Empowered Human Academy

To close out this season, we’re shaking things up a bit. Writer and producer Rebekah Pahl is interviewing Isaac, and they discuss the starting point of identity, collaboration, evaluating old narratives, feeling for the space of aliveness, and Isaac’s musings on what’s going on here with this whole experiment of existence.

As a Wonderer and the CEO of Lightward, Isaac gives careful attention and presence to the evolution of his own identity, as well as Lightward’s—and it’s a treat to hear him unpack why identity is a resonating theme in his life.

As this iteration of Empowered Human Academy comes to a close, this conversation is both a fitting bookend and thoughtful framework for the art and exploration to come. There’s so much light ahead! With deep, deep gratitude and joy for what this chapter has meant to us, we give you our very last episode of season 1.

Full show notes and a downloadable are available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/53—and you can watch the conversation on YouTube here!

Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: Where are you sensing the aliveness in your life right now?

Journal Prompt: Take internal inventory re: your relationship with collaboration. How would you describe it? Does it light you up, do you find yourself avoiding it—and why?

Action Step: Find an artifact that represents where you are in your journey right now. What does this say about you in your most present self and expression?

View the printable worksheet on Google Docs

Further exploration:

Follow Isaac on Instagram: @isaacbowen

Walt Whitman quote 

This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

To close out season 1, we’re doing something a little different for our final two episodes. Writer and producer Rebekah Pahl is interviewing Abe this week, and then Isaac in the episode to follow. We’ll be reflecting on what this past season of conversations has meant to our own aliveness—and what we’re feeling drawn toward next.

Abe and Rebekah discuss the origins of the podcast, what it’s felt like for Abe to uncover a new level of confidence, the liminal space before you know what’s next, developing sustainable patterns for life as an entrepreneur, and the path back to the heart.

Consider this conversation a Polaroid of what Abe’s been processing lately— the way he describes the edge of newness that’s coming up for him is inspiring and we hope it might ignite your own curiosity of where life is inviting you, too.

Full show notes and a downloadable are available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/52—and you can watch the conversation on YouTube here! 

Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: Where are you feeling the edge of newness in your life right now?

Journal Prompt: Describe an ideal day that fills up and nourishes your soul...

Action Step: Create a personalized self-care plan that keeps you both energized and rested. What components are needed for your refueling? 

View the printable worksheet on Google Docs

This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

Rebecca Fralick is a chef and the owner of Mara’s Cafe based in Wisconsin. She’s a powerhouse business owner and is crystal clear about her values—she’s only interested in opportunities that deeply align with her intuition. Alongside her business endeavors, she’s also a mom, wife, and lover of plants, sunshine, good coffee, and tacos. Rebecca thinks in flavor profiles and makes decisions with the inner compass of integrity. She’s made it her mission for her insides to match her outsides—and it’s working. She’s only growing more unstoppable, the more she lives what she knows.

Throughout this conversation we discuss moving beyond fundamentalism, getting clear about your values, how her business outlived the fail-date she had in mind, the difference between hope that’s native and hope that’s handed, listening to your gut, and surviving domestic violence.

Despite the darkness Rebecca’s encountered in her past, the native and very real hope inside her is shining brighter than ever.

Full show notes and a downloadable are available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/51—and you can watch the conversation on YouTube here! And if you want to take an even deeper dive, we've also recorded a bonus episode (available only via Apple Podcasts) where we digest the conversation's themes and swap art recommendations—it's a lot of fun. 

Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: What's a way that you're currently bringing your insides to match your outsides? 

Journal Prompt: Is there something inside me that I haven’t fully brought to my external world yet? 

Action Step: Find a way to weave in a sense of “play” into your work this week.

View the printable worksheet on Google Docs

Further exploration:

Follow Rebecca’s work on Instagram: @matenaercatering 

Learn more about Rebecca’s work: matenaercatering.com

Notes from a Young Black Chef: A Memoir by Joshua David Stein and Kwame Onwuachi

The Art of Flavor: Practices and Principles for Creating Delicious Food by Daniel Patterson and Mandy Aftel

Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/

This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

During the first chapter of his career, Jim Jacoby built a successful, privately-owned agency pioneering user-centered design in finance, healthcare, tech, and manufacturing. Then, at the peak of his success, he took a step back and commissioned a world-renowned designer to build a revolutionary motorcycle. Jim studied the methods and behaviors behind the process, then codified his findings into a system that could be applied in any industry—giving a modern, 21st century twist to the idea of Craftsmanship. Jim then reimagined a user-centered design firm from the ground up, launched an executive coaching program, and established a fine-dining venue.

We first met Jim a few years ago at a Sofar Sounds show in Chicago. He and his partner Molly were hosting the concert, and their home environment immediately drew us in. And the more we’ve come to know Jim, the resonance has only grown. Not only has he moved through some courageous shifts in his career and personal life, but he’s also mined some profound insights along the way.

Throughout this conversation we discuss the difference between strength and courage, honoring your truth, and finding patience in the process. Jim’s life is a powerful example of the joy that’s waiting for us all on the other side of honoring one’s truth. We loved this hour with Jim and hope it sparks something in you, too.

Full show notes and a downloadable are available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/50—and you can watch the conversation on YouTube here! And if you want to take an even deeper dive, we've also recorded a bonus episode (available only via Apple Podcasts) where we digest the conversation's themes and swap art recommendations—it's a lot of fun.

Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: What's a courageous choice you've made that might not stand out from the outside looking in, but was profoundly significant to you? How did that choice shift your life?

Journal Prompt: This is what’s important to me when it comes to my environment... 

Action Step: Write down a list of what you want—the bolder the better.

View the printable worksheet on Google Docs

Further exploration:

Follow Jim on Instagram: @jim_jacoby

Follow Jim’s restaurant on Instagram: @saintemeric

Follow Jim & Molly’s space on Instagram: @saintemericishome

www.admci.org

www.studio4dc.com

www.saintemeric.com

www.bienvillelegacy.com

A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction

The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

Today’s guest is someone who’s part of our daily life—our dear friend, and Lightward’s Wellness Advisor, Ian Day. We’ve known Ian for almost five years now and we’re so grateful to be doing life alongside him. Ian’s a whimsical blend of wellness knowledge and good-hearted fun—and as you’ll soon hear for yourself, the path to self-acceptance hasn’t been an easy one. He’s done the soul-work of getting quiet inside to discover who he is and to find his grounding in a self-love that’s not up for debate—and he shares that story with us here.

Throughout this conversation we discuss engaging life with playfulness, shedding self-consciousness, embracing imperfection, showing up as you are, and his journey to becoming sober. We recorded this conversation a few days before Ian’s 30th birthday, so it felt really significant to enter into that reflective space with him—reflecting on not only how far he’s come, but also the aliveness in how he’s continuing to grow. We love Ian so much and are thrilled for you to hear his open, radiant, and generous heart—as well as some wellness tips sprinkled in along the way.

Full show notes and a downloadable are available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/49—and you can watch the conversation on YouTube here! And if you want to take an even deeper dive, we've also recorded a bonus episode (available only via Apple Podcasts) where we digest the conversation's themes and swap art recommendations—it's a lot of fun.

Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: In your own life, what's the relationship between self-acceptance and your ability to fully show up as you are?

Journal Prompt: This is what it means to show up as myself...

Action Step: Identify an area of your life where you feel resistance to asking for help. Share what you learn with a trusted friend and consider how you might take a small step toward asking for support in a tangible way.

View the printable worksheet on Google Docs

Further exploration:

Follow Ian on Instagram: @ian_day_

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz

You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero

This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

Today’s guest is our dear friend Thorin Decatur— who also happens to be our barber. Whether through his profession or as a present father to his kids, Thorin stays energized by constantly learning. While the overarching societal trend tells us to stop exploring as we grow older, Thorin is actively choosing to stay open by way of compassion and curiosity. He’s a refreshing example of how the expansiveness of allowing ourselves to feel everything far outweighs the safety of remaining in old patterns that don’t fit anymore.

Throughout this conversation we discuss breaking patterns of pessimism, creating your own reality, learning what your body needs, setting small goals, fatherhood, compassion as a path to what’s possible, and staying focused on what’s right in front of you. Thorin’s an expansive soul and is bringing so much good to the world simply by being himself. His passion for learning is contagious and it felt really special to capture some of his essence here.

Full show notes and a downloadable are available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/48—and you can watch the conversation on YouTube here! And if you want to take an even deeper dive, we've also recorded a subscribers-only bonus episode (available only via Apple Podcasts) where we digest the conversation's themes and swap art recommendations—it's a lot of fun.

Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: Where is your curiosity currently leading you?

Journal Prompt: Which emotion has been the hardest for you to access, and what have you discovered as you’ve allowed yourself to feel it?

Action Step: Make a conscious effort to seek out some good news this week.

View the printable worksheet on Google Docs

Further exploration:

Follow Thorin on Instagram: @thorin_d

This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

Amanda Ewing is a Nashville-based luthier (violin-maker)—and is the first Black female luthier on record. She’s been apprenticing with her teacher since 2018, honing the intricacies of her craft—and there are many of them! On average, it takes about 250 hours and about 56 parts to make a violin. Amanda’s not only keeping a highly-detailed art form alive—she’s also changing the trajectory of a field that’s been strategically exclusive to white males for 500 years.

Throughout this conversation we discuss pursuing joy as a pathway to purpose, making your own space for what you want to do in the world, staying grounded in the midst of what you can’t control, using your platform for representation, existing in a space of allowance, and co-creating with your life.

Amanda holds a powerfully expansive vision for creating more inclusive tables for people who've been historically excluded. We're incredibly energized by her light—and we're thrilled for you to be, too.

Full show notes and a downloadable are available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/47—and you can watch the conversation on YouTube here! And if you want to take an even deeper dive, we've also recorded a subscribers-only bonus episode (available only via Apple Podcasts) where we digest the conversation's themes and swap art recommendations—it's a lot of fun.

Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: How do you feel your soul’s purpose transcends your specific line of work, and how does it feel at home in your current expression?

Journal Prompt: Write about a time when following your joy revealed something to you about your purpose.

Action Step: Make a list of what you’ve been through already—taking stock of how you’ve expanded in the past as an encouragement to keep moving forward into your future.

View the printable worksheet on Google Docs

Further exploration:

Follow Amanda on Instagram: @lovinglyamanda & @lovinglydemeoviolins

Watch I Am Not Your Guru on Netflix

Read the Nashville Scene article

Follow #luthiersofcolor on Instagram

This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

Mladen Rangelov is a product leader and team builder at Shopify, and he self-describes as a life-learner who’s energized by building environments in which teams can thrive. Born in what was then Yugoslavia, and growing up in the middle of a war—Mladen holds a unique perspective on making the most of being alive and leaning into vulnerable and tough conversations, from a place of empathy and positive intent.

Throughout this conversation we discuss prioritizing self-care in a leadership role, creating an environment for healthy feedback and debate, reframing deadlines, discerning when to be assertive and when to allow, holding non-judgmental space for differing motivations, leadership as unlocking the potential in others, and care as mutual growth.

In the tech space where burnout and turnover rates have been high, Mladen is forging a thoughtful path toward thriving and longevity. Whatever line of work you’re in, there’s a lot here that can be applied to all of life—so we’re thrilled to share this conversation with you.

Full show notes and a downloadable are available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/46—and you can watch the conversation on YouTube here! And if you want to take an even deeper dive, we've also recorded a subscribers-only bonus episode (available only via Apple Podcasts) where we digest the conversation's themes and swap art recommendations—it's a lot of fun.

Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: What’s something you’re experimenting with or have woven in when it comes to creating an environment of care, wherever you are?

Journal Prompt: This is what motivates me...

Action Step: Create a list of your current personal values. What’s on your “must-have” list, and what’s on your “nice-to-have” list?

View the printable worksheet on Google Docs

Further exploration:

Connect with Mladen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mladenr

This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

Yumin Wong was born and raised in Singapore, then moved to the U.S. for college—and is now a staff software engineer at GitHub. She’s also the mother of a two-year old and is expecting baby #2 in just a few weeks. Yumin integrates her love for these co-existing parts of herself by exploring the parallels between parenting and engineering—or as she calls it, “parengineering”.

Throughout this conversation we discuss growing into confidence, compartmentalizing your work life while still being genuine, learning flexibility, balancing career and parenting, and the lineage of powerful women that she comes from.

As you’ll hear in the conversation, Yumin is right on the cusp of a move back to Singapore, so it felt very special to get this snapshot of all the feels surrounding that decision and hear how her mother’s boldness has shaped her into the powerful woman she is today.

Full show notes and a downloadable are available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/45—and you can watch the conversation on YouTube here! And if you want to take an even deeper dive, we've also recorded a bonus episode (available only via Apple Podcasts) where we digest the conversation's themes and swap art recommendations—it's a lot of fun. Typically these bonus episodes are subscribers-only, but this week we're opening it up to everyone so you can get a taste of the party that's happening there. 

Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: What’s an empowering message, quality, or memory you’ve received from your lineage?

Journal Prompt: Write about what you hope to carry forward from your lineage and then describe an area in which you hope to pivot and do something different in your life.

Action Step: Write yourself a letter from the future version of you. Equipped with what your future version knows, what do they have to tell you right now?

View the printable worksheet on Google Docs

Further exploration:

Follow Yumin on Instagram: @yoomin19

Find Yumin on Twitter/GitHub/Peloton: @itsbagpack

This is a production of Lightward, Inc.

Christian Picciolini is an award-winning television producer, public speaker, author, peace advocate, and former violent extremist. After leaving the white-supremacist skinhead movement he was part of during the 1980s and 90s, Christian began the process of making amends and creating a new life. He went on to receive a degree in international relations from DePaul University and launched Goldmill Group, a counter-extremism consulting and digital media firm. In 2016, he won an Emmy for producing an anti-hate advertising campaign aimed at helping people disengage from extremism and today he leads the Free Radicals Project, a global extremism prevention network. Since leaving the white-power movement, Christian has helped hundreds of individuals leave hate behind as well.

Throughout this conversation we discuss self-forgiveness, redemption, combating misinformation, confronting racism, second chances, holding power accountable, and the universal glue that holds us all together.

Christian has written about his involvement with and exit from organized hate in his memoir, White American Youth, and he’s the featured subject in season 3 of WBEZ’s “Motive” podcast. He unpacks his disengagement work further in his 2020 book, Breaking Hate: Confronting the New Culture of Extremism, as well as in the MSNBC documentary series of the same name. Christian hosts the “F*** Your Racist History” podcast, a scripted history show that tells America's hidden, overlooked, and unknown racist origin stories. Christian’s message of peace through empathy and compassion has taken him all over the world and we’re honored to share his story here.

Full show notes and a downloadable are available at empoweredhumanacademy.com/44—and you can watch the conversation on YouTube here! And if you want to take an even deeper dive, we've also recorded a subscribers-only bonus episode (available only via Apple Podcasts) where we digest the conversation's themes and swap art recommendations—it's a lot of fun.

Keep the conversation going...

Table Question: What is your current litmus test for determining truth?

Journal Prompt: Describe the kind of world that you want to help build. What does it look like, what does it feel like?

Action Step: Reflect on how you might help dismantle the “othering” that you see in your specific ecosystem and circle of influence.

View the printable worksheet on Google Docs

Further exploration:

Learn more about Christian’s work: christianpicciolini.com

F*** Your Racist History podcast

Follow Christian on Twitter: @cpicciolini

Read White American Youth

Read Breaking Hate

This is a production of Lightward, Inc.