Eyes Wide Open with Nick Thompson

I took a much-needed summer sabbatical from social media.

The pressure to produce led me to a place where I would "finish my day" late in the evening and then sit down to create content as if that was some way to rest. I was burning out fast.

I can always recognize the signs, and this time, I decided to take a break from pressuring myself to show up online. To some people, it might seem counterintuitive to unplug. But let me tell you, it was a game-changer to take a break from posting on LinkedIn. 

I learned a few things I'd like to share with all of you in this solo episode. I'm always learning to embrace the ebb and flow of life. There will be times when I am inspired and others when it takes a backseat.

And the key takeaway?

That's okay with me! How can you give yourself permission to release yourself from unnecessary pressure, fill your cup, and find a balance so you can show up in the world with your eyes wide open? 

Find Nick Thompson here: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/ UCAN Foundation: https://www.ucanfoundation.org/ Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, a friend of the show Kristy Edwards, founder of Neatly Balanced, opens up about her journey through the challenging terrain of burnout, anxiety, and depression while growing her business. 

Kristy candidly shares how setting boundaries and prioritizing mental health became crucial to her well-being and success. She delves into the therapeutic power of journaling, the importance of reaching out to a supportive network, and the vital role of therapy in her healing process.

Throughout the conversation, Kristy emphasizes the need for a reliable support system and the courage it takes to seek help when facing mental health struggles. She also discusses her passion for creating a safe space through Neatly Balanced, where people can feel seen, heard, and supported in their own journeys. 

The episode is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, self-care, and the transformative impact of organizing one's life inside and out. 

Tune in for an uplifting discussion on the importance of mental and physical well-being in both life and business to help you show up in the world with your eyes wide open. 

TW: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault and suicide ideation. The content may be distressing or triggering for some listeners. We encourage you to prioritize your mental health and please feel free to skip this episode.

Find Kristy Edwards here:

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@neatlybalanced

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-edwards-62952b17/

Website: https://neatly-balanced.com/

Find Nick Thompson here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/ 

UCAN Foundation: https://www.ucanfoundation.org/ 

Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/ 

In this episode, Stef “Rocks” shares her dynamic journey from rock radio morning show host to podcaster and everything in between. 

The duo dives into a wide array of topics, including unsolicited pics on dating apps and DMs, her passion for rock music, and the pros and cons of being single. The conversation also touches on social media, backstage rock show experiences, dating, and reality TV.

Stef also shares her experience traveling with musicians and the rock star lifestyle. Nick also gets Stef to spill the tea on the craziest story she has from her time traveling with some of the biggest rockstars in the world. 

Stef and Nick open up about the challenges of podcasting, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and having a unique angle that provides value to your audience. 

Finally, they share a heartfelt discussion on dream partners and what they look for and need in a successful relationship.

Tune in for a fun conversation packed with laughter, insights, and candid reflections on the evolving landscape of dating, the quest for genuine connections, and the rollercoaster of modern relationships. 

Don't miss out on this captivating exchange to help you show up in the world with your eyes wide open.

Find Stef Rocks here:

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stefsrockshow

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/iwannatouchyou11

Angelina “Angel” Morgan Benefit Concert: https://tinyurl.com/35fbjzsx

Aftershock 2024 Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/y89uass9

Find Nick Thompson here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/ 

UCAN Foundation: https://www.ucanfoundation.org/ 

Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/

Do you have love, dating, or relationships on your mind? Check out this episode where Nick engages with renowned love coach Melani Le'ona for a transformative discussion on mastering modern dating. Melani shares her inspiring journey to becoming a top dating and relationship coach, emphasizing the vital role of self-love, boundaries, and mindful dating practices. 

They tackle the pitfalls of instant gratification and superficial connections on dating apps, advocating for deeper emotional connections and meaningful conversations. Melani reveals strategies for crafting an authentic dating profile and understanding love languages to foster stronger relationships. 

They explore conflict resolution, building a solid foundation as a team, and the powerful principles of the law of attraction and the reticular activating system for attracting healthy relationships. 

With insights on identifying non-negotiables, desires, deal-breakers, and embracing personal flaws, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking true alignment and fulfillment in their relationships.

Tune in to this episode and discover how to navigate life and relationships with your eyes wide open so you embrace every moment with clarity and intention.

Find Melani Le’ona here:

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thelovecoach

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

Website: https://melanileona.com/

Free Breakthrough Session: https://calendly.com/the-love-coach

Find Nick Thompson here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/ 

UCAN Foundation: https://www.ucanfoundation.org/

Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/

Get ready for an inspiring journey with Shelley Paxton, the former CMO of Harley Davidson and current Chief Soul Officer. She will share her remarkable career path and current mission to redefine success.

Shelley has always followed her passions, but it wasn’t until she reached the top of the mountain that she tapped into the rebel within to become who she was meant to be. 

Join us as she reveals the pivotal moments that shaped her career, including her rise to the top at Harley-Davidson. But the true essence of this episode lies in Shelley’s courage to embrace imperfection and take bold steps towards a more meaningful life.

In a candid conversation, Shelley shares the raw, unfiltered story of losing her way during a TEDx talk and the incredible support she received from the audience. This powerful moment serves as a testament to the importance of vulnerability and the strength found in the community.

Shelley passionately discusses the need to redefine success in a way that celebrates humanity, well-being, and soul. She calls on leaders to prioritize the well-being of their teams and emphasizes the significance of aligning careers with personal passions.

Join us as Shelley Paxton inspires and empowers the next generation of leaders to create a future where the richness of our human experience measures success. Don’t miss this episode filled with courage, authenticity, and invaluable insights to help you show up in the world with your eyes wide open. 

Find Shelley Paxton here:

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shelleyrebelsoul

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-paxton-759163/

Website: https://www.shelleypaxton.com/

TEDx Keynote: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOiOCWWkHvc

SoulBBatical Book: https://www.amazon.com/Soulbbatical-Corporate-Rebels-Guide-Finding/dp/198213139X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1VDmWg7ziE2ZBLYhlL-xsA.WbuKHjsBUKIi41F_bYoW2d_O7U2P7-rholdeEVv3U0A&qid=1719427505&sr=8-1

Find Nick Thompson here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/ 

UCAN Foundation: https://www.ucanfoundation.org/ 

Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/ 

In this captivating episode, Nick sits down with Leverett Ball to delve into his rich and varied experiences in the sports broadcasting world. Leverett shares his incredible journey from a college athlete to a prominent sports broadcaster with ESPN. 

The discussion reveals the grit and perseverance required to thrive in such a competitive industry, shedding light on the often-overlooked challenges of low pay and tough work environments.

Leverett candidly discusses his battle with mental health issues and how stepping back from broadcasting helped him gain a fresh perspective and renew his passion for the field. his story highlights the resilience needed to navigate the highs and lows of a broadcasting career, including developing a high tolerance for rejection to work full-time in college sports and podcasting.

Beyond his professional journey, Leverett opens up about his personal struggles, including anger management and a challenging childhood with a mentally ill mother. He speaks to the importance of compassion, understanding, and not judging others based on appearances or assumptions. 

The conversation touches on the critical need to acknowledge and validate people's emotions, especially during difficult times, and the power of constructive criticism delivered with empathy.

The episode also explores the unpredictable nature of the broadcasting industry, the controversial reactions of NFL players like Caleb Williams, and the polarizing figures of Aaron Rodgers and the Paul brothers.

Tune in for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation that goes beyond the microphone, offering insights into the resilient humanity behind this voice of broadcasting to help you experience the world with your eyes wide open.

Find Leverett Ball here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leverett_ball12/ | https://www.instagram.com/theleverettballshow

X-Twitter: https://x.com/@Leverett_Ball12

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leverettball12

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leverett-ball-2a2302b4/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leverett-ball-show/id1543621977 | https://open.spotify.com/show/1J4598aNLP9KjfpaaP8gME

Brewster Story: https://www.brewsteracademy.org/quicklinks/news-and-stories/news-posts/~board/school-news/post/behind-the-mic-with-leverett-ball-11

Find Nick Thompson here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/ 

UCAN Foundation: https://www.ucanfoundation.org/

Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/

In this compelling first solo episode of "Eyes Wide Open," host Nick Thompson takes a dive deep into the critical issues of censorship and freedom of speech, framed through the lens of journalist Julian Assange's prosecution and recent release. 

Nick shares his own personal experiences with censorship, shedding light on why free speech and a free press are cornerstones of his political activism because they are fundamental to a functioning democracy.

Nick meticulously breaks down the complex case of Julian Assange, detailing the charges against him, the extensive legal battle he endured, and the far-reaching implications of his release. 

Through this examination, Nick underscores the dangerous precedent set for press freedom and the essential need to protect journalists' rights to report on government activities without fear of retribution.

The episode is a powerful reminder to stay informed, vigilant, and committed to defending our fundamental freedoms in the face of growing censorship and restrictions on free speech.

Listeners will come away with a greater understanding of the vital importance of safeguarding the First Amendment rights of journalists and individuals alike to help go through life with their eyes wide open.

Sources:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68282613

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/wikileaks-founder-julian-assange-charged-18-count-superseding-indictment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sChpKdhd1XU&t=1067s

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cbn2KU8vDEl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/free-julian-assange

Julian Assange Crowd Funder: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/free-julian-assange

Find Nick Thompson here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/ 

UCAN Foundation: https://www.ucanfoundation.org/ 

Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/ 

This episode features Madina Alam, a licensed mental health therapist, speaker, model, and Bachelor cast member.

In this engaging conversation, Madina and Nick delve into the intricate world of self-doubt, confidence, dating culture, and imposter syndrome. They bravely open up about their own insecurities and vulnerabilities, shedding light on the often-underestimated stigma surrounding mental health and therapy. 

They discuss the fine line between trauma dumping and healthy sharing, emphasizing the need for balance in expressing emotions. The conversation also highlights the societal pressures faced by men and the importance of creating safe spaces for men to discuss their mental health openly. 

Transitioning into the dating topic, Nick and Madina provide invaluable insights on staying authentic and finding partners who truly value you. They confront the unrealistic expectations fostered by social media and reality TV, offering a refreshing perspective.

Madina shares her mission to improve therapy practices, advocating for a more structured and action-oriented approach that prioritizes empirical evidence-based therapy interventions. 

Tune in for an honest and heartfelt discussion that will leave you feeling inspired and empowered to embrace your true self and help you go through life with your eyes wide open. 

Find Madina Alam here:

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madinalynee

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madina-alam-m-s-lmhc-lcmhc-277976121

Charlotte Mental Health Event Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mental-health-awareness-event-tickets-920932181947?aff=oddtdtcreator

Find Nick Thompson here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/ 

UCAN Foundation: https://www.ucanfoundation.org/ 

Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/ 

In this captivating episode, Nick sits down with Tabitha “Little,” the vibrant host of the podcast 'Little Bit of Life,' for an enlightening conversation about her career and mental health journey that led to her hit podcast. 

Tabitha opens up about her unique journey into podcasting, stemming from a childhood dream of becoming a horse jockey to battling the lasting effects of long-haul COVID that eventually cost her her career. They delve into the profound impact of social media on mental health, exploring how it shapes our relationships and self-perception in the digital age.

Tabitha candidly shares her eye-opening experiences with dating publicly on social media dating experience with a stranger. She reveals the mental health struggles that ensued and the disconnection from reality it caused. She talks about the immense pressure to entertain and the journey towards rediscovering her true self, which ultimately led her to start her own podcast. 

Throughout the discussion, Tabitha emphasizes the importance of authenticity, self-care, and the courage to engage in open and honest conversations, despite the challenges of censorship. 

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of personal growth, resilience, and the quest for genuine connection in a rapidly changing world that hopefully helps you go through life with your eyes wide open. 

Find Tabitha here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little_cute1_az/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@little_cute1_az

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@littlebitoflifepodcast

Website: https://bio.site/littlecute1az

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0d6i09EoBfrUHgN9fQ2q5b?si=25c6135988b04091

Find Nick Thompson here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/ 

UCAN Foundation: https://www.ucanfoundation.org/ 

Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/ 

In honor of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, here are two men talking about mental health. This special episode of Eyes Wide Open features clips from another show Nick co-hosts with Todd Rennebohm: Mental Health Headline Hot Takes with Nick and Todd. 

In this special crossover episode, Nick and Todd discuss mental health news including the one-year anniversary of the UCAN (Unscripted Cast Advocacy Network) Foundation, the pros and cons of mental health awareness, teen marijuana use causing mental health issues, and police shoot and kill a bipolar man in crisis.

If you enjoy this episode, follow me on YouTube below where I exclusively post the new video episode every Thursday, or on the Bunny Hugs and Mental Health podcast feed. Links are below.

Keep doing the work so you can go through life with your eyes wide open. 

Sources:

https://www.instagram.com/p/C59XKdGpt4B/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2024/05/27/is-love-is-blind-a-toxic-workplace

https://www.forbes.com/sites/traversmark/2024/05/18/a-psychologist-explains-the-issue-with-mental-health-hyperawareness/?sh=23adf94e1c52

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/parents-called-mental-health-help-police-arrived-fatally-shot-son-rcna153077

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/teens-marijuana-use-mental-disorders-research-rcna153344

Follow Nick: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eyes-wide-open-with-nick-thompson/id1640110814

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@eyeswideopencontent

UCAN Foundation: www.ucanfoundation.org

Follow Todd: 

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

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/bunny-hugs-and-mental-health/id1560055327

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bunnyhugsandmentalhealth