In this episode, I mind-blended with David Petrovay—an educator, career coach, counselor, and author, about how people can navigate life transitions with clarity and confidence. Starting out teaching blind students, David shares how his own journey led him to become passionate about helping others discover who they are, what they want, and how to embrace opportunities—even when life throws unexpected challenges their way.

Together, we explore:

• How career coaching goes beyond jobs—it’s about self-discovery and confidence-building

• Why clarity about your values and strengths is the foundation for moving forward

• The importance of staying open to possibilities you may not have imagined

• The power of networking - leveraging the people around you to tackle the “hidden job market”

What do you do when your audience is all different?

Even the best jokes won’t be funny everywhere - it’s all down to who you’re talking to. It’s situational! What does your audience know? What does your audience resonate with?

In this episode, I am joined by Sai Ramachandran to explore the unlikely but compelling journey from coding to comedy. Sai shares how growing up in a small town in India, earning a master's in computer science, and starting his career at Goldman Sachs all paved a very different path from where he eventually found his voice: on the comedy stage.

But this episode isn’t just about changing careers. It’s about using humor to connect, challenge norms, and navigate complex emotions.

Together, they explore:

• The journey from logic-driven tech work to the unpredictable world of stand-up

• What comedy teaches him about reading a room, adjusting in real time, and staying present

• Why humor is one of the last things AI can replicate (at least not yet) and what that reveals about our humanity

• How cultural background deeply influences what we find funny and why some jokes only land in the right context

• The role of tension in storytelling—and how embracing uncertainty leads to better punchlines and better perspective
  

Sai also shares how he reads his maddeningly diverse audience in India, what makes a joke work (or flop), and how being a comedian is, in many ways, a masterclass in communication.

Whether you're a creative, a coder, or someone navigating big changes, this episode is packed with insight, warmth, and wit—and a reminder that sometimes the best way to face serious things is to laugh.

About Sai Ramachandran

Sai is a software engineer who decided to give it all up to make it in the field of comedy. An engineer at heart, he decided to understand comedy from first principles, and eventually wrote a book Humor Science: When Your Success Depends On Being Funny And Engaging which explains humor from the ground up.

As a side hustle, he also trains executives on humor to help them be more interesting, engaging, and empathetic in their professional interactions.

You can connect with Sai on 

https://linktr.ee/sai.humor.scientist

LinkedIn: sai-ramachandran

Instagram: abeysai

YouTube: abeysai-yt

Watch his sketch:  My Name is Bald. James Bald.

Mind Blend is all about real experiences and meaningful conversations—through sharing these insights, I hope to inspire and empower you as you navigate your unique journey.

I’d also love to hear from you! What resonated with you today? What topics or guests should we feature next? Let’s keep the conversation going—connect with me on LinkedIn @⁠karenkchong⁠ and @⁠Mind-Blend⁠

Follow Mind Blend to get notified when new episodes are released!

Until next time, stay curious, keep exploring, and let’s continue to blend our minds and discover what’s possible.

In this episode, we mind-blended with Jenny Theolin—Head of Learning at Abracademy, and founder of Studio Theolin—about the art of pushing boundaries in a culture that often encourages staying safely within them.

Born Swedish but having grown up moving between countries and cultures, Jenny developed a natural openness to change, an instinct for reinvention, and a bold personality that doesn’t wait for permission. She unpacks the popular Swedish concept of lagom—meaning “not too little, not too much”—and how it shapes the way we think about balance, ambition, and sustainability. While lagom can offer comfort and harmony, Jenny argues that it can also quietly stifle innovation and suppress ambition when left unexamined.

Together, we explore:

• How lagom, the Swedish concept of “just enough,” can be both a source of sustainability and a silent killer of ambition

• The impact of being told to “stay in your lane”—and how Jenny turned that moment into fuel for creative leadership

• Why early exposure to change helped her embrace uncertainty and push past imposter syndrome

• The power of learning by doing, and embedding experimentation into everyday work

• How play, fun, and bold self-expression lead to real innovation

• The difference between maintaining harmony and challenging the status quo—especially in creative and professional environments

  
  

Whether you’ve been told to play small, or you're looking for permission to do things differently, this episode will inspire you to make bold your new baseline.

About Jenny Theolin

Jenny is a renowned expert in learning experience design and facilitation, creating effective, engaging, and memorable learning for organisations, schools, and non-profits. Her mission is to cultivate creativity, facilitation, and continuous learning for leaders and their teams. She authored "Dare to Facilitate," a book that challenges traditional facilitation and inspires action through over 120 'dares'. Theolin's work emphasises bringing diverse perspectives together and empowering facilitators to shape the future.

You can connect with Jenny on

• LinkedIn: jennytheolin

• Her website: https://www.studiotheolin.com/ 

• Instagram: studiotheolin

Mind Blend is all about real experiences and meaningful conversations—through sharing these insights, I hope to inspire and empower you as you navigate your unique journey.

I’d also love to hear from you! What resonated with you today? What topics or guests should we feature next? Let’s keep the conversation going—connect with me on LinkedIn @ ⁠karenkchong⁠ and @⁠Mind-Blend⁠

Follow Mind Blend to get notified when new episodes are released!

Until next time, stay curious, keep exploring, and let’s continue to blend our minds and discover what’s possible.

We often glorify hustle, speed, and constant output, but what if your next big breakthrough comes after a pause?

In this episode, I mind-blended to Pamela Dangelmaier—mindfulness expert, leadership coach, and author of The Power of the Pause. Pamela shares how her own experience of hyperacusis and burnout forced her to slow down and reconnect with what truly mattered.

Together, we explore:

• The neuroscience behind why silence feels uncomfortable—and why we need it
  

• How intentional pauses help you shift from reaction to reflection
  

• The role of mindfulness in leadership, creativity, and decision-making
  

• The surprising ways stillness improves your communication and presence
  

• What Pamela learned on silence—and how it changed her
  

We also talk about how “being busy” can become a shield we hide behind. You don’t need to disappear to a cabin in the woods or silence your whole life to reap the benefits. Even micro-pauses, 30 seconds between meetings, a breath before responding, can recalibrate your nervous system and bring you back to center.

If you're feeling overstimulated, stuck, or just off, this conversation is a gentle (but powerful) reminder: Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is stop.

About Pamela Dangelmaier

Pamela is an accomplished mindfulness practitioner, certified life coach, and motivational speaker known for her relatable humor and engaging storytelling. She holds a Graduate Certificate in Mindfulness-Based Teaching & Learning from the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), where she received the Award for Outstanding Achievement. Her warm, accessible style makes even complex ideas easy to understand and apply.

Pamela is also a graduate of Martha Beck’s prestigious Wayfinder Life Coaching program and an ICF-certified life coach, committed to professional excellence. Her authentic, down-to-earth approach has made her a sought-after speaker for audiences seeking clarity, balance, and a deeper connection to purpose.

A founding member of the Mindful Coach Association and a professional member of the American Mindfulness Research Association, Pamela stays at the forefront of mindfulness research and teaching. She’s passionate about helping others tap into their inner wisdom and live more intentional, fulfilling lives.

In addition to her mindfulness practice, Pamela is a TEDx speaker, successful e-commerce business owner, gardening enthusiast, graphic designer, stage and film actress, and novelist. She credits her diverse accomplishments to the mindfulness techniques she practices daily—tools that spark her creativity, reduce stress, and help her embrace life’s many adventures.

You can connect with her on 

LinkedIn: pameladangelmaier, Website: You Mind and You, Instagram: your_mind_and_you and YouTube: pameladangelmaier8182

Mind Blend is all about real experiences and meaningful conversations—through sharing these insights, I hope to inspire and empower you as you navigate your unique journey.

I’d also love to hear from you! What resonated with you today? What topics or guests should we feature next? Let’s keep the conversation going—connect with me on LinkedIn @ ⁠karenkchong⁠ and @⁠Mind-Blend⁠

Follow Mind Blend to get notified when new episodes are released!

Until next time, stay curious, keep exploring, and let’s continue to blend our minds and discover what’s possible.

What if your stress, comparison habits, and need for validation weren’t personal flaws—but ancient survival wiring doing exactly what it was designed to do?

In this episode, I mind-blended with Dr. Loretta Breuning, founder of the Inner Mammal Institute and author of Habits of a Happy Brain, to unpack how our brain chemistry drives everyday behavior, emotions, and decisions—often without us even realizing it.

We dove into how neurochemicals like dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins evolved to help mammals survive—and how those same chemicals influence how we chase rewards, build relationships, seek approval, and experience happiness (or not) in today’s modern world.

🔍 In this episode, we explore:

• Why your brain constantly scans for rewards and threats—even when you're safe

• How dopamine fuels motivation—and why chasing it endlessly can backfire

• The subtle but powerful role of serotonin in social hierarchy and confidence

• Why oxytocin (the connection chemical) is easily disrupted in digital life

• How short bursts of endorphins (like during laughter or exercise) boost well-being

• Why your brain clings to habits—even unhealthy ones—and how to rewire them

• Daily practices you can try to create more natural, sustainable happiness
  

Loretta also shares practical strategies for retraining your brain—not to suppress your instincts, but to understand them and work with them. If you’ve ever felt stuck in habits that don’t serve you, or frustrated by emotions you can’t explain, this episode offers a refreshingly science-backed lens into why we are the way we are—and how to shift it.

Give it a listen and discover how to partner with your inner mammal.

About Loretta Breuning, PhD

Loretta is the author of Habits of a Happy Brain: Retrain Your Brain to Boost Your Serotonin, Dopamine, Oxytocin and Endorphin Levels. She founded the Inner Mammal Institute to help people build new neural pathways to turn on their happy chemicals in new ways.

As Professor of Management at California State University, and a mom, Loretta was not convinced by prevailing theories of human motivation. While researching alternatives, she uncovered the brain chemistry we share with animals. She learned that each happy chemical evolved to motivate a specific survival behavior, not to make you feel good all the time for no reason. Then everything made sense, and she began creating resources to spread this knowledge: books, videos, blogs, podcasts, infographics, slide shows, social media and a training program. Loretta's work has helped thousands of people "make peace with the animal inside." And she still marvels every day at the overlap between a wildlife documentary and the lyrics to a love song.

You can connect with Loretta on LinkedIn and find out more about her work on Inner Mammal Institute. If you’re interested in having a coaching session with Loretta, mention you learned about her from the podcast Mind Blend and you’ll get special pricing.

Mind Blend is all about real experiences and meaningful conversations—through sharing these insights, I hope to inspire and empower you as you navigate your unique journey.

I’d also love to hear from you! What resonated with you today? What topics or guests should we feature next? Let’s keep the conversation going—connect with me on LinkedIn @ ⁠karenkchong⁠ and @⁠Mind-Blend⁠

Follow Mind Blend to get notified when new episodes are released!

Until next time, stay curious, keep exploring, and let’s continue to blend our minds and discover what’s possible.

What really makes someone effective in the workplace? Strategy and intelligence matter. But without emotional awareness, the ability to adapt, and focused execution, even the best ideas fall flat.

In this episode, I mind-blended with Faris Aranki, strategic consultant and founder of Shiageto Consulting, whose work centers on helping businesses and individuals “do business better.” With over 20 years of experience across sectors and countries, Faris brings a sharp yet human lens to what it takes to truly lead and collaborate.

We talk about the soft skills that aren’t really soft at all, like empathy, emotional intelligence, and focus. Faris shares how living and working in different cultures taught him to read people better, ask smarter questions, and help teams align not just on what they’re doing, but why they’re doing it.

And at the core of it all? A reminder that many businesses have a blind spot. They invest in strategy, but often neglect the people dynamics, emotional context, and focused alignment that ultimately determine success.

“We over index on the words we're about to say, not how we say them or how we look when we're saying them.”

In this episode, we explore:

• Why emotional intelligence remains an underrated leadership skill
• How focus—not just busyness—drives real impact
• Why living abroad sharpens your people skills in unexpected ways
• The difference between being smart and being understood
• How strong facilitators help teams slow down and solve the right problems

If you’ve ever felt like your team is doing a lot but still not moving forward or if you're curious what really drives effective strategic execution, this episode offers a fresh, human-centered perspective. Faris also shares how his experiences living and working across cultures have sharpened his ability to lead with empathy, spot what others miss, and help organizations move from busy to aligned.

About Faris Aranki

Faris is the founder and CEO of Shiageto Consulting, with over 20 years of experience delivering strategic change for both corporate and non-corporate worlds. He has over 15 years of strategic leadership experience across top consulting firms and organisations, working as a top-tier strategy consultant, non-exec director, educator and in-house strategist.

His work has spanned numerous companies (from global behemoths to small start-ups), in numerous countries, across a range of sectors (including energy, banking, consumer goods, telco and media, government, automotive and education), supporting them all to unlock strategic success.

Faris came to realise that often what hinders institutions from achieving their goals goes beyond the quality of their strategy; it is their ability to engage effectively with others at all levels and remove barriers in their way that can be the real barometers of success.

"I am passionate about strategic effectiveness for all businesses and individuals. It doesn't matter about age, experience, size, industry, objectives, we can all improve our effectiveness. It's something I personally try to do everyday and the area I have been able to most add value to my clients; these are the very reasons I founded Shiageto Consulting".

You can connect with Faris on LinkedIn and Shiageto Consulting.

Mind Blend is all about real experiences and meaningful conversations—through sharing these insights, I hope to inspire and empower you as you navigate your unique journey.

I’d also love to hear from you! What resonated with you today? What topics or guests should we feature next? Let’s keep the conversation going—connect with me on LinkedIn @⁠karenkchong⁠ and @⁠Mind-Blend⁠

Follow Mind Blend to get notified when new episodes are released!

Until next time, stay curious, keep exploring, and let’s continue to blend our minds and discover what’s possible.

We’ve all had to learn something—swimming, biking, typing, driving. For some, it clicks. For others, frustration takes over, and suddenly we’re telling ourselves we’re just not “good enough.”

In this episode, I mind-blended with Patrick Boylan, a musician and co-founder of MuseFlow, a music education platform designed to help people learn piano in a more tailored and joyful way, by tapping into flow state instead of forcing repetition.

For anyone listening today, you can get a 50% discount for MuseFlow for LIFE! Just use the code MIND50.

We exchanged personal stories about our early piano training—and how traditional methods often create pressure, disconnection, and even shame when progress doesn’t follow the rigid path.

Patrick took that frustration and turned it into a mission: to create a better way.

We talked about:

The concept of flow state and how it supports deeper, more joyful learning

How MuseFlow works - from personalized feedback to play-based discovery, and the future of MuseFlow

The psychological benefits of learning through intuition, not fear of mistakes

Whether you’ve struggled to learn something, gave up too soon, or just want to see what’s possible when learning is fueled by joy and flow, this one’s for you.

"Find the love, and find the joy of learning."

About Patrick Boylan 

Patrick is a pianist, educator, and co-founder of MuseFlow, a next-generation music learning app inspired by his own unconventional relationship with piano. After receiving some formal instruction in his youth, it wasn’t until later that Patrick truly connected with the instrument—teaching himself in a way that felt more intuitive, expressive, and personally meaningful.

His path led him from rediscovering piano on his own terms to becoming a professional jazz musician in Los Angeles. Through ⁠MuseFlow, Patrick blends his passion for music, learning, and design to help others engage with piano in a way that feels accessible and motivating. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, his mission remains the same: to help people connect more deeply with their own creative potential.

Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn.

About MuseFlow

MuseFlow is reimagining how people learn piano—by making the process joyful, intuitive, and grounded in how our brains actually learn best.

Through interactive mini-games and real-time error recognition, MuseFlow personalizes each student’s journey, meeting them at their level and gently guiding them forward. It’s designed to hit that “Goldilocks zone”—challenging enough to grow, but never overwhelming. And with each small win, learners experience that powerful “I’m getting it!” moment again and again.

For anyone listening today, you can get a 50% discount for MuseFlow for LIFE! Just use the code MIND50.

Mind Blend is all about real experiences and meaningful conversations — through sharing these insights, I hope to inspire and empower you as you navigate your unique journey.I’d also love to hear from you! What resonated with you today? What topics or guests should we feature next? Let’s keep the conversation going—connect with me on LinkedIn @ karenkchong and @ Mind-Blend

Follow Mind Blend to get notified when new episodes are released!

Until next time, stay curious, keep exploring, and let’s continue to blend our minds and discover what’s possible.

When the familiar starts to feel shaky, how do you move forward?

In this episode, I mind-blended with Cherry Jordan, a former TV Production Manager turned transformational coach, who shares her deeply personal and powerful journey of career reinvention. After spending years in the fast-paced world of TV, Cherry experienced a major turning point—one that many professionals will relate to: feeling stuck, burned out, and unsure of what was next.

Cherry shares her own journey of pivoting out of a long, successful career in television and into coaching, and the lessons she learned along the way about identity, reinvention, and growth. Together, we explore how mindset shifts, self-awareness, and small intentional steps can help people rebuild belief in themselves and reconnect with purpose.

This episode is filled with heart, honesty, and tangible tools to help you:

• Why the industry isn’t always shrinking — and how to spot overlooked opportunities
• How self-reflection can reveal what you actually want (vs. what you’ve been chasing)
• The power of giving yourself permission to change course
• Tools to calm the inner critic and take your next step — even if it’s a small one
• How to move forward when you feel stuck, lost, or uncertain
  

Whether you’re contemplating a career pivot, navigating a layoff, or simply questioning what’s next, this conversation offers permission to pause, reflect, and imagine new possibilities.

You’re not lost—you’re just in between chapters. Let Cherry’s story remind you that you’re capable of writing the next one.

“It's about being curious, thinking about what you really want to do. What would light you up? And how could you get there. What's one small step you could take.”

About Cherry Jordan

Cherry Jordan is a transformational coach with a background in TV production. After spending years managing high-pressure, fast-moving production environments, she reached a point where the pace and intensity no longer aligned with the life she wanted to live. That turning point led her to start The Brain Spa where she now helps professionals—especially those navigating uncertain or transitional career moments—reconnect with their values, rebuild confidence, and carve out a more fulfilling path forward.

Cherry brings a unique blend of industry insight and deeply human-centered coaching to her work. She’s known for helping people move from feeling stuck to stepping into new possibilities with clarity and courage.

Today, she works with creatives, industry professionals, and career changers to help them not just survive change—but thrive in it.

You can connect with Cherry on

Mind Blend is all about real experiences and meaningful conversations—through sharing these insights, I hope to inspire and empower you as you navigate your unique journey. I’d also love to hear from you! What resonated with you today? What topics or guests should we feature next? Let’s keep the conversation going—connect with me on LinkedIn @ karenkchong and @ Mind-Blend

Follow Mind Blend to get notified when new episodes are released!

Until next time, stay curious, keep exploring, and let’s continue to blend our minds and discover what’s possible.

Project managers are the ones turning scattered ideas into something cohesive, coordinated, and impactful.

They’re not just taskmasters or checklist champions—they’re orchestrating success. They're the hidden leaders who bridge vision and execution, anticipate what’s coming next, and bring people together in rhythm.

In this episode of Mind Blend, I mind-blend with Lisa Dawson, a seasoned project leader who helps teams go beyond timelines and deliverables to build clarity, momentum, and trust.

We explore the real leadership behind great project management—the kind that connects dots across teams, handles complexity with grace, and ensures that projects not only get done, but deliver value, delight, and impact. Lisa breaks down how the profession is shifting—from tactical support to strategic enabler—and why the best PMs are the glue and the conductor holding everything together.

“A great project manager doesn’t just move the pieces—they understand the people moving them.”

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Lisa’s Journey from Coordinator to Strategic PM Leader - Her evolution from focusing on timelines to leading with intention and business impact.

• Project Managers as Conductors of the Orchestra - Why a great PM ensures all sections are in sync —navigating complexity, managing dependencies, and uniting cross-functional players.

• Technology as a PM’s Amplifier - How leveraging tools to handle the repetitive tasks allows PMs to focus on what truly matters: foresight, relationships, and impact.

• Connecting the Dots Across People and ProcessesHow strong PMs see the full picture, align disparate teams, anticipate ripple effects, and ensure risks are managed and no critical detail slips through the cracks.

• Communication: The PM’s Superpower How effective communication fosters psychological safety, encourages ownership, and helps build a collaborative culture within organizations.

• Zooming Out: Holding the Strategic Thread - Why stepping back to align execution with business strategy is a core PM strength—and a critical business need.

• Building Culture, Not Just Projects - How the way PMs engage with teams can model and reinforce trust, transparency, and a culture of continuous improvement.
  

About Lisa Dawson:

Lisa Dawson is a seasoned c-suite leader with a background in project management and a passion for helping teams bring their best ideas to life. With years of experience leading cross-functional initiatives across industries, Lisa excels at bridging the gap between strategy and execution.

She brings a unique blend of operational rigor and emotional intelligence to every project she leads—ensuring not only that goals are met, but that people feel heard, supported, and aligned along the way. Lisa is especially skilled at leveraging technology to streamline processes and free up space for the more meaningful, qualitative aspects of collaboration.

Whether she’s managing complex dependencies, spotting potential roadblocks, or facilitating stronger communication between stakeholders, Lisa is a connector at heart—always focused on creating clarity, momentum, and outcomes that delight.

Mind Blend is all about real experiences and meaningful conversations — through sharing these insights, I hope to inspire and empower you as you navigate your unique journey.I’d also love to hear from you! What resonated with you today? What topics or guests should we feature next? Let’s keep the conversation going—connect with me on LinkedIn @⁠karenkchong⁠ and @⁠Mind-Blend⁠.

Follow Mind Blend to get notified when new episodes are released!

Until next time, stay curious, keep exploring, and let’s continue to blend our minds and discover what’s possible.

What does it take to build true mental toughness? How can we embrace pain and use it as a catalyst for growth? In this episode, I mind-blended with Terry Tucker, the founder of Motivational Check—a platform dedicated to inspiring resilience and self-leadership.

Terry shares his powerful life experiences, from being a college athlete and SWAT team hostage negotiator to battling a rare form of cancer. His journey has shaped his perspective on overcoming adversity and finding meaning in every challenge.

Control Your Mind, or It Will Control You – The importance of self-discipline and mindset in shaping your reality.

Embracing Pain as a Tool for Growth – How life’s hardships can strengthen resilience and purpose.

The Legacy We Leave Behind – How our actions, words, and mindset impact others.

The Power of Persistence – Why refusing to quit is the ultimate form of success.Terry’s insights will push you to rethink how you approach adversity and inspire you to take control of your own story.

💡 Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.

🎧 Tune in now and discover how to cultivate a resilient mindset for an extraordinary life!

About Terry Tucker

Terry is an author and sought-after speaker who passionately believes in the transformative power of a good story to motivate, inspire, and encourage others. His purpose is to help people lead their uncommon and extraordinary lives.

He is the Founder of Motivational Check, and he is the author of Sustainable Excellence, Ten Principles To Leading Your Uncommon and Extraordinary Life. His mission is not just a statement but a deep-rooted commitment to consistently enrich and improve lives without sacrificing his relationships with family and friends. This vocation is accomplished through various platforms, including world-class speaking engagements, podcasts, radio and television interviews, blog posts, books, and coaching. 

You can connect with Terry on

• Motivational Check

• LinkedIn

Mind Blend is all about real experiences and meaningful conversations — through sharing these insights, I hope to inspire and empower you as you navigate your unique journey.I’d also love to hear from you! What resonated with you today? What topics or guests should we feature next? Let’s keep the conversation going—connect with me on LinkedIn @⁠karenkchong⁠ and @⁠Mind-Blend⁠.

Follow Mind Blend to get notified when new episodes are released!

Until next time, stay curious, keep exploring, and let’s continue to blend our minds and discover what’s possible.