In this episode, James Burke explores what it truly means to lead with intention, authenticity, and care. We talk about finding language for transition seasons—those in-between moments when most people crave certainty, but what they actually need is clarity. James shares how great leadership starts with first leading yourself: cultivating self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and grounded presence, and then allowing that to flow into how you lead others.

Together we unpack how transforming leadership styles can shape healthier teams, stronger cultures, and more purpose-driven organizations. James offers powerful insights into what happens when leaders genuinely invest in their people—recognizing potential, nurturing growth, and helping others step into their own greatness.

If you’re passionate about leadership, team dynamics, and creating a culture that lasts, this conversation will inspire you to lead through transition with clarity, courage, and heart—transforming both people and workplaces from the inside out.

Check out James Burke's company Leaders Framework: https://www.theleadersframework.com/

Follow James on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theleadersframework/

https://www.instagram.com/james.d.burke/

Follow me on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coaching_withella/

check out my website: www.ella-hooper.com

I invited Christa Parodi on the podcast to talk about Brené Brown’s Guidepost #10: Cultivating Laughter, Song, and Dance—letting go of being cool and “always in control.”

In this heartwarming episode, Christa and I explore the transformative power of joy, creativity, and self-trust. We talk about the journey from high-stakes living to embracing play and spontaneity, sharing personal stories and insights on cultivating laughter, song, and dance.

Join us for an inspiring conversation that invites you to find freedom and healing through creativity and connection.

Find out more about Christa Parodi here: https://www.christaparodi.com/

Follow Christa on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christaparodi/

Get your free Wholehearted Living journal prompts. https://calm-sun-843.myflodesk.com/x5yo2oyoyu

Book a free discovery coaching call: www.ella-hooper.com

Follow me on Instagram:@ella.hooper__

In this episode, Kris and I dive into what it really means to live wholeheartedly. We talk about self-compassion, authenticity, and vulnerability — and how these shape the way we show up in life, especially when we’re in survival mode. We unpack the paradoxes of wholehearted living, the difference between compassion and pity, and why rest, agency, and acceptance are essential for emotional health. It’s an honest conversation about embracing who you are, even when it’s messy.

Follow Kristen on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kris_pietsch/

Get your free Wholehearted Living journal prompts. https://calm-sun-843.myflodesk.com/x5yo2oyoyu

Book a free discovery coaching call: www.ella-hooper.com

Follow me on Instagram:@ella.hooper__

Have you ever felt dismissed, unseen, or misunderstood? In this episode, Ella unpacks the healing power of validation—the simple yet profound act of saying, “I see you. I hear you. You matter.” Through personal stories, spiritual insight, and psychology, we explore how validation stops the pain cycle, rebuilds connection, and helps us find wholeness without losing ourselves.

Get your free Wholehearted Living journal prompts. https://calm-sun-843.myflodesk.com/x5yo2oyoyu

Book a free discovery coaching call: www.ella-hooper.com

Follow me on Instagram:@ella.hooper__

This is a special episode because I’m joined by my life consultant, Rachel Hughes, for a rich conversation about the nervous system, trauma, and the journey of healing. Rachel has been a deeply influential voice in my own process—teaching me what it means to feel safe in my body and how to gently restore that sense of safety when it’s lost.

Together, we explore the importance of understanding triggers, cultivating self-compassion, and practicing emotional regulation in everyday life. This conversation highlights the power of creating safety in small, consistent ways—and the hope that emerges when we begin to truly heal.

Rachel created the course reclaimig you alongside Abi Stumvoll: https://justinandabi.com/courses/reclaimingyou/

Follow Rachel on instragram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelhughesconsulting/

Get your free Wholehearted Living journal prompts. https://calm-sun-843.myflodesk.com/x5yo2oyoyu

Book a free discovery coaching call: www.ella-hooper.com

Follow me on Instagram:@ella.hooper_

In this conversation, I connect with my dearest friend—actress, author, and poet Amy Leigh Wicks—to explore Brené Brown's guidepost on cultivating creativity and letting go of comparison. We dive into the messy, beautiful intersection of creativity, comparison, and self-compassion. We talk about how comparison often creeps into everyday life more than our art, the painful gap between our ideal and actual selves, and how practices like parts therapy can help us embrace every part of who we are. This is a heartfelt invitation to confront vulnerability, stay present, and rediscover the playful joy that fuels authentic creative expression.

Key Takeaways

• Comparison often shows up in daily life rather than in art.
• Self-compassion is crucial for artists facing comparison.
• Creativity requires embracing all parts of oneself.
• The distance between ideal and actual self can be painful.
• Parts therapy helps in acknowledging different aspects of self.
• Comparison can act as a protector against vulnerability.
• Being present is essential for creativity to flourish.
• Artists must confront their pain to express themselves.
• Navigating uncertainty is part of the creative process.
• Finding joy in creativity is about learning to play.

Get your free Wholehearted Living journal prompts. https://calm-sun-843.myflodesk.com/x5yo2oyoyu

Book a free discovery coaching call: www.ella-hooper.com

Follow me on Instagram:@ella.hooper__

Check out Amy Leigh's website: https://amyleighwicks.com/

Follow Amy Leigh Wicks on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyleighwicks/

Today I am exploring the guidepost Cultivating Intuition and Trusting Faith; Letting go of the need for certainty.

Get your free Wholehearted Living journal prompts. https://calm-sun-843.myflodesk.com/x5yo2oyoyu

Book a free discovery coaching call: www.ella-hooper.com

Follow me on Instagram:@ella.hooper__

Have you ever been on the receiving end of a guilt trip, or had someone unload all their drama onto you, leaving you unsure how to respond? If so, this episode is for you. Today’s conversation is inspired by a simple yet powerful quote: “Observe, don’t absorb.” It’s a real skill to witness someone else’s energy or negativity without taking it on as your own—and learning how not to internalize other people’s stuff takes awareness and practice.

Get your free Wholehearted Living journal prompts. https://calm-sun-843.myflodesk.com/x5yo2oyoyu

Book a free discovery coaching call: www.ella-hooper.com

Follow me on Instagram:@ella.hooper__

Are you aware of when you’re triggered? Most of us aren’t—at least not until we begin paying closer attention to our emotional world. In this episode, I break down the signs of being triggered and share how I process, make sense of my emotions, and reframe my experiences to support healing.

Join my 6 week emotional health course for woman starting Tuesday Oct 14!

https://www.ella-hooper.com/group-coaching

Get your free Wholehearted Living journal prompts. https://calm-sun-843.myflodesk.com/x5yo2oyoyu

Book a free discovery coaching call: www.ella-hooper.com

Follow me on Instagram:@ella.hooper__

Shame tells us we’re unworthy of love and belonging—but what if learning to face it could set us free? In this episode of The Next Brave Thing, I invited a returning guest Courtney Lancaster, a trauma-informed life coach, to unpack the complexities of shame, creativity, and the courage to be seen. Together, we explore how shame shows up in our lives, the self-protection strategies we use, and what it takes to move from hiding to wholehearted expression. Tune in for real stories, practical insights, and an honest conversation about what it means to own your story and step into visibility with courage.

Learn more about Courtney Lancaster: https://www.courtneylancaster.co/

Follow Courtney on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneylan/

Get your free Wholehearted Living journal prompts. https://calm-sun-843.myflodesk.com/x5yo2oyoyu

Book a free discovery coaching call: www.ella-hooper.com

Follow me on Instagram:@ella.hooper__