If you’ve ever wondered how empathy could be the missing ingredient in your leadership toolkit, this episode is for you. I sit down with Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller to explore why empathy isn’t just a “nice” trait, but a practical skill that can lead to better teams, more innovation, and even higher profits. You’ll learn straightforward, research-backed ways to use empathy in tough situations—without letting go of boundaries or results.

For podcasters and creators, Dr. Melissa shares how breaking down big ideas like empathy into everyday language makes your message more powerful and accessible. Plus, we talk about using stories and real-life scenarios (like “red flags” and “beige flags” in communication) to connect with your audience on a deeper level. If you want to make your work more meaningful and stand out in a world full of technology, this conversation will give you simple, concrete ideas to try right away.

Connect with Melissa Robinson-Winemiller

Website: https://eqviaempathy.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-melissa-a-robinson-winemiller-author-speaker-trainer/

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Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Book Month Intro
01:01 Reading’s Role in Leadership
01:45 Empathy in Leadership Dissertation
02:06 Surviving Toxic Workplaces
02:47 Journey to Writing The Empathic Leader
03:36 Struggles with Book Title
04:24 Hard Data That Proves Empathy
05:40 What Empathy Means in Plain Terms
06:08 Everyday Example of Empathy
07:22 Empathy’s Impact on Leadership Decisions
08:46 Empathy Doesn’t Avoid the Hard Stuff
08:54 Why Empathy Matters in an AI World
09:55 Takeaways From The Empathic Leader
10:21 Writing the Hardest Chapter
11:01 Making Empathy Accessible to All
11:29 Favorite Chapter: Flags Everywhere
12:14 Why the Flags Chapter Resonates
13:16 Upcoming Empathy Book for Society
14:09 Quickfire: Books, Formats, Leaders
14:35 Empathy in One Sentence
14:38 Why Marie Curie Stands Out
15:33 Where to Find Dr. Melissa’s Work
16:10 Wrap-Up and Thanks

Thinking about trying something new but feeling stuck? In this episode, I sit down with Debra Bowers, who shares what it really feels like to have a “Debra time” moment and start over—after raising five kids and navigating loss and big changes in her 50s. If you’re hesitant to “have a go,” you’ll hear tangible ways to get past fear, with grounding exercises and small mindset shifts. Debra and I also discuss embracing creativity later in life, from painting for the first time to editing your own videos, and why learning new skills (even as an adult) can actually boost your confidence.

You’ll pick up:

• A practical 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise that helps you get unstuck.

• How learning just one new creative skill can spark confidence for your next project.

• Insights on using AI as a tool—while keeping your authentic human voice.

If you’re a podcaster or creator looking for encouragement and a few actionable ideas to keep growing, this episode is for you.

Connect with Debra Bowers

Website:https://dealswithheels.com/

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@Dealswithheels444/videos

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Chapters

00:00 Festival of Learning & Introduction
00:32 Meet Debra Bowers: Embracing Change
02:05 Debra on Lifelong Learning
03:11 Creating "Debra Time" After Loss
05:53 From Overwhelm to Rediscovery
06:25 Advice for Trying New Things
07:55 Understanding Fight, Flight, and Freeze
09:48 The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Exercise
12:07 Starting Hexagon Media
13:29 Filling Your Own Space with Passion
14:34 Mindset Shifts After Hitting Rock Bottom
16:19 Lessons from Loss & Letting Go
17:33 Finding Your Voice and Standing in It
18:24 Learning New Creative Skills
19:41 Empowerment in Doing Your Own Creative Work
21:14 Building Confidence Through Learning
22:18 Bringing Studio & Podcasting Home
22:26 Exploring AI’s Role and Limitations
25:49 The Importance of Human Connection
26:10 New Skills on the Horizon
27:40 Collaborating with Family on Creative Projects
29:11 The Risk That Changed Everything
30:43 Where to Find Debra & Her Work
32:02 Closing: Keep Finding Meaning Every Day

If you’ve ever wondered how to make eating healthy less stressful, this episode is for you. I sat down with nutritionist and health coach Sarah Pettitt to talk about Whole Grains Month, and she shared practical, doable ideas for adding whole grains to meals—without feeling overwhelmed or giving up your favorite foods. You’ll hear some small changes Sarah uses herself and recommends to clients (think choosing whole grain bread or adding quinoa to salads), plus how rethinking your plate can help make balanced eating feel a lot easier.

For podcasters or creators, there are a couple of relatable takeaways:

• Why focusing on “what can I add?” versus “what should I remove?” helps shift both mindset and results, making healthy choices feel less like a burden.

• How simple formulas (like dividing your plate into easy sections for protein, fiber, carbs, and healthy fats) can cut through confusion and make healthy eating more sustainable.

If you’re balancing work, family, and wellness, Sarah’s approach will show you how to find more peace with food—without tracking every bite or falling into all-or-nothing thinking.

Connect with Sarah Pettitt

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

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Chapters

00:00 Why Whole Grains Matter
00:46 Welcoming Sarah Pettitt
00:59 The Benefits of Whole Grains
01:53 Shifting From Restriction to Addition
03:02 Easy Ways to Add Whole Grains
04:11 The Protein + Fiber + Fat Formula
06:08 Simplifying Healthy Choices
07:12 Sarah’s Nutrition Journey
08:28 Finding a Sustainable Balance
09:46 Why Isn’t Balance Obvious?
11:13 Trusting a New Approach
12:22 Escaping All-Or-Nothing Thinking
14:01 Favorite Whole Grain Recipes
15:07 Enjoying Favorite Foods in Balance
16:11 Lightning Round With Sarah
17:07 Common Food Myths
17:21 Where to Find Sarah
17:51 Closing and Newsletter Reminder

If you’ve ever wondered how your daily routines, environment, and even the light around you can shape your mental and physical health, you’ll want to catch this episode. I talk with Jason Yun, a former fitness and nutrition coach turned circadian biology guide, about real-life strategies for resilience, hope, and well-being—timed for National Suicide Prevention Month. Jason opens up about battling depression, anxiety, and hitting rock bottom in his 20s, and what actually helped him move forward. If you’re a creator or podcaster looking for inspiration, you’ll discover how having a strong personal “why” and rethinking your routines can keep you going during tough times. Plus, you’ll take away fresh ideas about how small changes (like morning sunlight or retooling your workspace) can boost your creativity and well-being. Tune in to reflect on the rhythms that shape your life, and explore practical ways you can find new energy and meaning in every day.

Connect with Jason Yun

Website:https://mitochondriac.improvementwarriorfitness.com/mitochondriac

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Chapters

00:00 Why Daily Observances Matter
00:52 Jason Yun’s Mental Health Story
02:08 Job Struggles and Moving Cities
03:29 Career Setbacks and Hitting Bottom
04:53 Losing Purpose and Early Recovery
05:55 Books and Tools That Helped
07:02 Identifying Unhealthy Triggers
07:55 Finding Motivation in Rocky
09:24 Fitness and Nutrition: Not Enough
11:03 Discovering Circadian Biology
12:25 What Is Circadian Rhythm?
14:22 Understanding Body Clocks
16:22 How Light Impacts Health
16:49 Hidden Risk Factors for Health
20:26 Jason’s One Step for Change
21:39 Where to Find Jason Yun
22:27 Wrapping Up and Next Steps

If you’ve ever wondered how reading can help you grow emotionally and connect with your family on a deeper level, this episode is for you. I sit down with Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, psychologist and author of Read, Reflect, Respond, to talk about the power of books in shaping how we understand ourselves and those around us.

This episode touches on why boys actually start out with a wider range of emotions than girls—and how our culture shapes (and sometimes limits) what they’re allowed to feel. You’ll also hear surprising insights about how journaling and reflecting on what you read can help uncover memories, spark more honest conversations, and even change how you connect with your kids.

If you’re a creator, educator, or parent, you’ll pick up fresh ideas for using books to:

• Encourage emotional expression, especially in boys and men

• Start meaningful family conversations that build trust and empathy

Whether you’re looking for new ways to bond at home or just want to understand yourself a bit better, you’ll leave this episode with thoughtful steps you can use right away.

Connect with Gloria Vanderhorst

Website: https://drvanderhorst.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloria-vanderhorst-ph-d-

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Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:44 Meet Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst
01:16 The Role of Books in Emotional Growth
02:44 Inside Read, Reflect, Respond
04:07 How the Book Came About
05:07 The Power of Blank Pages
07:21 Why Reading Sparks Reflection
09:03 Gloria’s Hopes for Emotional Growth
09:07 Boys, Men, and Hidden Emotions
11:57 Cultural Impact on Male Emotions
13:18 Books That Spark Self-Reflection
15:01 How the Book Promotes Growth
16:58 Parents, Kids, and Reading Together
17:43 A New Book on Fatherhood
20:49 Where to Find Gloria’s Book
21:34 How to Connect With Gloria
22:05 Final Thoughts and Goodbye

If you’ve ever wondered how a simple act like hugging strangers could lead to powerful lessons on self-acceptance and connection, this episode is for you. I sit down with Melinda Lee, author of Rebel Hugger, to talk about her year-long journey of offering hugs to strangers — and how it ended up changing her relationship with herself even more than with others. Listen in for surprising stories about the kindness of strangers, the vulnerability in real human touch, and the unexpected role boundaries play in true connection.

Podcasters and creators, you’ll learn:

• Why acts of kindness or vulnerability can teach you as much about your own boundaries as they do about others’ needs.

• How authentic stories and personal experiments (even off-camera) can be just as impactful for an audience as polished, public-facing content.

• Why real connection begins with self-love — and how exploring this idea deeply can enrich your own projects and relationships.

You’ll come away thinking differently about both connection and belonging — and maybe get inspired to stretch a little further outside your own comfort zone.

Connect with Melinda Lee

Website: https://melindaleeschmitt.com/

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

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Chapters

00:00 The Search for Belonging
00:46 Why Read Rebel Hugger
01:58 Lessons from Hugging Strangers
02:32 What Inspired the Hug Challenge
03:18 When the Hugging Ended
04:10 Rethinking Connection and Belonging
06:09 The Quest for External Validation
06:24 Most Memorable Hug Reactions
07:29 Documenting vs. Experiencing
09:31 Doing the Challenge Again
10:08 Navigating Safety and Boundaries
11:11 People-Pleasing to Self-Acceptance
13:04 Origins and Meaning of Hugs
15:05 Vulnerability and Trust in Hugs
17:14 Hugs in History and Stories
20:08 Why Hugs Matter More Than Handshakes
21:00 Books That Feel Like a Hug
22:02 Greatest Lesson on Connection
22:44 Timeline of the Hug Challenge
23:45 Living the Lessons Afterward
25:04 Lightning Round: Fun Favorites
26:42 Where to Find Melinda Online
27:15 Closing and Reflections

Curious about how music, books, and mindfulness come together? In this episode, I sit down with Clementine Moss—a drummer, author, and meditation teacher—to talk about the joy and self-discovery that comes from reading new stories. If you’re looking to spark creativity and bring more intention to your daily routine, there’s something here for you. Clementine shares how blending her rock music career with spirituality led to surprising insights, and we unpack the value of silence both in music and in life. You’ll pick up a new way to look at self-judgment (it might not be your enemy after all) and see how simply picking up a book can open doors to more mindful living.

If you’re a podcaster or creator, listen for:
• Techniques for quieting the “not good enough” voice and befriending your inner critic
• Practical ways to bring stillness and mindfulness into both your creative and everyday life

Tune in to explore fresh perspectives, book recommendations, and ideas you can use right away.

Connect with Clementine Moss

Website: http://www.clemthegreat.com/

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

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Chapters

00:00 Exploring Meaningful Observances
00:49 Introducing Clementine Moss
01:08 Why Reading New Stories Matters
02:04 Blending Music and Spirituality
03:55 Key Books That Shifted Perspective
05:11 The Power of Silence in Creativity
06:44 How Reading is Like Meditation
08:08 Quieting Self-Judgment and the Inner Critic
11:14 Embracing Your Current Skills
13:23 Following Joy in the Present Moment
14:01 Books for Mindful Living
15:42 Quickfire Book and Music Picks
18:16 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
19:03 Wrapping Up and Next Steps

If you’ve ever wondered why horror stories grab us—or how reading something scary might actually make us braver—this episode is for you. I’m joined by Ashe Woodward, a horror author, teacher, and all-around lover of the macabre, to explore what horror can really teach us about ourselves. We talk about the surprising hope that lives in dark stories, and Ashe explains how facing our fears on the page can help us grow stronger in real life. We also discuss the importance of reading banned books and why, especially during National Reading New Book Month, these stories matter more than ever.

If you’re a writer or podcast creator, you’ll hear Ashe’s thoughts on turning personal fear into creative fuel, plus her advice for using metaphor and monsters to connect with readers and listeners on a deeper level. Whether or not you love the horror genre, Ashe’s perspective will help you look at stories—and even your own fears—in a new way.

Connect with Ashe Woodward

Website: https://www.spookyscholars.com/

Twitter:https://x.com/ashewoodz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashe-copyward/

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Chapters

00:00 Celebrating National Reading New Book Month
01:25 Why Read Banned Books?
04:07 How Horror Helps Us Reflect
04:54 Ashe’s First Encounter with Horror
06:16 Healing and Optimism Through Fear
08:35 Facing Lingering Fears
11:21 Why We Create Monsters
14:26 Is Horror Still Misunderstood?
16:18 How Books Shape Our Perspective
17:00 Bringing Horror Into the Classroom
18:17 Women’s Voices in Horror
19:37 Writing Horror for Young Adults
21:12 Lightning Round: Horror Favorites
23:23 Where to Find Ashe’s Work
24:22 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for ways to find purpose in each day (and especially if you love books), you won’t want to miss this episode. I sit down with author and Christian meditation teacher Leah Crest to talk about how reading new books isn’t just a hobby for National Reading New Book Month — it can actually lead to healing and deeper connection with God. Leah shares her experiences reading over 500 near death experience stories and talks about the surprising common thread she found in all of them. If you’re a podcaster or creator, you’ll get practical ideas for using books — both reading and writing — to help process grief, nurture creativity, and inspire fresh perspectives in your own life and work. You’ll also hear Leah’s simple approach to choosing books that truly meet you where you are, and the value of writing your own narrative when existing resources fall short. Tune in for down-to-earth wisdom and plenty of book recommendations to help you grow.

Connect with Leah Crest

Website: https://thecontemplativechristian.com/

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Chapters

00:00 Welcome and About National Reading New Book Month
01:02 How Reading Becomes a Healing Practice
02:18 Lessons From 500 Near Death Experiences
06:04 Love, Non-Judgment, and Purpose
06:56 Writing Through Grief After Loss
09:38 Choosing Books for Grief and Healing
10:46 Book Recommendation: Bob Rich’s “The Hole in Your Life”
11:35 Reading Scripture and Growing Spiritually
13:10 Message for First-Time Readers
14:26 Challenging What’s Possible in Faith and Life
15:29 Be Mindful of What You Read and Watch
16:08 Book Recommendation for Overwhelm and Focus
18:32 Appreciating Life’s Simple Joys
19:16 Lightning Round: Leah’s Book Habits and Favorites
20:41 Leah’s Book to Gift Listeners
21:07 Why Celebrate National Reading New Book Month
21:29 Additional Recommended Reading: Byron Katie
22:25 Where to Connect With Leah
23:10 Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts

If you're ready to make each day a little more meaningful—especially if you love books or are working on your own self-growth—this episode is for you. I sit down with Dr. Michelle Maidenberg, a psychotherapist, author, and mindfulness teacher who believes that personal transformation starts with embracing the sticky, tough feelings we tend to avoid. We talk about why leaning into discomfort (instead of dodging it) actually helps you clarify your values and make real change. You’ll hear Michelle’s simple ACE framework—Acceptance, Compassion, and Empowerment—and how you can use it every day, whether you’re anxious, feeling stuck, or just trying to live in line with what matters most to you. Podcasters and creators can take away practical steps for working through anxiety (not just around it) and how to create space for self-compassion, which leads to more courage and creativity in your work. Plus, Michelle shares her favorite books and why audiobooks can be a real game changer for busy lives.

Connect with Michelle Maidenberg

Website:https://michellemaidenberg.com/

Twitter: https://x.com/DrMaidenberg

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

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Chapters

00:00 Celebrating National Reading New Book Month
01:06 The Power of Books in Personal Growth
02:12 Facing Emotions Through Reading
03:31 Breaking Down the ACE Method
06:25 Practical Ways to Handle Anxiety
08:02 Why Avoidance Doesn’t Help
08:44 Books That Transformed Michelle
09:52 Reading for Inspiration and Learning
10:36 Why Michelle Wrote ACE Your Life
12:23 Uncovering Your Core Values
13:15 Michelle’s Message on Growth
13:55 How to Find Michelle’s Book and Audiobook
14:59 Wrapping Up & Final Thoughts