Make Discomfort Your B*tch

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant and dynamic EJ Jamele — CEO of crowdMGMT, producer, brand architect, and talent manager to some of the most sought-after artists in the beauty and entertainment industries.

Our conversation goes far beyond brand strategy and success stories. EJ and I explore how discomfort can be one of our greatest teachers — especially when it comes to learning how to learn, growing our social awareness, and navigating a diverse world in values-based ways.

EJ's insight into leadership, collaboration, and creative excellence is both inspiring and grounding. He reminds us that growth doesn't come from staying comfortable — it comes from being curious, humble, and willing to stretch beyond what we know.

If you've ever wondered how to align ambition with authenticity, or how to lead with both courage and compassion, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Tune in to hear how EJ uses discomfort as a tool for doing better, being better and building communities that thrive on awareness, integrity and creative freedom.

MORE ABOUT EJ:

EJ Jamele is the CEO and founder of crowdMGMT, a brand & talent management and full-service productions firm representing an exclusive roster of multi-faceted artists in the beauty and lifestyle industries. As a dynamic production house, crowdMGMT creates compelling content across all media - from targeted social campaigns to major advertising spots, television shows, streaming content, and film projects. The company's prestigious client list includes leading publications, global brands, TV networks, fashion houses and celebrities such as VOGUE, Vanity Fair, Essence, L'Officiel, #LEGEND, ABC, VH1, FX, The Kardashians, Ciara, Mary J. Blige, Jeep, Balmain, Versace, L'Oreal, PUMA, Jennifer Hudson, V Magazine and countless others.

EJ's dedication to the industry extends beyond production and management - he served as a board member and annual state scholarship pageant producer for the Miss America Connecticut chapter, and co-produced the EFFIE Award-winning "Know Your Status" LIFE BEAT org stage concert series, where all attendees took confidential HIV tests as entry to the venue. He serves as an executive contributor to The Makeup Show and regularly speaks and advises for a network of over sixty thousand pro and aspiring beauty industry artists globally.

His commercial and entertainment work has garnered billions of impressions, featured on Good Morning America, VH1, MTV, BET, Billboard Magazine, V Magazine, Essence Magazine, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Complex Media and many more. As a talent manager to some of the industry's most sought-after artists, EJ brings his keen eye for talent development and media projects to every endeavor. He fosters a culture of high-level collaboration among clients and colleagues, facilitating inclusive projects within the crowdMGMT artist roster and network.

EJ states, "I believe that by elevating one another, my clients will maintain both longevity and creative advantage in their respective industries and it's my job to curate a roster of like-minded elite talent to maintain and elevate that advantage for us all."

Television audiences may recognize him from appearances on VH1's "Lala Anthony's Full Court Life" and "The Real Housewives of New Jersey," highlighting his expertise and clients. He continues to forge forward in all aspects of his career, as he would say, "AVANTI!"

IG: instagram.com/EJ_Jamele

MORE ABOUT ME:

I'm a mental health therapist, speaker, author and educator who helps organizations bridge the gap between knowing and doing the things that foster well-being, resilience and success. With expertise in school counseling, trauma-informed practices, and social-emotional intelligence (SEI), I help teams address the root causes of issues such as burnout, communication breakdowns, and resistance to change—rather than just treating surface-level symptoms. My engaging, evidence-based approach equips audiences with the skills to navigate discomfort, build trust and create healthier, more adaptive workplaces.

I'm also a "Resolutionist" with Empowered Workplace Dispute Resolution, where I leverage my trauma-informed expertise to guide difficult conversations with compassion and clarity. I create safe spaces for resolving conflicts, turning challenges into growth opportunities. Whether working with frontline workers, organizational teams or educational leaders, I help people feel seen, heard and valued—transforming disputes into deeper understanding.

MORE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:

* Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive content, the latest news and more! I post a few times a month so I won't be inundating your inbox

* Book me for a workshop or speaking event! Email me at [email protected]

* Read or listen to my book Could It Be Better? An unorthodox approach to experiencing more joy and connection in relationships

* Find me @cheranderton on Instagram and TikTok

Disclaimer: My podcast and other work on social platforms are for educational purposes only and are not meant to be a replacement for professional mental health services. We are not creating a client/therapist relationship through social media, including comments and direct messages. This platform is not monitored 24/7 so if you feel unsafe or need immediate help in any way, please call an emergency number that can meet your needs.

A solo episode to introduce the next season of the podcast!

ABOUT ME:

I'm a mental health therapist, speaker, author and educator who helps organizations bridge the gap between knowing and doing the things that foster well-being, resilience and success. With expertise in school counseling, trauma-informed practices, and social-emotional intelligence (SEI), I help teams address the root causes of issues such as burnout, communication breakdowns, and resistance to change—rather than just treating surface-level symptoms. My engaging, evidence-based approach equips audiences with the skills to navigate discomfort, build trust and create healthier, more adaptive workplaces.

I'm also a "Resolutionist" with Empowered Workplace Dispute Resolution, where I leverage my trauma-informed expertise to guide difficult conversations with compassion and clarity. I create safe spaces for resolving conflicts, turning challenges into growth opportunities. Whether working with frontline workers, organizational teams or educational leaders, I help people feel seen, heard and valued—transforming disputes into deeper understanding.

MORE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:

* Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive content, the latest news and more! I post a few times a month so I won't be inundating your inbox

* Book me for a workshop or speaking event! Email me at [email protected]

* Read or listen to my book Could It Be Better? An unorthodox approach to experiencing more joy and connection in relationships

* Find me @cheranderton on Instagram and TikTok

Disclaimer: My podcast and other work on social platforms are for educational purposes only and are not meant to be a replacement for professional mental health services. We are not creating a client/therapist relationship through social media, including comments and direct messages. This platform is not monitored 24/7 so if you feel unsafe or need immediate help in any way, please call an emergency number that can meet your needs.

What if grief isn't just something to overcome, but a guide toward deeper wisdom and wholeness?

In this episode, I sit down with Ursula Taylor - former litigation attorney turned holistic conflict resolution expert - to explore how grief, when approached with awareness, can transform both healing and leadership. Together, we discuss the power of emotional intelligence, embodied awareness, and the ways unresolved pain shows up in our personal and professional lives.

Ursula shares how listening to the body's signals - rather than relying solely on strategy - can foster resilience, unlock intuitive guidance and create more human-centered solutions, even in the most complex conflicts.

If you're navigating loss, holding space for others, or leading through challenging conversations, this episode will invite you to slow down, tune in, and reimagine what resolution truly means.

MORE ABOUT URSULA:

Ursula Taylor empowers individuals and teams to navigate and resolve conflicts effectively through strategic, holistic approaches that extend beyond traditional dispute resolution. With a unique blend of intuition, discernment, analytical expertise, and hands-on experience, she helps clients uncover the full scope of conflicts, including their emotional and psychological dimensions. She collaborates with individuals and leaders who value business success, collaboration, and productivity, offering innovative solutions to address and prevent costly, unpredictable disputes.

Website: www.conflictreimagined.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ursula-taylor-b0ba4729/

MORE ABOUT ME:

I'm a mental health therapist, speaker, author and educator who helps organizations bridge the gap between knowing and doing the things that foster well-being, resilience and success. With expertise in school counseling, trauma-informed practices, and social-emotional intelligence (SEI), I help teams address the root causes of issues such as burnout, communication breakdowns, and resistance to change—rather than just treating surface-level symptoms. My engaging, evidence-based approach equips audiences with the skills to navigate discomfort, build trust and create healthier, more adaptive workplaces.

I'm also a "Resolutionist" with Empowered Workplace Dispute Resolution, where I leverage my trauma-informed expertise to guide difficult conversations with compassion and clarity. I create safe spaces for resolving conflicts, turning challenges into growth opportunities. Whether working with frontline workers, organizational teams or educational leaders, I help people feel seen, heard and valued—transforming disputes into deeper understanding.

MORE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:

* Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive content, the latest news and more! I post a few times a month so I won't be inundating your inbox

* Book me for a workshop or speaking event! Email me at [email protected]

* Read or listen to my book Could It Be Better? An unorthodox approach to experiencing more joy and connection in relationships

* Find me @cheranderton on Instagram and TikTok

Disclaimer: My podcast and other work on social platforms are for educational purposes only and are not meant to be a replacement for professional mental health services. We are not creating a client/therapist relationship through social media, including comments and direct messages. This platform is not monitored 24/7 so if you feel unsafe or need immediate help in any way, please call an emergency number that can meet your needs.

In this episode of Make Discomfort Your Btch*, I talk with Brandon Marshall about the moment everything shifted - when he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as an adult. Brandon shares how that unexpected and life-altering diagnosis became a catalyst for radical self-responsibility, deeper self-awareness, and a renewed sense of purpose in both life and business.

We explore how learning to live with a chronic illness forced him to stop outsourcing his well-being and start taking ownership of his mindset, habits, and choices. From this deeply personal journey came the values that now shape his leadership in his work.

This is a conversation about resilience, rethinking your limits, and the power of turning a hard moment into your greatest teacher. You don't want to miss it.

MORE ABOUT BRANDON:

Brandon is a driven entrepreneur and the founder of a specialized staffing agency focused on education and healthcare. With a background in recruiting and business development with nearly a decade of experience in the industry, he has built a reputation for creating people first staffing models that balance purpose and performance.

Since launching his agency, Brandon has been recognized for his relationship driven approach—prioritizing trust, transparency, and long-term partnerships with both clients and clinicians. His leadership style reflects a deep commitment to supporting communities through meaningful, high-quality placements.

Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, Brandon remains active in local AZ initiatives and is a familiar presence at education and healthcare conferences across the country.

MORE ABOUT ME:

I'm a mental health therapist, speaker, author and educator who helps organizations bridge the gap between knowing and doing the things that foster well-being, resilience and success. With expertise in school counseling, trauma-informed practices, and social-emotional intelligence (SEI), I help teams address the root causes of issues such as burnout, communication breakdowns, and resistance to change—rather than just treating surface-level symptoms. My engaging, evidence-based approach equips audiences with the skills to navigate discomfort, build trust and create healthier, more adaptive workplaces.

I'm also a "Resolutionist" with Empowered Workplace Dispute Resolution, where I leverage my trauma-informed expertise to guide difficult conversations with compassion and clarity. I create safe spaces for resolving conflicts, turning challenges into growth opportunities. Whether working with frontline workers, organizational teams or educational leaders, I help people feel seen, heard and valued—transforming disputes into deeper understanding.

MORE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:

* Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive content, the latest news and more! I post a few times a month so I won't be inundating your inbox

* Book me for a workshop or speaking event! Email me at [email protected]

* Read or listen to my book Could It Be Better? An unorthodox approach to experiencing more joy and connection in relationships

* Find me @cheranderton on Instagram and TikTok

Disclaimer: My podcast and other work on social platforms are for educational purposes only and are not meant to be a replacement for professional mental health services. We are not creating a client/therapist relationship through social media, including comments and direct messages. This platform is not monitored 24/7 so if you feel unsafe or need immediate help in any way, please call an emergency number that can meet your needs.

In this powerful conversation, Sahar Modares and I unpack a truth that many of us are just beginning to understand: growth doesn't have to come through suffering.

We talk about how hope is a skill—one many of us need to relearn—and how reclaiming it can shift everything from how we lead to how we live.

If you've ever felt stuck in the belief that struggle is the only path forward, this episode will breathe fresh air into your mindset and offer a new lens on healing, growth, and resilience.

MORE ABOUT SAHAR:

Sahar Modares is a catalyst for light, sparking transformation in those she meets. She helps people move from their head into their heart and body, where authentic connections and true collaboration can flourish. Her background in sales and marketing and studies in psychology lead her to become an entrepreneur, writer, energy worker, and mother. Her journeys span continents building businesses, creating executive support, conducting and supporting luxury sales, and finally ghostwriting for CEOs.

Through her work, she amplifies leaders' voices, crafting stories that inspire growth and deepen trust. Sahar's mission is to help others remember their own brilliance and make a positive impact, one meaningful connection at a time.

MORE ABOUT ME:

I'm a mental health therapist, speaker, author and educator who helps organizations bridge the gap between knowing and doing the things that foster well-being, resilience and success. With expertise in school counseling, trauma-informed practices, and social-emotional intelligence (SEI), I help teams address the root causes of issues such as burnout, communication breakdowns, and resistance to change—rather than just treating surface-level symptoms. My engaging, evidence-based approach equips audiences with the skills to navigate discomfort, build trust and create healthier, more adaptive workplaces.

I'm also a "Resolutionist" with Empowered Workplace Dispute Resolution, where I leverage my trauma-informed expertise to guide difficult conversations with compassion and clarity. I create safe spaces for resolving conflicts, turning challenges into growth opportunities. Whether working with frontline workers, organizational teams or educational leaders, I help people feel seen, heard and valued—transforming disputes into deeper understanding.

MORE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:

* Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive content, the latest news and more! I post a few times a month so I won't be inundating your inbox

* Book me for a workshop or speaking event! Email me at [email protected]

* Read or listen to my book Could It Be Better? An unorthodox approach to experiencing more joy and connection in relationships

* Find me @cheranderton on Instagram and TikTok

Disclaimer: My podcast and other work on social platforms are for educational purposes only and are not meant to be a replacement for professional mental health services. We are not creating a client/therapist relationship through social media, including comments and direct messages. This platform is not monitored 24/7 so if you feel unsafe or need immediate help in any way, please call an emergency number that can meet your needs.

What does it really mean to become your own authority? In this episode, I sit down with the brilliantly quirky Tanya Ruckstuhl - psychotherapist, writer and author of How to Be a Human and Not An A$$hole - to talk about self-trust, personal growth and why social skills matter now more than ever.

We explore how to stop outsourcing your power, navigate relationships with more clarity and embrace the messy, magical work of being fully human.

Tune in for wisdom, humor and a few unexpected truth bombs that inevitably drop when two therapists get together.

MORE ABOUT TANYA:

Tanya Ruckstuhl, LICSW is a writer and psychotherapist working with individuals and couples in North Seattle, and a mother and step mother to three twenty-three-year-olds who crown her biggest dork on the planet. She loves gardening, dancing and hanging out with friends. She recently published a self-help book on social skills, How to Be a Human and Not An A$$hole, available at Amazon.com. You can find her website at www.TherapistSeattle.net as well as her award-winning mental health blog at

https://seattletherapist.wordpress.com/

MORE ABOUT ME:

I'm a mental health therapist, speaker, author and educator who helps organizations bridge the gap between knowing and doing the things that foster well-being, resilience and success. With expertise in school counseling, trauma-informed practices, and social-emotional intelligence (SEI), I help teams address the root causes of issues such as burnout, communication breakdowns, and resistance to change—rather than just treating surface-level symptoms. My engaging, evidence-based approach equips audiences with the skills to navigate discomfort, build trust and create healthier, more adaptive workplaces.

I'm also a "Resolutionist" with Empowered Workplace Dispute Resolution, where I leverage my trauma-informed expertise to guide difficult conversations with compassion and clarity. I create safe spaces for resolving conflicts, turning challenges into growth opportunities. Whether working with frontline workers, organizational teams or educational leaders, I help people feel seen, heard and valued—transforming disputes into deeper understanding.

MORE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:

* Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive content, the latest news and more! I post a few times a month so I won't be inundating your inbox

* If you know (or are) a business owner, nonprofit leader, or team manager who's ready to invest in their people and create real, lasting change, connect us! Let's partner to build workplaces where well-being and success go hand in hand. My online membership space is an incredible and affordable value add that helps you get at the root of obstacles to success and overall wellness.

* Book me for a workshop or speaking event! Email me at [email protected]

* Read or listen to my book Could It Be Better? An unorthodox approach to experiencing more joy and connection in relationships

* Find me @cheranderton on Instagram and TikTok

Disclaimer: My podcast and other work on social platforms are for educational purposes only and are not meant to be a replacement for professional mental health services. We are not creating a client/therapist relationship through social media, including comments and direct messages. This platform is not monitored 24/7 so if you feel unsafe or need immediate help in any way, please call an emergency number that can meet your needs.

What does it look like to move through discomfort without rushing to escape it?

In this honest and powerful episode, I sit down with Hope Rose - former ultra-endurance athlete, self-published author and master of navigating the middle - to talk about what it means to stay with hard things while they're still happening.

We dig into:

🔥 The power of not bypassing discomfort 🧭 Daily practices that support staying present through struggle 🌱 How living intentionally—even in pain—creates lasting transformation 💡 Why discomfort isn't the enemy, but a teacher

Hope doesn't just talk about resilience - she lives it. This conversation is raw, grounded and full of wisdom for anyone in the thick of it.

Press play when you're ready to make discomfort your b*tch!

MORE ABOUT HOPE ROSE:

Sometimes life calls us to a purpose we never expected. That's exactly what birthed Hope Rose. A movement inspired by the Founder's own extreme loss and grief. Believing that a life altering event this big serves a divine purpose, she is lending her voice to share with others that their story can be transformed into a beautiful masterpiece.

Rising from the ashes can be beautiful but often times lonely. The vision is to bring Hope Rose to every soul that is in desire of support, guidance, and a way to transform their ashes into alchemy.

Hope Rose's background in several decades of entrepreneurship is the perfect foundation for this next endeavor. A previous sponsored ultra endurance athlete, a self-published author of a health+wellness book, and featured in many publications such as NBC Nightly News, Today Show, Hope Rose is excited to birth the next chapter of her life and serve+support as many souls as possible.

www.instagram.com/hoperosespeaks

www.hoperosespeaks.com

MORE ABOUT ME:

I'm a mental health therapist, speaker, author and educator who helps organizations bridge the gap between knowing and doing the things that foster well-being, resilience and success. With expertise in school counseling, trauma-informed practices, and social-emotional intelligence (SEI), I help teams address the root causes of issues such as burnout, communication breakdowns, and resistance to change—rather than just treating surface-level symptoms. My engaging, evidence-based approach equips audiences with the skills to navigate discomfort, build trust and create healthier, more adaptive workplaces.

I'm also a "Resolutionist" with Empowered Workplace Dispute Resolution, where I leverage my trauma-informed expertise to guide difficult conversations with compassion and clarity. I create safe spaces for resolving conflicts, turning challenges into growth opportunities. Whether working with frontline workers, organizational teams or educational leaders, I help people feel seen, heard and valued—transforming disputes into deeper understanding.

MORE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:

* Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive content, the latest news and more! I post a few times a month so I won't be inundating your inbox

* If you know (or are) a business owner, nonprofit leader, or team manager who's ready to invest in their people and create real, lasting change, connect us! Let's partner to build workplaces where well-being and success go hand in hand. My online membership space is an incredible and affordable value add that helps you get at the root of obstacles to success and overall wellness.

* Book me for a workshop or speaking event! Email me at [email protected]

* Read or listen to my book Could It Be Better? An unorthodox approach to experiencing more joy and connection in relationships

* Find me @cheranderton on Instagram and TikTok

Disclaimer: My podcast and other work on social platforms are for educational purposes only and are not meant to be a replacement for professional mental health services. We are not creating a client/therapist relationship through social media, including comments and direct messages. This platform is not monitored 24/7 so if you feel unsafe or need immediate help in any way, please call an emergency number that can meet your needs.

In this episode, I talk with Daniel A. Miller - best-selling author, poet, painter and former attorney - about what happens when our need for control becomes the very thing holding us back. Danny shares how a series of life-shaking events forced him to confront his tightly gripped approach to life, which was leading to self-neglect and outcomes far from what he truly wanted.

Through his book The Way of the Wave and our conversation, Danny invites us to consider a different way: one built on self-trust, acceptance and riding the natural currents of life rather than resisting them. If you've ever white-knuckled your way through change or tried to force clarity before it's ready, this episode is your permission slip to soften, trust and let the wave carry you forward. 🌊

Tune in for powerful insight on how surrender isn't giving up—it's the beginning of truly showing up.

MORE ABOUT DANNY:

Daniel A. Miller is a best-selling author, former attorney, painter, poet and nationally ranked senior tennis player who spent much of his life tightly gripping control—until a rapid-fire series of traumatic events brought him to his knees. His latest book, The Way of the Wave: Nature's Model for Navigating Life's Currents, distills the lessons from his nearly 40-year journey of learning to "go with the Wave"—a path that helped him let go, find peace, and move forward with greater clarity and trust. He is also the author of Losing Control, Finding Serenity and The Gifts of Acceptance.

Website: https://danielamiller.com/

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

Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Way-Wave-Natures-Navigating-Currents-ebook/dp/B0D9HZY1GR

MORE ABOUT ME:

I'm a mental health therapist, speaker, author and educator who helps organizations bridge the gap between knowing and doing the things that foster well-being, resilience and success. With expertise in school counseling, trauma-informed practices, and social-emotional intelligence (SEI), I help teams address the root causes of issues such as burnout, communication breakdowns, and resistance to change—rather than just treating surface-level symptoms. My engaging, evidence-based approach equips audiences with the skills to navigate discomfort, build trust and create healthier, more adaptive workplaces.

I'm also a "Resolutionist" with Empowered Workplace Dispute Resolution, where I leverage my trauma-informed expertise to guide difficult conversations with compassion and clarity. I create safe spaces for resolving conflicts, turning challenges into growth opportunities. Whether working with frontline workers, organizational teams or educational leaders, I help people feel seen, heard and valued—transforming disputes into deeper understanding.

MORE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:

* Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive content, the latest news and more! I post a few times a month so I won't be inundating your inbox

* If you know (or are) a business owner, nonprofit leader, or team manager who's ready to invest in their people and create real, lasting change, connect us! Let's partner to build workplaces where well-being and success go hand in hand. My online membership space is an incredible and affordable value add that helps you get at the root of obstacles to success and overall wellness.

* Book me for a workshop or speaking event! Email me at [email protected]

* Read or listen to my book Could It Be Better? An unorthodox approach to experiencing more joy and connection in relationships

* Find me @cheranderton on Instagram and TikTok

Disclaimer: My podcast and other work on social platforms are for educational purposes only and are not meant to be a replacement for professional mental health services. We are not creating a client/therapist relationship through social media, including comments and direct messages. This platform is not monitored 24/7 so if you feel unsafe or need immediate help in any way, please call an emergency number that can meet your needs.

What do skincare, panic disorder, and high-achieving women have in common? In this powerful conversation with Dr. Jeanne Retief, we explore what it means to find genuine control when life feels out of control. Jeanne shares how her journey with panic disorder became the catalyst for creating FIGGI Beauty—an intentional skincare line for sensitive souls—and why true healing starts from the inside out.

We dig into how mental and emotional strain can show up physically, why looking inward is the most courageous first step, and how self-care is more than bubble baths—it's a radical act of resilience.

Tune in to hear Jeanne's story of turning discomfort into purpose, and how you can, too. 💫

MORE ABOUT JEANNE

Jeanne is a skincare innovator, mental health advocate, entrepreneur, and mother. After building a successful career in international human rights law, she faced a life-changing diagnosis of Panic Disorder in 2015. Instead of letting it define her, she used it as a catalyst to create FIGGI Beauty, a skincare line designed for sensitive souls, and FIGGI Soul, a platform dedicated to open, honest conversations around mental health.

FIGGI is currently sold online and at various indie beauty retailers across the USA, with two major retailer collaborations set to be announced soon. They've also just launched in the UK, marking a huge milestone in their global expansion.

As a business owner, mother, and mental health advocate, Jeanne brings a unique perspective on balancing ambition, self-care, and well-being. She can offer an engaging discussion on:

• Turning personal struggles into purpose-driven entrepreneurship

• The power of self-care as a mental health tool

• Breaking the stigma around anxiety and high-achieving women

• The science behind FIGGI Beauty's formulations and why skincare is more than skin-deep

• The journey of scaling a beauty brand from a passion project to international success

• Motherhood, entrepreneurship, and navigating life's curveballs with resilience

MORE ABOUT ME:

I'm a mental health therapist, speaker, author and educator who helps organizations bridge the gap between knowing and doing the things that foster well-being, resilience and success. With expertise in school counseling, trauma-informed practices, and social-emotional intelligence (SEI), I help teams address the root causes of issues such as burnout, communication breakdowns, and resistance to change—rather than just treating surface-level symptoms. My engaging, evidence-based approach equips audiences with the skills to navigate discomfort, build trust and create healthier, more adaptive workplaces.

I'm also a "Resolutionist" with Empowered Workplace Dispute Resolution, where I leverage my trauma-informed expertise to guide difficult conversations with compassion and clarity. I create safe spaces for resolving conflicts, turning challenges into growth opportunities. Whether working with frontline workers, organizational teams or educational leaders, I help people feel seen, heard and valued—transforming disputes into deeper understanding.

MORE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:

* Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive content, the latest news and more! I post a few times a month so I won't be inundating your inbox

* If you know (or are) a business owner, nonprofit leader, or team manager who's ready to invest in their people and create real, lasting change, connect us! Let's partner to build workplaces where well-being and success go hand in hand. My online membership space is an incredible and affordable value add that helps you get at the root of obstacles to success and overall wellness.

* Book me for a workshop or speaking event! Email me at [email protected]

* Read or listen to my book Could It Be Better? An unorthodox approach to experiencing more joy and connection in relationships

* Find me @cheranderton on Instagram and TikTok

Disclaimer: My podcast and other work on social platforms are for educational purposes only and are not meant to be a replacement for professional mental health services. We are not creating a client/therapist relationship through social media, including comments and direct messages. This platform is not monitored 24/7 so if you feel unsafe or need immediate help in any way, please call an emergency number that can meet your needs.

What if creativity isn't a talent, but a birthright?

In this energizing conversation, I sit down with Pia Leichter—creative partner, coach, and author of Welcome to the Creative Club—to talk about what really fuels creativity: self-trust, pausing, and the courage to follow your inner spark.

We explore: ✨ How creativity lives in the smallest moments ✨ What gets in the way of creative expression (spoiler: it's not lack of talent) ✨ Why building self-trust expands your capacity to create ✨ The radical idea that all humans are creative

If you've ever said, "I'm not creative," this one's for you. Let's reclaim the joy, mess, and magic of making life your biggest art project.

SHOW NOTES:

Nancy C. Andreasen's Article

MORE ABOUT PIA:

Ready to press play?

Pia Leichter is a creative partner, published author, certified coach, and entrepreneur. Her path has been anything but ordinary: a recovering nomad, she's reported as a journalist in Sri Lanka, graduated summa cum laude from NYU, and worked as an award-winning creative director for some of the biggest brands in the world. Now, as the founder of Kollektiv Studio, she's uniquely positioned to co-create wild visions and ventures.

She recently published Welcome to the Creative Club, a book that challenges everything people thought they knew about creativity. Praised by Google's Global Head of Creative & Innovation as "life-changing" and by iconic fashion designer Betsey Johnson as "a wild ride," this part-memoir, part-guide invites readers to make life their biggest art project and reclaim their creative power.

• Get a copy of her book: https://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Creative-Club-Biggest-Project/dp/B0DPJ8L4NM/ref=sr_1_1

• Book a chemistry call: https://calendly.com/kollektivstudio/coaching-exploration-call

• More about her work: https://kollektiv.studio/

• Connect through weekly field notes: https://kollektiv.studio/newsletter

• Connect on social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pialeichter/

MORE ABOUT ME:

I'm a mental health therapist, speaker, author and educator who helps organizations bridge the gap between knowing and doing the things that foster well-being, resilience and success. With expertise in school counseling, trauma-informed practices, and social-emotional intelligence (SEI), I help teams address the root causes of issues such as burnout, communication breakdowns, and resistance to change—rather than just treating surface-level symptoms. My engaging, evidence-based approach equips audiences with the skills to navigate discomfort, build trust and create healthier, more adaptive workplaces.

I'm also a "Resolutionist" with Empowered Workplace Dispute Resolution, where I leverage my trauma-informed expertise to guide difficult conversations with compassion and clarity. I create safe spaces for resolving conflicts, turning challenges into growth opportunities. Whether working with frontline workers, organizational teams or educational leaders, I help people feel seen, heard and valued—transforming disputes into deeper understanding.

MORE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:

* Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive content, the latest news and more! I post a few times a month so I won't be inundating your inbox

* If you know (or are) a business owner, nonprofit leader, or team manager who's ready to invest in their people and create real, lasting change, connect us! Let's partner to build workplaces where well-being and success go hand in hand. My online membership space is an incredible and affordable value add that helps you get at the root of obstacles to success and overall wellness.

* Book me for a workshop or speaking event! Email me at [email protected]

* Read or listen to my book Could It Be Better? An unorthodox approach to experiencing more joy and connection in relationships

* Find me @cheranderton on Instagram and TikTok

Disclaimer: My podcast and other work on social platforms are for educational purposes only and are not meant to be a replacement for professional mental health services. We are not creating a client/therapist relationship through social media, including comments and direct messages. This platform is not monitored 24/7 so if you feel unsafe or need immediate help in any way, please call an emergency number that can meet your needs.