Guest Sarah Elkins is your guide to uncovering the right personal stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and effectively demonstrate their character, values, and vision. She is a storyteller, communication coach, author, and professional musician. As a Gallup-certified StrengthsFinder coach, Sarah uses that tool and story-sharing strategies as the foundation of her work with teams, improving communication to reduce tension and stress in the workplace. Why this episode matters

This co-produced episode of “Getting Unstuck-Cultivating Curiosity” and “Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will” explores the power of objects to reduce division and foster connection. Podcast hosts Jeff Ikler and Sarah Elkins share the mic to discuss how objects hold deep personal significance, unlocking stories that help people relate to one another on a human level. They highlight how storytelling can be a tool for understanding and empathy, particularly in polarized times.

1. Objects Hold Stories – Personal items often carry deep meaning and can serve as prompts for sharing stories that build connection and understanding.

2. Storytelling Reduces Division – Sharing personal stories with the intention of connecting rather than persuading helps bridge divides in a polarized world.

3. Listening is Key to Connection – Actively listening to others’ stories fosters deeper relationships and a greater appreciation for different perspectives.

Social Media/Referenced

Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will

Breaking Bread Village

Podcasthon

Guest Julie A. Vitale, Ph.D. is the Superintendent of the Oceanside Unified School District. Her educational journey includes a Ph.D. in Urban Educational Administration from Claremont Graduate University, a Master of Arts in Educational Administration, and a Masters and Bachelor of Arts from the University of LaVerne.

Dr. Vitale has been a faculty member at Concordia University since 2007, contributing to the development of their Ed.D. Program. Her dedication to education has earned her prestigious recognitions, including the Western Riverside County Association of School Managers Superintendent of the Year and the Urban Leadership Alumni Achievement Award from Claremont Graduate University. Notably, she was honored with the Lighthouse Award by the San Diego County Office of Education for her commitment to equity and inclusivity. Actively engaged in educational leadership beyond her district, Dr. Vitale serves on the Governing Boards for AASA. She also served on the governing board for the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), where she played a pivotal role in organizing the Lead with Pride Summit, focusing on LGBTQ+ inclusivity in schools.

Why This Episode Matters

This episode matters because it illuminates various challenges facing public education in the United States, including the:

• push for patriotic-structured U.S. History lessons

• de-emphasis/elimination of DEI and the restrictions of gender definitions

• continued move toward the privatization of schools

• escalation of gun violence

• dislike in some political circles of social-emotional learning programs and

• low morale among teachers and administrators

Referenced

CASEL website: https://casel.org/

Human Rights Campaign: https://www.hrc.org/

About Jeff

Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government.

Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness.

Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.

Peter Byck is an award-winning documentary film director helping to lead a $10 million research project comparing Adaptive Multi-Paddock grazing with conventional grazing. He is the director of the docuseries Roots So Deep (you can see the devil down there), which is all about inventive farmers and maverick scientists building a path to solving climate change with hooves, hearts, and soil.  Byck is a professor at Arizona State University, where he teaches students to make short documentary films about sustainability solutions.  Summary

Peter Byck discusses the potential of regenerative agriculture, specifically multi-paddock grazing, to combat climate change. He explores how improving soil health benefits farmers, consumers, and the planet. Peter shares insights from his research and documentaries, highlighting the role of cattle in soil regeneration and debunking common myths about sustainable farming. The conversation underscores the urgent need for systemic change in food production and how collective action can drive meaningful environmental improvements.

Three Takeaways

1. Regenerative cattle grazing—adaptive multi-paddock grazing—enhances soil health, leading to carbon sequestration and improved biodiversity.

2. The common misconception that cattle grazing always harms the environment needs reevaluation.

3. Sustainable food production requires collaboration between farmers, businesses, and policymakers.

Social Media (paste these urls into your browser)

www.carboncowboys.org www.rootssodeep.org

Facebook, Instagram and Youtube: @carboncowboys

Guest Paul Banks is an ADHD father and husband who broke out of corporate life and spent 5 years in complex SaaS sales, understanding how to create meaningful connections through the power of video content.  The former retail manager and volunteer police officer now spends his days combining technology, AI, and expertise to help his clients attract and convert premium clients.  His ‘Why’ is to help people make better decisions so they can live their most fulfilling lives. Summary

In this episode, Jeff and Paul discuss curiosity, relationship-building, and ethical sales and marketing strategies. Paul discusses how behavioral science influences customer engagement, the importance of authenticity in content creation, and how businesses can shift from transactional to trust-based sales. He also explores the impact of neurodiversity on career paths, the role of sonic branding, and why companies should prioritize long-term connections over immediate conversions.

Three Takeaways

1. Authenticity Builds Relationships—Trust is the foundation of sales and marketing. Authentic content and genuine engagement strengthen long-term customer relationships.

2. Understanding Behavioral Science Improves Engagement—Emotions, not logic drive human decisions. Businesses should tap into behavioral science to communicate effectively without manipulation.

3. Quality Over Quantity in Sales Outreach – Personalized, thoughtful engagement outperforms high-volume, automated outreach, leading to better conversion rates and deeper client trust.

Social Media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-banks007/

email: [email protected]

Company: Please copy and paste the links in your browser.

Javelin – YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@javelincontent

The Javelin website: https://javelincontent.com/

Podcast: Marketpulse YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@marketpulsepodcast

Allan M. Winkler is the University Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Miami University of Ohio. He has also taught at Yale University and the University of Oregon and, for one year each, at the University of Helsinki in Finland, the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and the University of Nairobi in Kenya. In addition to his own books, he co-authored a college textbook and a high school textbook on American History. Summary

In this episode, Jeff speaks with historian and author Alan Winkler about the importance of critical thinking in history education. They discuss how history textbooks have evolved to include social history, the challenges of teaching an “unsanitized” version of history, and the role of thematic learning in understanding patterns over time.

The conversation also explores the Home Front during World War II, highlighting the propaganda efforts, labor movements, and the contributions of women and minorities to the war effort.

Three Takeaways

1. Thematic Learning Enhances Historical Understanding – Teaching history through themes like civil rights, immigration, and labor movements helps students recognize patterns and connections over time.

2. The Home Front Was Complex and Contradictory – WWII propaganda united Americans, but racial discrimination, labor strikes, and shifting gender roles revealed deeper societal tensions.

3. Critical Thinking is Essential in History Education – Encouraging students to analyze historical events beyond basic facts fosters deeper understanding and prevents the oversimplification of complex issues.

   Social Media

   email: [email protected]

    

Guest Ben Goldfarb is an environmental journalist whose work has appeared in National Geographic, the Atlantic, Smithsonian Magazine, and many other publications. He is the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award. He lives in Colorado with his wife, Elise, and his dog, Kit — which is, of course, what you call a baby beaver. Summary In this two-part episode, Jeff Ikler talks with author and environmental journalist Ben Goldfarb about his book Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet. They explore the intersection of wildlife conservation and infrastructure, focusing on wildlife crossings, roadkill reduction, and habitat preservation. Ben highlights the economic and environmental benefits of wildlife-friendly infrastructure and discusses the importance of advocacy, public awareness, and collaboration to address the challenges posed by human development. Overall Takeaways

1. Wildlife Crossings Save Lives: Properly designed crossings dramatically reduce roadkill and improve public safety, addressing the economic and ecological costs of animal-vehicle collisions.

2. Collaboration is Key: Road ecology requires partnerships between transportation agencies, conservationists, policymakers, and communities to implement effective and sustainable solutions.

3. Advocacy and Awareness Matter: Public support and legislative action are essential to fund and prioritize wildlife crossings and habitat preservation projects for long-term impact.

Social Media / Referenced

Website: https://www.bengoldfarb.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben.a.goldfarb/

X: https://twitter.com/ben_a_goldfarb

Books:

Crossings: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1324005890

Eager: https://www.amazon.com/Eager-Surprising-Secret-Beavers-Matter/dp/160358739X

Overall Takeaways

1. Wildlife Crossings Save Lives: Properly designed crossings dramatically reduce roadkill and improve public safety, addressing the economic and ecological costs of animal-vehicle collisions.

2. Collaboration is Key: Road ecology requires partnerships between transportation agencies, conservationists, policymakers, and communities to implement effective and sustainable solutions.

3. Advocacy and Awareness Matter: Public support and legislative action are essential to fund and prioritize wildlife crossings and habitat preservation projects for long-term impact.

Social Media / Referenced

Website: https://www.bengoldfarb.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben.a.goldfarb/

X: https://twitter.com/ben_a_goldfarb

Books:

Crossings: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1324005890

Eager: https://www.amazon.com/Eager-Surprising-Secret-Beavers-Matter/dp/160358739X

Guest Ben Goldfarb is an environmental journalist whose work has appeared in National Geographic, the Atlantic, Smithsonian Magazine, and many other publications. He is the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, winner of the PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award. He lives in Colorado with his wife, Elise, and his dog, Kit — which is, of course, what you call a baby beaver. Summary In this episode, Jeff Ikler talks with author and environmental journalist Ben Goldfarb about his book Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet. They explore the intersection of wildlife conservation and infrastructure, focusing on wildlife crossings, roadkill reduction, and habitat preservation. Ben highlights the economic and environmental benefits of wildlife-friendly infrastructure and discusses the importance of advocacy, public awareness, and collaboration to address the challenges posed by human development. Focus of Part 1

• Defines road ecology

• Explains why crossings are critical

• How various groups—road ecologists, wildlife biologists, conservation aid organizations, government agencies, and transportation departments—collaborate to bring about beneficial solutions

• How crossings are financed

• Argues that we must commit to habitat preservation as well as providing safe passage

Overall Takeaways

1. Wildlife Crossings Save Lives: Properly designed crossings dramatically reduce roadkill and improve public safety, addressing the economic and ecological costs of animal-vehicle collisions.

2. Collaboration is Key: Road ecology requires partnerships between transportation agencies, conservationists, policymakers, and communities to implement effective and sustainable solutions.

3. Advocacy and Awareness Matter: Public support and legislative action are essential to fund and prioritize wildlife crossings and habitat preservation projects for long-term impact.

Social Media / Referenced

Website: https://www.bengoldfarb.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben.a.goldfarb/

X: https://twitter.com/ben_a_goldfarb

Books:

Crossings: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1324005890

Eager: https://www.amazon.com/Eager-Surprising-Secret-Beavers-Matter/dp/160358739X

 

Guest Bob Reece has worked as a full-time educator with at-risk teens and as a successful small business owner over the past two decades.  He now works as a Clinical Counselor and Personal Coach.  He holds Master of Natural Science and Master of Clinical Counseling degrees as well as Life Coach Certification from the Tony Robbins/Madanes Training School.   Summary

In this episode, Jeff Ikler talks with Bob Reece, a counselor and fly-fishing guide, about his work addressing the mental health of men and at-risk teens. Bob highlights the importance of emotional well-being, the power of group dynamics, and the healing environment of fly fishing. They discuss overcoming societal stigmas around vulnerability, providing men with tools to manage emotions, and the transformative impact of connecting with nature to improve relationships and professional lives.

Three Takeaways

1. Nature as a Healing Space: Fly-fishing retreats provide a peaceful environment where men can open up, reflect, and address emotional challenges outside the stresses of daily life.

2. Overcoming Stigma: Bob emphasizes the need to normalize vulnerability among men, challenging traditional notions of masculinity and fostering healthier emotional expression.

3. Practical Emotional Tools: Through guided counseling and group support, participants gain actionable strategies for managing emotions, improving relationships, and finding balance in their lives.

Social Media

Website: www.ThinAirCoach.com

Instagram: @thin_air_angler

Guest Tamsin Astor: Tamsin Astor is a Chief Habit Scientist. She helps her clients shift their mindset, organize their vision, and improve their habits, creating productivity and joy! Dr. Astor’s clients reduce their decision-making, increasing their time and energy for fun! Tamsin is a mother, a traveler and foodie. She believes travel breeds tolerance and cultivates gratitude and reflection. Tamsin holds a PhD in neuroscience and psychology and a post-doctorate in education. She has certifications in yoga, coaching, mindset & ayurveda. She is an executive coach and author. Summary

In this episode, Tamsin Astor discusses her approach to habit formation and wellness, integrating both Western and Eastern philosophies. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the "Big Why" behind habits and focusing on creating new, positive routines rather than solely addressing the root causes of negative habits.

Tamsin shares her personal journey, including her struggles with sleep and the impact of her son's cancer, which led her to explore Ayurveda and health coaching. She highlights the significance of personal responsibility, mindset, and the role of pleasure in daily life. Tamsin also touches on the importance of ethical frameworks in relationships and the value of diverse perspectives in her coaching practice.

Social Media

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamsin-astor/

https://substack.com/@drtamsin

https://www.facebook.com/ktamsinastor

https://www.instagram.com/tamsinastor/

About Jeff

Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government.

Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness.

Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.

Summary

An artist’s rendering of Apollo 8 as it photographs “Earthrise.”

This episode reflects on the Apollo 8 mission's iconic "Earthrise" image in late December 1968 and the turbulent year that preceded it. It highlights enduring lessons on inequality, collective problem-solving, and environmental stewardship. The episode urges renewed respect for history and a commitment to addressing modern challenges with the same ingenuity that defined the space race.

Three Takeaways

Historical Literacy: The mission symbolizes humanity's capacity for courage, teamwork, and ingenuity, offering hope and a sense of shared accomplishment amidst turmoil.

Historical Inequality: The unresolved issues of racial, gender, and economic inequities persist, echoing the divisions of 1968.

Environmental Responsibility: "Earthrise" underscores the planet’s fragility, emphasizing the need for collective stewardship over self-interest.

About Jeff

Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government.

Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness.

Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.