Narrative Voices

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Keith Haney speaks with Dr. Greg Stewart about the intersection of leadership, personal growth, and emotional intelligence. Dr. Stewart shares insights from his book, i3 for Leaders,' emphasizing the importance of embracing negative emotions as tools for growth. He introduces the iCubed framework for processing emotions and discusses the significance of critical thinking and spiritual development in effective leadership. The conversation also touches on balancing career ambitions with personal life and the importance of proactive teachability in overcoming blind spots. Dr. Stewart's legacy aspirations and the feedback he receives from readers further enrich this thought-provoking dialogue.

Takeaways

• Negative emotions can be powerful tools for growth.
• Reflect on your responses during difficult times.
• Focus on solutions rather than problems.
• Creating a mission statement aligns with personal values.
• Critical thinking is essential for effective leadership.
• Emotional intelligence and personality interplay in leadership.
• Spiritual development is crucial for authentic leadership.
• Proactive teachability helps eradicate blind spots.
• Every decision is driven by emotional goals.
• Legacy is about continuous growth and integrity.

In this episode, host Keith Haney speaks with Jenna Udenberg, a disability advocate and author, about her journey living with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and her efforts to promote accessibility and inclusion. Jenna shares her experiences growing up with a disability, the challenges she faced, and how these experiences shaped her perspective on advocacy. She discusses her memoir, 'Within My Spokes,' and her nonprofit, Above and Beyond with You, which aims to improve community accessibility. Jenna emphasizes the importance of storytelling, empathy, and the need for honest conversations about disability.

In this episode of Becoming Bridge Builders, host Keith Haney speaks with Faith Clarke, an organizational health and teamwork specialist. They explore the importance of teamwork, inclusion, and purpose-driven leadership in organizations. Faith shares her journey from engineering to her current role, emphasizing the need for organizational health that prioritizes people. The conversation delves into the overlooked aspects of team dynamics, the significance of onboarding processes, and practical steps leaders can take to enhance team health and performance. Faith's insights highlight the ethical considerations of leadership and the impact of nurturing relationships within organizations.

Takeaways:

• Alan Gregerman's concept of enlightened ignorance emphasizes that not knowing can be a strength in innovation.
• The Wisdom of Ignorance challenges the belief that expertise is always necessary for breakthrough ideas.
• Curiosity is an innate human trait that can unlock new ways of thinking and problem-solving.
• Leaders often struggle with connecting their organization's purpose to individual roles in achieving success.
• Innovation should not only come from experts but can emerge from anyone willing to ask questions and explore.
• The book highlights six traits crucial for unlocking innovation: purpose, humility, curiosity, respect, future focus, and a touch of paranoia.

Links referenced in this episode:

• alangregerman.com

In this episode of Becoming Bridge Builders, host Keith Haney speaks with Kyle Townes, a Christian freelance writer and author, about her new book 'The Road Less Traveled: Reclaiming Childhood for Christianity.' They discuss the importance of nurturing children's spiritual and emotional lives through a Christ-centered approach, the challenges of modern parenting, and practical steps for parents to take in raising their children. Kyle shares her personal journey, the inspiration behind her book, and the four pillars of childhood development that she believes are essential for raising children in today's culture.

Takeaways

• Major in the majors to prioritize what's important.
• The Trinity doesn't need to deliberate on our problems.
• Quality time with family can be found in everyday moments.
• Raising children with a Christ-centered focus yields positive results.
• Writing the book was a challenging but necessary journey.
• Experiencing different educational settings shaped her views on child-rearing.
• Parents should be proactive in protecting their children from negative influences.
• The four pillars of childhood development are essential for growth.
• Love must be defined by scripture, not culture.
• Parents are equipped by God to lead their children.

In this engaging conversation, Reverend Keith Haney interviews Larry Aldrich, a former antitrust prosecutor and co-author of the book 'What's Right with America.' They discuss the importance of optimism in today's polarized political climate, the power of individual agency, and the defining characteristics that have propelled the U.S. to greatness. Aldrich emphasizes the need for community empowerment, the role of media in holding leaders accountable, and the importance of local news. The discussion culminates in reflections on legacy and hope for the future, encouraging listeners to recognize their agency in shaping a better America.

Takeaways

• The best advice is to be bold and accountable.
• America's greatness is rooted in individual empowerment.
• Optimism is a choice grounded in reality.
• Community interactions foster a sense of belonging.
• Media plays a crucial role in local accountability.
• Political division can be addressed through individual agency.
• Local news is vital for community awareness.
• We stand on the shoulders of past generations.
• Forgiveness is a powerful choice in divisive times.
• Everyone has the potential to succeed in America.

Cindy Wageman joins us to share her remarkable journey of recovery from multiple sclerosis and the lessons she learned along the way. Her latest book, *Completely Healed*, dives deep into the connections between trauma, stress, and autoimmune disease, offering a beacon of hope for anyone facing health challenges. We discuss the importance of taking responsibility for our own healing and the vital role that emotional well-being plays in physical health. Cindy’s insights on boundaries, forgiveness, and self-care shine a light on how we can reclaim our lives from the grips of illness. Join us as we explore her transformative story and the practical steps she offers to help others on their path to wellness.

Cindy Wageman's remarkable journey from battling multiple sclerosis to becoming a beacon of hope for others is at the heart of this insightful discussion. We dive deep into her experiences, as she candidly shares the struggles and triumphs that shaped her path to recovery. Cindy's story begins with her diagnosis, a moment that thrust her into a decade-long struggle with her health. She recounts the emotional toll and the physical limitations she faced, but more importantly, she highlights the invaluable lessons learned during this challenging time. With a focus on personal responsibility, she emphasizes the importance of taking charge of one’s health and well-being, encouraging listeners to research and advocate for themselves in the face of medical challenges.

Her latest book, "Completely Healed," serves as both a memoir and a guide, providing readers with actionable insights on linking trauma, stress, and autoimmune diseases. Cindy shares her holistic approach to wellness, which encompasses not only physical healing but also emotional and spiritual growth. Throughout our conversation, we explore how her experiences have influenced her coaching practice, where she now empowers others to reclaim their lives. The discussion is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and practical tips for anyone facing health crises or emotional trauma, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance on their healing journey.

Takeaways:

• Cindy Wageman's journey emphasizes the importance of taking personal responsibility for our health and well-being.
• The link between trauma, stress, and autoimmune diseases highlights the need for emotional healing in recovery.
• Understanding one's past traumas can lead to profound personal growth and healing from chronic illnesses.
• Cindy's experience shows that healing is a process that requires time, patience, and often a shift in mindset.
• The podcast stresses that women are disproportionately affected by autoimmune diseases due to societal pressures and stressors.
• Cindy's story encourages listeners to seek help and support in their healing journeys, emphasizing community and connection.

Links referenced in this episode:

• cindywageman.com

In this enlightening episode, join us as we delve into the transformative journey of healing through solitude and self-discovery with Abby Rosmarin. Discover how embracing time alone can lead to profound personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself. Abby shares her experiences and insights, offering a roadmap for those seeking to reconnect with their inner selves and find peace in solitude. Tune in to explore the power of self-reflection and the art of truly enjoying your own company.

Kathy Allan is revolutionizing our understanding of trauma in healthcare, and today, we dive deep into her transformative work. As the founder of Gussie Nurses, a pioneering education program, she aims to help nurses alleviate traumatic stress within the healthcare system, ultimately restoring the healing process for both caregivers and patients. With over 20 years of experience and a knack for humor, Kathy shares invaluable insights on how trauma affects nurses and the innovative strategies that can empower them to reclaim their well-being. We’ll also touch on her upcoming book, "Gutsy Nurses Save Lives," which promises to be a crucial resource for nurses everywhere. Join us as we explore the intersection of healing and humor, and discover how we can better support those who care for us in our most vulnerable moments.

Kathy Allan, the founder of Gustsy Nurses, is a force of nature in the healthcare world, shaking things up and changing our perceptions of trauma. With over two decades of experience working with trauma survivors, Kathy brings a treasure trove of knowledge to the table. She’s not just a board-certified holistic nurse; she’s also a retired Healing Touch instructor and a former Integrative Imagery instructor. In our discussion, we dive into her groundbreaking approaches to helping nurses navigate the often chaotic and traumatic environments of healthcare. The heart of her work is the Gutsy Nurses program, which focuses on empowering nurses to deal with their own trauma while caring for patients. Kathy believes that trauma isn't a life sentence; rather, it’s an imbalance in the nervous system that can be healed. We explore her upcoming book, 'Gutsy Nurses Save Lives,' set to drop in late 2025, which aims to serve as a vital resource for nurses everywhere. But it’s not all heavy; Kathy also shares her love for standup comedy, highlighting how healing and humor can go hand in hand. This episode is a vibrant mix of serious insights and light-hearted moments, making it a must-listen for anyone in healthcare or interested in the healing arts.

Takeaways:

• Kathy Allan is revolutionizing how trauma is addressed in the healthcare system, focusing on healing for both patients and nurses.
• Gussie Nurses, the program founded by Kathy, aims to help nurses manage trauma in chaotic healthcare environments effectively.
• Kathy emphasizes that trauma can be treated as an imbalance in the nervous system, not a lifelong curse, offering hope to those affected.
• In her upcoming book, 'Gutsy Nurses Save Lives', Kathy shares insights and strategies for nurses to reclaim their well-being and enhance patient care.
• The podcast discusses the critical importance of supportive environments for nurses to prevent burnout and promote healing in healthcare settings.
• Humor plays a significant role in Kathy's teachings, helping to balance trauma and create connection in the healing process.

Today, we’re excited to dive into a heartfelt conversation with Arminda Espinoza, a retired bilingual teacher and proud first-generation Mexican American, who has authored the inspiring children's book, *Brave Learns English*. Arminda shares her deeply personal journey, which resonates with countless English language learners, highlighting the fears, challenges, and triumphs that come with learning a new language. Through her protagonist, Lois, she captures the essence of finding one's voice amidst the struggles of language acquisition. Arminda's mission is to empower second-language learners to embrace their inner strength, and she brings that passion to life in her writing. Join us as we explore her story, the inspiration behind her book, and the invaluable lessons she's learned along the way.

Arminda Espinoza's tale is one of resilience and empowerment, portrayed beautifully in her book 'Brave Learns English.' On our podcast, she walks us through the emotional rollercoaster of being a bilingual teacher and a first-generation Mexican American, sharing how her upbringing shaped her understanding of language and identity. From her early struggles with English in school to her eventual triumphs, Arminda's insights are a beacon for anyone navigating the challenging waters of language learning. She discusses the critical role of supportive teachers and the community in fostering a positive environment for students. Arminda's experiences remind us that every learner has a voice worth hearing, and her mission is to empower those voices. The message is clear: we all have that little voice of doubt, but by embracing our bravery, we can quiet that negativity and push through to success. This episode is packed with wisdom for educators, parents, and students alike, encouraging us all to be kinder to ourselves and to appreciate the courage it takes to learn something new.

The conversation with Arminda Espinoza dives deep into her personal experiences as a first-generation Mexican American and the emotional landscape of learning English. She recounts her challenges in school, where her inner critic often overshadowed her achievements. As a bilingual teacher, she recognizes the pressure that English language learners face and the critical need for supportive classroom environments. Arminda's book, 'Brave Learns English,' emerges from her desire to advocate for these learners and to illustrate that the journey of learning a language is fraught with hurdles but also rich with opportunities for growth and understanding. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the importance of authenticity and self-acceptance, encouraging listeners to silence their inner critics and embrace their unique learning journeys. Arminda's narrative inspires not just educators but also parents and communities to foster a culture of encouragement and resilience among young learners.

Takeaways:

• Arminda Espinoza's journey as a first-generation Mexican American educator resonates with countless language learners.
• The children's book, 'Brave Learns English,' reflects the emotional complexities of learning a new language.
• We all face negative self-talk, especially when tackling new challenges like language learning.
• Empowering students to embrace their unique journeys is crucial for their confidence and growth.