Off The Comma

What parts of you have been restrained by some of the roles you’ve chosen in life?

In this episode, we talk to Lauren Yankoff. She describes herself as courageous, connected and consistent. Lauren lives in the United States. 

Lauren tells us about sitting on a comma with a career role that didn’t fit. While grieving from the loss of her father, Lauren took on a work role that enabled her to slow down and focus on family. While meeting some of her current needs, Lauren felt restrained and limited in life. During the imposed rest from this period, she found herself gaining clarity and finally taking the step she’d been dreaming of for over 10 years. Tune in to hear what Lauren means when she says “I allowed myself to take up more space”.

You can find Lauren on:

• Website:  www.the-empowered-executive.com

• Instagram:  @coach_Lauren_Y

• Linkedin:  ttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-yankoff

Lauren would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to her and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

My parents, Wayne and Kathy Yankoff, my kids Luke Rens and Cael Rens, my partner Jeremy Farfan. They have been my greatest purpose and supporters.

Megan Mazzocco  meganmazzocco.com  Former A+D journalist turned entrepreneur. Speaker, coach, channel. Mom of four (two boys, and rescue cat and dog). Wellbeing X Design is a series of evidence-based frameworks to design life, work & sleep within your parameters to thrive. Secret sauce: neuroscience + quantum field.

Lauren Fuller  www.fullerlife-coaching.com  I’ve taken risks, bet on myself, and landed on my feet. I understand fear and the role it plays in growth. Growth can only happen when you feel safe, and I’m here to help you create that foundation. Together, we’ll identify the next right step, trust it, and take it.

Mindset Marvel on IG @themindsetmarvel  https://mindsetmarvel.com  I specialize in empowering women 35+ to break free from perfectionism, uncover what lies within them, and enhance the lives they love but feel disconnected from as an authority. My mission is to guide you through sustainable, practical changes that don’t just stick—they transform.

Priya Venkatesan  https://www.linkedin.com/in/priya-venkatesan-ca/  and all the women at the intersection of career and caregiving. You are not alone.

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Contact me to explore your possibilities! https://calendly.com/paulbriley/i-want-to-get-off-my-comma 

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website www.offthecomma.com 

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, we talk to Jeremie Andre. He is curious, nerdy and adventurous. Jeremie lives as a digital nomad and is traveling the world. 

Jeremie tells us about sitting on a comma with a life that he didn’t question. He describes living a life that he was content with and wouldn’t challenge. After tragedy struck and took two different children from his wife and him, the traditional life path ended and he found himself looking for change. After stepping into a bigger world with his wife, Jeremie began questioning and seeing what living an unconventional life could bring him. Tune in to hear what Jeremie means when he says “it wasn’t a regret, but it would have been decades later”. 

You can find Jeremie on:

• Website:  https://jeremieandre.com

• Newsletter: https://newsletter.jeremieandre.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremieandrefr

Jeremie would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to him and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

My wife Rosie, who has been working on something dear to her heart, “Healing After Infant Loss”.  https://healingafterinfantloss.com  My name is Rosie and I have experienced 2 miscarriages, 1 missed miscarriage, 1 late term abortion (26 weeks because baby boy had Ellis van Creveld Syndrome) and 1 round of IVF and embryo freezing with 1 good embryo frozen somewhere in the UK. I decided to do something about it and created a website with lots of resources and information available to help people who are in similar situations. Other socials can be found on this website. 

My parents, who allowed me to pursue my dreams without pulling me back. 

Two managers who mentored and shaped me through their empathy and support.

• Julien Deleau: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliendeleau

• Julien Gomez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jugomez

#digitalnomads #alifeunquestioned #conventionalpaths #ididntask #followingthetoldpath #tragiclossofchild #nottunedintome #ithadtochange #miamihealedus #liveonmyownterms #transformed #timetolivefree #doingwhatIwant #offthecomma #OfftheCommapodcast

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Contact me to explore your possibilities! https://calendly.com/paulbriley/i-want-to-get-off-my-comma 

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website www.offthecomma.com 

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, our guest shares about his experience with suicide ideation and attempt. If this is a sensitive topic for you, please consider this before listening. 

In this episode, we talk to Michael Allison. He is resilient and someone who is known for doing hard things. Michael lives in the United States. 

 Michael tells us about sitting on a comma with hardships throughout life. While telling the story about tragedy in his military service, Michael reveals the impacts of prolonged exposure to self-doubt, compartmentalizing and bottling up feelings from life’s and human abuses. When life began to spiral, he faced a suicidal decision and persevered. What happened next was a journey of finding support, letting go and gaining clarity and fulfillment. Tune in to hear what Michael means when he says “it’s manifesting like it’s leaking into my life”. 

You can find Michael on:

• Website:  https://michaelwallison.com

• Instagram:  @iammichaelwallison

• Linkedin:  linkedin.com/in/iammichaelwallison

• Facebook:  facebook.com/iammikewallison

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iammichaelallison

• Speaker Reel: https://youtu.be/PG3idQqTq0U?si=AcOHso8WkYwKq2GZ

Michael would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to him and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

My wife Courtney, whose strength and partnership fuel my mission.

Journey Church Freedom Group  https://www.gojourneychurch.com/spiritual-formations/freedom  Freedom Groups gather weekly to discuss the Freedom Curriculum, which is designed to equip you to live the victorious and abundant life Christ came to give you. Freedom Groups build on the foundation of your faith in Christ to help you embrace the truth of God’s Word as it relates to your worldview, your past, your sin, your personal value to God, and your purpose in His Kingdom. This group will help you remove every obstacle to intimacy with God and teach you walk in true freedom.

Rush University  https://www.rush.edu/services/veterans-care  At Rush, you and your family can begin healing from the invisible wounds of war and military life. Our Road Home Program helps veterans and their families cope with post-traumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma and more. 

Emory Hospital  https://www.emoryhealthcare.org/centers-programs/veterans-program  The Emory Healthcare Veterans Program treats conditions such as post-traumatic stress (PTS), traumatic brain injury (TBI), military sexual trauma (MST), anxiety, and depression. Treatment is confidential and provided at no cost to eligible post-9/11 veterans and service members living anywhere in the United States regardless of discharge status, deployment history, or length of service. Our two-week, evidence-based program is offered in person at our clinic in Atlanta, Georgia or via telehealth in participating states.

The U.S. Marine Corps, for shaping the discipline and leadership that define my life.

The Adversity Academy Leadership Development Group for transforming pain into purpose and building resilience in others. theadversityacademy.com  We are a renowned global leadership training, personal development and consulting firm dedicated to assisting you in performance, growth, and nurturing outstanding leaders that empowers a cultivated team culture. Whether you’re focusing on first-time managers or C-suite executives, we’re here to support you every step of the way, ensuring every opportunity is maximized.

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Contact me to explore your possibilities! https://calendly.com/paulbriley/i-want-to-get-off-my-comma 

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website www.offthecomma.com 

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, we talk to Rick DellaRatta. He describes himself as insightful, creative, and empathetic. Rick lives in the United States. 

Rick tells us about sitting on a comma while watching the second plane fly into the World Trade Center from a rooftop only one-quarter mile away. During this moment, Rick felt words come through him as he witnessed the events of that day unfold. After recording these words, a poem was birthed that would change the trajectory of his life.  While trying to live by the words that fate brought to him, he found a calling to share them with others. Tune in to hear what Rick means when he says “we need to fund peace more than war”.

You can find Rick on:

• Website:  https://jazzforpeace.org

• Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/jazzmgmt 

• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jazzforpeace/

• Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-dellaratta-08199818/

• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/JazzforPeaceGrant/

• Twitter (X):  https://twitter.com/jazzmgmt 

Rick would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to him and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

New England Conservatory  https://necmusic.edu  New England Conservatory educates and trains musicians of all ages from around the world, drawing on our distinguished faculty’s deep reservoir of talent, as well as our creative community and educational partnerships.

My musical and life mentors:

• Jaki Byard  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaki_Byard

• William Thomas McKinley  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Thomas_McKinley

The town of Troy, NY, where the first Jazz for Peace concert was held, almost 25 years ago. 

#raisingconsciousness #humangrowth #emotionalcurrency #challengethenarrative #subliminalmessages #returnarttohigherfrequency #911witness #onepoemcamethroughme #beingquoted #trickleupnottrickledown #whatistruewealth #musicalexpression #fundingpeace #jazzforpeace #offthecomma #OfftheCommapodcast 

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Contact me to explore your possibilities! https://calendly.com/paulbriley/i-want-to-get-off-my-comma 

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website www.offthecomma.com 

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, we talk to Naima Spencer. She describes herself as disciplined, ambitious, and gratful. Naima lives in the United States. 

Naima tells us about sitting on a comma with limiting beliefs about pursuing a dream. After immigrating with the hopes of earning her master’s degree, Naima found herself trapped in low wage jobs and barely making a living. Over time, she came to realize that the trap was not outside of her, but inside of her. She came to a point where she felt she had to change, which led her on a path of mindset shifts, making decisions and taking action. Where she landed was very different from where she began. Tune in to hear what Naima means when she says “the problem is not the problem”.  

You can find Naima on:

• Website:  www.naimaspencer.com

• Instagram:  @NaimaSpencerLifeCoaching

• Linkedin:  www.linkedin.com/in/naima-spencer-mba

• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/NaimaSpencerLifeCoaching

Naima would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to her and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

Charity Water  https://www.charitywater.org/about  Charity: water is a nonprofit organization bringing clean and safe water to people around the world.  

#believeinyourself #havegratitude #americandream #feelstruetome #takeaction #droptheresistance #whenisitenough #livinginfear #selfdoubt #catchmythinking #assumepositiveoutcome #theproblemisnottheproblem #decideeveryday #offthecomma #OfftheCommapodcast

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Contact me to explore your possibilities! https://calendly.com/paulbriley/i-want-to-get-off-my-comma 

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website www.offthecomma.com 

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, we talk to Laura Starky. She herself as compassionate, intuitive and courageous. Laura lives in the United Kingdom. 

Laura tells us about sitting on a comma with alcohol. Having lived a difficult life, she turned to alcohol in order to find comfort, release and numbness. As her relationship with alcohol evolved, she began to feel disconnected from her own raw experience of life, joy and feeling alive. After quitting, Laura discovered a sober awakening that led her on a path of continued self discovery and helping others. Tune in to hear what Laura means when she says “I learned I wasn’t broken”.

You can find Laura on:

• Website:  https://somatic-wellness.heymarvelous.com/

• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/iamlaura.starky

• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562535741354

Laura would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to her and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

My husband and Son for their unwavering support. 

Aimee Rai and Jas Randhawa (International School of Holistic Healing) https://www.isohh.org.uk/   At ISOHH© we are dedicated to supporting a timely revolution in the way we individually and collectively approach physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. As a UK based online and international school we offer accessible, affordable, life changing learning at your finger tips - wherever you are in the world.

Hareesh Wallis (Tantra Illuminated) https://learn.tantrailluminated.org/   Tantra Illuminated is an online community of Tantrikas across the globe.

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Contact me to explore your possibilities! https://calendly.com/paulbriley/i-want-to-get-off-my-comma 

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website www.offthecomma.com 

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, we talk to Yumi Wilson. She describes herself as a deep listener, whom people can confide in and feel safe with. Yumi lives in the United States. 

Yumi tells us about sitting on a comma with career transitions and family goals. Through her career, she made transitions to fulfill her professional needs and to find more time to spend with family. Now, Yumi looks ahead to what might be next on her journey and faces the question about how her identity may also shift. While time with family continues to guide the process, Yumi contemplates what matters to her and how to choose her next steps. Tune in to hear what Yumi means when she says “I’m really starting to do a lot more self examination”. 

You can find Yumi on:

• Website:  https://yumiwilson.me/

• Instagram:  @profyumi 

• Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yumiwilson/

• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profyumiwilson

Yumi would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to her and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

Cami McLaren, McLaren Coaching  https://mclarencoaching.com/about-us/  The McLaren Coaching objective is to elevate the practice of coaching and facilitate the growth and transformation that is achieved through coaching, by training coaches and bringing coach-style leadership to organizations, providing public and in-house trainings and coaching individuals.

MK Chavez  https://www.instagram.com/mkchavez/  

Kate McCarthy of the Women's Media Center   https://womensmediacenter.com   WMC works toward media equality using interconnected strategies of research, original stories and articles, promotion of women experts and media training.

Adrienne Lawrence  https://www.instagram.com/adriennelawrence/?hl=en  Leveraging her industry knowledge and innovative problem-solving skills, Adrienne plays a pivotal role in elevating organizations. Through her multifaceted expertise, she not only navigates complex business landscapes but also anticipates emerging trends that could impact our clients. 

Standard Outro Text for Each Episode:

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Contact me to explore your possibilities! https://calendly.com/paulbriley/i-want-to-get-off-my-comma 

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website www.offthecomma.com 

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, we talk to Priya Venkatesan. She is kind, compassionate and believes in people. Priya lives in the United States. 

Priya tells us about sitting on a comma after a divorce that left her without a job and a means to support herself and her children. While in the depths of loneliness and not knowing how to ask for help and support, Priya leaned on her family, friends and nonprofits for support and resources. In addition to all of the support to help her begin again, she especially valued the check-ins, connection and reassurance from those who cared about her. Priya ultimately tapped into her lost confidence and rediscovered herself! Tune in to hear what Priya means when she says “asking for help is the hardest part”. 

You can find Priya on:

• Instagram:  @realpriyavenk

• Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/priya-venkatesan-ca/

Priya would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to her and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

UC Davis  https://www.ucdavis.edu/  UC Davis was founded in 1908 to serve the state of California. We do and we always will. And today, the seed that was planted those years ago has grown into one of the world’s top universities.

iRelaunch  https://www.irelaunch.com/  Why are employers interested in the relauncher talent pool? They recognize their attributes: they are educated, have great work experience, have worked on teams, with different personalities, under pressure of work deadlines. They are grounded, with a mature perspective. They are not in an exploratory stage of their careers; in fact their career breaks have given them time to reflect on whether they were on the right career path to begin with. When they return, it is after a lot of thought and deliberation about where they can add the most value to an employer.

My Sister's House  https://www.my-sisters-house.org/  Vision Statement: To eliminate domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking in our community. Mission Statement: To serve Asian and Pacific Islander and other underserved women and children impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking by providing a culturally appropriate and responsive safe haven, job training, and community services.

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Contact me to explore your possibilities! https://calendly.com/paulbriley/i-want-to-get-off-my-comma 

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website www.offthecomma.com 

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, we talk to Alice Yeh. She describes herself as values-oriented and adventurous, adaptable and resilient. Alice lives in the United States. 

Alice tells us about sitting on a comma with the direction of her career. After going to top schools and following the “path of success” to work at large, important companies, Alice found her experience lacking. Her sense that something was missing for her affected her career trajectory and left her feeling alone and stuck. Through a series of layoffs and experiments with new roles, Alice found her way to roles that create meaning, purpose and align with her values. Tune in to hear what Alice means when she says “a part of me felt guilty for feeling like something was missing”.

You can find Alice on:

• Website:  https://aliceyehcoaching.com/

• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/heyaliceyeh/ 

• Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceyeh/ 

• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/aliceyeh724 

Alice would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to her and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

Sophie van het Erve  https://www.the1reset.com/  We empower professionals who are determined to lead authentically and ignite real change in their teams, organizations, and personal lives. 

Sam  https://wearesam.co/   Sam is a revolutionary platform designed to support women through life's most challenging transitions. It combines emotional support, expert guidance, and community connection to address critical needs like career changes, caregiving responsibilities, and wellness management, all in a seamless, personalized experience.

Books:

• Think Like a Monk, Jay Shetty  https://www.amazon.com/Think-Like-Monk-Train-Purpose/dp/1982134488  

• Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles  https://www.amazon.com/Ikigai-Japanese-Secret-Long-Happy-ebook/dp/B01NAG34EH/ref=sr_1_1  

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Contact me to explore your possibilities! https://calendly.com/paulbriley/i-want-to-get-off-my-comma 

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website www.offthecomma.com 

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

Episode 100 is a special “milestone” episode where we turn the tables and our host, Paul Briley, becomes the guest! We welcome back Austin Skelton from Episode 2. As the first person Paul interviewed on the podcast, he now gets to be the person who interviews Paul for the first time! Check out his episode at: https://youtu.be/qtNoUXjlwx0?si=NXNmzSNxdRZ9ihm- 

In this episode, we talk to Paul Briley. He describes himself as caring, exploring and curious. Paul lives in the United States. 

Paul tells us about living on a comma with questioning the point and meaning in everything. Throughout life, Paul has often felt like he lives on the outside and has always been curious about life and existence. However, since the pandemic, he has found himself disconnected and wondering where he fits in; especially in times of stress or difficulty. Ultimately, he finds himself in a place of not knowing and wondering where it will take him. Tune in to hear what Paul means when he says “I need to explore my relationship with suffering.”

You can find Paul on:

• Website:  www.offthecomma.com 

• Instagram:  @off_the_comma 

• Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbriley/

Paul would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to him and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

Our Editor and Producer, Sonny Etchell. Without him, we wouldn’t have arrived at this milestone! Many thanks, Sonny! https://www.podluxe.net  Podluxe is the solution for everything involved in the ‘back-end’ of podcasting. Just record your episode, send it over and we will take care of the rest!

The creator community (especially online) who are brave enough to speak out and serve as our collective conscience. Those creator share about history, society and possibility, and they invite exploration and critical thinking without looking down on others.  I’ve learned much from them and continue to do so today.

NAACP LDF  https://www.naacpldf.org  All of our work—including litigation, advocacy, education, and organizing—is powered by people like you. Now, more than ever, we must act collectively to protect and advance civil rights. We hope we can count on you.

New Jersey Orators  https://www.oratorsinc.org  New Jersey Orators, Inc. is a non-profit 501(C) 3 youth organization that teaches the art of public speaking, an appreciation for literature, reading and media arts literacy, civic engagement, college readiness and life skills to youth from 7 to 18 years of age in preparation for advance learning. The organization is a national organization with state chapters and a national Advisory Board

McLaren Coaching  https://mclarencoaching.com/about-us/  The McLaren Coaching objective is to elevate the practice of coaching and facilitate the growth and transformation that is achieved through coaching, by training coaches and bringing coach-style leadership to organizations, providing public and in-house trainings and coaching individuals.

ICF Sacramento Chapter  https://www.icfsacramento.org  We are a leading ICF Charter Chapter, in the Capital of California, SACRAMENTO. We have 350 affiliates and members in our region and are growing. We are committed to our community and the profession of coaching. We welcome all credentialed coaches, aspiring coaches, students, and organizations to expand their reach and grow professionally.

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Book an easy 1-session coaching session and see what getting off your comma can look like! https://www.offthecomma.com/programs

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website www.offthecomma.com.