone.

What if burnout isn’t a sign that you’ve failed—but a signal that something needs attention?

In this thought-provoking episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Glen Lubbert, co-founder and CEO of Stamina Lab, performance and recovery coach, mindfulness teacher, and entrepreneur. Drawing from his own experience navigating burnout while leading a multimillion-dollar health company, Glen offers a refreshing and compassionate perspective on resilience, behavior change, and well-being.

Together, we explore why so many high-achieving individuals feel exhausted despite doing all the “right” things, how cognitive overload impacts our energy and decision-making, and why sustainable growth often begins with awareness rather than effort. Glen shares practical insights on stress, recovery, mindfulness, self-talk, and the hidden ways our daily habits influence long-term well-being.

This conversation challenges the idea that personal growth requires constant self-improvement. Instead, Glen introduces a powerful alternative: building forward from what is already working. Through the lens of science, coaching, and human experience, we discuss how small wins restore self-trust, why values are often more reliable than motivation, and how to create meaningful change without guilt or perfectionism.

Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, creative, caregiver, or simply someone feeling stretched by the demands of modern life, this episode offers a healthier, more sustainable way to think about performance, resilience, and personal growth.

Join us for a conversation about burnout, recovery, self-awareness, and the possibility of moving forward with greater clarity, compassion, and intention. Because sometimes the most powerful transformation begins not with pushing harder—but with seeing yourself more clearly

In a world that has never been more connected digitally, many people still feel disconnected personally. What if the key to greater fulfillment, opportunity, and positive change lies not in networking harder, but in connecting more intentionally?

In this inspiring episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with David Homan—CEO and Founder of Orchestrated Connecting, entrepreneur, advisor, classical composer, and author—to explore the transformative power of authentic relationships and community-building.

David shares the experiences that led him to create a global network of purpose-driven connectors and explains why meaningful relationships are rarely accidental. Together, we discuss how trust is built, why influence extends far beyond wealth or status, and how intentional connection can open doors to opportunities, collaboration, and personal growth.

We also explore the deeper human need for belonging, the role of community in healing social disconnection, and practical ways individuals can cultivate stronger, more authentic relationships in both their personal and professional lives. Through powerful stories and actionable insights, David reveals how small acts of connection can create ripple effects that extend far beyond what we can imagine.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, creative, professional, or simply someone seeking deeper relationships, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on the value of community and the importance of showing up with authenticity and purpose.

Join us for a thoughtful discussion about connection, trust, belonging, and how building meaningful relationships can transform not only our own lives but the world around us.

What happens when food becomes more than nourishment—when it becomes comfort, escape, control, or a source of shame? And what does it take to break free from those patterns and build a healthier relationship with yourself?

In this deeply honest episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Ronni Robinson—author, Certified Eating Disorder Recovery Coach, mother, and three-time Ironman—to discuss her powerful journey from decades of binge eating to lasting recovery and freedom.

Drawing from her memoir, Out of the Pantry: A Disordered Eating Journey, Ronni shares the realities of living with disordered eating, the emotional struggles that often remain hidden, and the turning points that helped her reclaim her life. Together, we explore the differences between binge eating and emotional eating, the role of shame in maintaining unhealthy patterns, and why true healing goes far beyond diets and willpower.

This conversation also examines how self-compassion, awareness, and support can create lasting change. Ronni offers practical insights into recovery, shares lessons from her work coaching women through similar struggles, and provides hope for anyone feeling trapped in cycles of compulsive eating or self-criticism.

Whether you have personally struggled with food, support someone who has, or simply want to understand the deeper emotional connections we often have with eating, this episode offers encouragement, understanding, and a reminder that recovery is possible.

Join us for a meaningful conversation about healing, self-acceptance, resilience, and learning to live fully beyond the grip of disordered eating.

https://www.ronnirobinson.com/

What if aging wasn’t something to fear, but something to prepare for with intention, confidence, and care?

In this insightful episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with Carlos Reyes, veteran wellness coach and certified personal trainer with more than 35 years of experience helping people stay active, healthy, and independent through every stage of life. From individuals recovering from injury to clients thriving well into their 70s, 80s, and 90s, Carlos has spent decades discovering what truly supports long-term vitality.

Together, we explore what it means to age well—not through extreme fitness trends or quick fixes, but through sustainable habits, practical choices, and a mindset that embraces growth rather than decline. Carlos shares the common characteristics of people who remain strong, capable, and resilient as they age, and explains why consistency often matters more than intensity.

We also discuss the emotional side of health, the role of mindset in longevity, how to build routines that last, and why it's never too late to begin caring for your future self. Whether you're in your 30s planning ahead or navigating the realities of aging right now, this conversation offers encouragement, wisdom, and actionable guidance.

Join us for a thoughtful discussion about wellness, independence, healthy aging, and the daily practices that help us remain engaged, confident, and fully alive for years to come.

Because aging isn't about losing who you are—it's about becoming the strongest, wisest, and most resilient version of yourself.

What if better health isn’t about working harder—but working smarter with the unique way your brain and body are wired?

In this fascinating episode of Elsplend Realities, we sit down with PJ Glassey, fitness innovator, biohacker, author, and founder of X Gym. With nearly four decades of experience in personal training, exercise science, nutrition, and brain-based performance, PJ has dedicated his career to helping people unlock their full physical and cognitive potential.

Together, we explore the powerful connection between the brain and body, how personalized fitness can accelerate results, and why understanding your unique brain type may be the missing piece in your health journey. PJ shares insights into biohacking, anti-aging strategies, sustainable fitness, nutrition, and the lifestyle habits that support long-term vitality.

We also discuss the science of resilience, the role of mindset in peak performance, and practical ways to optimize health without becoming overwhelmed by complex routines. From preventing cognitive decline to building habits that support energy, focus, and longevity, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on what it means to thrive in both body and mind.

Whether you're beginning your wellness journey, looking to improve performance, or seeking practical ways to age with strength and clarity, this episode provides valuable tools and insights to help you take the next step.

Join us for an engaging conversation about fitness, brain health, biohacking, and the small changes that can create extraordinary results over time.

https://xgym.com/

What if the key to lasting success isn’t doing more—but doing less, more intentionally?

In this empowering episode of Elsplend Realities, we welcome Dr. Christiane Schroeter—TEDx speaker, professor of entrepreneurship and innovation, bestselling author, top-ranked podcaster, and creator of the Petite Practice™️ framework. With a unique blend of academic insight and real-world experience, Christiane helps people turn overwhelming ambitions into sustainable action.

Together, we explore the emotional side of growth, the mindset traps that keep entrepreneurs stuck, and the power of small, consistent habits to create meaningful transformation. From overcoming self-doubt and perfectionism to rebuilding trust in yourself after setbacks, Christiane shares practical wisdom for anyone seeking progress without sacrificing their well-being.

We also dive into the hidden costs of hustle culture, the signs of building a business from anxiety rather than purpose, and how to stay grounded while pursuing ambitious goals. Through thoughtful conversation and actionable insights, Christiane reminds us that success is not a race—it’s a practice.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a creative, a professional navigating change, or someone simply trying to move forward with greater confidence, this episode offers a refreshing approach to growth that is both compassionate and effective.

Join us for a conversation about courage, consistency, self-trust, and the small daily actions that lead to extraordinary results.

https://www.youtube.com/@doctor.christiane