Learning From Your World

In this episode, I talk with Todd Cherches - CEO of Big Blue Gumball, NYU professor, TEDx speaker, and author of Visual Leadership - to explore how visual thinking transforms leadership, communication, and problem-solving. We explore why leadership isn’t just about titles, but about how you see, think, and connect with others. 

We discuss:

Challenge: Todd encourages us to become more aware of the metaphors we use and those used by others. This week, listen for metaphors in everyday conversations and try incorporating ones that resonate with your audience to build better connections.

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In this episode, I explore the critical role of connection in mental health with Dr. Chinwé Williams - licensed counselor, trauma therapist, and co-author of Beyond the Spiral and Seen. We discuss how anxiety and despair impact the brain, why true healing requires relationships, and how we can foster deeper, more meaningful support systems in our lives.

We discuss:

- Why feeling seen is essential for emotional well-being.

- How connection rewires the brain and reduces anxiety.

- How to help others feel truly heard - without trying to "fix" them.

Challenge: Dr. Chinwé introduces three powerful words, "tell me more," as a tool for deeper connection. This week, practice using this phrase in conversations and notice how it changes the way people open up to you.

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In this episode, Cheryl Ilov returns to dive deeper into the philosophy of martial arts, the neuroscience of movement, and how training rewires both body and mind. We explore the principles that make Ninpo Taijutsu more than just self-defense - it’s a lifelong practice of resilience, strategy, and adaptability.

We discuss:

Challenge: At [42:50], Cheryl explains the importance of embracing fear and discomfort in small, intentional ways. This week, choose one thing that pushes you outside your comfort zone and reflect on the experience.

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In this episode, I talk with Cheryl Ilov (movement expert, author, and podcast host) about how training in Ninpo Taijutsu helped her heal from trauma, rebuild her confidence, and redefine her sense of strength. After years of resistance, she discovered that martial arts offered a unique path to empowerment. At 57, she became her teacher’s first female black belt, proving that transformation is possible at any stage of life.

We discuss:

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In this episode, I talk with Avery Thatcher, burnout specialist and former ICU nurse, about rethinking stress management, recovering from burnout, and building sustainable energy resilience.

We discuss:

Why managing energy works better than managing stress—and what most strategies get wrong.

The four types of energy and how they each lead to burnout.

How burnout is shaped by larger societal pressures, not just personal choices.

Challenge: At [00:49:22], Avery shares her challenge to rethink your morning routine. Instead of a rigid to-do list, focus on how you want to feel and choose actions that align with creating that foundation.

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In this solo episode, I share the backstory of Learning From Your World - why I started this podcast, how it's evolved, and the surprising themes that have emerged from my conversations.

I discuss:

Challenge: At [09:10], I challenge you (and myself!) to take one small action today: strengthen a connection, start a new one, or do something that scares you.

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We discuss:

- The difference between narcissistic traits and narcissistic personality disorder.

- The cycle of narcissistic abuse and its impact on victims.

- Recognizing red flags, gaslighting, and DARVO in relationships.

Challenge: At [00:52:28], Chelsey encourages listeners to start a documentation practice. Write down your interactions and feelings to help validate your experiences and spot manipulation patterns.

Resources:

- Chelsey’s book, If Only I’d Known

- Chelsey’s Website

- Chelsey's LinkedIn

We discuss:

- The power of internal narratives in shaping our external interactions.

- How to use self-reflection to reveal and adjust our personal biases and judgments.

- Practical strategies for fostering better storytelling, collaborative, creative, and commitment-focused conversations.

Challenge: At [0:50:40], Chuck encourages us to write four key elements on a sticky note: desires, concerns, authority issues, and standards. Use this tool in your next conversation to investigate your own thinking and as a template to ask great questions.

Resources:

- "The Art of Conscious Conversations" Book

- Chuck's Website

- Chuck's LinkedIn

In this episode, I talk with Andy Weins, author, entrepreneur, and army veteran, about the impact of language on our reality, psychological resilience, and the role of authenticity in personal and professional life.

We discuss:

• How the language we use shapes our emotions and actions.

Challenge: At [1:20:00], Andy challenges us to start each day by expressing gratitude to someone, using the phrase “I feel [emotion] when you….” This practice fosters self-awareness and encourages meaningful communication.

Resources:

- Andy's book

- Andy's website

- Experience Andy Weins Live

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Martha Libster, nurse herbalist, historian, and author of Gentle Medicine for Balance in Body and Peace of Mind, about integrating holistic health, traditional medicine, and the power of plants in promoting mental and physical wellbeing.

We discuss:

• The balance between modern healthcare and traditional healing methods.

Challenge: At [1:07:15], Dr. Libster challenges us to explore the healing potential of the plants outside our backdoor. She also shares the safe place meditation, a tool for cultivating inner peace and balance.

Resources:

• Gentle medicine Elements of Care Program Oct 4/5