Grow Further

Having trouble finding joy in your life?  We have the prescription for you! In this episode of the Grow Further Podcast, the hosts discuss the concept of finding joy as a means of improving overall well-being and health. They explore the benefits of positive emotions, emphasizing the interconnectedness of joy and gratitude. 

Also in this episode:

• The difference between joy and gratitude.
• How positive emotions can counteract negative emotions and enhance resilience.
• Tips for finding joy in your life.

Referenced in this episode: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17027886/

You may have seen Nyad on Netflix. But before her life hit the big screen, Diana Nyad shared her story and her passion for storytelling with the Grow Further podcast. Was it natural talent, her con artist father, or her principal asking her to give an impromptu speech that made Diana Nyad a storyteller?  Diana also shares how her love of cinema inspired her.

Chris and Ellie also talk to Diana about:

• Why we pursue our natural talents
• Being authentic and avoiding cliches
• Tips for better storytelling
• Picking one person to talk to

Find out more about Diana's books, her past appearances and social media at: 
diananyad.com

Is your outlook a bit dark right now? Don’t worry, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. In this episode of the Grow Further podcast, the hosts explore the important and universal topic of hope. They discuss how hope can help us weather life's storms, both big and small, and combat hopelessness. They encourage listeners to be intentional about seeking and nurturing hope, both for themselves and those they care about, as it plays a vital role in one’s mental health and personal growth.

Also, in this episode:

• Hope resides in each of us yet it’s sometimes hard to find 
• Why cultivating small wins and healthy habits helps restore hope
• Who you surround yourself, especially in challenging times, is important
• And how reminding yourself to tackle “one thing at a time” can combat hopelessness

Are you being seduced by negative self-talk? Need to come up for AIR? In this episode of the Grow Further podcast, the hosts delve into the fascinating realm of self-talk and its impact on confidence. They share personal experiences of negative self-talk, highlighting how we often become our harshest critics. The hosts offer a practical technique called "AIR" (Aware, Interrupt, Replace) to combat that negative speak. 

Also in this episode:

• How to become their own advocate
• The power of affirmation
• Why you should refer to yourself in third person
• All this AND Mariah Carey!

We all have thoughts throughout the day (about 70,000 to be precise). Some of these thoughts are positive. Some are negative. These thoughts become stories which truly impact our reactions to every day stressors. In this episode of the Grow Further podcast, the hosts dive into an essential ingredient of resilience: self-awareness. They emphasize that resilience isn't just about maintaining a positive attitude but rather having productive and helpful thoughts when facing setbacks. 

Also in this episode:

-What is self-awareness?

-How self-awareness can help us decipher the narratives we create in our heads

-Self-awareness drives our ability to show other empathy

What is resilience and what goes into it? That’s what the hosts are cooking up in this episode of the Grow Further podcast. They discuss how being resilient is not just about bouncing back from difficulties but also thriving in the face of setbacks. They also discuss the importance of connection and optimism in driving resilience.

Also in this episode:

• What is post-traumatic growth.
• Why being resilient doesn’t mean you’re a superhero.
• How to be more optimistic.

How good does it feel to be seen, heard and appreciated by your colleagues, family and friends? In this episode of the Grow Further podcast, the hosts  unpack the value of validating others. They discuss how validation is an essential component of empathy, which is crucial for building strong connections and relationships. The duo also debunks the myth behind validation with an important message- you don’t have to agree with someone’s perspective in order to acknowledge that their feelings and opinions matter.

Also in this episode:

• The difference between empathy and sympathy.
• The importance of active listening and not getting defensive.
• Who may have the hardest time giving validation and why it’s difficult.

How do you get an entire organization back in orbit?  In this episode of the Grow Further podcast, former astronaut Dr. Mike Foale returns to talk about joining NASA after the Challenger explosion.  He tells the hosts about the cultural transformation as they underwent and boldly shares how creating a psychologically safe environment could have prevented some of their most notorious disasters.

Also in this episode:

• The importance of giving everyone a voice when making decisions
• The role we each play in building psychological safety
• How being honest about risks can prevent future accidents or incidents

If at first you don’t succeed, double down on your interests. That’s one of many lessons former NASA astronaut, Michael Foale, gives the hosts in this cosmic episode of Grow Further.  Our hosts explore Michael’s journey from being laughed at because of his boyhood dream, to being viewed as a spy by the Russians, to ultimately achieving his goals and the successes and failures along the way.

Also in this episode:

-Michael shares his greatest accomplishment and how it helped him with empathy

-The importance of maintaining motivation

-The significance of teamwork

We all want to be there for the people we love, lead or serve- yet sometimes we don’t show up for them in the way they need. In this episode, hosts the hosts are joined again by certified coach Melissa Schreibstein to explore how we can “listen, empathize and ask” when others come to us with challenges or struggles. The trio will share how adopting a Coach Approach in all relationships can help build or strengthen connection and trust.

In this episode:

• The power of empathy and the Platinum Rule
• The danger of always providing friends with a “solution.”
• The significance of active listening, curiosity, and avoiding assumptions.