In this episode of Essential Pause, Carey shares a personal story about back pain and an unexpected lesson from a massage therapist: the place that hurts isn’t always the source. Using the PAUSE framework, she explores how we often seek advice, mentoring, or coaching for symptoms rather than the deeper systems shaping them. This conversation invites listeners to slow down, treat discomfort as intelligent data, and resist the rush to quick fixes. You’ll leave with a simple practice to help you uncover what’s really asking for your attention.

This brand-new podcast, created in partnership between Dragon Podcasts and Loyola University, invites you to step into the in-between spaces—where reflection, awareness, and intentional action take root. Guided by Loyola University’s Dr. Carey Borkoski—coach, educator, and researcher—this series opens a thoughtful conversation on how we lead and live with greater clarity and purpose.

In this episode, Carey is joined by Jesse Tubbs, an adventure racer and coach whose understanding of pausing was shaped in high-stakes, multi-day races that rely on map-and-compass navigation across biking, hiking, running, and kayaking terrain. Jesse shares how slowing down—once a source of frustration—became essential for course correction, team alignment, and success, reminding us that the fastest person on the course can still be going the wrong way. Together, we explore the power of creating moments of stillness to gain clarity, cultivating awareness and compassionate acceptance of our experiences, and honoring what both we and others bring to the table when navigating challenge, leadership, and life.

You often already have what you need to lead, teach, or coach. In this episode, Carey is joined by Jessica Harrington, a values-based higher ed director committed to strengthening the practices and understanding of leadership, creativity, & innovation through program development, mentoring, and coaching. Together, they explore the role and importance of showing up authentically, centering others, and trusting your presence to provide clarity, creativity, and belonging.

Not all pauses are planned. This episode shares how unexpected events—like sudden disruptions or surprises—can become moments of reflection and recalibration. Discover strategies for turning the unplanned into opportunities for clarity and deliberate action.